Scholarships for Students with Dyslexia | 2026/2027 Complete Guide

Scholarships for people with dyslexia are funding opportunities that help students with this learning difference afford higher education by valuing their unique strengths and lived experiences over traditional academic metrics.

Dyslexia is not a measure of intelligence; rather, it is simply a different way of processing written language. And yet, too many bright, capable students with dyslexia believe that college is out of reach, that scholarships are not for them, or that their learning difference will hold them back from pursuing their dreams. That is not true, and you’re about to find out how

This article is specifically crafted to explain all you need to know about how to secure scholarships for people with dyslexia. We will explore both national scholarship programs and regional opportunities, cover application strategies, and much more. At the end of this, you will discover that funding your education, as a student with dyslexia, is not only possible but also absolutely achievable.

 

What is Dyslexia and How Does It Affect Learning?

Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurobiological in origin. It shows through difficulties with accurate and fluent word recognition, poor spelling, and decoding abilities. These difficulties typically result from a deficit in the phonological component of language, which is often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities.

In simpler terms, with dyslexia, your brain processes written information differently from the rest. That is all.

Dyslexia is widely recognized as one of the most prevalent neurocognitive disorders, with estimates suggesting it affects approximately 20% of the population. That means one in five people experiences some degree of dyslexic characteristics. For many, it remains undiagnosed well into adulthood.

Key characteristics of dyslexia include:

• Difficulty with reading fluency and accuracy
• Challenges with spelling and written expression
• Problems with breaking words down into sounds
• Difficulty with rapid naming of letters, numbers, or objects
• Strong verbal skills that may mask reading difficulties

Dyslexia is NOT:

• A reflection of low intelligence
• A vision problem
• Something you “grow out of.”
• A lack of effort or laziness
• A barrier to academic or professional success

Understanding this distinction is crucial when you are applying for scholarships for people with dyslexia. Many scholarship committees explicitly look for students who have demonstrated resilience, creativity, and determination in overcoming learning challenges. Therefore, your dyslexia is not a weakness to hide; it is a part of your story that showcases your strength.

 

Dyslexia Scholarships for Students Worldwide

Now, let us explore the most exciting part. You need to know that there are hundreds of scholarships provided for students with dyslexia and other learning disabilities. Some are national programs with substantial awards, others are regional or university-specific scholarships. Additionally, many are renewable year after year once you maintain a progressive academic record.

Here is a curated list of top opportunities you should explore.

Major National Dyslexia Scholarships

Below is a detailed breakdown of the most prominent national scholarship opportunities currently available for students with dyslexia.

Regional and University-Specific Scholarships

Below are scholarships available to students in specific states, cities, or universities across the United States and Canada.

1. David Staenberg Dyslexia Scholarship

• Award Amount: $1,200
• Deadline: March 15, 2026
• Location: Lancaster County, Nebraska

This award was established by David Staenberg, who is dyslexic himself. The scholarship supports post-secondary education for students with dyslexia. It is awarded annually to a graduating senior from any public or private high school in Lancaster County, Nebraska, who has a confirmed diagnosis of dyslexia. The application requires a 250-word essay describing how dyslexia has affected your studies and how it influences your future educational, occupational, and personal goals.

Eligibility Requirements

• To qualify, you must be a graduating senior from any public or private high school in Lancaster County, Nebraska.
• You must provide documentation that confirms that you have dyslexia.
• You must submit transcripts, a letter of recommendation from a teacher, counselor, administrator, or physician verifying the dyslexia condition, and a 250-word personal essay.
• It is for those planning to attend an accredited college, university, or technical school after graduation.

🔗 Apply Here: https://www.lancastercountyfoundation.org/scholarships

2. Mary Bach Memorial Scholarship

• Award Amount: $2,500 annually
• Deadline: Applications are accepted year-round
• Location: Austin, Texas

This scholarship honors Mary Bach, a lifelong advocate for children with dyslexia who served the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) for over 25 years. It provides funding to support students or adults in need of dyslexia-related services through IDA Austin. The scholarship is designed to help dyslexic individuals access tutoring, diagnostic assessments, or other dyslexia-specific support that might otherwise be unaffordable.

