Embedded Files
Financial Aid Applications
Financial Aid Applications
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:
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.
RC Scholarships
RC Scholarships
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.
Experiential Learning Awards
Experiential Learning Awards
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 and funding priority is given to students who have taken the course. Annual funding is limited. Application Due Dates:
Fall Quarter Funding: August 1st
Fall Quarter Funding: August 1st
Winter Quarter Funding: November 1st
Winter Quarter Funding: November 1st
Spring Quarter Funding: January 1st
Spring Quarter Funding: January 1st
Summer Quarter Funding: April 1st
Summer Quarter Funding: April 1st
Institutional Aid Opportunities
Institutional Aid Opportunities
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.
External Scholarship Opportunities
External Scholarship Opportunities
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.
Other Useful Sources for Non-UW Scholarships
Other Useful Sources for Non-UW Scholarships
More Links for Finding Financial Assistance and Advice
More Links for Finding Financial Assistance and Advice
Robinson Center Fall 2025.pdf
Current Scholarship Opportunities
Current Scholarship Opportunities
Events
Events
UW Seattle undergraduate applicants working on any scholarship application can get support from the Office of Merit Scholarships, Fellowships & Awards. They have an upcoming Application Writing & Feedback Session on Feb. 18 at 3:30pm! See our events calendar for details.
Find scholarship advisors for all campuses and degree levels.
Scholarships
Scholarships
UW Academic Department Scholarships | Deadline: Various
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.
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.
Astronaut Scholarship Foundation Scholarship | UW Nomination Deadline (Required): February 18
The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation Scholarship program aids the United States in retaining its world leadership in technology and innovation by supporting the very best and brightest scholars in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics while commemorating the legacy of America’s pioneering astronauts. The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation awards fifty scholarships valued at up to $15,000 to each selected scholar. UW Nomination required, apply by clicking the link above.
Astronaut Scholarship Foundation Scholarship | UW Nomination Deadline (Required): February 18
The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation Scholarship program aids the United States in retaining its world leadership in technology and innovation by supporting the very best and brightest scholars in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics while commemorating the legacy of America’s pioneering astronauts. The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation awards fifty scholarships valued at up to $15,000 to each selected scholar. UW Nomination required, apply by clicking the link above.
Are you interested in public service and leadership development? We are reaching out on behalf of the Community Engagement & Leadership Education (CELE) team, who are excited to announce that applications are now open for the Summer Public Service Fellowship! This paid opportunity offers a unique opportunity to complete a 200-hour summer internship with a nonprofit or government organization while receiving a $5,000 stipend.
Must be enrolled in both Spring and Autumn 2026 OR Spring and Summer 2026 quarters
Provides up to $22,500 in financial aid, mentorship, and career resources to students pursuing high-demand careers in STEM and health care in Washington state. Eligibility: Be a Washington state resident (undocumented students are eligible); Plan/currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in an eligible STEM or health care major ; Have a family income that does not exceed 125% of Washington state median family income; Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA) by the application deadline.
The JLYL program is a year-long fellowship that prepares college students for a future in community organizing and civic engagement. Throughout 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.
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.
Offers undergraduates the opportunity to engage in scholarly research alongside accomplished scholars and peers while earning full-time academic credit. Open to all students, regardless of citizenship status or class standing. Scholars receive a $7,500 Mary Gates Research Scholarship over Summer A & B terms. This year's theme: Seattle's World Cup Storytelling Through Community Mapping.
The U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship (Gilman) Program provides scholarships of up to $5,000 with additional supplemental funding available for students studying a critical language and/or conducting STEM-related research while overseas. To be eligible for the Gilman Program, applicants must be receiving a Federal Pell Grantduring the time of application or provide proof that they will be receiving a Pell Grant during the term of their study abroad program or internship. Please find the application link above.
