It is HIGHLY recommended that all RC Scholar students complete the FAFSA or WASFA application for each year they are enrolled at UW. Traditionally, these applications open on or around October 1st and are due on or around February 28th. A new application must be submitted for EACH ACADEMIC YEAR. Students cannot be considered for financial aid, including student loans, unless a financial aid application is received by the Office of Student Financial Aid. For more information about financial aid or to obtain assistance with your financial aid application:
StudentAid.gov for FAFSA information
Washington Student Achievement Counsel’s for WASFA information.
You are also welcome to make an appointment with the Associate Director if you have questions or concerns about financial aid.
Financial Aid Education
Understanding Changes to Federal Student Loans Webinar | Washington Student Achievement Council
SLA: Assisting student loan borrowers in Washington
The Student Loan Advocate collaborates with other state agencies to support current and future student loan borrowers in Washington State by:
Addressing student borrowers' questions and complaints.
Providing borrowers information and resources about student loans.
Educating the public about the rights and responsibilities of student loan borrowers.
First Year Students
All first year UW Academy students are considered for two scholarship opportunities:
The Mary Gates Endowment for Students: One $12,000 award divided and dispersed quarterly for two years. The scholarship recipient is chosen by the RC Scholars team based on UW Academy application scores. The Mary Gates Endowment prefers to provide the award to students who may have not had access to opportunities in the past. This is an academic award, but recognizes service and leadership as well. There are no financial need requirements for this award or other limitations on general eligibility.
The Halbert and Nancy Robinson Endowment Scholarship: $8,000 are available for RC Scholars staff to assist students with remaining financial need. Awards vary by year, but students must submit a financial aid application (FAFSA or WASFA to be considered).
Second Year and Onward
The RC Scholars program hosts two scholarships for students after they complete their first year at UW.
LePore Scholarship: This is an annual scholarship given to UW Academy students who exhibit outstanding intellectual curiosity, academic achievement, and sustained engagement with the UW community. Two awards of $500 each will be given and are used toward students' educational expenses. The application will open in the spring and awards will be applied to the Fall tuition bill.
Paradise Scholarship: Each spring, the application for the Paradise Scholarship opens (watch the newsletter for this date). The scholarship is open to any Robinson Center EEP or UW Academy student who will be enrolled at the UW the following Fall quarter as an undergraduate student. Four students will be awarded $4,500 which will be applied to their fall tuition bill. Students may win this award a maximum of two times. Students are evaluated based on their academic achievement, service to others, and their sense of purpose behind their university career.
To support the engagement of RC Scholars beyond the classroom, we offer experiential learning awards in the amount of $2,000 and offer an optional amount based on demonstrated need up to an additional $1,000. Students can begin applying for this award at the end of their first year or after they have completed GEN ST 220, Experiential Learning. This award can be applied for anytime in the future so long as you are enrolled at the UW. It is highly recommended that all students who are interested in this award take GEN ST 220 as the application process and components will be discussed. Annual funding is limited. Application Due Dates:
Fall Quarter Funding: August 1st
Winter Quarter Funding: November 1st
Spring Quarter Funding: January 1st
Summer Quarter Funding: April 1st
The link to apply is hosted here.
The University of Washington will automatically consider you for scholarship opportunities if you submit a financial aid application:
Academic Scholarships from the UW Office of Student Financial Aid are awarded to a limited number of undergraduate students who are legal residents of Washington state. Approximately 600 awards from privately donated funds are given each year to students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and financial need. The funds come from private gifts to the university by individuals, groups or companies and are typically renewable for a second year.
UW Undergraduate Academic Excellence Awards are awarded to approximately 100 incoming first-year students who are residents of Washington State. These awards are a partial tuition waiver, based on academic merit and financial need and may be renewed for a second year.
No advance application is required for these awards except for the FAFSA which must be filed by February 28. If you are considered for a scholarship, we may request additional information. If you are selected for an OSFA scholarship, it will be part of your financial aid offer as a University Scholarship-Seattle. The typical scholarship is $4,000 per year for two years.
Office of Merit Scholarships and Awards
This office works with students who are currently enrolled at the University of Washington. Limited information is available for prospective incoming students. If you are planning to attend the UW, go to http://expd.uw.edu/scholarships/ for more information on these future resources.
Additional Scholarships and Resources
The University also offers scholarship programs awarded through the UW Honors Program, Washington NASA Space Grant and many academic departments for freshmen (including non-resident students). Some of these scholarships are not need-based and do not require filing the FAFSA. Please note that the UW Honors Program and the Washington NASA Space Grant Program also require an application to be admitted into the program. Please visit the following web sites for more information. If your academic department is not listed, please check with that department directly for scholarship information.
RC Scholars are welcome to search for scholarships that are hosted outside of the University. Here are some places to start:
It is recommended to always be searching for these opportunities to have the best chance of earning one as applicants are not limited to the UW.
Events
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Scholarships
UW Academic Department Scholarships | Deadline: Various
Be sure to check out your academic department's website to see if they offer any departmental scholarships. For many departments, their application cycle opens and closes Winter 2026, so please reach out to your departmental advisor.
2026 Carnegie Mellon University Rales Fellows | Priority Deadline: December 15
Open to undergraduate and graduate students
STEM graduate education supports first-generation college students or students who receive Federal Pell Grant or need-based financial aid. Over 100 STEM master’s or Ph.D. programs at Carnegie Mellon University are eligible. In addition to the financial award, Fellows benefit from personalized career advising, mentorship, and leadership development.
NextGen Service Summer Policy Academy | Deadline: December 15
The NextGen Service Summer Policy Academy (SPA) a fully funded three-week program and professional development experience for students interested in exploring impactful public service careers. Open to all majors.
Program participants will start with a week in Washington D.C., attending professional development workshops, network with government leaders and inspirational change-makers, and visit federal departments and agencies. Afterward, they’ll head to Seattle for two weeks at the Evans School to gain exposure to nonprofits and government agencies working on creating and implementing social policies. Students will be awarded a $1,000 stipend; all expenses, including travel, lodging, and meals, are fully covered by the program.
The Blakemore Foundation Fellowships | Deadline: December 30
Open to undergraduate and graduate students
Support for an academic year of advanced language study at approved intensive full-time language programs in East and SE Asia. The fellowships provide full tuition and a stipend for travel, living and study expenses.
2026 Blakemore Foundation Asian Language Fellowships (Blakemore Freeman Fellowships and Blakemore Fellowships) is open for applicants who are pursuing a professional, business, or academic career that involves the use of Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese, Indonesian, or Khmer. Candidates in academia, STEM, environmental studies, international business, accounting, law, medicine, journalism, architecture, teaching, social or NGO work, and government service are encouraged to apply.
2026 Blakemore Kingfisher Art History Language Fellowships are for advanced language study in China, Taiwan and Korea for individuals pursuing careers in Chinese or Korean art history prior to the 20th century.
Scoville Peace Fellowship | Deadline: January 9
The Herbert Scoville Jr. Peace Fellowship Program invites recent college and graduate school alumni to apply for full-time, six-to-nine month fellowships in Washington, DC. Outstanding individuals will be selected to work with nonprofit, public-interest organizations addressing peace and security issues. Applications are especially encouraged from candidates with a strong interest in these issues who have prior experience with public-interest activism or advocacy.
Samuel Huntington Public Service Award | Deadline: January 9
Provides $30,000 stipends for graduating college seniors to pursue one year of public service anywhere in the world. The award allows recipients to engage in a meaningful public service activity for one year before proceeding on to graduate school or a career.
Institute for Protein Design Undergraduate Summer Research Program | Deadline: January 11
The Institute for Protein Design at the University of Washington is a world-leading research center focused on creating new proteins that solve modern challenges across medicine, technology, and sustainability. Here, interdisciplinary expertise converges — from computer science and biochemistry to clinical medicine and entrepreneurship. Current projects include the development of novel therapeutics for cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and more, as well as new vaccines, nanomaterials, and enzymes. Students will receive a $3,200 stipend/month.
Siddall Sheffield Scholarship - University of Sheffield | Deadline: January 13, 2026
The Siddall Sheffield Scholarship covers the full tuition fee for a one-year Engineering Masters, plus a stipend of £18,000/$24,000 USD. The University of Sheffield’s reputation is a World Top 100 university with a global reputation for research excellence and impact, particularly in the field of engineering where it attracts more funding than any other UK university including Oxford, Cambridge, and Imperial College London. The scholarship is looking to develop the brightest and best talent in engineering and is open to all US students with a relevant bachelor's degree. The Engineering Masters courses cover a range of subject areas, from Computer Science to Aerospace Engineering, Bioengineering, Robotics, and Materials Science.
Bonderman Travel Fellowship | Deadline: January 14
Bonderman Fellows undertake international travel on their own for eight months, to six or more countries in two or more major regions of the world. Through solo travel fellows focus on exploration and discovery, learning about the world and themselves in it. Each Fellowship carries a $26,000 award to be used only for extended solo international travel. Fellows may not conduct research, pursue an academic project, or participate in a formal program or organization. Open to UW undergraduate seniors (graduating winter 2026, spring 2026, summer 2026 or autumn 2026) and Graduate/professional students currently enrolled in a degree program. More information and the application can be found at bonderman.uw.edu - please review the eligibility requirements to see if you may apply. In person and online information session information can be seen here.
Udall Scholarship: Nomination Deadline January 15th, 2026
The Udall Scholarship is a $7,000 scholarship for sophomores and juniors who are committed to making a difference in either the environment or Native American/Alaska Native Tribal Policy or Native Healthcare. US citizenship or permanent residency required. Four nominations are available for students committed to environmental careers and four for students interested in Tribal Policy/Native Healthcare.
UW Nomination required, apply here (https://new.expo.uw.edu/expo/apply/778)
UW nomination deadline: January 15, 2026
National application deadline: March 4, 2026
Apply for UW nomination to the Beinecke Scholarship for juniors in arts, humanities & social science fields: UW deadline Jan. 20, 2026!
The 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.
Eligibility requirements include (please visit the website for complete details):
Be a college junior (based on graduation date) pursuing a bachelor's degree.
Plan to enter a research-focused or creative-focused master's or doctoral program in the arts, humanities or social sciences.
Be a United States citizen, or a United States national from American Samoa or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
Have a documented history of receiving need-based financial aid during their undergraduate years.
Demonstrate superior standards of intellectual ability, scholastic achievement and personal promise during their undergraduate career.
UW Applicant Information & Resources:
UW nomination required. Students from all 3 campuses are welcome to apply for nomination.
UW application deadline: Jan. 30, 2026, 11:59pm
UW application and nomination information: https://new.expo.uw.edu/expo/scholarships/beinecke
UW online application form: https://new.expo.uw.edu/apply/784
Questions? Concerns? Contact: Robin Chang, robinc@uw.edu, in the UW Office of Merit Scholarships, Fellowships & Awards.
Boren Scholarships for Undergraduate Students | Deadline: January 28
Provides U.S. undergraduate students to study abroad in areas of the world that are critical to U.S. interests and underrepresented in study abroad. 1 year of federal service requirement (must start within 3 years of graduation).
Award Amounts:
$8,000 for summer program (STEM students only; 8 weeks min.)
$12,500 for a semester
$25,000 for a full academic year
Bill Emerson National Hunger Fellowship | Deadline: January 30th
The Bill Emerson National Hunger Fellowship trains and inspires new leaders in the movement to end hunger and poverty in the United States. Fellows gain vital first-hand experience through placements with community-based organizations across the country as well as policy-focused organizations in Washington, D.C. The program bridges gaps between local efforts and national public policy, as fellows support partner organizations with program development, research, evaluation, outreach, organizing, and advocacy projects.
Read the program overview for prospective applicants to learn more about the fellowship, including selection criteria, application timeline, benefits, and much more.
