Can ScholarshipOwl be trusted? According to multiple independent reviews and user feedback, yes, ScholarshipOwl is a legitimate scholarship search and application platform. However, whether it’s worth your money depends entirely on how you plan to use it.
When I first encountered ScholarshipOwl while researching scholarship resources for Nigerian students at NG Career, I had the same questions many of you have: Is this platform safe? Is it actually free? Will I get scammed? After thoroughly investigating the platform, examining user reviews, and understanding exactly how the service works, I can provide you with a complete breakdown of everything you need to know before signing up.
This guide covers what’s genuinely free, what costs money, how the subscription works, how to cancel if needed, and whether the paid features justify their price for scholarship seekers.
Is ScholarshipOwl Legit? Trust Verification
The short answer is yes. ScholarshipOwl is a legitimate scholarship search and application platform that has been operating for several years and serving millions of students.
According to Scholarships360, “Yes, ScholarshipOwl is a legitimate application site. While there are options that require payment, these are only optional. Their free, basic services are still beneficial to students.”
Trust Indicators
| Trust Factor | Evidence |
|---|---|
| User Reviews | Positive ratings on third-party review platforms |
| Media Coverage | Featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, The Next Web, and Uloop |
| Transparent Pricing | Published subscription tiers with clear pricing |
| Easy Cancellation | Cancel anytime with no questions asked |
| Established Operation | Years of operation with a large user base |
| Industry Recognition | Listed among best scholarship websites by Command Education, Business Insider, and Scholarships360 |
According to Command Education’s ranking of the best scholarship websites for 2024, ScholarshipOwl is included alongside established platforms like Fastweb, Bold.org, and Scholarships.com.
What makes ScholarshipOwl trustworthy is its transparency about what’s free and what requires payment. Unlike outright scam sites that promise free services then demand payment, ScholarshipOwl clearly operates on a freemium model where basic features are genuinely free, and premium features require a subscription.
For Nigerian students exploring legitimate scholarship opportunities, understanding which platforms are trustworthy is essential. Our guide on how to spot fake recruitment agencies provides additional tips for identifying legitimate opportunities online.
Is ScholarshipOwl Safe?
Safety concerns about any platform that requires personal information are completely valid. When you sign up for ScholarshipOwl, you provide details about your education, demographics, and academic goals. Understanding how this information is used matters.
Safety Assessment
| Safety Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Data Collection | Standard information for scholarship matching |
| Scholarship Sources | Links to legitimate external scholarship providers |
| Payment Processing | Standard secure payment methods |
| Account Security | Standard platform security measures |
When you sign up for a ScholarshipOwl account, you enter personal information about your demographics, intended field of study, and academic background. ScholarshipOwl then compares your individual circumstances to the qualification criteria of thousands of scholarships to generate your matches.
Important distinction: ScholarshipOwl is safe to use as a scholarship search tool, but users should understand they’re signing up for a subscription service that will charge automatically unless cancelled. This isn’t a safety issue per se, but it’s crucial to understand the billing structure before providing payment information during any free trial.
The platform provides direct links to legitimate scholarship sources. According to Scholarships360, “For each ‘scholarship match,’ a direct link to the website hosting the scholarship is provided, allowing students to apply directly from there without paying.”
International Student Access
According to information from GoingMerry’s scholarship platform comparison, ScholarshipOwl is open to international students as long as they are planning to study in the United States. This means Nigerian students seeking US-based scholarships can use the platform, though the opportunities will be focused on American institutions and organizations.
Is ScholarshipOwl Free?
This is where confusion often arises. ScholarshipOwl uses a “freemium” model, meaning some features are genuinely free while others require payment.
According to Scholarships360, “ScholarshipOwl is considered a ‘freemium’ service, in that some basic services are provided for free, while additional ‘premium’ features require payment to use.”
What’s Actually Free
| Free Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Account Creation | No cost to sign up and create a profile |
| Viewing Scholarship Matches | Browse scholarships recommended for your profile |
| Sweepstakes Entry | Automatic entry into their No Essay Scholarship |
| “You Deserve It!” Scholarship | Free application to their own scholarship |
| 7-Day Free Trial | Test paid features before committing |
According to Scholarships360, “Creating a ScholarshipOwl account and being able to view your scholarship matches is free.” This means you can use ScholarshipOwl to discover scholarships you might be eligible for without spending anything.
According to Fastweb, ScholarshipOwl offers a $2,026 No Essay Scholarship that requires no essays and no GPA requirements, allowing students to “apply in minutes” for free.