We have three (3) dedicated workshops/info sessions to help you prepare for the Gilman Scholarship:
Gilman Scholarship Info Session | February 10 from 4-5 pm (Zoom) – this coming Tuesday: Register here
Application Writing and Feedback Session | February 18 from 3:30-5:00 pm (Mary Gates 171 and Zoom): Register here
Gilman Scholarship Workshop & Feedback Session | March 2 from 3:30-5:00 pm (Mary Gates Hall 173R): Register here
Phi Beta Kappa Puget Sound |Deadline: March 15th, 2026
Phi Beta Kappa Puget Sound |Deadline: March 15th, 2026
Phi Beta Kappa Puget Sound offers scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Washington and the University of Puget Sound. The due date for all applications has been extended to March 15, 2026. Get details and apply at https://www.psa-pbk.org/scholarships.
Undergraduate Scholarships
· Up to three awards of $3,000 each
· Essay required; minimum 3.8 GPA required
· Phi Beta Kappa membership not required
Myra Lupton Scholarship for First-Generation College Students
· One $3,500 award
· Essay required; minimum 3.4 GPA required
· Phi Beta Kappa membership not required
Ernest R. Stiefel Graduate Study Award
· One $4,500 award
· Essay required
· Phi Beta Kappa membership required
· Applicants must be enrolled in graduate or professional study at UW or UPS
Questions? Email scholarships@psa-pbk.org.
The Hansen Leadership Summer Institute (HLI) 2026 is a fully-funded leadership development program hosted by the Fred J. Hansen Foundation. It brings together young people from around the world to build skills in areas like leadership, public speaking, intercultural dialogue, and mediation & conflict resolution. Eligibility: Must be 20-25 years old as of July 1, 2026, and have completed at least one year of university, or be a recent graduate (2024-2025).
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.
Started by the Obamas and Brian Chesky, the CEO and co-founder of Airbnb, the Voyager Scholarship gives students with demonstrated financial need a deeper understanding of the issues they are passionate about, exposes them to new communities and perspectives, and inspires them to solve the world’s biggest challenges.
The program has enabled students to travel to every corner of the globe during their Summer Voyages– from Bolivia to work on gender-based violence prevention trainings, to Alaska to learn about indigenous approaches to climate resilience, to Morocco to support migrant education initiatives, and many places in between. The Voyager Scholarship has exposed students to meaningful learning opportunities and ways to engage with the world that would not otherwise be possible. The scholarship offers up to $50,000 for students’ junior and senior years, a $10,000 stipend, and free housing in Airbnb listings (up to $4,200) to pursue a summer work-travel experience between junior and senior year.
Link to register for an upcoming Voyager information session.
The application closes on March 17, 2026. Open to 2nd-year students or those transferring from a two-year to a four-year college for their 2026-2027 junior academic year.
The Office of Merit Scholarships, Fellowships & Awards is hosting an application writing and feedback workshop on February 18. We are happy to support students on their Voyager Scholarship applications!
What: Application Writing and Feedback Session
What: Application Writing and Feedback Session
When: February 18 from 3:30-5:00 pm
Where: Hybrid: Mary Gates Hall 171 or on Zoom (register by clicking the link above).
The Freeman-ASIA program is designed to support U.S.-based undergraduates with demonstrated financial need who are planning to study abroad in East or Southeast Asia. The program’s goal is to increase the number of U.S. citizens and permanent residents with first-hand exposure to and understanding of Asia and its peoples and cultures. Summer term: Up to $3,000. Semester/Quarter: Up to $5,000. Academic Year: Up to $7,000.
Aims to reduce financial barriers and support students in pursuit of high-quality internships. Typical awards range from $1,000 – $2,500. Students must meet the following requirements: Full-time enrolled undergraduate student at the UW Seattle campus Returning to campus Autumn quarter – Graduating seniors are not eligible. Have received an offer for an un/underpaid internship in Summer (June-September) Underpaid is defined as total compensation under $500 for the summer.
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.
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