Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can you give me a scholarship?

The Undergraduate Scholarship Office does not give out scholarships of its own. Instead, our mission is to gather and disseminate information about scholarships available to UW undergraduates and incoming students. The best way to stay informed about our scholarships is to visit our online scholarship database.
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Does your office provide scholarship information for graduate students?

The primary mission of the Undergraduate Scholarship Office is to serve undergraduate students at the University of Washington. However, a select number of national scholarships require nomination from your undergraduate institution. If you are a graduate student who received your undergraduate degree at the UW, you must contact us to learn how to apply for national scholarships, such as the Marshall, Mitchell, Rhodes etc.

Graduate students seeking funding information should contact the Fellowships and Assistantships Division of the UW Graduate School: http://www.grad.washington.edu/fellow/FellAsst.htm. In addition, the Grants & Funding Information Service (GFIS) helps identify resources for external funding (not UW funding) for graduate students (masters and doctoral level): http://www.lib.washington.edu/gfis/.

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What scholarships are available for out-of-state residents?

Unfortunately, the majority of funding opportunities available through the University are open only to Washington state residents. As an out-of-stater, it's going to be difficult to find local funding sources. (By 'local' we mean institutional awards and awards given by groups in the area.) There are indeed local awards that out-of-staters can apply for but there aren't many. In particular, departmental scholarships for students in a specific major don't usually require state residency. These may not be accessible to you, however, if you are an incoming student or a student who hasn't yet declared a major.
  
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I am not a currently a student at the University of Washington, but would like a scholarship. Is this possible?

Unfortunately, the Undergraduate Scholarship Office does not offer scholarships to students. Instead, we serve as a clearinghouse of scholarship information. In this capacity, we gather information on funding opportunities (from both local and national sources) for which University of Washington students could apply. This information is available only to current UW students.
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What research scholarships are available?

There are a number of research scholarships available to undergraduates at the UW. The Undergraduate Research Program (URP) is probably the best place to begin your search. Check out their website at: http://www.washington.edu/research/urp/. You can contact URP in 120 Mary Gates Hall or by emailing. urp@u.washington.edu.

You should also contact your department for information about resources for research scholarships.

Examples of research scholarships for UW students include:

  • The Mary Gates Endowment for Students (http://www.washington.edu/oue/mge/becoming_research.shtml) has two research scholarship competitions each year with deadlines in autumn and winter quarters.
  • The Howard Hughes Medical Institute Research Internship Program (http://depts.washington.edu/biology/hhmi/) offers three-quarter internships beginning in either summer or autumn quarter.
  • The Multidisciplinary International Research Training Program (MIRT) (http://depts.washington.edu/mirt/) is a national program designed to encourage students to pursue careers in biomedical and behavioral research.
  • Keep the National Science Foundation (http://www.nsf.gov/) in mind when you are a graduating senior.
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I am thinking about coming to the University of Washington. How do I find more information about and apply for scholarships?

As a prospective freshman, we suggest that you begin with UW Undergraduate Admissions at: http://admit.washington.edu/. They will provide you with important information about the University of Washington's admissions process.

The Office of Special Services (http://depts.washington.edu/specserv/scholarships/) provides information for prospective freshman on the various scholarships offered through the Office of Admissions, academic department and programs, and private foundations/programs.

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How do I get funding as an international student?

The University of Washington is a public institution, and therefore offers no financial assistance to incoming international students. Students, their families, and/or their sponsors must assume all financial responsibility for tuition and living expenses. It is very important that you review the expected expenses before deciding to apply for admission.

If you are a current UW student, you have access to limited institutional funding options. Though not exhaustive, this list includes merit-based scholarships available through academic departments, generic scholarships open to all UW students, grants that support specific experiences (such as the research and leadership scholarships available through the Mary Gates Endowment for Students), and on-campus student employment.

The Institute of International Education (IIE) (http://www.iie.org) provides helpful information for international students and publishes a book called "Funding for United States Study" that may help you.

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When I apply for scholarships, should I list all the scholarships that I have received in the past?

Yes, absolutely! Previous awards provide external affirmation of your achievements and your strengths. They also indicate your interests and academic and professional paths. If you have not yet received any scholarships, don’t be discouraged. There are many ways to demonstrate that you are a competitive applicant for a scholarship opportunity.

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If I have yet not received any scholarships, does this mean that I am not a competitive applicant for scholarships?

No, not necessarily. Remember: every scholarship recipient has a “first.” Scholarship selection committees are interested in each student’s complete application package, of which previous scholarship awards are only one part.

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Am I required to pay taxes on the scholarships and fellowships I receive?

The general rule from the IRS is: Any scholarship or grant income over and above the amount paid during the tax year for tuition/fees and required books/supplies is considered taxable income by the IRS. For additional information, please contact the UW Office of Student Financial Aid: http://www.washington.edu/students/osfa/

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