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.
Applications are open for the 2026-2027 school year!
The priority application period for 2026-2027 Opportunity Scholarships for new students runs from February 2 through March 2. For application assistance, call 855-330-3955 Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Current Scholarship Families: Check your student's MyPortal To-Do List for a renewal offer. Visit Renew Your Student's Scholarship to learn more.
Plan Before You Apply
- Review the program Eligibility Requirements
- Calculate your household size, income, and Award Tier:
- Research schools that accept the Opportunity Scholarship
Choosing a School
Opportunity Scholarships must attend a Direct Payment School. Find Direct Payment Schools and resources to help you choose a school.
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 opens February 2 and closes on March 2. 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.
2026-2027 Opportunity Scholarship: Eligibility Requirements
New Student Applicants: Please join our K12 Scholarship Specialists for a detailed overview of the 2026-2027 Opportunity Scholarship Program. We will guide prospective parents through the application process, explain the program's timeline, and provide helpful online resources.
SlidesHow to Choose a Direct Payment School
Find out which schools accept Opportunity Scholarship funds and get resources to help in your search.
SlidesNavigating 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.
SlidesMore Resources
Frequently asked questions
No. MyPortal allows only one parent to be listed on the account, known as the parent of record. If you wish to make a change to the parent listed in MyPortal, the parent of record must email the program to request the change. We will add a task to your record. The current and prospective parent of record must complete certain steps before these changes can be made. Change of Parent Form
Yes. Families relocating to North Carolina may apply for the Opportunity Scholarship as long as they are physically residing within the State at the time of enrollment in the nonpublic school and meet residency documentation requirements no later than October 1.
No. The Opportunity Scholarship may only be used for students entering traditional Kindergarten through 12th grade. Students must be at least 5 years old by August 31 of that school year or at least 4 years old by April 16 before the school year for which they are applying, and approved for traditional Kindergarten according to State guidelines.
No, but more than 700 schools are currently registered to receive program funds. We call these “Direct Payment Schools.” Find a school on the list of Direct Payment Schools.
Yes. Parents are encouraged to submit an application for each student on the same day.
No, scholarships are not awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Just make sure to apply by the final day of the priority application period.
No. Scholarship funding may be limited. A new student application submitted February 2 through March 2 will be entered into a random lottery. Renewal students are awarded first. New students are then awarded the Opportunity Scholarship in order of their assigned Award Tier until funding is exhausted. For more information visit Awarding Process.
The Education Student Accounts (ESA+) is North Carolina’s scholarship program for K12 students with disabilities who require special education services. 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 the school you choose.