Accessibility Skip to Top Navigation Skip to Main Content Home  |  Change Text Size  |  Contact IRS  |  About IRS  |  Site Map  |  Español  |  Help  
magnifying glass
Advanced Search   Search Tips

Grants, Scholarships, Student Loans, Work Study

Question:   I received an academic scholarship that is designated to be used for tuition and books. Is this taxable?


Answer:   Qualified scholarships and fellowships are treated as tax-free amounts if all of the following conditions are met:

  1. You are a candidate for a degree at an educational institution.
  2. Amounts you receive as a scholarship or fellowship are used for tuition and fees required for enrollment or attendance at the educational institution, or for books, supplies, and equipment required for courses of instruction.
  3. The amounts received are not a payment for your services unless required by the National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program or the Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship and Financial Assistance Program.

Additional Information:

Category: Interest/Dividends/Other Types of Income

Subcategory: Grants, Scholarships, Student Loans, Work Study


Please provide your feedback.

1. Was it easy to find your information within the above Frequently Asked Question?

2. How satisfied are you with the information provided within the above Frequently Asked Question?

3. If you still need help from the IRS, what would your next step be?



The OMB number for this study is 1545-1432.
If you have any comments regarding this study, please write to:
IRS, Tax Products Coordinating Committee
SE:W:CAR:MP:T:T:SP
1111 Constitution Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20224


Back to Frequently Asked Questions


Page Last Reviewed or Updated: December 24, 2009