Santander US launched two new scholarship funds totaling $3.25 million, part of a larger, $25 million commitment reinforcing its deep commitment to supporting educational access and opportunity. This major investment includes the launch of Santander Open Scholarships, available through Santander Open Academy, a global online learning platform offering free educational content, upskilling resources and career development tools to learners worldwide.
Open Scholarships are open to U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens who intend to be full-time undergraduate students enrolled at any accredited 2- or 4-year institution in the United States. Applications will be received and reviewed over the course of the 2025 – 2026 school year with scholarships being awarded and disbursed for the 2026-2027 school year and beyond. Scholarships will be awarded based on a combination of academic merit and financial need, with selected students receiving up to $20,000 each, depending upon year in college.
The first application window is open from Aug. 1, 2025, through Dec. 1, 2025, and is intended for rising freshmen, sophomore and junior year college applicants for the 2025 – 2026 school year. A second application period will begin in 2026, expanding eligibility to include high school seniors preparing to enter college in Fall 2026, alongside continuing undergraduates.
To help deliver the scholarship program, Santander has partnered with uAspire, a nonprofit in college affordability and access.
In addition to Open Scholarships, Santander US is also funding over 700 scholarships that will be dedicated to students enrolled at partner institutions. These scholarships will directly support students within the organization’s academic network across the United States.