What Requires Payment
| Paid Feature | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Apply Directly Through Platform | Subscription required |
| Auto Re-apply to Recurring Scholarships | Subscription required |
| AI-Powered Matching Tools | Subscription required |
| Credibility Score for Providers | Premium subscription |
| Competition Data per Scholarship | Premium subscription |
| Essay Review Service | VIP subscription required |
| Personal Account Manager | VIP subscription required |
| Premium Mobile Application | VIP subscription required |
According to Scholarships360, “The ability to apply to scholarships directly from the site” requires payment.
The Free Workaround Strategy
Here’s what many ScholarshipOwl reviews don’t emphasize clearly: you can use the free features to find scholarships, then apply directly on each scholarship provider’s website without paying ScholarshipOwl anything.
When you view scholarship matches, clicking on the scholarship details redirects you to the website of the scholarship-granting organization. You can then apply directly on the sponsor’s website without paying for ScholarshipOwl’s premium features.
This workaround takes more time since you’ll fill out each application manually, but it’s completely free. If you’re on a tight budget, this approach lets you benefit from ScholarshipOwl’s matching algorithm without paying for the convenience features.
For more strategies on finding and applying for scholarships effectively, see our comprehensive guide on how to apply for scholarships.
ScholarshipOwl Pricing and Subscription Plans
Understanding the full pricing structure helps you make an informed decision about whether any paid tier makes sense for your situation.
Complete Pricing Breakdown
According to information from Command Education and multiple review sources, ScholarshipOwl’s premium service ranges from $10 to $60 per month depending on the plan selected:
| Plan | Approximate Monthly Cost | Billing Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | N/A | View matches only |
| Monthly | $20-23/month | Billed monthly | Highest per-month cost |
| Quarterly | $15-17/month | Billed every 3 months | Better value |
| Half Yearly | $10-12/month | Billed every 6 months | Best value for basic premium |
| VIP | Higher tier | Billed monthly | Essay review, account manager |
Note: Pricing may vary and is subject to change. Verify current pricing on ScholarshipOwl’s official website before subscribing.
What Each Tier Includes
Free Tier:
- Create account and profile
- View scholarship matches
- Entry into sweepstakes
- Access to “You Deserve It!” scholarship
Paid Plans (Monthly, Quarterly, and Half Yearly):
According to Command Education, ScholarshipOwl’s premium features include:
- Apply to scholarships directly through the platform
- Automatically re-apply to recurring scholarships
- AI-powered tools and strategies
- Credibility score for each scholarship provider
- Information about how much competition exists for each scholarship
- Access to exclusive verified scholarships
- 7-day free trial included
VIP Plan (Highest Tier):
According to Command Education, the highest tier includes everything above plus:
- Access to several hours of college admissions webinars
- One 500-word essay professionally reviewed and proofread per month
- Personal account manager
- Premium mobile application
7-Day Free Trial
All paid plans include a 7-day free trial. According to Scholarships360, this lets you “see if you want to commit to a plan.” However, remember to cancel before the trial ends if you decide the paid features aren’t worth it, as you’ll be automatically charged once the trial period expires.
ScholarshipOwl Features: Pros and Cons
Advantages of ScholarshipOwl
| Advantage | Details |
|---|---|
| AI-Powered Matching | Uses artificial intelligence to match you with relevant scholarships |
| One-Click Applications | Apply to multiple scholarships without re-entering information |
| Automatic Reapplications | Reapplies to recurring scholarships automatically |
| Competition Insights | Shows how many other students are applying (premium) |
| Credibility Scores | Rates scholarship providers for legitimacy |
| Time Savings | Streamlines the application process |
| International Access | Available to students planning to study in the US |
Disadvantages of ScholarshipOwl
| Disadvantage | Details |
|---|---|
| Paid Membership Required | Full functionality requires $10-60/month subscription |
| Rigid Applications | Cannot tailor applications for specific awards you’re excited about |
| Pop-Up Interruptions | Various scholarship opportunities pop up while using the site, potentially causing accidental applications |
| US-Focused | Primarily designed for US-based scholarships |
| Subscription Auto-Renewal | Must remember to cancel to avoid charges |
According to GoingMerry’s platform comparison, one key limitation is that “the site doesn’t have the functionality to allow you to tailor your application for specific awards.” This means if there’s a particular scholarship you’re especially interested in, you may want to apply directly through that scholarship’s website to customize your application.
Is ScholarshipOwl Worth It?
Whether ScholarshipOwl’s paid features justify their cost depends on your individual circumstances, budget, and how many scholarships you plan to apply for.
According to Scholarships360, “Whether or not ScholarshipOwl is worth the price depends on whether you value your time or money more. ScholarshipOwl allows students to quickly start and finish their scholarship application process and keep track of their submissions.”