Eligibility Requirements

• Services must be provided through the IDA Austin branch in the Texas area
• Applicants must demonstrate financial need for dyslexia-related services
• The scholarship is open to both students and adults who require dyslexia support.
• Application: Contact IDA Austin directly to request a scholarship application form.

🔗 Learn More & Apply: https://austin.dyslexiaida.org/scholarships/

3. Tom and Marilyn Billings Scholarship

• Award Amount: Varies
• Deadline: March 1, 2026
• Location: Austin, Texas

The Tom and Marilyn Billings Scholarship is available exclusively to students at the University of Texas at Austin who have been diagnosed with dyslexia and can demonstrate financial need. The scholarship is intended to help cover educational expenses and reduce the financial burden on students with learning differences who are pursuing their degrees at UT Austin.

Eligibility Requirements

• An applicant must be a currently enrolled student at the University of Texas at Austin.
• You must have a formal diagnosis of dyslexia, proven with documentation.
• You must demonstrate financial need through FAFSA or equivalent documentation.
• The UT Austin scholarship application must be submitted through the university’s financial aid portal. Include documentation of dyslexia diagnosis and a personal statement.

🔗 Apply Here: https://finaid.utexas.edu/scholarships/

4. University of Guelph-Humber Scholarships

• Award Amount: Varies
• Deadline: October 7, 2026
• Location: Ontario, Canada

The University of Guelph-Humber offers several scholarships specifically for students with dyslexia who are registered with the university’s Student Accessibility Services. These scholarships are renewable and are designed to support students with learning differences throughout their academic journey. For the 2026–2027 academic year, ten scholarships will be awarded to eligible students in any program.

Eligibility Requirements

• Applicant must be a registered student at the University of Guelph-Humber in Toronto, Ontario.
• Must be registered with the university’s Student Accessibility Services with a documented diagnosis of dyslexia.
• Must maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined by the university.
• Complete the online scholarship application through the university’s student portal, and submit documentation of dyslexia from a qualified professional.

🔗 Apply Here: https://www.guelphhumber.ca/financial-aid/scholarships

5. Isaac MacDonald Memorial Bursary for Students with Dyslexia

• Award Amount: $3,000 annually
• Deadline: October 15, 2026
• Location: Halifax, Canada

The Isaac MacDonald Memorial Bursary at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, is a game-changer for students who suspect they have dyslexia but have not yet undergone formal testing. What makes this bursary particularly accessible is that any student who self-identifies as having dyslexia is eligible. No formal diagnosis is required. This removes a significant barrier for students who cannot afford or access diagnostic assessments.

Eligibility Requirements

• Applicant must be a currently enrolled student at Dalhousie University, whether undergraduate or graduate.
• Indicate on the bursary application that you have dyslexia. No formal documentation or diagnostic report is required.
• Demonstrate financial need through the university’s bursary application process.
• Complete the general Dalhousie bursary application and check the box for the Isaac MacDonald Memorial Bursary.

🔗 Apply Here: https://www.dal.ca/financialaid/bursaries

Summary Table of Regional and University-Specific Scholarships

 

International Opportunities

Dyslexia scholarships are not just for U.S. students. If you live in Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, or New Zealand, there are excellent funding options available as well.

Below is a simplified breakdown of each opportunity.

1. Deloitte Canada Bloom Scholarship

• Value: $5,000 + a paid work term at a Deloitte office in Canada
• Location: Any accredited post-secondary school in Canada
• Deadline: April 26, 2026

Deloitte is a global company with Canadian offices that actively recruits students who think differently, including those with dyslexia. Winners of this scholarship receive $5,000 for school plus a paid work term. This means you earn money, gain hands-on experience, and build your resume while studying. Many students turn this work term into a full-time career after graduation.

