Chasing Dreams Scholarship 2026 | Win Up to $5,000 to Study in the USA or Canada
There are moments in life when one opportunity can change everything.
For many international students, getting into a university is only half the journey. The bigger challenge is finding enough financial support to complete a graduate degree without carrying the full burden of tuition and living expenses.
If you’re a Chinese student planning to study in the United States or Canada, the Chasing Dreams Scholarship 2026 could provide the extra support you need.
Sponsored by MPOWER Financing, this scholarship recognizes talented international graduate students who are determined to make a difference in their chosen careers. Rather than focusing only on grades, the scholarship also values your personal story, your cultural background, and the impact you hope to make after graduation.
If you’ve been accepted into an eligible university and have a meaningful story to tell, this is an opportunity worth considering.
Quick Summary
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | Chasing Dreams Scholarship 2026 |
| Sponsor | MPOWER Financing |
| Host Countries | United States & Canada |
| Study Level | Graduate Degree |
| Field of Study | All Fields |
| Award Amount | Up to $5,000 |
| Number of Awards | 4 |
| Application Deadline | 31 July 2026 |
| Application Method | Online |
About the Chasing Dreams Scholarship
Studying abroad is about more than earning another qualification.
It’s about building new ideas, expanding your perspective, and preparing yourself to make a meaningful contribution to your profession and your community.
That’s the vision behind the Chasing Dreams Scholarship.
Created by MPOWER Financing, the scholarship supports international graduate students from China who are pursuing higher education in the United States or Canada.
Instead of asking applicants to submit complicated research proposals or long lists of achievements, the scholarship focuses on something much more personal—your story.
Applicants are invited to explain how their cultural background has shaped their educational journey and how earning a graduate degree will help them create positive change in their chosen field.
Sometimes, a sincere story written from personal experience is far more powerful than trying to sound impressive.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants will receive financial awards that can help reduce the cost of graduate education.
Available awards include:
- First Prize: $5,000
- Second Prize: $1,500
- Third Prize: $500
- Fourth Prize: $500
Although these awards may not cover every educational expense, they can significantly help with tuition, books, research costs, accommodation, or other study-related expenses.
Who Can Apply?
The scholarship is specifically designed for Chinese international graduate students.
You may be eligible if you:
- Are a citizen of China.
- Have been admitted to or are currently enrolled in a full-time graduate programme.
- Study at a university supported by MPOWER Financing.
- Are studying in the United States or Canada.
- Hold a valid student visa or legal study authorization.
For students studying in the United States, applicants must have a valid student visa or be a U.S. permanent resident.
For students studying in Canada, applicants must hold a valid Canadian study permit.
Before applying, make sure you satisfy all eligibility requirements.
What Makes This Scholarship Different?
Many scholarships are based almost entirely on academic performance.
This one is different.
The Chasing Dreams Scholarship wants to understand who you are, not just what grades you earned.
Your application essay is the most important part of the selection process.
You’ll be asked to answer this question:
How has your cultural background influenced your educational journey or professional goals, and how will your graduate degree help you make a positive impact in your field?
There’s no perfect answer.
The strongest essays are usually honest, personal, and authentic.
How to Write a Strong Scholarship Essay
Many applicants believe they need dramatic stories to win scholarships.
That’s not always true.
Instead, focus on experiences that genuinely shaped you.
You might write about:
- Challenges you overcame while pursuing your education.
- How your family or community influenced your goals.
- A personal experience that inspired your chosen career.
- The difference you hope to make after graduation.
Admissions reviewers read hundreds of essays every year.
The ones they remember usually sound like real people—not perfect robots.
Write naturally.
Tell your own story.
A Few Tips Before You Apply
Preparing early often makes a huge difference.
Before starting your application:
- Read the essay question carefully.
- Write your first draft, then edit it later.
- Ask someone you trust to review your essay.
- Double-check your grammar and spelling.
- Make sure your student visa or study permit is valid.
- Submit your application before the deadline.
Avoid rushing your essay the night before submission.
Good writing takes time.
Common Mistakes Applicants Should Avoid
Many students miss scholarship opportunities because of simple mistakes.
Here are a few to avoid.
Writing what you think the judges want to hear
Scholarship committees read hundreds of essays.
Generic answers usually blend together.
Be yourself.
Ignoring the essay question
Make sure every paragraph relates directly to the prompt.
Don’t include unnecessary information that doesn’t answer the question.
Waiting until the final day
Technical issues happen.
Submitting early gives you time to fix unexpected problems.
Forgetting to proofread
Small grammar mistakes won’t necessarily ruin an application, but careless errors can leave a poor impression.
Read your essay aloud before submitting it.
Why This Scholarship Is Worth Applying For
Every scholarship is competitive.
That shouldn’t stop you from applying.
Remember, only four students will receive awards, but every winner started exactly where you are now—with an application they decided to submit.
If your educational journey has been shaped by determination, resilience, and a desire to make a difference, you already have something valuable to share.
Sometimes your story is your greatest strength.
How to Apply
Applying is straightforward.
Step 1
Visit the official scholarship page.
Step 2
Read the eligibility requirements carefully.
Step 3
Prepare your scholarship essay.
Step 4
Complete the online application.
Step 5
Review your application before submitting it.
Official Application Portal
Apply Here: https://www.iefa.org/scholarships/3688/Chasing_Dreams_Scholarship
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who sponsors the Chasing Dreams Scholarship?
The scholarship is sponsored by MPOWER Financing.
Which countries can applicants study in?
Applicants must be studying in the United States or Canada.
Who is eligible?
The scholarship is open to international graduate students with Chinese citizenship who meet the programme requirements.
What can I study?
There are no restrictions on the field of study. Graduate students from all disciplines may apply.
How much is the scholarship worth?
Awards include:
- $5,000
- $1,500
- $500
- $500
What is the application deadline?
Applications close on 31 July 2026.
Final Thoughts
Many students spend weeks searching for scholarships but never apply because they assume the competition is too strong.
Don’t let that be your story.
The Chasing Dreams Scholarship isn’t looking for the “perfect” applicant. It’s looking for students with ambition, purpose, and a genuine desire to create a positive impact through education.
If you meet the eligibility requirements, take the time to write an honest essay that reflects your journey. Your experiences, your perspective, and your goals are what make your application unique.
One thoughtful application could bring you one step closer to achieving your graduate study goals in the United States or Canada.
Find More Scholarships
Looking for more fully funded opportunities? Explore these scholarship programs.
Portugal Government Scholarship 2026 | Fully Funded Scholarship to Study in Portugal
2026 Miami University International Scholarships in the USA | Merit-Based Scholarships
University of Sheffield English Schools Foundation Scholarship 2026
Explore More Opportunities on Naijahood
Don’t miss new opportunities. Explore our latest scholarships, AI skills, internship programs, free online courses, and study abroad guides updated daily.
Choose a category to continue exploring verified opportunities: