Scholarships and Financial Aid

AIS logo designed by Marvin Oliver

Students can find a number of financial aid opportunities through the Student Financial Aid Office. With the Husky Promise, the UW guarantees to cover the full cost of tuition and standard fees for qualified students who otherwise could not afford to attend.

The Office of Merit Scholarships, Fellowships & Awards, maintained by the Center or Experiential Learning and Diversity at UW, maintains a scholarship database, offers online application advice, runs frequent workshops, and invites students to make appointments with advisers to aid in the scholarship search.

Graduate Funding Information

More scholarships and opportunities for Native American Students can be found here: Financial resources for Native American Students

 

Renewable Energy Scholarship Foundation

RESF expects to award at least twelve scholarships in 2023 based upon academic merit, accomplishments in the field, and demonstrated interest. 

Three individual scholarships are reserved for a community college student, an undergraduate student, and an early graduate student, respectively. One scholarship is reserved for a Native American or Alaskan Native student and is not restricted to OR or WA. The remaining scholarships are available to students at any level, and at least two of these scholarships will be awarded to a first-generation college student, a student with disabilities as defined by the ADA, and/or a student from an underrepresented or historically marginalized group (including but not limited to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) communities). Each scholarship is a cash award of $2000 with no strings attached.

Qualifications

  1. Be an undergraduate or graduate student studying renewable energy (in any sense, including economics, law, public policy, energy storage, demand response, grid-interactive efficient buildings and load flexibility, advanced grid modernization, greening of the grid, etc.) at any college or university in Oregon or Washington;    or, be studying outside of Oregon and Washington, but be from one of those states, and intend to return to the Pacific Northwest after studies are complete;     or, be a Native American or Alaskan Native student.

  2. Superior academic performance.

  3. Criteria considered by the Selection Committee, not necessarily in order of importance, include Academic performance to date, Projected future academic performance, Demonstrated experience with and/or knowledge of field of study, Essay content and writing quality, Commitment to and experience with inspiring others to learn more about renewable energy, and Service.

Information

 

Beinecke Scholarship

Seeks to encourage and enable highly motivated students to pursue graduate study in the arts, humanities and social sciences, and to be courageous in their selection of graduate programs. The scholarship provides $35,000 for a research-focused master's or doctoral program in the arts, humanities or social sciences to juniors (based on graduation date) who have financial need.

Scholarship & Application Benefits:

If you are considering graduate studies in an arts, humanities or social science field, have a passion for that field, and financial need, consider applying! In addition to being considered for the scholarship, you can use this scholarship application process as a helpful way to get well ahead of the game in preparing for grad school apps!

The financial benefits the scholarship provides include:

  •   $5,000 immediately prior to entering graduate school and
  •    $30,000 while attending graduate school.

The scholarship can be used at any accredited school in the US or abroad, and recipients are allowed to supplement the award with other scholarships, assistantships and research grants.

Information

 

Voyager Scholarship: for rising juniors pursuing careers in public service

An increasingly globalized world needs young leaders who can bridge divides and help solve our biggest challenges together.

The Voyager Scholarship was created by the Obamas and Brian Chesky, Airbnb CEO, to help shape such leaders. Even though they come from different backgrounds, both the President and Brian believe that exposure to new places and experiences generates understanding, empathy, and cooperation which equips the next generation to create meaningful change.

This scholarship gives college students financial aid to alleviate the burden of college debt, meaningful travel experiences to expand their horizons, and a network of mentors and leaders to support them.

Information 

 

University of Washington Alumni Association Multicultural Alumni Partnership Scholarship Application

The University of Washington Alumni Association (UWAA) Multicultural Alumni Partnership (MAP) awards scholarships to deserving University of Washington students who need financial assistance to assist with their progress toward a degree at the UW. Funding for these scholarships comes from contribution from UW alumni and friends. One of MAP's missions is to promote the UW and the UWAA. It supports the recruitment of diverse students, faculty and staff and encourages appropriate mentoring activities.

OPENS IN SPRING EACH YEAR

Qualifications:

  • Continuing UW student in good standing (@ UW-Seattle, UW-Bothell or UW-Tacoma)
  • Full-time student at the University of Washington, undergraduate or graduate/professional
  • Minimum one quarter at the UW
  • Financial aid need as determined by the UW Office of Student Financial Aid
  • Applicants do not have to be a US Citizen or resident. International students and undocumented students are welcome to apply

Information

 

Labor Studies Scholarships and Fellowships

The Harry Bridges Center for Labor Studies is pleased to announce that our scholarship applications for 2022-2023 are open now! We have seven scholarships and fellowships open to undergraduate and graduate students, with funding ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 depending on the award. On top of that, students only need to fill out ONE online application to apply for all of our awards! We will do the work on our end to determine which awards you qualify for. 

Awarded: Between $5,000-$10,000

Information

 

Steven R. Nelson Native Educator Scholarship

This scholarship strives to increase Native representation in the field of education by providing financial support, mentoring, and internships for Native students in the Northwest who are pursuing a master’s degree in education policy, leadership, technical assistance, research, or a closely related field. We view this scholarship as an opportunity to create long-term partnerships that will improve our ability to meet the needs of Native communities.

Our former colleague, Steve Nelson, dedicated his career to working with tribes, communities, and schools to improve American Indian students’ success in academics and in life. This scholarship honors his work by providing selected students with as many as three years of annually renewable scholarships. Awardees will receive a maximum of $5,000 each year, and we will award as many as five scholarships per year—one for a resident of each state in our primary service region of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington.

Eligibility 

  • Reside in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, or Washington.
  • Begin school as a full- or part-time student no later than the fall semester immediately following the award.
  • Reside in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, or Washington.
  • Be a member or descendent of a federally recognized, state recognized, or terminated American Indian tribe; or Alaska Native village, council, or corporation; or Native Hawaiian; or identify as a Pacific Islander from a U.S.-affiliated Pacific Island jurisdiction (specifically, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, or Palau).
  • Pursue a field of study in education policy, leadership, technical assistance, research, or a closely related field.
  • Have graduated from a four-year, regionally accredited institution of higher learning.
  • Complete an essay that answers the questions
  • Submit three letters of recommendation

APPLICATION OPENS END OF NOVEMBER, EVERY YEAR

Deadline: March 31st annually

Awarded: Up tp $5,000

Information

 

Marcy Migdal Fund for Educational Equality

The Marcy Migdal Fund supports exceptional students engaged in activities aimed at enhancing access to education for vulnerable students, either locally or throughout the world, and helping them succeed in their education. The Marcy Migdal Scholarship provides a cash award of $1,000 to two individual recipients each academic year.

Marcy Migdal was known throughout Washington state as a leading educator in the field of multicultural education and for her passionate commitment to social justice and advocacy for the most vulnerable members of our community. It is the intent of this endowment that Marcy’s selfless dedication and activist spirit live on in this award. Scholarships will be awarded based on the adherence of the proposed activities to the priorities of the Marcy Migdal Fund.

Eligibility 

  • All UW graduates and undergraduates at any UW campus
  • Must be enrolled in UW when receiving the award
  • At the completion of the project write a short report on their project and how the funds were used

Open in Winter, application deadline generally in April

Awarded up to: $1,000

Information

 

UW Alumni Reunion Scholarships

UW alumni provide scholarships to current UW students through many different scholarship programs. Four of these alumni scholarship programs, collectively referred to as the UW Alumni Reunion Scholarships, are open for application now: scholarships available from the Class of 1954, the Class of 1957, Class of 1962 and the UW 50th Reunion Student Assistance Fund.  

Students can submit a single UW Alumni Reunion Scholarships application to be considered for any of the four scholarships included in this group. Although each scholarship has different requirements, there are opportunities in this group open to all UW undergrads regardless of citizenship status, residency, or campus affiliation. There are 1-3 scholarships available from each of the four scholarship programs and award amounts will range from $1,000-$2,000.

