The Coca-Cola Scholars Program 2027 is a highly competitive scholarship opportunity for outstanding high school students in the United States.
The scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate strong academic performance, leadership, community service, and a commitment to making a positive difference. For the 2027 scholarship cycle, 150 students will be selected to receive a $20,000 college scholarship.
Coca-Cola Scholarship 2027 at a Glance
– Scholarship: Coca-Cola Scholars Program
– Study level: Undergraduate
– Award: $20,000
– Number of recipients: 150
– Eligible students: High school seniors meeting the program’s requirements
– Application opens: August 3, 2026
– Deadline: September 30, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time
– Scholarship type: Achievement-based
What Is the Coca-Cola Scholars Program?
The Coca-Cola Scholars Program is an achievement-based scholarship established to support exceptional high school students preparing for college.
Rather than focusing primarily on financial need, the programme evaluates students based on their academic achievement, leadership, service, and impact on their schools and communities.
Every year, 150 students are selected as Coca-Cola Scholars.
Scholarship Benefits
Each successful recipient receives a $20,000 college scholarship.
The scholarship can be used for eligible educational expenses at an accredited U.S. post-secondary institution. Recipients may use the award toward expenses such as:
– Tuition
– College fees
– On-campus housing
– Textbooks
– Computers
– Other eligible educational expenses
The Foundation also allows recipients flexibility in using the award within its applicable rules.
Who Can Apply?
For the 2027 Coca-Cola Scholars Program, applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements.
Applicants must:
– Be currently enrolled in high school or be homeschooled.
– Attend school in one of the 50 U.S. states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, or an eligible Department of Defense school.
– Graduate during the 2026–2027 academic school year.
– Expect to receive a high school diploma during the current academic year.
– Plan to pursue a degree at an accredited U.S. post-secondary institution.
– Have at least a 3.0 overall GPA or equivalent B average.
– Meet the program’s citizenship or eligible immigration-status requirements.
International Students
One important point is that the Coca-Cola Scholars Program is not open to international students generally.
The 2027 programme is limited to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, U.S. permanent residents, refugees, asylees, Cuban-Haitian entrants, or humanitarian parolees who satisfy the programme’s requirements.
Students attending American or expatriate schools outside the eligible locations are also not eligible for this particular scholarship.
Therefore, Nigerian students living and studying in Nigeria generally cannot apply for the Coca-Cola Scholars Program.
Academic Requirements
Academic achievement is an important part of the selection process.
Applicants must demonstrate at least a 3.0 GPA in high school coursework.
However, meeting the minimum GPA does not guarantee selection. The scholarship is extremely competitive and looks beyond grades.
Students should demonstrate a strong combination of:
– Academic achievement
– Leadership
– Community involvement
– Service
– Personal initiative
– Positive impact
Leadership and Community Service
The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation looks for students who have demonstrated leadership and service.
Examples could include:
– Leading a student organization
– Starting a community project
– Organizing volunteer activities
– Mentoring younger students
– Creating an environmental initiative
– Supporting disadvantaged communities
– Developing an educational programme
– Leading a school improvement project
Applicants should focus on impact, not simply the number of activities they have participated in.
Application Process
The Coca-Cola Scholars application follows a multi-stage selection process.
Phase 1: Online Application
The initial application is completed online.
For the 2027 scholarship, applications are open from August 3 through September 30, 2026.
The first phase does not require essays, transcripts, or recommendation letters.
Phase 2: Semifinalists
Approximately 1% of applicants advance to the semifinalist stage.
Semifinalists complete a more detailed application that includes:
– Essays
– Academic transcript
– Recommendation
Phase 3: Regional Finalists
Around 250 semifinalists advance to the regional finalist stage.
These students participate in interviews with Coca-Cola Scholars alumni and Foundation representatives.
Phase 4: Coca-Cola Scholars
Following the interview process, 150 students are selected as Coca-Cola Scholars.
Selected scholars are invited to participate in the required Scholars Weekend in Atlanta.
2027 Application Deadline
The deadline for the Coca-Cola Scholars Program 2027 is:
September 30, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
Applicants should not wait until the final day to submit their application.
Late applications are not accepted.
How to Make Your Application Stronger
Focus on Your Impact
Do not simply list activities.
Explain what you accomplished, who benefited, and what changed because of your work.
Demonstrate Consistent Leadership
Strong applicants often demonstrate leadership over an extended period rather than participating in activities only shortly before applying.
Highlight Community Service
Show how you have contributed to your school or community and why the work matters to you.
Maintain Strong Grades
Although the minimum GPA is 3.0, successful applicants are generally academically strong.
Be Authentic
Your application should reflect your actual experiences and personality.
Avoid exaggerating achievements or presenting activities simply because you think they will impress the selection committee.
Is the Coca-Cola Scholarship Need-Based?
No.
The Coca-Cola Scholars Program is an achievement-based scholarship, not a need-based award. Applicants are evaluated primarily on leadership, academic achievement, service, and demonstrated impact.
Is the Scholarship Renewable?
The $20,000 Coca-Cola Scholars award is a college scholarship rather than a traditional annual scholarship that is automatically renewed each year.
Recipients should carefully review the Foundation’s conditions regarding how and when the award can be used.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Coca-Cola Scholarship?
Each of the 150 selected Coca-Cola Scholars receives a $20,000 college scholarship.
When is the 2027 deadline?
The application deadline is September 30, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
Can international students apply?
Generally, no. The 2027 programme has specific U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration-status requirements and geographic school-attendance requirements.
Can Nigerian students apply?
Nigerian students studying in Nigeria are not eligible for this particular Coca-Cola Scholars Program. Nigerian students who also hold an eligible U.S. status must still satisfy all of the programme’s other requirements.
What GPA is required?
Applicants must have a minimum overall 3.0 GPA or B average.
How many students receive the scholarship?
150 students are selected each year for the Coca-Cola Scholars Program.
Do I need recommendation letters when I first apply?
No. Recommendation letters are not required during the initial application phase. Semifinalists are asked to provide a recommendation during the second phase.
Final Thoughts
(Apply Now) The Coca-Cola Scholars Program 2027 is an outstanding opportunity for eligible U.S. high school seniors who have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership, community service, and meaningful impact.
The programme offers 150 scholarships worth $20,000 each, making it one of the most competitive undergraduate scholarship opportunities available to eligible students.
Students graduating from high school during the 2026–2027 academic year should prepare early and submit their applications before the September 30, 2026 deadline.
Important: Eligibility requirements, award conditions, deadlines, and selection procedures can change. Applicants should confirm the requirements for the relevant scholarship cycle before submitting an application.