ScholarshipOwl Is Worth Considering If You:
- Apply to many scholarships and want to save significant time
- Value automatic tracking of your applications
- Want AI-powered insights on competition levels
- Need essay editing help (VIP plan)
- Prefer streamlined one-click applications
- Have limited time and can afford the subscription
- Want automatic re-application to recurring scholarships
- Are applying primarily to US-based scholarships
ScholarshipOwl Is NOT Worth It If You:
- Prefer free alternatives (many excellent options exist)
- Don’t mind filling out applications manually
- Are only applying to a few scholarships
- Are on a very tight budget
- Want to customize each application individually
- Need scholarships outside the United States
- Have access to free essay editing through teachers or advisors
- Find pop-up notifications distracting
My Recommendation
For most Nigerian students searching for international scholarships, I recommend starting with the free tier to explore what ScholarshipOwl offers. Use the matching feature to discover scholarships you might be eligible for, then apply directly through each scholarship provider’s website.
If you’re applying to dozens of US scholarships and the time savings genuinely matter to you, the Quarterly or Half Yearly plans offer better value than the Monthly option. The VIP tier is only worth considering if you specifically need professional essay review and don’t have access to teachers, professors, or advisors who can help for free.
Important for Nigerian students: Since ScholarshipOwl focuses primarily on US-based scholarships, you may find more relevant opportunities through country-specific resources for destinations like Canada, UK, Germany, or other countries. See our guides on Canada scholarships for Nigerians 2026 and fully funded scholarships for Nigerians.
For tips on writing compelling scholarship essays without paid services, see our guide on how to write a scholarship essay.
How to Cancel ScholarshipOwl Subscription
If you sign up for a paid plan or free trial and decide ScholarshipOwl isn’t for you, cancellation is straightforward.
According to ScholarshipOwl’s support documentation, you can cancel “at any time, no questions asked.”
Method 1: Cancel Online
- Log into your ScholarshipOwl account
- Navigate to the Membership tab in your profile
- Click the Cancel button
- Follow any confirmation prompts
Method 2: Cancel via Email
Send an email to support@scholarshipowl.com requesting cancellation of your subscription. Include your account email address and name to help them locate your account quickly.
Important Cancellation Notes
- You can cancel at any time without penalty
- No refund is provided for any unused portion of your subscription after cancellation
- You lose access to premium features immediately upon cancellation
- Your account may remain active with free-tier access
Pro tip: If you sign up for the 7-day free trial, set a calendar reminder for day 5 or 6 to decide whether to continue or cancel before being charged.
How to Delete Your ScholarshipOwl Account
Cancelling your subscription stops billing, but it may not delete your personal data from the platform. If you want to fully remove your account and data:
Account Deletion Steps
- First, cancel your subscription using the methods above
- Contact support@scholarshipowl.com requesting full account deletion
- Specify that you want your account and associated data deleted, not just your subscription cancelled
- Allow several business days for the request to be completed
What to Expect
- Customer support should process your deletion request
- You may receive a confirmation email once deletion is complete
- Verify current contact methods on ScholarshipOwl’s official website
ScholarshipOwl Alternatives: Free Options
If you decide ScholarshipOwl isn’t right for you, several alternative platforms offer scholarship search services. According to Command Education, Business Insider, and Scholarships360, these are among the most reputable options:
Free Scholarship Search Platforms
| Platform | Cost | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scholarships360 | Free | Custom-matched scholarships, apply directly through site, deadline tracking | Students wanting vetted, quality scholarships |
| Fastweb | Free | 1.5 million+ scholarships, daily updates, personalized matching | Students wanting maximum options |
| Bold.org | Free | Exclusive scholarships, sleek interface, no-essay options | Students tired of complicated applications |
| GoingMerry | Free | Autofill features, deadline reminders, mobile app, local scholarships | Busy students juggling school and work |
| Scholly | Free (now owned by Sallie Mae) | Smart matching algorithm, mobile-friendly, GPA/major filters | Students wanting targeted matches fast |
| BigFuture (CollegeBoard) | Free | Thousands of verified scholarships, FAFSA integration | First-generation college students |
| ProFellow | Free | Graduate and professional development focus, 2,400+ opportunities | Graduate students and professionals |
| Appily (formerly Cappex) | Free | College admissions tools combined with scholarship matching | Students still selecting colleges |
Detailed Platform Comparisons
Fastweb:
According to Command Education, Fastweb has been around since 1995 and “has more than 1.5 million scholarship opportunities.” Fastweb’s scholarship opportunities are updated daily, and professional scholarship researchers vet every scholarship in its database. The website is completely free to use.
