Welcome to our new website!
The Office of Merit Scholarships, Fellowships & Awards (OMSFA) supports all current UW Seattle undergraduate students and alumni in applying competitively for local, national and international scholarships that support their goals. We support undergraduate students and alumni regardless of citizenship, financial background, previous experiences or class standing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I do this?
The first step in finding a scholarship, fellowship or an award (we use these terms mostly interchangeably — all mean free money for school-related expenses) is doing your research. There are hundreds of opportunities from which to choose. This site can help you search effectively, become a resilient and competitive applicant, and learn from other students about their scholarship experiences.
Which scholarships should I apply for?
It can be hard to tell sometimes if a scholarship is worth your time to apply. A few pieces of advice when you're assessing whether to apply:
Check the eligibility requirements to make sure your application can be considered.
- If you don't meet the basic requirements, the selectors won't be able to consider your application, so spend your time elsewhere.
- If you meet all the eligibility requirements, there are still additional things to consider before diving in.
Check the mission or purpose of the scholarship program.
Does that mission or purpose align with what you are trying to do/what you care about?
Are there specific selection criteria listed?
Sometimes there are and sometimes you have to attempt to figure out what qualities and experiences a scholarship program might be preferencing. In either case, thinking about what those are and how you can bring your strengths into the application in ways that demonstrate your alignment with those criteria.
Consider strict deadlines.
- Do you have enough time to complete the application?
- Do you need letters of recommendation and will your recommenders have enough time?
- Even if there isn't enough time this time, could you apply in the future?
Expect scholarship deadlines to be strictly enforced. It is very likely that applications submitted late, even by 1 second, will not be accepted with zero flexibility even in cases of emergency.
Plan your application work so you can submit several hours or several days before the deadline, to avoid last-minute problems (slow online portals, dead computer batteries, illnesses, or other emergencies).
What else does the scholarship require?
Are there additional responsibilities for those awarded? Do those responsibilities align with your goals and interests?
Be willing to give it a shot! Don't talk yourself out of applying for scholarships that are aligned with your goals. The worst thing that can happen is that you spend time thinking about your goals and reflecting on your experiences. That's a good outcome!
Chances are you've already developed resilience and determination through life experiences, so apply those qualities to your scholarship search and application process!
How do I strengthen my competitiveness?
This is a multifaceted question with a multitude of answers. In general, most scholarships highly value sincere and significant engagement from students.
What that might look like for you will depend on your interests and circumstances, but using your resources and being willing to try things is critical. Consider getting engaged in your areas of interest through:
- research opportunities
- summer programs
- campus clubs
- volunteering
- work
- other ways to learn and gain experience outside the classroom
Taking the time to build connections with mentors and supporters, including faculty, supervisors, advisers, and others, who know your academic and non-academic work and interests, and will be well-positioned to write detailed and compelling recommendation letters is also important.
FAQs about scholarships & finances
What's the difference between "merit" scholarships and financial aid?
"Merit"-based scholarships provide money to support your educational goals. Financial aid programs also provide money to support your enrollment. So what's the difference?
- "Merit"-based scholarships typically require an application, which may or may not include information about your financial need. Selection for "merit"-based scholarships is competitive and will usually be based on specific selection criteria established by the organization funding the scholarship.
- OMSFA advisors can support UW undergraduate and bachelor's alumni students in seeking out and applying competitively for these types of scholarships.
- These awarding processes often require application many months in advance (often 6-12 months). Advanced planning is necessary!
- Financial aid programs base awards entirely on the financial information provided in the FAFSA or WASFA. Financial aid award decisions are made based on financial qualification only.
- For questions about need-based financial aid programs and scholarships awarded based on FAFSA or WASFA, the UW Office of Student Financial Aid is your best resource.
- For financial emergencies, please find information about UW's Emergency Aid program.
Does receiving scholarships affect financial aid?
Everyone's financial aid eligibility is different. Receiving additional scholarships can affect your financial aid, but not always. Contact the UW Office of Student Financial Aid to learn more about your situation.
Are scholarships only for tuition?
No! Each scholarship is different. Most scholarships do not have restrictions on the expenses you can use the funds toward. A few are restricted to tuition, but most are flexible for you to use the funds toward other expenses, like housing, books, and other expenses related to your education.
Where should they send my scholarship check?
UW Student Fiscal Services receives all scholarship payments for UW students from external scholarships.
How do I confirm my enrollment?
The Office of the University Registrar generates enrollment verification certificates through the National Student Clearinghouse.
Are there implications for my taxes?
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UW cannot provide individual tax advice. If you have questions, you should consult your tax advisor about your specific circumstances.
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UW Student Fiscal Services monitors student tax information.
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Scholarships, fellowships, grants and tuition reductions are not considered taxable income if they are used solely for qualified educational expenses. Any amount used for personal or non-qualified expenses are subject to tax. For more details refer to the IRS Publication 970 - Scholarships and Fellowships.
What if I am not a UW student?
We look forward to working with you once you become a UW student. In the meantime, please review our information for future students to get started.
- If you are a future UW graduate or professional student, please visit the UW Graduate School's website and the UW Libraries' Graduate Funding Information Service resources.
OMSFA-managed UW scholarships & programs
Alumni Reunion, Class Gift & Spence Scholarships
Sponsored by several UW alumni classes, these scholarships support UW undergraduate students engaged in and learning from co-curricular activities, extra-curricular activities, and/or work experiences relevant to their academic, career and/or professional goals.
Bonderman Fellowship
A $26,000 travel fellowship for UW graduating seniors and graduate students to travel independently for eight months, exploring six to nine countries in a minimum of two and a maximum of three distinct world regions.
Mary Gates Leadership Scholarship
A scholarship encouraging undergraduate students to develop their leadership abilities through practical experience, personal reflection and in community with mentors and peers. Open to all UW Bothell, Seattle and Tacoma undergraduate students.
Mary Gates Research Scholarship
A scholarship intended to enhance the educational experiences of undergraduate students at the University of Washington while they are engaged in research guided by faculty. Open to all UW Bothell, Seattle and Tacoma undergraduate students.
Martin Family Foundation Honors Scholarship for UW transfer students
OMSFA collaborates with the Martin Family Foundation to provide scholarships to WA community college students of exceptional ability and outstanding achievement to complete their baccalaureate degrees at the University of Washington in Seattle. Applicants must be WA residents who are US citizens, permanent residents, or undocumented students who qualify for in-state tuition.
Martin Family Foundation Achievement Scholarship for future UW transfer students
OMSFA collaborates with the Martin Family Foundation to provide scholarships to WA community college students planning to transfer to UW and who have demonstrated signs of exceptional ability in their studies and leadership. Martin Achievement Scholars are selected early in the first year of their community college career and will fund, encourage and support their second year of study at their community college and eventual transfer to the University of Washington in Seattle.
Thomas Sedlock Icon Scholarships
For UW undergraduate students who are pursuing degrees in any STEM or social science field. The focus of this scholarship support is on quality and the self-motivated individual, not stereotypes. Icon Scholars break the mold through objectively manifested initiative, demonstrated persistence and follow-through in projects like: notable self-created experiments, demonstrated leadership in some activity, exceptional writings, etc. Apply for this scholarship through applying for the Mary Gates Research Scholarship (one application for to be considered for both scholarships).
