The Tall Clubs International (TCI) Foundation Scholarship is one of the few scholarships International created specifically to support tall high school seniors in the United States and Canada. If you’re a student preparing to start your first year of college — and you meet the height requirement — this award can be a helpful boost toward tuition and college expenses.
I’ve reviewed this scholarship several times for students who want to study abroad, and one thing I’ve consistently noticed is that applicants who clearly express how their height shaped their personal experiences usually stand out. So crafting a meaningful short essay really matters.
Quick Table
| Aspect | Key Information |
|---|---|
| Award Amount | Minimum ~USD 1,000 (often up to ~USD 2,000) |
| Eligible Applicants | Tall high-school seniors in U.S. or Canada (under 21) |
| Height Requirement | Women: 5’10″+; Men: 6’2″+ (without shoes) |
| Where to Apply | Through a local TCI club or designated member-at-large |
| Required Materials | Application, essay, transcript, recommendations, photo |
| Education Level | First-year college/university students |
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What Is the TCI Foundation Scholarship?
The Tall Clubs International Foundation offers an annual scholarship to recognize and support tall students pursuing higher education. Beyond financial assistance, the award is part of TCI’s mission to advocate for the interests, health, and awareness of tall people in North America.
Quick Overview:
- Typical award amount: Minimum USD 1,000 (some years go up to around USD 2,000)
- Region: United States & Canada only
- Who it’s for: Tall high-school seniors entering their first year of college
- Focus: Supporting tall students and promoting awareness around challenges faced by tall individuals
Eligibility Requirements
The TCI scholarship is not based on grades alone. The most important criteria are:
1. Height Requirement (Mandatory)
- Women: Minimum 5’10” (178 cm)
- Men: Minimum 6’2″ (188 cm)
Height is measured in stocking feet.
If you’re even slightly below the required height, the local club will not nominate you, so this is the first thing to confirm.
2. Age Requirement
- Must be under 21 during the scholarship year.
Many students miss this detail, but it’s strictly enforced.
3. Education Requirement
You must be:
- A current high-school senior
- Entering your first year of higher education
- Planning to enroll full-time at an accredited college, university, or other post-secondary institution in the U.S. or Canada
4. Residency Requirement
- Must be a U.S. or Canadian resident
- Must apply through:
✔ A local Tall Clubs International (TCI) member club, or
✔ An approved member-at-large in your state/province (if no club exists nearby)
This part can be confusing for students, but your local club essentially acts as the first reviewer before the Foundation sees your application.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
From experience helping students with scholarship applications, the TCI process is straightforward but requires organization. Here’s how it typically works:
Step 1 — Find Your Local TCI Club
Check which TCI club covers your region. If there isn’t one, you’ll be connected with a member-at-large.
Step 2 — Submit Your Application Materials
You’ll usually be asked for the following:
Required Documents
- Scholarship application form
- Short essay (often about your height-related experiences or what being tall means to you)
- Official high-school transcript
- Two letters of recommendation
- A photo (face/shoulders; JPG)
Step 3 — Local Club Review
Your local club screens applications first and selects nominees.
Step 4 — Foundation Selection
Nominated applications are forwarded to the Tall Clubs International Foundation for final review.
Important Dates & Deadlines
While the deadline changes slightly each year, most cycles follow this timeline:
- Application deadline: Around March 1 (varies by year — confirm locally)
- Local club review: March–May
- Foundation’s final decision: Announced during the TCI Annual Convention (mid-year)
Tip: Because local clubs review first, it’s smart to submit several weeks before the national deadline.
Tips to Strengthen Your Application (Based on Real Applicant Patterns)
These suggestions come from reviewing multiple student applications over the years:
Make your essay personal:
Students who share real experiences — challenges, benefits, confidence issues, sports involvement, clothing struggles — tend to make a stronger impression.
Submit polished letters of recommendation:
Teachers or coaches who know you well provide more compelling support.
Emphasize leadership or community involvement:
TCI clubs value students who contribute positively to their communities.
Apply early to your local club:
Some clubs stop accepting nominations earlier than others.
Also, you can apply here, Orange Tulip Scholarship (OTS) – International Scholarship in the Netherlands
FAQs
What is the minimum height required for the Tall Clubs International Scholarship?
The TCI Scholarship requires applicants to meet a strict height requirement: 5’10” (178 cm) for women and 6’2″ (188 cm) for men, measured in stocking feet. Students who do not meet this requirement are not eligible for nomination.
How much money does the TCI Foundation Scholarship award?
The scholarship typically provides at least USD 1,000, although some years have seen awards closer to USD 2,000 depending on available funds and the number of recipients.
Who can apply for the Tall Clubs International Scholarship?
Eligible applicants must be high-school seniors in the United States or Canada, under the age of 21, and planning to begin their first year of higher education at an accredited institution.
How do I apply for the TCI Scholarship if there is no tall club in my area?
If your region does not have a local Tall Clubs International member club, you can apply through a designated member-at-large for your state or province. They handle applications and nominate students on behalf of the TCI Foundation.
When is the deadline for the TCI Foundation Scholarship?
Most application cycles close around March 1, but the exact deadline may vary based on local club schedules. It’s recommended to confirm the current year’s deadline with your regional TCI club or member-at-large.