Eligibility 

  • Be current, full-time enrolled, UW undergraduate students (any campus) during 2021-2022 (graduating seniors are eligible if full-time enrolled in spring 2022);
  • Have a 3.0 minimum cumulative grade point average, OR have already been admitted into your major;
  • Be actively involved in either extracurricular/experiential learning activities and/or working full or part-time in addition to being a full-time enrolled student;
  • Be able to articulate academic and/or professional goals.

APPLICATIONS DUE IN APRIL

Awarded: $1,000-$2,000

Information

 

Samvid Scholars 

Established in 2021, Samvid Scholars invests in future leaders committed to effecting positive change in the world. The scholarship provides up to $50,000 in tuition support each year for two years for students in graduate schools across the United States. Scholars also receive two years of leadership development programming to support them to continue to fulfill their extraordinary potential. The program seeks candidates who have an exceptional record of achievement and are driven to make an impact.

Samvid Scholars will empower future leaders and changemakers by providing financial support for graduate study and leadership development. Scholars receive:

  • Up to $50K for tuition and fees each year for two years of study in an eligible graduate program
  • Two years of leadership development programming to support them to continue to fulfill their extraordinary potential
  • Access to robust ongoing programming and an alumni community of mentorship, collaboration, and lifelong relationships

Eligibility 

  • Pursue an eligible full-time graduate program of two years or longer at a university in the United States (eligible programs listed at right)
  • Be a first-year graduate student for the academic year you're applying for
  • Have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.5 Be a U.S. citizen or DACA recipient
  • Eligible programs: MD, MBA, JD, MPP, MPH, EdD, MS/MA in the social sciences or STEM

OPENS WINTER

Awarded up to: $50,000

Information: 

 

The Cobell Scholarship 

Indigenous Education, Inc. promotes The Cobell Scholarship’s goal to provide applicants and inquirers with the most beneficial information regarding this carefully established scholarship opportunity. All scholarship applicants are encouraged to read these documents to best respond to application question prompts.

Eligibility: 

  • Post-secondary full-time student
  • An enrolled member of a US Federally Recognized Tribe
  •  Applicants must be pursuing a vocational certificate or diploma, associate’s, bachelors, masters, doctoral or professional degree, or certificate

APPLICATIONS OPEN IN NOVEMBER

Information: 

 

The Gilman Scholarship 

The U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program enables students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad, providing them with skills critical to our national security and economic prosperity

Awarded: Up to $5,000

Open to: U.S. citizen undergraduate students that receive Pell grant 

Two application cycles with deadlines in March and October annually

NOTE: The Gilman Scholarship DOES NOT require students study or intern abroad for credit, but students who choose not to enroll for credit will NOT be eligible for financial aid or the UW Study Abroad Scholarship.

The Gilman Scholarship also no longer imposes program length minimums. This means that students participating in faculty-led winter break or spring break programs are now eligible.

Information

 

American Indian Graduate Center

The American Indian Graduate Center offers 20+ scholarships and fellowships for students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees.

Award: Varies by scholarship

Open to: All applicants must be seeking a full-time degree at a nationally or regionally accredited higher education institution in the United States and be able to demonstrate tribal affiliation through the submission of a TRIBAL ELIGIBILITY CERTIFICATE. 

Deadline: Varies

Information

 

Harry S. Truman Scholarship

The Truman Scholarship is meant to celebrate and prepare the nation's next generation of public service leaders. Scholars receive up to $30,000 for graduate school as well as access to extensive Scholar programming, priority admission and financial support from public service graduate programs, advising and mentoring from other public service leaders, and preferred hiring with the federal government.

Award: Up to $30,000

Eligible: U.S. citizen Juniors or Seniors planning to do a fifth year

Deadline: February annually

Information

 

Carlson Center Undergraduate Community Based Internship (UCBI) Program

UCBI connects host organizations to UW undergraduates who share an interest in learning more about nonprofit and public sector careers, social justice, and asset based community development. Apply during fall for a winter-spring internship.

Why get involved

  • Take your learning off campus and (re)connect with communities
  • Dive into a topic or issue you’re passionate about and explore career opportunities
  • Learn more about power, privilege, identity, and systems of oppression through community engagement
  • Receive mentorship and coaching from experienced student mentors and nonprofit/public sector leaders
  • Engage in professional development opportunities and build your personal and professional network with your cohort and host organization
  • Earn a $4,500 stipend ($2,250/quarter) for your work

Award: $1,800/quarter

Open to: UW Undergraduate Students 

Information 

 

Fulbright US Student Program

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program expands perspectives through academic and professional advancement and cross-cultural dialogue. Fulbright creates connections in a complex and changing world. In partnership with more than 140 countries worldwide, the Fulbright U.S. Student Program offers unparalleled opportunities in all academic disciplines to passionate and accomplished graduating college seniors, graduate students, and young professionals from all backgrounds. Program participants pursue graduate study, conduct research, or teach English abroad. 

During their grants, Fulbrighters will meet, work, live with and learn from the people of the host country, sharing daily experiences.  The program facilitates cultural exchange through direct interaction on an individual basis in the classroom, field, home, and in routine tasks, allowing the grantee to gain an appreciation of others’ viewpoints and beliefs, the way they do things, and the way they think. Through engagement in the community, individuals will interact with their hosts on a one-to-one basis in an atmosphere of openness, academic integrity, and intellectual freedom, thereby promoting mutual understanding.

Open to: Seniors or Alumni, Graduate and professional students or alumni, as well as young professionals who are U.S. citizens.

APPLICATION OPENS FOR 2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR IN APRIL 2023

Information

 

Mary Gates Research Scholarship

Mary Gates Research Scholarships are competitive scholarships intended to enhance the educational experiences of undergraduate students at the University of Washington while they are engaged in research guided by faculty. We hope that with research scholarships, students may focus more attention and time, deepening their inquiry into a discipline or project with a reduced financial burden. Students receive research scholarships to pursue research in a variety of disciplines. Learn more about research in the social sciences, arts, and humanities.

Open to: All full-time enrolled UW Undergraduates

Deadline: February 1st

Information

 

Mary Gates Leadership Scholarship

Mary Gates Leadership Scholarships encourage undergraduate students to develop their leadership abilities through practical experience, personal reflection and in community with mentors and peers. We ask you to articulate your own understandings of leadership, what you want to learn, and how you think the activity you have chosen will support your learning goals. Additionally, you must identify a mentor to provide you guidance and encouragement throughout your application process and award period.

Award: $5,000 over two quarters

Open to: All full-time enrolled UW Undergraduates

Deadline: February 1st

Information

 

Gaither Junior Fellows Program

Each year the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace offers approximately 12-14 one-year fellowships to uniquely qualified graduating seniors and individuals who have graduated during the past academic year. They work as research assistants to Carnegie's senior scholars.

Award: Monthly Salary + benefits

Open to: Seniors or students who have graduated during the last year

Campus Deadline: December

National Deadline: January

Information

 

Udall Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship

The Udall Foundation awards scholarships to college sophomores and juniors for leadership, public service and commitment to issues related to either Native American nations or to the environment. 

The Udall Undergraduate Scholarship [udall.gov] is a $7,000 scholarship for sophomores and juniors who are committed to making a difference in either the environment or Tribal Policy/Native healthcare.

You can apply for the Udall Tribal Policy or Native Healthcare category if:

  • You are a current sophomore or junior
  • You are working towards a career that will enable you to make a difference for your tribe or for Native Americans and Alaska Natives
  • You have participated in cultural activities and service to your community
  • You are enrolled in a state or federally recognized tribe or band or one or more of your parents or grandparents was an enrolled member of a state or federally recognized tribe or band or are a permanent U.S. resident or U.S. citizen who is a member of the First Nations of Canada
  • You plan on studying full-time next academic year

You can apply for the Udall Environment category if:

  • You are a current sophomore or junior
  • You Have a commitment to pursuing a career related to the environment
  • You have demonstrated your commitment to the environment through participation in campus activities or service to your community
  • Plan on studying full-time next academic year
  • Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national or U.S. permanent resident

Information 

 

Association of American Indian Affairs

The Association on American Indian Affairs is the oldest non-profit serving Indian Country protecting sovereignty, preserving culture, educating  youth and building capacity. The Association was formed in 1922 to change the destructive path of federal policy from assimilation, termination and allotment, to sovereignty, self-determination and self-sufficiency. Throughout its 100-year history, the Association has provided national advocacy on watershed issues that support sovereignty and culture, while working on the ground at a grassroots level with Tribes to support the implementation of programs that affect lives on the ground.