Emerson Fellowship applicants generally possess:
• Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent experience
• U.S. citizenship or permanent legal residency (required)
• Commitment to ending hunger and poverty in the United States
• Ability to adjust and adapt to new situations
• Commitment to addressing root causes of hunger and poverty
• Demonstrated leadership qualities and skills
• Ability to solve problems in creative and innovative ways
• Enthusiasm for learning from a wide variety of individuals with expertise in the area anti-hunger/anti-poverty space
• Willingness to search for new models in anti-hunger and anti-poverty work
• Lived experience with hunger and poverty
• Experience working in low-income communities
• Excitement about peer learning in a tightknit community of fellows
The deadline to apply is Thursday, January 30, 2026, at noon EST. Apply at https://hungercenter.org/what-we-do/emerson-fellowship/fellows/
Fulbright UK Summer Institutes | Deadline: February 2
These are funded three-to-four-week programs for US undergraduate students, who have no or very little travel experience outside North America. Each Summer Institute focuses on a different topic, allowing you to expand your knowledge of your particular area of interest. Outside of the classroom, there will be opportunities to explore the UK cultural sites and make new friends along the way. Open to first- and second-year students.
University of Bristol: Arts, Activism and Social Justice
Queen's University: Belfast Understanding Northern Ireland
University of St Andrews: Scotland's History: Kingdom, Nation, People
Lancaster University: Film
King’s College London: Making Modern Britain: Institutions, Power, & People
Summer Health Professions Education Program | Deadline: February 5
The Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP) is a free summer program for students to explore their interests in medicine, dentistry, nursing, optometry, pharmacy, physical therapy, public health, and more. The program takes place at our partner institutions and offers students a chance to develop competencies for becoming successful applicants to health profession programs, plan academic journeys, get clinical exposure, and network. Must be enrolled as a first-year, sophomore, or junior in college. More eligibility requirements here.
Tilikum Summer Health Experience | Deadline: February 5
A 5-week summer enrichment program specifically designed for college-aged American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) students or students interested in working in Indigenous Communities who are interested in pursuing health professions training. Tilikum is a partnership with the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), Portland State University (PSU), the Northwest Native American Center of Excellence (NNACoE), and Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU).
Through a combination of virtual learning and in-person experiences, students will receive academic training, mentorship, and hands-on exposure to the health professions.
Academic enrichment: Participants will take core science courses to strengthen their understanding of biology, chemistry, and microbiology, experience skill-building workshops, and learn about the healthcare challenges facing Indigenous communities and how policy can address these disparities.
Indigenous Health & Wellness: Tilikum will include cultural wellness activities, visits to local Indigenous sites, and build strong connections with AI/AN healthcare professionals.
Professional Development: Get hands-on practice in PSU’s Cadaver Lab and OHSU’s Simulation Center, and participate in a Tribal Opioid Response Training led by the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board.
Financial Support: Receive a $1,000/week stipend for your participation in addition to provided meals/meal allowance, housing, and up to $500 in need-based travel support to attend the in-person portion of Tilikum.
Puget Sound Association of Phi Beta Kappa | Deadline: February 15
PSA-PBK offers up to three undergraduate scholarships of $3,000 each, as well as the Myra Lupton scholarship in the amount of $3,500 for a first-generation college student. Applicants do not have to be members of Phi Beta Kappa. Undergraduate Scholarship GPA minimum requirement: 3.8. Myra Lupton Scholarship GPA minimum requirement: 3.4.
John Lewis Young Leaders Fellowship Application | Deadline: February 27 (application opens January 5)
The JLYL program is a year-long fellowship that prepares college students for a future in community organizing and civic engagement. Throughout the course of the year, fellows engage their campus and local communities in human rights work through a robust capstone project. Fellows receive resources and support to ensure their success in the program, including access to comprehensive grassroots organizing workshops, 1:1 mentorship from RFK Human Rights staff, financial support, and access to an extensive network of human rights professionals, peers, and program alumni.
Going Abroad Scholarship | Deadline: March 15, 2026
The Going Abroad Scholarship is open to any citizen and/or resident of the United States (and its territories and possessions) enrolled full-time at an accredited institution of higher learning. Open to undergraduate and graduate students. Award amount: $1,500.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters | Deadlines: varied
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master programs are offered by multiple higher education institutions across various EU countries. Review the Erasmus Mundus Catalogue, which is updated annually. Most master’s program applications are due between October and January for courses commencing the following academic year.