University of Washington Scholarships for International Students 2026-27

Starting your academic journey at a world-class institution like the University of Washington (UW) as an international student is an incredible opportunity, but financing it requires careful planning, as UW’s central financial aid office does not typically offer need-based aid or scholarships to undergraduate international students. However, outstanding international students pursuing various undergraduate and graduate programs across the Seattle, Bothell, and Tacoma campuses may be eligible for department-specific scholarships, external funding opportunities, and graduate assistantships which can offer partial to full coverage of tuition, living stipends, and other educational benefits. While direct institutional undergraduate scholarships are limited, funding is often available through specific UW schools (like the Information School, the Jackson School of International Studies, or the Department of History), as well as through private grants and fellowships like the Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) Fellowships for eligible graduate students.

In this blog, we provide a detailed guide to navigating the complex landscape of the University of Washington’s funding options for international students for the 2026-27 academic year, focusing on where to search and how to maximize your chances for securing financial support.

Types of University of Washington Scholarships

The University of Washington (UW) offers a diverse and decentralized array of scholarships, categorized primarily by their source, eligibility criteria, and academic focus. While the primary central financial aid for undergraduates is for Washington state residents, international students can target the following types:

Scholarship Type	Description	Primary Target for International Students
Departmental/Program-Specific Scholarships	Funds awarded by individual colleges (e.g., Engineering, Arts & Sciences) or academic departments based on merit and program focus.	High (Common at both undergrad and graduate levels once enrolled in a major)
Graduate Fellowships	Non-service awards that provide a stipend and a tuition waiver for master’s or Ph.D. students.	Very High (Critical for funding graduate study)
Academic Student Employee (ASE) Positions	Service-based appointments (Teaching/Research Assistantships) that include a salary/stipend and full Nonresident Differential (NRD) tuition waiver.	Very High (The most common form of graduate financial support)
General University Scholarships	Awards managed by the central admissions/financial aid office (e.g., Presidential, Purple & Gold).	Low (Mostly restricted to U.S. citizens and Washington residents)
External National/Global Scholarships	Prestigious awards from non-UW entities (e.g., Fulbright, private foundations) that UW students apply for.	High (Excellent source of supplemental or full funding)

List of University of Washington Scholarships for International Students

The University of Washington (UW) central financial aid office does not offer need-based or merit-based institutional financial aid to most international undergraduate students. Funding for international students, especially at the graduate level, is highly decentralized and primarily comes from academic departments and specific campus resources.

Here is a list of the most relevant UW funding types and specific scholarships for international students:

1. Graduate Student Funding

Graduate students on F-1 or J-1 visas are the most likely to receive significant institutional funding through academic employment.

Scholarship/Funding Type	Coverage & Value	Eligibility
Academic Student Employee (ASE) Positions	Full Nonresident Differential (NRD) Tuition Waiver, Monthly Stipend/Salary, and Health Insurance (Graduate Appointee Insurance Plan – GAIP).	Open to admitted or current graduate students (Master’s or Ph.D.). Requires excellent academic standing and, for Teaching Assistants (TA), demonstrated English proficiency (both written and spoken).
Graduate School/Departmental Fellowships	Can range from Partial to Full Tuition Waivers and a Stipend for living expenses.	Awarded by specific graduate programs (e.g., Engineering, Law, Arts & Sciences) based on academic merit and research potential. Apply via the departmental admission application.
Tuition Waivers (Law LL.M. Programs)	A small number of awards that provide a partial tuition reduction by waiving the Nonresident Differential (NRD).	Available to admitted international students in specific LL.M. programs (e.g., Asian & Comparative, Global Business, SID, General). Separate application may be required after admission.

2. Undergraduate & Campus-Specific Scholarships

Undergraduate international students have very limited central UW options and should focus on awards from their specific campus or program.

Scholarship/Funding Type	Coverage & Value	Eligibility
UW Bothell General Scholarship Application	Various awards with varying amounts, typically USD 500 – USD 2,500 per academic year.	Open to currently enrolled UW Bothell students. Requires completing the General Scholarship application (usually in the fall).
Natalie K. Lang International Student Scholarship	An endowment award specifically for international students, amount varies (e.g., up to USD 2,000).	Open to currently enrolled UW Bothell international students (F-1 visa status). Based on community commitment and financial need.
Mary Gates Endowment for Students	USD 5,000 for one academic year (USD 2,500 per quarter for two quarters) to support student projects.	Open to all UW undergraduate students (Seattle, Bothell, Tacoma) regardless of citizenship. Awarded for original research or leadership projects.
Academic Department Scholarships	Amounts vary, generally USD 500 – USD 5,000 per year.	Open to declared majors within a department (e.g., Chemistry, Economics, Honors Program). Criteria are often merit-based and may not require U.S. citizenship. Contact your specific major department.

3. External Scholarships

International students are strongly encouraged to pursue funding outside of the university. The UW Office of Merit Scholarships, Fellowships & Awards (OMSFA) helps with the application process for these.

Scholarship/Funding Type	Coverage & Value	Eligibility
Fulbright Program	Full funding for graduate study, research, or teaching abroad (varies by country).	For degree-seeking students from eligible countries wishing to study in the U.S. (Foreign Student Program) or for U.S. students going abroad. Varies widely by home country rules.
Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans	USD 25,000/year stipend plus 50% of tuition (up to USD 20,000) for two years of graduate study.	Open to “New Americans” (Green Card holders or naturalized citizens, or children of immigrants) who are pursuing graduate school.
Private/National Foundations	Varies widely, from small book stipends to full tuition/stipend coverage.	Searchable through the UW Scholarship Database and external platforms like International Education Financial Aid (IEFA). Eligibility is set by the granting organization.

Also Read: Study in USA For Free: A Guide to Study in America for Free

Details of University of Washington Scholarships

The University of Washington (UW) central financial aid office offers extremely limited institutional scholarships to international undergraduate students, and many of the most prominent UW scholarships (like the Presidential or Purple & Gold) are strictly limited to U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens. The best opportunities for international students, particularly at the graduate level, come from decentralized departmental funding and major external fellowships.

Here are the details of the top 5 University of Washington scholarships and funding avenues most relevant to international students:

1. Academic Student Employee (ASE) Positions (Graduate)

Academic Student Employee (ASE) Positions (Graduate) is the most critical and widespread source of funding for international graduate students at the UW, encompassing positions like Teaching Assistant (TA) and Research Assistant (RA). These are paid, service-based appointments that provide a comprehensive funding package: a full tuition waiver (covering the bulk of tuition fees, specifically the Nonresident Differential), a competitive monthly stipend/salary for living expenses, and eligibility for the Graduate Appointee Insurance Plan (GAIP), which offers excellent health coverage. Eligibility is highly selective, requiring superior academic standing, and for TA roles, meeting the university’s English proficiency requirement for instruction; students are hired directly by their specific academic department.

Benefits	Full Tuition Waiver (most fees), Monthly Salary/Stipend, Health Insurance (GAIP).
Eligibility	Admitted Graduate Student (TA or RA position); TA requires English proficiency.
Application Process	Apply directly to the academic department.
Deadline	Varies widely; often tied to graduate program admission (Dec-Jan).

2. Departmental Graduate Fellowships (Graduate)

Many high-profile academic departments at the UW offer merit-based fellowships to recruit top-tier international students, especially those entering Ph.D. programs, serving as non-service awards in contrast to ASE positions. These fellowships can provide a significant package, often including a full tuition waiver and an annual stipend that may be equivalent to or greater than an RA salary, sometimes coupled with an initial year free of service obligations to focus solely on studies or research. Consideration for these awards is generally automatic upon admission to the graduate program, based on exceptional academic records, research potential, and strong faculty recommendations.

Benefits	Full Tuition Coverage, Generous Annual Stipend, Health Insurance (GAIP).
Eligibility	Exceptional Admitted Graduate Students (merit-based); international students are eligible.
Application Process	Automatic Nomination by the department’s admission committee.
Deadline	Varies by department; tied to graduate admission deadlines.

3. Mary Gates Endowment for Students (Undergraduate & Graduate)

One of the most prestigious, centrally-managed UW awards accessible to international students is the Mary Gates Endowment, which supports undergraduates pursuing original Research or intensive Leadership projects. The scholarship provides a $5,000 award distributed over two quarters, designed to offset costs while the student dedicates time to a self-designed, mentored project, and is renewable for a second award. Unlike most central undergraduate scholarships at UW, this award’s selection criteria are focused entirely on the clarity, rigor, and potential impact of the proposed project, not on U.S. citizenship or financial need.

