Applications are now open for the First Gen Fellowship 2026, a financial hardship grant created to support first-generation college students in the United States.
In 2026, the First Gen Fund will select 50 students, with each successful applicant receiving a $1,000 grant. Students can use the money for approved education-related costs, including books, housing, fees, transport and other basic needs.
Applicants looking for similar opportunities can also explore the OpportunityLab Fellowships section for more funding and fellowship opportunities.
What is the First Gen Fellowship 2026?
The First Gen Fellowship 2026 is a hardship-support grant for first-generation undergraduate and graduate students studying at accredited colleges or universities in the United States.
The First Gen Fund runs the fellowship to reduce some of the financial pressure students may face while completing their education. Therefore, this is mainly a financial support fellowship, rather than a research or professional training programme.
Who is Eligible for the First Gen Fellowship?
Applicants must meet several conditions.
You must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Study full-time in an undergraduate or graduate programme.
- Attend an accredited U.S. college or university.
- Identify as a first-generation college student.
- Remain in good academic standing.
- Show significant financial hardship.
- Be eligible as a domestic U.S. student.
Importantly, international students cannot apply under the current funding rules.
What Country or Region Is Eligible for First Gen Fellowship 2026?
The opportunity is limited to domestic students studying in the United States.
Although students may come from different backgrounds, applicants must meet the programme’s domestic-student requirement. Therefore, international applicants are not eligible.
What Does the Fellowship Cover?
Each selected fellow will receive a $1,000 grant.
Students may use the funding for education-related needs such as:
- Books and academic materials
- School fees
- Housing
- Basic living needs
- School-related transportation
- Professional development activities
- Other approved education expenses
The programme plans to provide 50 grants in 2026.
What Are the Academic Requirements?
Applicants must currently study full-time at an accredited U.S. college or university.
In addition, they must remain in good academic standing. Generally, this means meeting their institution’s minimum GPA requirements and avoiding academic probation.
However, the organisers do not state one universal minimum GPA because universities use different standards.
What Documents Are Required?
The official application page indicates that applicants will complete an online application and upload required attachments.
In addition, applicants must show financial hardship through at least one of these routes:
- Evidence of Pell Grant eligibility or another form of need-based financial aid.
- A personal statement explaining their financial difficulties.
Applicants should also prepare the information needed to confirm their enrollment and academic status.
When Is the First Gen Fellowship Deadline?
The application deadline is September 16, 2026.
Applications close at:
6:00 p.m. Pacific Time / 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
The fellowship opened on September 2, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. ET.
Successful applicants will be announced on November 8, 2026, which is National First-Generation College Celebration Day.
Benefits of the First Gen Fellowship?
Successful applicants receive several important benefits. Most importantly, each of the 50 selected students receives $1,000 in direct financial support.
The grant can help students pay for books, accommodation, transport, fees, basic needs and professional development. In addition, receiving the fellowship gives selected students recognition through the First Gen Fund community.
You can also find more opportunities through the OpportunityLab Fellowships category
How Do I Apply for the Fellowship?
The application process is simple.
First, visit the fellowship portal and create an account. Next, log in using your email and password. Then, complete the online application and upload the required attachments.
You can save your application as a draft while working on it. Finally, once all sections are complete, submit the application as FINAL before the deadline.