🔗 Apply Here: https://www.deloitte.com/ca/en/careers/bloom-scholarship.html

2. University of Guelph Scholarships

• Value: Multiple scholarships with varying amounts
• Location: University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada
• Availability: Five scholarships in the first two years, then ten scholarships starting in 2026–2027

The University of Guelph in Ontario offers scholarships to students with diagnosed dyslexia. The student must register with their disability services to apply. Here is good news: the number of scholarships will double in 2026–2027, from five to ten awards. That means more students than ever will get financial help.

🔗 Apply Here: https://www.guelphhumber.ca/financial-aid/scholarships

3. Disabled Students’ Allowance

• Value: A government grant that you do NOT have to pay back
• Covers: Equipment like a laptop or voice-to-text software, extra travel costs, and non-medical helpers
• Location: UK

The Disabled Students Award (DSA) is a free grant from the UK government to help students with special needs succeed in college. As an awardee, you can use the grant to cover specialist equipment that makes learning easier, such as software that reads textbooks aloud, pay for a tutor who specializes in dyslexia, or pay extra bus fare if you need to travel to a special testing center.  This is specifically for UK students with a disability or specific learning difficulty, including dyslexia. To qualify, you must provide a diagnostic assessment from a psychologist or a qualified specialist teacher.

One of the special features of DSA is that your family’s income does not matter, so, you don’t have to demonstrate financial need to qualify. It also does not affect any other benefits you receive.

🔗 Apply Here: https://www.gov.uk/disabled-students-allowance-dsa

4. The ASSIST Fund

• Value: Up to £350
• Location: UK

Getting a formal dyslexia diagnosis is often the first step to accessing school support, but it can be expensive. In the UK, a full diagnostic assessment from a qualified psychologist or specialist teacher can cost about £300 to £600 or more. For many students and families, that is a significant financial burden.

The ASSIST Fund exists specifically to remove that barrier. It provides up to £350 to help cover the cost of your diagnostic assessment. This means you can get the official documentation you need without paying the full price out of pocket.

Why does this matter? Because once you have a formal dyslexia diagnosis, you unlock access to the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) discussed above. The DSA can then provide thousands of pounds in non-repayable funding for equipment, software, travel, and study support.

🔗 Apply Here: https://www.assist-fund.org/

5. Brighter Futures Scholarship

• Value: Between $5,000 and $40,000, depending on your degree length
• Location: Griffith University, Queensland, Australia.

Griffith University in Australia offers the Brighter Futures Scholarship for students with a documented disability, including dyslexia. You get $5,000 for every year of full-time study (80 credit points). For a three-year degree, that is $15,000. For a four-year degree, you could receive up to $40,000. You must be registered with the university’s disability services to qualify. Apply when you first enroll.

🔗 Apply Here: https://www.griffith.edu.au/scholarships

6. Unitec-Āheinga Equity Scholarship

• What You Get: Varies
• Location: Unitec Institute of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand.

Unitec in Auckland, New Zealand, offers the Āheinga Equity Scholarship for students with disabilities or learning differences. The award amount changes each year but typically ranges from $1,000 to $5,000 NZD. It can be used for tuition, books, software, or transport. If you have dyslexia and study at Unitec, you should apply. The scholarship is renewable annually.

🔗 Apply Here: https://www.unitec.ac.nz/career-and-study-options/scholarships

Quick Summary Table

 

How to Find Scholarships for Students with Dyslexia

The scholarships listed above are just the beginning. Here are proven strategies for discovering additional opportunities.

1. Use specialized scholarship search engines.

Platforms like BigFuture Scholarship Search and AcademicWorks allow you to filter specifically for learning disabilities and neurodivergence. Set up alerts so you never miss a deadline.

2. Check with your university‘s disability services office.

Many colleges have internal scholarships reserved exclusively for students registered with disability services. The University of Mississippi, for example, recently established a $62,000 endowment for liberal arts students with documented learning disabilities.