The Association on American Indian Affairs has been providing Native American student scholarships since 1947 ​and provides scholarships to undergraduate and graduate Native American students who are citizens/ members of their Tribal Nation – whether or not their Nation is recognized by the federal government.

Open to: Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior, Graduate, & U.S. Citizens

Information

 

American Indian Endowed Scholarship

The American Indian Endowed Scholarship helps financially needy students with close social and cultural ties to an in-state American Indian community pursue undergraduate and graduate studies. Scholarship money comes from interest generated through an endowment funded by private contributions and the state. Students can use the scholarships at public colleges and universities and accredited independent colleges, universities, and career schools in Washington.

Award: $500-2,000

Open to: Freshmen, Sophomore, Junior, Senior, Graduate, U.S. Citizen, Permanent Resident, Undocumented, Ties with WA tribes

Information

 

Washington Indian Gaming Association Scholarship

The WIGA College Scholarship Program is designed to promote tribal self-sufficiency by providing scholarships for Native American students in Washington seeking to advance their own self-sufficiency and broaden their personal and professional potential through higher education.

Award: Varies

Open to: Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior, Graduate, Any Citizen Type, U.S. Citizen, Permanent Resident

Information

 

Doris Duke Scholar Program

DDCSP @UW is designed for students who want to pursue their passion for nature conservation and environmental justice, and are at the beginning of their studies at a four-year college or university. Students from two-year colleges will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

While all applicants should be interested in a potential career in conservation, applicants do not need to be natural-science majors. We are looking for students interested in nature and wildlife conservation from any majors.  We create cohorts of students with a wide range of interests, experiences, and perspectives, asking only that they demonstrate a commitment to conservation and equity, and are curious, creative and enthusiastic.

Award: Variable

Open to: Undergraduates (Mainly Freshmen, Sophomores). No graduate or international students. All majors.

Information 

 

Killam Fellowships

The Killam Fellowships Program provides an opportunity for exceptional undergraduate students from universities in Canada and the United States to spend either one semester or a full academic year as an exchange student in the other country. Students may participate in the program either as a direct exchange student (registering at their home university, paying their home fees, and attending the host university as an exchange visitor) or as a self-placed visiting student (applying for and registering at the host university, and paying host tuition fees).

Award: $5,000 US dollars per semester, 800 mobility grant (Washington D.C.), $250 health insurance.

Open to: Undergraduates

Deadline: The application must be submitted according to the internal deadline of your institution (in the case of the direct exchange), or by January 31st (in the case of the open competition). Applications are for placement in Fall or Spring of the next school year. Please read how to apply for more details.

Information 

 

Jumpstart

Jumpstart is a national early education organization working toward the day every child in America enters kindergarten prepared to succeed. Jumpstart recruits and trains University of Washington students who provide language, social-emotional, and literacy programming for preschool children from under-resourced communities and promote quality early learning for all children.

Benefits

  • Earn $16.39/hour for work-study eligible students
  • Earn a Segal AmeriCorps Educational Award of about $1,270*
  • Earn academic credit (FQ GEN350 and WQ GEN346, and fulfills service learning requirement)
  • Work closely with other UW students
  • Work in the Seattle and South Seattle communities
  • Work towards closing the opportunity gap among Seattle’s youngest learners

*The Segal AmeriCorps Educational Award is contingent upon AmeriCorps funding and is available to those who meet citizenship requirements. Must complete service term of 300 hours.

Information

 

Share