How to Apply
Applying for the Opportunity Scholarship is a simple, four-step process.
How to Apply
Applying for the Opportunity Scholarship is a simple, four-step process.
The application for the 2025-2026 school year opens in February 2025, and we’re here if you need any help along the way. There are a few things you can do ahead of time to get ready for the application process.
Plan Before You Apply
- Review the program Eligibility Requirements
- Calculate your household size, income, and Award Tier:
- How to Calculate Your Income
- Interactive Income Calculator - Coming Soon!
- Award Tiers
- Research schools that accept the Opportunity Scholarship
New! Interactive Income Calculator
Our new Opportunity Scholarship Interactive Income Calculator will help you easily determine your household size and income!
Stay tuned as it's on the way.
How to Apply
1. Create a MyPortal Account
MyPortal is the platform families use to apply for the Opportunity Scholarship. You can create your MyPortal account starting in December.
2. Apply in MyPortal
The application window is from February 6 - March 6, 2025. When the application window opens, you can add students to your MyPortal account and complete an application for each student.
3. Check for Updates
Award notifications are sent in April, so once you’ve applied, you can check MyPortal regularly for updates.
4. Complete Required Tasks
You may be required to complete additional tasks. Scholarship awards are subject to cancellation if tasks are not completed. We have resources that can help you complete the process.
Tips and Resources to Help You Apply
This webinar series is full of information that can help you through every step of the application process.
2024-2025 Eligibility Requirements
In this webinar our scholarship specialists guide parents through the application process and timeline for the 2024-2025 school year.
How to Choose a Direct Payment School
Find out which schools accept Opportunity Scholarship funds and get resources to help in your search.
Navigating Two Programs: Students Who Receive the ESA+ and Opportunity Scholarship
Dual scholarship families have unique challenges. Find out how to benefit the most from both programs.
Welcome to the 2025-25 School Year
Curious to learn more about how the program works? Our scholarship specialists provide an in-depth overview for awarded families.
More Resources
Frequently asked questions
No. MyPortal allows one parent of record on the account. To make a change, the parent of record must complete a Change of Parent form and email the program to request the change.
Yes, as long as your student lives in North Carolina on the day your school begins.
No. Students in preschool or transitional Kindergarten are not eligible for the Opportunity Scholarship.
Students must attend a school that accepts direct payments to use the Opportunity Scholarship. Find your school of choice in the list of Direct Payment Nonpublic Schools and learn more about choosing a school.
Yes. Parents should submit an application for each student, on the same day, if possible.
No, awards are not given out on a first-come-first-served basis, so there is no advantage to applying February 1st. Just make sure to apply by March 1st, the final day of the priority application period.
Scholarship funding is limited, so applications submitted February 1st through March 1st will be entered into a random lottery. Students are awarded the Opportunity Scholarship in order of Award Tier until funding is exhausted.
The Education Student Accounts (ESA+) is North Carolina’s scholarship program for K12 students with disabilities. Families may apply for both the Opportunity Scholarship and the ESA+.
No. Applying for the Opportunity Scholarship does not enroll your student in a school. You will need to follow the admissions process for your school of choice.