Finding a scholarship can make the difference between an affordable university education and a financial burden. For students planning to attend the University of Washington in 2026-27, there are several scholarship and financial-aid opportunities to explore, although eligibility depends heavily on residency, academic level, financial circumstances and the type of scholarship.
The University of Washington, commonly known as UW, offers scholarships connected to academic achievement, leadership, community involvement, research, specific programs and financial need. Some awards are considered automatically through the admission or financial-aid process, while others become available through departments after students enroll.
One important point should be understood before applying: UW does not provide financial aid or scholarships to undergraduate international students. International undergraduates are expected to have sufficient resources to cover their expenses while studying at the university.
For eligible U.S. students and Washington residents, however, UW has several institutional scholarship opportunities.
This guide explains the major University of Washington scholarships for 2026-27, who can qualify, what the awards cover and how prospective students can put themselves in the best position to be considered.
What Are University of Washington Scholarships?
University of Washington scholarships are financial awards that can help students pay for college expenses without requiring the money to be repaid in the same way as a student loan.
UW offers scholarships across different areas, including academic achievement, leadership, community service, research, STEM fields and other areas of study. The university explains that some scholarships are considered automatically as part of an admission or financial-aid application, while others are available through academic departments after enrollment.
This means there is no single application that automatically makes every UW scholarship available to every student.
Instead, students need to determine which scholarships match their circumstances.
Who Is Eligible for University of Washington Scholarships?
Eligibility varies from one scholarship to another.
Some of the factors that can affect eligibility include:
- Washington state residency
- U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status
- Academic achievement
- Demonstrated financial need
- Leadership experience
- Community involvement
- Intended field of study
- Enrollment status
- Whether the student is entering as a first-year or transfer student
- Participation in specific university programs
For general UW financial aid, students normally need to be admitted to an approved degree or certificate program and maintain satisfactory academic progress. Financial circumstances are also considered for need-based aid.
However, scholarship eligibility should always be checked separately because individual awards can have additional requirements.
University of Washington Scholarships for 2026-27
Several UW scholarships stand out for students entering the university.
Presidential Scholarship
The University of Washington Presidential Scholarship is one of the university’s notable undergraduate awards.
It provides $10,000 per year for up to four years to selected Washington residents.
The scholarship is intended for students who demonstrate qualities such as emerging leadership, community engagement, innovation or creativity and recognized talent.
One unusual feature of this scholarship is that eligible students do not submit a separate scholarship application.
Washington residents are automatically considered when they apply to the University of Washington in Seattle.
The program looks beyond grades alone. UW describes the selection process as focusing on what students have done to create positive change and contribute to their communities.
For students interested in this award, the lesson is straightforward: the admission application itself becomes an important part of the scholarship consideration process.
Purple & Gold Scholarship
The Purple & Gold Scholarship is intended for qualifying U.S. students who are not Washington residents.
Eligible recipients can receive an award for four years at the Seattle campus, provided they continue to meet the scholarship’s requirements.
The program is open to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, refugees and undocumented residents who meet the stated conditions. Washington residents are not eligible for this particular award.
Recipients must also remain full-time students, defined by UW as at least 12 credits per quarter for three quarters of the academic year.
The scholarship cannot be deferred, and recipients must confirm their intention to enroll for the autumn quarter by the applicable May 1 deadline.
Costco Scholarship for First-Year Students
The Costco Scholarship for First-Year Students provides $10,000 per year for four years to qualifying high-achieving, high-need students entering UW as first-year students.
The scholarship is designed to support students from communities that have historically faced barriers to higher education.
UW says selection can take into account academic performance, personal background, community service, financial need, Washington residency and circumstances such as being a first-generation college student or coming from foster care.
Students who appear to meet the criteria are reviewed automatically based on information in their admission and financial-aid applications.
UW encourages prospective applicants to submit the FAFSA or WASFA as early as possible and before the relevant deadline for consideration.
Washington NASA Space Grant Consortium Opportunities
Students interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics may also find opportunities through the Washington NASA Space Grant Consortium.
The program offers scholarships, fellowships and research internships to selected students pursuing STEM degrees in Washington state.
Because these opportunities are connected to STEM education and research, students should examine the individual program requirements rather than assuming that every UW student qualifies.
Army ROTC Scholarship
The UW Army ROTC program offers scholarships to eligible students who intend to pursue military service as commissioned officers.
The scholarship can cover full tuition at either the resident or nonresident rate and includes additional benefits such as a $1,200 annual book stipend and a $420 monthly allowance during the school year, according to UW’s current scholarship information.
There are specific eligibility conditions.
Applicants must be U.S. citizens, meet the stated age requirement, be medically qualified, enroll full time in ROTC courses, pass the required physical fitness test and satisfy academic and other program requirements.
This is therefore a specialized scholarship rather than a general University of Washington award.
Does the University of Washington Offer Scholarships to International Students?
This is one of the most important questions for prospective applicants from outside the United States.
UW does not provide scholarships or financial aid to undergraduate international students. The university’s 2026-27 cost-of-attendance information specifically states that international students pay nonresident tuition and should be prepared to cover all expenses.
UW’s Student Financial Aid office also explains that federal regulations and university policies significantly restrict financial assistance available to international students. Students holding F-1, F-2, J-1, J-2 and G-series visas are not eligible for federal student aid.
This is important because many websites use phrases such as “University of Washington fully funded scholarship for international students” without explaining the university’s actual policy.
Prospective international students should not assume that admission to UW automatically creates eligibility for a university-funded undergraduate scholarship.
Instead, international applicants should investigate alternative sources of funding.
These can include:
- Scholarships from their home country
- Government-sponsored education programs
- Scholarships from private organizations
- Employer-sponsored education funding
- External foundations
- International education organizations
- Loans available in their home country
- Other funding sources permitted under their circumstances
UW itself advises international students to investigate banks, embassies and ministries of education in their home countries for possible funding and loan opportunities.
How Much Does the University of Washington Cost in 2026-27?
Understanding the cost of attendance is essential before searching for scholarships.
For the 2026-27 academic year, UW’s Seattle campus estimates annual expenses differently depending on residency and living arrangements.
For a student living on or off campus, the university lists:
Washington resident
- Tuition: $13,406
- Books and course supplies: $900
- Housing and food: $18,858
- Personal expenses: $2,508
- Transportation: $1,074
- Estimated total: $36,746
Non-Washington resident
- Tuition: $44,460
- Books and course supplies: $900
- Housing and food: $18,858
- Personal expenses: $2,508
- Transportation: $1,074
- Estimated total: $67,800
These figures are UW’s published nine-month student budgets for 2026-27 and can change in future academic years. Some programs may also have additional fees.
International undergraduate students pay the nonresident tuition rate.
These numbers show why prospective students should calculate their total expected cost rather than looking only at tuition.
How to Apply for University of Washington Scholarships 2026-27
The application process depends on the scholarship.
Some awards require no separate scholarship form, while others require financial-aid documentation or additional departmental applications.
Step 1: Apply for admission to UW
Your first step should be to identify the UW program you want to enter and complete the appropriate admission application.
For scholarships such as the Presidential Scholarship, Washington residents are automatically considered through their UW admission application.
This makes the quality and completeness of your admission application particularly important.
Step 2: Determine your residency and eligibility
Before applying for financial assistance, establish whether you are considered a Washington resident, a nonresident U.S. student or an international student.
Residency can affect both tuition and scholarship eligibility.
For example, the Presidential Scholarship is specifically for Washington residents, while the Purple & Gold Scholarship is designed for eligible U.S. students who are not Washington residents.
Step 3: Complete the FAFSA or WASFA if eligible
Students seeking UW financial aid generally need to complete either the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA), depending on their circumstances.
UW states that both applications open October 1 and that its priority filing date is February 1. Students who submit after the priority date can still be considered for aid, but the amount of available aid may be limited.
The UW federal school code is 003798 for the Seattle, Bothell and Tacoma campuses.
International students should not submit FAFSA simply because they are seeking a UW undergraduate scholarship; their immigration status makes them ineligible for federal student aid, and UW does not provide undergraduate scholarships or financial aid to international students.
Step 4: Prepare your financial information
For need-based aid, UW evaluates financial information to determine a student’s financial need.
The university explains that its assessment can consider factors such as family size, income and assets.
Keep relevant financial records available and make sure the information you submit is accurate.
Step 5: Look for scholarship-specific requirements
Do not assume that completing the FAFSA or admission application automatically enters you into every scholarship competition.
Some awards are automatic, while others may have separate requirements.
For example, UW’s Presidential Scholarship does not require a separate application, whereas departmental and external opportunities can follow their own application procedures.
Step 6: Check your UW account and email
After applying, monitor your UW communications carefully.
Some scholarship or financial-aid decisions may require additional documentation.
For financial aid, UW directs admitted students to review their aid offer through MyUW. Students should also respond promptly if the university requests additional documents.
What Makes a Strong UW Scholarship Applicant?
There is no single profile that guarantees a scholarship.
However, the university’s scholarship descriptions show several qualities that can matter depending on the award.
Strong academic preparation
Academic performance is important for many scholarships, particularly awards designed for high-achieving students.
But grades are not necessarily the only consideration.
Leadership
Leadership can be particularly important for awards such as the Presidential Scholarship.
UW says its Presidential Scholars are selected based on qualities including emerging leadership, community engagement, innovation and recognized talent.
Community involvement
Students should not assume that scholarship committees only want applicants with perfect academic records.
Some UW scholarship programs specifically consider community service and contributions to others.