3. Explore professional organizations.

The International Dyslexia Association has branches across the country that offer local scholarships. The Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA) and National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) are also excellent resources.

4. Look beyond “dyslexia” as a keyword.

Many scholarships use broader terms like “learning disability,” “specific learning difficulty,” “neurodivergent,” or “students with disabilities.” Broaden your search to capture these opportunities.

5. Consider corporate and foundation scholarships.

Major companies like WPS, Deloitte, and the Justin Eves Foundation offer dedicated scholarships for neurodivergent students. Check corporate social responsibility pages for opportunities.

 

Securing Strong Letters of Recommendation If Required

Some programs, like the David Staenberg Scholarship, might require a reference letter from a school teacher, counselor, administrator, or physician who can confirm the dyslexia condition.

Tips for great recommendation letters:

• Ask recommenders who know you well and can speak to your growth
• Provide them with your resume and a summary of your goals
• Remind them to mention specific examples of your perseverance
• Give them plenty of advance notice, at least three to four weeks.
• Follow up with a thank-you note after they submit

Meeting Documentation Requirements

Many scholarships for people with dyslexia require documentation of your diagnosis. This typically includes:

• A diagnostic assessment from a psychologist or qualified specialist
• An Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan from high school
• Documentation from your university’s disability services office

If you do not have a formal diagnosis, do not panic. Some programs, like the Isaac MacDonald Memorial Bursary, accept self-identification. Others, like the ASSIST Fund, provide funding specifically to help cover the cost of diagnostic assessments.

The University of Liverpool’s Diagnostic Assessment Fund provides up to £250 reimbursement toward the cost of a diagnostic assessment for students who suspect they may be neurodivergent, including dyslexia.

 

Academic Accommodations For Students With Learning Disability

Securing funding is only half the battle. Once you are in college, you need the right support systems to succeed. Understanding your rights and available accommodations is essential.

This is your legal right. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, colleges and universities are required to provide reasonable accommodations to students with documented disabilities, including dyslexia.

These laws ensure that students with dyslexia have equal access to educational opportunities. Accommodations cannot fundamentally alter the nature of a program, but they can remove barriers that prevent equal participation.

Common Accommodations for Students with Dyslexia

• Extended time on exams
• Reduced-distraction testing environment
• Use of a reader or text-to-speech software for exams
• Scribe or speech-to-text software for written responses
• Note-taking assistance
• Alternative format textbooks, like audio or other media formats
• Priority registration to ensure access to preferred course times
• Assistive technology, like screen readers, dictation software, and mind-mapping tools

How to Request Accommodations

1. Register with your university’s Disability Services Office as early as possible. Early registration ensures support is in place when you need it.
2. Provide documentation of your dyslexia diagnosis, such as a diagnostic assessment, IEP, or 504 Plan.
3. Schedule a needs assessment with a Disability Services professional to determine which accommodations are appropriate for your specific situation.
4. Review your accommodation letter with each professor at the beginning of each semester. Only the accommodations you need, not the specific disability you have.

 

Key Organizations and Resources

Bookmark these organizations for ongoing support and scholarship opportunities.

Your Dyslexia Is Not a Barrier—It Is a Bridge

The journey from struggle to strength is not always easy. There will be frustrating days when words blur together, when deadlines loom, and when the path forward seems unclear.

But here is what you must remember: dyslexia is not a measure of your intelligence or your worth. It is simply a different way of processing information—and that difference often comes with extraordinary gifts.

People with dyslexia tend to excel at big-picture thinking, creative problem-solving, spatial reasoning, and narrative thinking. You see connections that others miss, and have developed resilience that students without learning challenges will never fully understand.

The scholarships listed in this guide exist because organizations recognize these strengths. They want to invest in students like you—students who have overcome obstacles, who think differently, who bring unique perspectives to their fields of study.

So take a deep breath. Start with one scholarship application. Then another. And another.

You belong in college. You deserve funding. And your story—including the challenges and triumphs of living with dyslexia—is exactly what scholarship committees are looking for.