However, according to Scholarships360’s testing, “Fastweb offers extensive variety, but like Scholarships.com, contains a lot of unvetted scholarships and offers a clunky user experience.” Students may be matched to older or expired scholarships.
Bold.org:
According to Command Education, “Bold.org partners with donors to create scholarships, grants, and fellowships for students who qualify. The interface is sleek, and the website offers exclusive scholarships you won’t find elsewhere.”
According to Scholarships360, “Bold.org is a great specialized scholarship resource. Each opportunity on the site is legitimate, up-to-date, and since you apply using a single application, you’ll save time re-entering your credentials.” Bold.org also has a unique “Low Competition Scholarships” feature.
GoingMerry:
According to Command Education, “GoingMerry will autofill some scholarship forms once you’ve input the required information, saving you time in the process and allowing you to apply to multiple scholarships at the same time.” The platform also sends deadline reminders and has a mobile app.
According to Scholarships360’s testing, GoingMerry had the highest number of matches (1,471) and dollar amounts ($6,549,177) of all sites tested, though the user interface had some difficulties with relevance matching.
Scholly:
According to Command Education, “Sallie Mae acquired Scholly in July 2023 and made it completely free for all students, families, and other users.” Previously, some premium features cost $4.99 to $34.99. Scholly gained recognition after appearing on Shark Tank and uses a scoring system to show how well you fit each scholarship’s requirements.
BigFuture (CollegeBoard):
According to the YouTube comparison video on top scholarship websites, BigFuture is “a tried and tested brand” run by the same organization that organizes the SAT and AP classes. They have a large database of scholarships and offer career guidance and financial aid tips alongside scholarship search.
Why Consider Local and Direct Sources
According to scholarship experts, big scholarship websites like ScholarshipOwl or Fastweb mean that “everyone knows about them,” resulting in high competition for listed scholarships. Students can improve their odds by finding scholarships that have smaller applicant pools.
For Nigerian students specifically seeking international opportunities, directly checking official scholarship program websites often yields better results than relying solely on aggregator platforms.
Country-Specific Scholarship Resources for Nigerians
| Country | Recommended Resources |
|---|---|
| Canada | Canada scholarships for Nigerians 2026 |
| UK | Chevening Scholarship and Commonwealth Scholarship 2026 |
| Germany | DAAD Scholarship and Scholarships in Germany without IELTS |
| Multiple Countries | Fully Funded Scholarships for Nigerians |
Tips for Organizing Your Scholarship Search
According to scholarship experts interviewed by Command Education, students should use multiple scholarship websites rather than relying on just one platform.
Recommended Approach
According to Jennifer Ledwith, an education expert quoted by Command Education: “Students should keep a spreadsheet to track their scholarship application status.”
Another expert, Wangman, elaborated: “A spreadsheet is usually the best way to track application status. Make sure you note how far along you are in each process, as well as any awards you have received.”
Scholarship Tracking Spreadsheet Template
| Column | What to Track |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | Official name of the opportunity |
| Source Website | Where you found it |
| Deadline | Application due date |
| Amount | Award value |
| Status | Not started / In progress / Submitted / Awarded / Rejected |
| Requirements | Essay, letters, transcripts needed |
| Notes | Specific details or tips |
Tips for Writing Scholarship Essays (Without Paying for Editing)
One of ScholarshipOwl’s VIP features is professional essay editing, but you can get similar help for free with the right approach.
Think of people like your English teacher, guidance counselor, or a professor who specializes in the field you want to study. They’ll probably be happy to help you, and these are people you’re likely already going to be tapping for letters of reference.
Free Essay Editing Resources
- English teachers or professors
- School guidance counselors
- University writing centers
- Peer review exchanges with classmates
- Free grammar tools like Grammarly’s free tier
Essay Strategy Tips
While it’s tempting to use personal hardships to gain sympathy in scholarship essays, this approach isn’t necessarily what scholarship judging panels are looking for. Everybody has challenges, and focusing solely on difficulties may not differentiate your application.
What scholarship judging panels are actually looking for are the character traits that will help you reach your educational and professional goals. Try to match these up with the scholarship essay prompt.
Focus on demonstrating:
- Specific character traits (tenacity, innovation, ethical behavior)
- Concrete examples from your experience
- How these traits connect to your professional goals
- Why you specifically need the financial support to achieve these goals
For comprehensive essay writing guidance, see our guide on how to write a scholarship essay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ScholarshipOwl valid?
