Head to head
Fastweb vs Niche: which scholarship site fits you?
Short answer
We score Fastweb but not Niche, so this page compares them on facts only: cost, stated database size, application shortcuts, own no-essay awards and data sharing. Both are free to use.
By The Deadline Desk · Best Scholarship Sites · Published
Desk research from each site's public pages, app store listings and review profiles. Editorial assessment; we did not create accounts or apply for scholarships.
How do the facts compare?
| Fact | Fastweb | Niche |
|---|---|---|
| Owner | Founded 1995; sold to Monster Worldwide in 2001 (per Fastweb). The privacy policy is issued by Iron Corp US Inc. | Niche (ownership not read) |
| Cost | Free Free. No paid plan seen. | Free Free account. No paid plan seen. |
| Database, as stated | 1.5 million scholarships worth over $3.4 billion | "Thousands of scholarships" (no exact count) |
| Applying | Personalized recommendations from a profile; no auto-apply or one application for many stated. | Many scholarships need no essay; Niche says you can "apply to several with just a few clicks". |
| Own no-essay award | None stated | $40,000 Niche No Essay Scholarship (deadline October 15, 2026, one winner, requirements: none). The menu also links a $2,000 No Essay Scholarship. |
| Data sharing | Policy says information "may be sold to colleges" and may be shared with colleges, employers, recruiters, "data aggregators, marketers". | Policy has a table of "Third Parties to Whom We Sell and/or Share" listing identifiers (name, address, phone, email) to advertising partners. |
| Ratings | Trustpilot: 1.2 from 232 reviews (unclaimed profile). App Store (US): 2.7 out of 5 from 85 ratings | Trustpilot: 1.7 from 18 reviews on an unclaimed profile categorised as "SEO Service", which may not be the scholarship product |
| Scored on this site | Yes, 5.45 / 10 | Reviewed, not scored |
Source: Fastweb homepage
Source: Fastweb about page
Source: Fastweb privacy policy
Source: Fastweb College Scholarships on the App Store
Source: Fastweb on Trustpilot
Source: Niche scholarships page
Source: Niche scholarship information
Source: Niche privacy policy
Source: Niche on Trustpilot
Which one should you choose?
Choose Fastweb if
Students who want a large free database with listings checked by people.
Choose Niche if
Seniors who want no-essay entries and may also want direct admission offers.
Large no-essay awards run by Niche itself, with a named fulfillment partner and clear scam guidance.
What should you watch for?
- Fastweb: The weakest ratings in the scored set: 1.2 on Trustpilot and 2.7 on the App Store.
- Niche: Its privacy policy lists identifiers sold or shared with advertising partners.
Frequently asked questions
Which saves more time on applications, Fastweb or Niche?
Fastweb: Personalized recommendations from a profile; no auto-apply or one application for many stated. Niche: Many scholarships need no essay; Niche says you can "apply to several with just a few clicks".
Is Fastweb or Niche free?
Fastweb: Free. No paid plan seen. Niche: Free account. No paid plan seen.
Do Fastweb and Niche sell student data?
Fastweb: Policy says information "may be sold to colleges" and may be shared with colleges, employers, recruiters, "data aggregators, marketers". Niche: Policy has a table of "Third Parties to Whom We Sell and/or Share" listing identifiers (name, address, phone, email) to advertising partners. "Privacy terms not read" means we could not read the policy, not that the site does not share data.