FAQ for PTK Scholarships

Preparing scholarship applications takes a lot of effort! The PTK Support Library Links to an external site. is designed to help students who are beginning to explore scholarships. It’s packed with useful info to help you prepare for the application process. Could you use help writing that scholarship application essay? Not sure how to highlight your activities or leadership roles? Want tips on asking for a letter of recommendation? Maybe you missed the latest scholarship webinar? No worries! Our scholarship resource library is a FREE benefit for all PTK members.

Have questions? Review our frequently asked questions for answers.

Am I eligible to apply for PTK scholarships?:

Most scholarships require current PTK membership in good standing. However, each scholarship program has unique requirements such as a minimum GPA or number of completed credits. You can review our competitive Links to an external site.and needs-based Links to an external site. scholarships for more details. If you're unsure about your eligibility, fill out the application Links to an external site. and it will help determine which scholarships will be a good fit.

Please note that PTK does not manage university-offered transfer scholarships for PTK members. You need to contact the college directly – for more information visit PTK Connect Links to an external site..

How do I apply for PTK scholarships?

To apply for PTK scholarships, go here Links to an external site. and click the Apply Now button. You can access eligibility and program requirements for competitive Links to an external site. and need-based Links to an external site. scholarships on our site.

For university-offered transfer scholarships, contact the college directly to apply on PTK Connect Links to an external site..

Do I receive an automatic or guaranteed scholarship if I join PTK?

PTK’s competitive and needs-based scholarships are not automatic or guaranteed. However, many members find that PTK offers resources and opportunities that help prepare them to submit more competitive scholarship applications. As a result, students who put forward strong applications tend to do well and secure funds from PTK, university partners, or other scholarship providers. See PTK’s Scholarship Support Library Links to an external site. for advice and tips on submitting a strong application.

Can international students or undocumented students apply for PTK scholarships?

Yes, international, and undocumented students may apply for PTK scholarships. Most scholarships administered by PTK do not require citizenship or residency status; however, some individual scholarships may have restrictions. If needed, PTK may reach out to clarify your residency.

Can I apply for multiple PTK scholarships?

Yes, you can apply for multiple PTK scholarships for which you meet the eligibility criteria. However, you may only receive one scholarship per application cycle.

When do PTK scholarship applications open?

You are encouraged to start an application and then return each semester to update it to continue to maintain eligibility.

The Oberndorf Scholarship opens in February.

For university-offered transfer scholarships, contact the college directly for application deadlines on PTK Connect Links to an external site..

When are PTK scholarship applications due?

The application has two deadlines – December 1^st and May 15^th.

Completed Oberndorf applications are reviewed and awarded on a rolling basis. For best consideration, apply by December 31^st.

For university-offered transfer scholarships, contact the college directly for application deadlines on PTK Connect Links to an external site..

What is the difference between the May and December deadlines? Are they the same?

May deadline: Students applying for the scholarship must submit their materials by May 15th. Applicants should plan to enroll in a community college for the fall semester following their application submission. Typically, first-year students use these scholarships to support their second or final year of two-year college.

December deadline: Students applying for the scholarship must submit their materials by December 1^st. Applicants should plan to enter the workforce immediately after their associate degree or certificate or intend to transfer to a four-year college for the fall semester following their application submission. Typically, second or last-year associate degree students use these scholarships to support their transfer to a university or to help them pay for expenses associated with entering the workforce (tools, uniforms, etc).

You can find eligibility criteria for the competitive scholarship application here Links to an external site..

Are PTK scholarships renewable?

Competitive PTK scholarships are paid in one payment.

Does my scholarship transfer if I leave my school?

A competitive PTK scholarship is mailed directly to you if you are chosen as a scholar. You can use this scholarship at any college you choose.

If you receive a PTK scholarship from a university partner, it will stay with the original college. They won’t give you money to attend a competing college.

I’m enrolled in a bachelor’s or master’s degree program. Can I still apply for scholarships?

Competitive PTK Scholarships require you to be enrolled in an associate degree or certificate program at a two-year college when you submit a scholarship application. Students who have already transferred and are pursuing a bachelor’s degree or higher are considered alumni and are not eligible.

Can dual-enrolled students apply for PTK scholarships?

Dual-enrolled students may apply for PTK scholarships, if eligible. However, applications must be submitted during joint high school/community college enrollment. If you wait to apply until after high school graduation, you will be considered an alumnus and ineligible. Students may include high school activities when applying; however, only community college transcripts are reviewed for GPA.

What do I do if I’m not eligible for PTK Competitive Scholarships?

It may be that you don’t know where to start. The scholarships that you might be eligible for will depend on where you are in your educational journey. If you need help, contact the scholarship department at scholarships@ptk.org to discuss your situation. While it might be true that you aren’t eligible for any PTK scholarships, we can talk to you about university partner scholarships.