Yes. ScholarshipOwl is a valid, legitimate scholarship search platform. According to Scholarships360, “ScholarshipOwl is a legitimate application site.” The platform has been featured in major publications including Forbes, TechCrunch, and The Next Web, and is listed among the best scholarship websites by Command Education and other education experts.
Can you get a refund from ScholarshipOwl?
No. If you cancel your membership before the end of your current billing cycle, you will not receive a refund for any unused portion. This is why it’s important to take advantage of the 7-day free trial to fully evaluate whether the paid features are worth the cost before your card is charged.
How does ScholarshipOwl match scholarships?
When you sign up, you fill out a profile with information about your academic background, demographics, intended field of study, and career goals. ScholarshipOwl compares your individual circumstances to the qualification criteria of thousands of scholarships, then presents you with a list of scholarships you may be eligible for. According to Command Education, premium users also get access to AI-powered tools, credibility scores for each provider, and information about competition levels.
Does ScholarshipOwl have an app?
Yes, but with limitations. VIP members have access to a “premium mobile application.” The basic mobile experience may be more limited for free and lower-tier subscribers.
Is it easy to cancel ScholarshipOwl?
Yes. According to ScholarshipOwl’s support information, you can cancel “at any time, no questions asked.” You can cancel through the Membership tab in your profile or by emailing support@scholarshipowl.com. The process is straightforward and doesn’t require speaking with a retention agent.
Is ScholarshipOwl a monthly subscription?
Yes, ScholarshipOwl operates on a subscription model. According to Command Education, the premium service “can range from $20 to $60 per month” depending on the plan selected. Options include Monthly, Quarterly, Half Yearly, and VIP tiers. All paid tiers include a 7-day free trial.
Do I have to return scholarship money?
This depends on the individual scholarship terms, not ScholarshipOwl. ScholarshipOwl is a search and application platform. The scholarship money itself comes from external organizations (universities, foundations, companies), each with their own terms and conditions. Review each scholarship’s requirements carefully.
Is ScholarshipOwl only for US students?
No, but it primarily focuses on US-based scholarships. According to GoingMerry’s comparison, ScholarshipOwl is “open to international students” as long as they are “planning to study in the U.S.” Nigerian students can use the platform if seeking American scholarships, but should supplement with country-specific resources for other destinations.
How is ScholarshipOwl different from Fastweb?
Both are scholarship search platforms, but they differ in their business model and features. According to Command Education, Fastweb is completely free with over 1.5 million scholarships and daily updates. ScholarshipOwl uses a freemium model ($10-60/month for premium) but offers AI-powered matching, one-click applications, automatic reapplications, and competition insights that Fastweb doesn’t provide.
What’s the best scholarship website overall?
According to Command Education, “There isn’t a singular website that’s the best to apply for scholarships.” They recommend using multiple platforms including Scholarships.com, Fastweb, Bold.org, Peterson’s, CollegeBoard, Scholly, GoingMerry, ScholarshipOwl, and ProFellow. According to the YouTube ranking of top scholarship websites for 2026, Fastweb ranks as number one due to its 1.5 million+ scholarships and comprehensive matching system.
Contact ScholarshipOwl
If you have questions or issues with your ScholarshipOwl account:
| Contact Method | Details |
|---|---|
| support@scholarshipowl.com | |
| Website | scholarshipowl.com |
Note: Verify current contact information and hours of operation on ScholarshipOwl’s official website, as these details may change.
Final Verdict: Should You Use ScholarshipOwl?
For discovering scholarships: Yes, the free tier is worth using. Create an account, fill out your profile, and use the matching algorithm to discover opportunities you might not have found otherwise.
For applying to scholarships: Maybe. If you’re applying to many US-based scholarships and value the time savings, a short-term subscription (Quarterly or Half Yearly for better value) could be worthwhile. But if you’re budget-conscious, you can achieve the same results by using the free matching feature and applying directly through each scholarship provider’s website.
For essay editing: Probably not for most students. Unless you have absolutely no access to teachers, professors, or advisors who can review your essays, the VIP tier’s monthly essay review likely doesn’t justify the cost. Most students can find free editing help through their schools.
For Nigerian students specifically: ScholarshipOwl can be useful for discovering US-based opportunities, but it should be one tool among many. Country-specific scholarships (like those in our guides to Canada scholarships, DAAD scholarships in Germany, and UK Commonwealth scholarships) often have better outcomes for international applicants than general US-focused aggregator platforms.
According to Scholarships360’s overall assessment of scholarship websites: “Your scholarship search should involve more than one website… We encourage you to check out all of the websites on our list.”
Visit ScholarshipOwl Official Website
For more scholarship resources tailored specifically to Nigerian students, explore our comprehensive guides:
