Students with a cleft lip and palate can apply for scholarships like Smile Train ($5,000, U.S. citizens, ages 14-19), ACPA Randall/LaRossa ($5,000, U.S. college students, 2.5+ GPA), and Colgate Keep India Smiling (INR 75,000, Indian BDS/MDS students, income under INR 8 lakh).
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Amount | Deadline | How to Apply | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smile Train College Scholarship Program | – Born with a cleft lip and/or palate – 14-19 years old – U.S. citizen | 4 scholarships of $5,000 each | May 16, 2025, 11:59 PM EST | – Write essays on academic journey & cleft experience – Submit proof of enrollment | smiletrain.org |
| ACPA Randall/LaRossa College Scholarship | – Diagnosis of cleft lip, palate, or craniofacial condition – Minimum 2.5 GPA | 4 scholarships of $5,000 each | January 10, 2025 (Closed for this cycle) | – Selection based on academics, leadership, community involvement | acpacares.org |
| Colgate Keep India Smiling Scholarship | – Indian citizen – Enrolled in BDS/MDS program – Minimum 65% in Class 12 (BDS) or 60% in BDS (MDS) – Annual family income under INR 8 lakh | One-time INR 75,000 | Varies | – Submit required documents (ID, income proof, academic records, fee receipt, bank details | buddy4study.com |
If you were born with a cleft lip and/or palate, you’ve already overcome a unique set of challenges—so why shouldn’t there be scholarships designed just for you? Good news: there are.
Several organizations recognize the strength, resilience, and potential of students with cleft conditions, offering scholarships to help ease the financial burden of college.
Whether you’re planning to attend a four-year university, community college, or vocational school, these opportunities could be exactly what you need.
Let’s break down the best scholarships available, how much you can get, and what you need to do to apply.
Smile Train College Scholarship Program
This is one of the most well-known scholarships for students with cleft conditions. If you were born with a cleft lip and/or palate and are heading to college, this is a must-apply opportunity.
Who Can Apply?
- You were born with a cleft lip and/or palate.
- Between 14 and 19 years old.
- U.S. citizen.
- Accepted into a four-year college, university, or vocational school in the U.S.
- Not an immediate family member of a Smile Train staff or board member.
How Much Can You Get?
Four scholarships of $5,000 each.
Deadline to Apply:
May 16, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST
How to Apply:
- Fill out the online application on the Smile Train website.
- Write short essays about your academic journey, extracurricular activities, and how having a cleft has shaped your life.
- Submit supporting documents, including proof of enrollment.
- Make sure everything is submitted before the deadline.
Recipients will be required to speak at Smile Train’s Cleft Community Advisory Council meeting in August 2025 and participate in Smile Train’s Global Cleft Con in fall 2025.
More Info & Application: smiletrain.org
ACPA Randall/LaRossa College Scholarship
This scholarship, offered by the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association (ACPA), supports students with cleft lip, cleft palate, or other craniofacial differences.
Eligibility
- Diagnosis of cleft lip, cleft palate, or another congenital craniofacial condition.
- Enrolling full-time at an accredited U.S. college or vocational school in fall 2025.
- Minimum 2.5 unweighted GPA.
- Haven’t received an ACPA college scholarship in the past.
- Preference is given to incoming first-year students, but undergraduates can also apply.
Scholarship Amount
Four scholarships of $5,000 each.
Deadline to Apply:
January 10, 2025 (Applications for this cycle are closed, but check for updates next year).
Application Process
- Complete the online application on the ACPA website.
- Submit academic transcripts and personal essays.
- Meet all requirements before the deadline.
Scholarship recipients are chosen based on academic performance, leadership skills, community involvement, and essay responses. Funds are sent directly to the recipient’s college for the upcoming fall semester.
More Info & Application: acpacares.org
3. Colgate Keep India Smiling Scholarship (For Indian Students)
If you’re a student in India pursuing a degree in dentistry, this scholarship could help you pay for your education.
Who Can Apply?
- You’re an Indian citizen.
- Enrolled in a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) or Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) program.
- Meet the minimum academic requirements:
- BDS applicants: At least 65% in Class 12.
- MDS applicants: At least 60% overall in BDS.
Your family’s total annual income is under INR 8 lakh.
Children of Buddy4Study and Colgate India employees are NOT eligible.
How Much Can You Get?
One-time scholarship of INR 75,000.
How to Apply:
- Visit the Buddy4Study website and register/login.
- Complete the online application.
- Upload required documents, including:
- Photo ID proof
- Proof of income
- Proof of admission
- Academic transcripts
- Fee receipt for the current academic year
- Bank account details
- Submit the application
One thing to note is that Preference is given to students from Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh.
Visit Website: buddy4study.com
FAQs
1. What is a cleft lip scholarship?
A cleft lip scholarship is a financial award given to students born with a cleft lip and/or palate. These scholarships help cover tuition, books, and other school expenses while recognizing the resilience of students with cleft conditions.
2. Do I need a perfect GPA to qualify?
Most scholarships require a 2.5 GPA or higher, so you don’t need to be a straight-A student to apply.
3. Can I apply for more than one scholarship?
Absolutely. If you meet the requirements, apply to as many as possible—there’s no rule against stacking scholarships.
4. How do I prove I was born with a cleft lip/palate?
Each scholarship has different requirements, but you may need to provide medical records or a statement from a doctor confirming your condition.
5. Can I use these scholarships for things other than tuition?
Yes! Most of these scholarships can be used for tuition, fees, books, and living expenses. Always check the specific scholarship guidelines.
6. When should I start applying?
As soon as possible! Deadlines vary, but it’s always best to start early so you have plenty of time to gather documents and write strong essays.
