Living with HIV should never be a barrier to achieving your educational dreams. With the rising costs of higher education, HIV scholarships, HIV positive scholarships, international scholarships for HIV positive students, and grants for HIV positive students provide critical financial support to help students pursue their academic and career goals. These opportunities, offered by charitable organizations, universities, and nonprofits, empower HIV-positive individuals to access college, technical schools, or graduate programs without financial strain. This comprehensive guide explores the best scholarships and grants available in 2025, eligibility criteria, application tips, and how these programs can transform lives.

The Importance of HIV Scholarships

An HIV diagnosis can bring unique challenges, including medical expenses and societal stigma, which may make pursuing higher education seem daunting. However, advancements in HIV treatment, such as antiretroviral therapy (ART), have enabled individuals to lead long, healthy lives, making education and career aspirations more attainable than ever. HIV scholarships are designed to alleviate financial burdens, allowing students to focus on their studies and future careers. These scholarships not only provide funding but also recognize the resilience and determination of HIV-positive students.

Whether you’re a domestic or international student, HIV positive scholarships and grants for HIV positive students offer opportunities to fund tuition, books, and living expenses. Additionally, international scholarships for HIV positive students ensure that students from low- and middle-income countries can access global educational opportunities. Below, we highlight some of the top programs available in 2025 and how to apply for them.

Top HIV Scholarships and Grants for 2025

Several organizations and institutions offer financial aid specifically for HIV-positive students. Below is a curated list of scholarships and grants, including eligibility details and application deadlines, based on the latest available information.

1. STDcheck.com HIV-Positive Scholarship

STDcheck.com offers a rolling scholarship program for HIV-positive college students in the United States. Awards range from $250 to $5,000, depending on the quality of the application, which includes an essay, academic transcripts, and proof of HIV status.

Key Features:

• Eligibility: U.S. citizens enrolled or planning to enroll full-time in a U.S. college or university. Applicants must provide proof of HIV-positive status (via STDcheck.com’s free HIV test or physician verification).

• Requirements: A 400-word essay discussing how the applicant contracted HIV, its impact on their life, and what they wish others knew about living with HIV.

• Deadline: Rolling applications, reviewed quarterly (March, June, September, December).

• Impact: Funds can be used for tuition, books, or other educational expenses, making it a flexible option for students.

2. Helen Veress-Mitchell Scholarship

Administered by the Capital City AIDS Fund (CCAF), the Helen Veress-Mitchell Scholarship supports HIV-positive students in Northern California pursuing higher education, including community college, technical schools, or four-year universities. Since 1995, the program has distributed over $500,000 to students, many of whom pursue careers in healthcare to help others living with HIV.

Key Features:

• Eligibility: HIV-positive students residing in Northern California. Open to various educational paths, including graduate studies.

• Award Amount: Varies based on available donations.

• Deadline: July 15, 2026.

• Impact: Encourages students to pursue careers that contribute to HIV care and advocacy.

3. Positive Futures Scholarship

Offered by the University of Colorado, the Positive Futures Scholarship provides up to $6,000 to HIV-positive students demonstrating academic achievement and financial need. This scholarship is ideal for students enrolled at the University of Colorado.

Key Features:

• Eligibility: HIV-positive students at the University of Colorado with demonstrated financial need.

• Deadline: March 15, 2026.

• Impact: Supports students in overcoming financial barriers to complete their education.

4. James and Colin Lee Wozumi Scholarship

Administered by the Pride Foundation, this scholarship supports HIV-positive students who identify as gay, lesbian, or transgender and reside in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, or Washington. It aims to empower students to pursue their educational goals despite health challenges.

Key Features:

• Eligibility: HIV-positive students from specified states who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community.

• Award Amount: Varies based on funding.

• Deadline: Varies (check the Pride Foundation website for updates).

• Impact: Promotes inclusivity and supports diverse students in higher education.

