First, scholarships & grants are applied to qualified education expenses. The only qualified expenses for scholarships and grants are tuition, books, and lab fees. that's it. If there is any excess, then it's taxable income. In that case, probably, depending on the amount.
The minimum income requiring a dependent to file a federal tax return. 2020 filing requirements for dependents under 65:
- Earned income of at least $12,400
- Unearned income (like from investments or trusts) of at least $1,100
- Self-employment income over $400.