Benefits	$5,000 award for research or leadership project support.
Eligibility	All UW Undergraduates (Seattle/Bothell/Tacoma), all citizenships, must be full-time during award quarters.
Application Process	Separate online application (OMSFA) with a project proposal and mentor letter.
Deadline	Single Annual Cycle: Typically Mid-October for the following year.

4. Natalie K. Lang International Student Scholarship (UW Bothell)

Exclusive to the UW Bothell campus, this is a unique institutional award specifically endowed to support current degree-seeking international students on an F-1 visa. The scholarship amount typically ranges from $1,500 to $2,500 and is intended to provide financial relief toward tuition costs, honoring the significant contributions of international students to the campus community. To apply, eligible students must complete the UW Bothell General Scholarship Application, with selection criteria prioritizing academic excellence, demonstrated commitment to the community, and financial need.

Benefits	Up to $2,000 for tuition assistance.
Eligibility	Current UW Bothell International Students (F-1 visa) with financial need and community commitment.
Application Process	Complete the UW Bothell General Scholarship Application.
Deadline	Varies; usually opens in Fall Quarter.

5. External National/Global Fellowships (Undergraduate & Graduate)

International students at the UW are strongly encouraged to pursue major external funding sources, which are often the most generous awards available for non-U.S. citizens, with the UW Office of Merit Scholarships, Fellowships & Awards (OMSFA) providing advising support. Examples include country-specific awards like the Fulbright Foreign Student Program (for non-U.S. citizens to study in the U.S.) or the Aga Khan International Scholarship Programme, which frequently provide full tuition, fees, and stipends. The application process for these highly competitive awards is managed by the external organization, but is important for international students seeking comprehensive financial support.

Benefits	Often Full Tuition, Fees, and Stipend (Varies by program).
Eligibility	Non-U.S. citizens and other select high-achieving individuals (Varies).
Application Process	Apply directly to the external organization; consult UW OMSFA for advising.
Deadline	Varies greatly (e.g., Fulbright is Mid-October).

Tips for a Successful University of Washington Scholarship Application

Securing a University of Washington scholarship, whether it’s the merit-based Mary Gates Endowment or a competitive Graduate Fellowship, requires a strategic, holistic approach that goes beyond just strong grades.

Here are the essential tips for a successful University of Washington scholarship application:

• Give yourself maximum time for essay drafts and securing strong recommendations.
• Tailor your application (essay, activities) to directly address the specific scholarship’s criteria (e.g., leadership, research, public service).
• Use personal anecdotes and challenges to demonstrate your character and growth, not just list achievements.
• Eliminate all errors. Typos reflect poorly on attention to detail.
• Use the UW OMSFA or a campus writing center to review your essays.
• Ask faculty/mentors who know you well and give them all necessary materials (CV, essay draft, instructions) at least one month in advance.
• Clearly articulate why you need this award and how it will directly help you reach your academic and career goals.
• Your essays must reveal personal drive, resilience, and unique perspective not apparent in your grades.
• Write for an intelligent, non-expert audience; define any necessary technical terms clearly.
• Adhere strictly to word counts, formatting, and submission protocols, as missing materials result in immediate disqualification.

Why Study at the University of Washington?

The University of Washington (UW) is a top choice for students due to its global reputation for research, its dynamic location, and its overall quality as a public institution.

Here are the key reasons to study at the University of Washington:

• Consistently ranked in the Top 25 universities worldwide and a Top 2 public university in the U.S.
• Receives more federal research funding than any other U.S. public university ($1.77 Billion+).
• Recognized as the #1 most innovative public university in the world (Reuters).
• Situated in Seattle, offering direct career connections to Amazon, Microsoft, Google, and the biotech industry.
• Home to UW Medicine, one of the top-ranked medical and public health schools nationally.
• Strong, top-ranked programs in Computer Science, Engineering, and Environmental Sciences.
• Provides an elite, high-quality education at the tuition rate of a public institution.
• Features a distinguished faculty that includes multiple Nobel Laureates and MacArthur “Genius” Fellows.
• Located in the Pacific Northwest with a famously beautiful campus (Cherry Blossoms!) and access to mountains and water.

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