Financial circumstances
For need-based scholarships, the student’s financial situation can play a significant role.
The Costco Scholarship, for example, considers financial need alongside academic and personal factors.
A clear application
Where an application or personal statement is required, applicants should explain their experiences honestly and specifically.
Rather than listing activities without context, explain what you did, why it mattered and what you learned.
Important Deadlines for UW Scholarships and Financial Aid
Deadlines can differ considerably between scholarships.
For the UW financial-aid process, the university currently identifies February 1 as the priority filing date for FAFSA/WASFA.
However, students should not assume that February 1 is the deadline for every UW scholarship.
Individual awards can have different requirements and dates.
For example, the Purple & Gold Scholarship requires recipients to confirm their intention to enroll for autumn quarter by May 1.
The safest approach is to check the official UW scholarship page and the individual scholarship information for the year in which you are applying.
Can Transfer Students Get Scholarships at UW?
Yes, UW also lists scholarship opportunities for transfer students.
However, eligibility differs from first-year scholarship programs.
Transfer applicants should review UW’s transfer scholarship information and investigate department-level opportunities after enrollment.
Students considering transfer should not automatically assume that a scholarship available to first-year applicants is also available to them.
Are There Fully Funded University of Washington Scholarships?
There is no general UW undergraduate scholarship that every student can apply for and receive as a universal fully funded award.
Some specialized scholarships can cover significant expenses.
For example, the Army ROTC scholarship listed by UW can cover full tuition for eligible students and provides additional benefits.
But this scholarship has specific citizenship, age, academic, medical and military-service requirements.
Therefore, the phrase “fully funded University of Washington scholarship” should always be examined carefully.
A scholarship that covers tuition is not necessarily the same thing as a scholarship that covers tuition, housing, food, transportation, books and personal expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What scholarships does the University of Washington offer for 2026-27?
UW offers several scholarship opportunities, including the Presidential Scholarship, Purple & Gold Scholarship, Costco Scholarship, NASA Space Grant opportunities and ROTC scholarships. Additional scholarships may be available through academic departments.
Can international students get scholarships at the University of Washington?
Undergraduate international students are not eligible for UW financial aid or scholarships. UW says international undergraduates should be prepared to cover their educational and living expenses.
How much is the UW Presidential Scholarship?
The Presidential Scholarship provides $10,000 annually for up to four years to selected Washington residents who meet the program’s criteria.
Do I need a separate application for the Presidential Scholarship?
No. Eligible Washington residents are automatically considered when they apply to the University of Washington in Seattle.
What is the Purple & Gold Scholarship?
The Purple & Gold Scholarship is available to qualifying U.S. students who are not Washington residents. The award is renewable for four years if the recipient continues to meet the requirements.
What is the UW FAFSA deadline for 2026-27?
UW currently lists February 1 as the priority filing date for financial aid. FAFSA and WASFA applications open October 1. Students who apply after the priority date may still receive consideration, although available aid may be more limited.
How much does the University of Washington cost for international students?
For 2026-27, UW lists nonresident undergraduate tuition at $44,460. For a student living on or off campus, UW’s estimated nine-month total cost is $67,800. International students pay nonresident tuition.
Does UW offer scholarships for graduate students?
Financial assistance can be available to graduate students, but graduate funding follows different rules from undergraduate scholarships. Students should check their specific graduate program and department for fellowships, assistantships and other opportunities.
Final Thoughts
The University of Washington scholarships 2026-27 landscape is broader than a simple list of scholarship awards.
For Washington residents, opportunities such as the Presidential Scholarship can provide substantial support. Eligible nonresident U.S. students may be considered for the Purple & Gold Scholarship, while high-achieving students with financial need may qualify for programs such as the Costco Scholarship. Students pursuing STEM subjects can also investigate opportunities connected with the Washington NASA Space Grant Consortium.
At the same time, prospective international undergraduate students need to approach the process differently.
UW’s current policy states that it does not provide financial aid or scholarships to undergraduate international students. Those applicants should therefore plan their finances before applying and investigate funding sources outside UW.
The most important thing is to avoid relying on generic scholarship websites for current eligibility information. Scholarship conditions can change, and a program that existed several years ago may have different requirements today.
Before submitting an application, check the University of Washington’s official scholarship, admissions and financial-aid pages for the latest requirements and deadlines.
Official University of Washington Resources
- UW Scholarships: The university’s official scholarship directory and eligibility information.
- UW Financial Aid: Information about eligibility, FAFSA/WASFA and financial-aid procedures.
- UW Admissions: Admission requirements, costs and application information.
- UW Presidential Scholarship: Eligibility and program details for Washington residents.
Information in this article reflects University of Washington information available for the 2026-27 academic year. Scholarship availability, eligibility requirements, award amounts and deadlines can change, so applicants should verify details with UW before submitting an application.
