UAB Presidential Scholarship Requirements: A Comprehensive Guide

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) proudly welcomes exceptional students and offers various scholarship opportunities to support their academic pursuits. Among these, the UAB Presidential Scholarship stands out as a prestigious award for both transfer and incoming freshmen students. This article will comprehensively outline the requirements, application process, and other essential details related to the UAB Presidential Scholarship.

Merit Scholarships for Freshmen

UAB awards merit scholarships for a wide range of academic achievements. Current high school seniors who apply to UAB with test scores or as test-optional will be considered for merit scholarships. Current high school seniors admitted with test scores are automatically considered for ACT- and GPA-based merit scholarships. Current high school seniors admitted without test scores are considered for scholarships based on information provided in the admission application and supporting documentation.

Test Scores and GPA Considerations

While the university cannot advise applicants on whether or not to apply with test scores, students can compare their test scores to these Fall 2024 averages of incoming freshmen: 26.5 ACT and 3.8 GPA. Applicants with scores at or above the averages typically have more scholarship opportunities when applying with a test score. Students who apply for admission with test scores of 33-36 ACT or 1450-1600 SAT and a high school GPA of at least 3.5, as well as qualifying test-optional applicants, will be invited to compete for the Regions, Ireland, or McCallum Presidential endowed scholarships through answering a series of questions in BSMART, the Blazer Scholarship Management and Resource Tool. Please note that these scholarships have an earlier submission deadline of February 1. UAB does not consider superscores for admission or scholarship purposes.

Presidential Recognition Scholarship

Presidential Recognition Scholarship recipients who have a composite ACT score of 33-36 may apply for the highly competitive Presidential and Endowed Scholarships. If awarded, the Presidential or Endowed Scholarship will replace the Presidential Recognition Award. Approximately ten applicants will be selected to interview for the Regions Academic, Charles William Ireland Presidential Honors, and McCallum Presidential Scholarships in late February or early March. These three prestigious awards are endowed by companies and individuals with an extraordinary commitment to higher education at UAB.

Transfer Presidential Scholarship

Each year, The University of Alabama at Birmingham proudly welcomes exceptional students who began their college journey at an Alabama Community College. The Transfer Presidential Scholarship provides $6,250 per semester for 4 semesters ($12,500 annually; fall and spring semesters only).

Eligibility Criteria for Transfer Students

To be eligible for the Transfer Presidential Scholarship, students must meet several requirements:

Alabama Community College Enrollment: Students must be currently enrolled in a community college within the state of Alabama.
Full-Time Enrollment at UAB: If awarded the scholarship, students must enroll at UAB for fall 2026 as a full-time degree-seeking undergraduate student (minimum 12 UAB undergraduate credit hours).
Admittance to UAB: Must be admitted to an undergraduate program at UAB by the scholarship deadline.
GPA: Must have a minimum 3.0 GPA, including your most recent grades. (An updated, official transcript that contains the most recent semester's grades must be received prior to the scholarship deadline.
Citizenship: U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or onshore students on select visa types.
No 4-year Institution Credit: The student cannot have any 4-year institution credit.
Transfer Ambassador: The student must be willing to assist with transfer recruitment events and efforts as a transfer ambassador for UAB.
Program Enrollment: Students pursuing a certificate-only program or a program that requires less than full-time enrollment (e.g.

Application Process and Deadlines

All application materials must be submitted by February 17, 2026. After reviewing applications, the UAB Scholarship Committee will invite select candidates for an interview.

Additional Scholarship Opportunities

UAB offers departmental, performance, and more scholarship opportunities to admitted and current students. Students interested in these scholarships should complete the BSMART Scholarship Application in the Blazer Scholarship Management and Resource Tool (BSMART). Completing the application submits student information to multiple departments and units on campus for scholarship consideration. Students can complete the BSMART Application beginning August 1. The BSMART Application submission deadline is April 1. View more details about applying for additional UAB scholarships.

External Scholarship Programs

UAB also collaborates with external organizations to offer scholarship opportunities to its students. Here are a few examples:

JSCC Transfer Scholarship: A complete JSCC Transfer Scholarship Packet must be submitted by February 1, 2025.
Troy University Transfer Presidential Scholarship: Troy University is seeking a nominee for the Transfer Presidential Scholarship to be provided to an outstanding Jefferson State Community College transfer student for the 2025-2026 academic year. The scholarship will provide $12,000 per academic year (tuition only) for two years, excluding summer, provided that the student adheres to the Troy University scholarship requirements. This scholarship cannot be used in conjunction with any other scholarship or tuition assistance awarded by Troy University. A complete JSCC transfer scholarship application must be submitted by March 1, 2025.
Jacksonville State University Presidential Transfer Leadership Scholarship: Jacksonville State University is seeking a nominee for the Presidential Transfer Leadership Scholarship to be provided to an outstanding Jefferson State Community College transfer student for the 2025-2026 academic year. The scholarship will cover the cost of tuition for four semesters, excluding summer, provided that the student adheres to the Jacksonville State scholarship requirements. A complete JSCC Transfer Scholarship Packet must be submitted by March 1, 2025.

UAB Birmingham Promise Scholarship

The UAB Birmingham Promise Scholarship is an opportunity available to students who graduate from a Birmingham City School. In addition, students must complete and submit the FAFSA by May 1 to determine eligibility for federal grants (Pell and SEOG). Once a student is awarded UAB merit scholarships and/or federal grants for which they qualify, the UAB Birmingham Promise Scholarship may be awarded to cover the remaining required tuition and fees only for up to 15 credit hours per semester. Housing and meal plan costs are not covered by this scholarship. This scholarship may be awarded for up to four years (eight semesters) provided the student meets academic and application renewal requirements by posted deadlines each year. This scholarship does not cover summer semesters. Students do not have to qualify for merit scholarships or federal grants to receive the UAB Birmingham Promise Scholarship, but they must have a FAFSA on file to reflect their aid options.

Additional Information

Veterans, individuals with disabilities, minorities, 1st generation college students, and other underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. UAB is a destination for academically talented students, and we are proud to recognize and award multiple national and international scholars. National scholarships are stackable on any merit awards, but students are eligible to receive only one of the awards below.

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