5. International AIDS Society (IAS) Scholarship Programme

The IAS Scholarship Programme supports individuals working, volunteering, or studying in the field of HIV, particularly those from low- and middle-income countries. While primarily focused on conference attendance (e.g., IAS 2025 in Kigali, Rwanda), it provides financial assistance for registration, travel, and accommodation, which can benefit students pursuing HIV-related studies.

Key Features:

• Eligibility: Open to anyone 18+ working or studying in HIV, with priority for abstract presenters, workshop facilitators, and those from low-income countries.

• Deadline: Closed for 2025 (check for 2026 updates).

• Impact: Enhances skills and networking opportunities, which can support academic and professional growth.

6. Pedro Zamora Young Leaders Scholarship

The Pedro Zamora Young Leaders Scholarship supports students committed to fighting HIV/AIDS through public service and leadership. While not exclusively for HIV-positive students, it prioritizes those affected by or working to end the HIV epidemic.

Key Features:

• Eligibility: Students demonstrating leadership in HIV advocacy, open to U.S. and international applicants.

• Award Amount: Varies.

• Deadline: Varies (check the scholarship website for updates).

• Impact: Encourages activism and leadership in the global fight against HIV.

Eligibility and Application Tips

Most HIV positive scholarships and grants for HIV positive students require proof of HIV status, academic enrollment, and financial need. Here are some tips to strengthen your application:

• Gather Documentation: Prepare official transcripts, proof of enrollment, and medical verification of HIV status. Some scholarships, like STDcheck.com’s, offer free HIV testing for applicants.

• Write a Compelling Essay: Many scholarships require essays about your experience with HIV or your commitment to HIV advocacy. Be honest, reflective, and highlight your resilience and goals.

• Check Deadlines: Deadlines vary, with some scholarships (e.g., STDcheck.com) offering rolling applications and others having fixed dates (e.g., March 15 for Positive Futures Scholarship).

• Tailor Applications: Customize each application to align with the scholarship’s mission, such as community impact or healthcare career goals.

• Seek Support: Ask mentors, social workers, or academic advisors to review your application for completeness and clarity.

For international scholarships for HIV positive students, ensure you meet residency or visa requirements and check if the scholarship covers international institutions.

The Impact of HIV Scholarships

HIV scholarships and grants for HIV positive students do more than provide financial aid—they empower individuals to overcome challenges and contribute to society. Recipients often pursue careers in healthcare, public health, or advocacy, helping to reduce HIV stigma and improve care for others. For example, many Helen Veress-Mitchell Scholarship recipients have become healthcare professionals dedicated to supporting HIV-positive communities.

For international students, international scholarships for HIV positive students open doors to global education, fostering cross-cultural understanding and collaboration in the fight against HIV. These programs also promote inclusivity, ensuring that financial and health challenges do not derail academic aspirations.

How to Find More Opportunities

To discover additional HIV positive scholarships and grants:

• Visit Scholarship Databases: Websites like Scholarships.com and CollegeScholarships.org list HIV-specific scholarships with updated deadlines.

• Check University Financial Aid Offices: Many universities, like Ohio State University, offer one-time awards for HIV-positive students based on need and merit.

• Explore Nonprofit Websites: Organizations like the Pride Foundation, HIV League, and Capital City AIDS Fund regularly update their scholarship offerings.

• Network with HIV Advocacy Groups: Joining communities like Positive Peers can connect you with scholarship opportunities and support networks.

Conclusion

HIV scholarships, HIV positive scholarships, international scholarships for HIV positive students, and grants for HIV positive students are powerful tools for breaking down financial and social barriers to education. Programs like the STDcheck.com HIV-Positive Scholarship, Helen Veress-Mitchell Scholarship, and IAS Scholarship Programme provide critical support, enabling students to pursue their dreams and make a difference in the fight against HIV. By taking advantage of these opportunities, you can invest in your education, build a rewarding career, and contribute to a world where HIV no longer limits potential. Start exploring these scholarships today and take the first step toward a brighter future.