Navigating Scholarship Opportunities at the University of North Florida

The University of North Florida (UNF) provides a multitude of scholarship opportunities for its students, encompassing both internal UNF scholarships and external, non-UNF awards. Scholarships are awarded based on a variety of factors, including academic achievement, financial need, engagement in campus and community activities, and leadership experience. UNF has transitioned to Scholarship Universe, a platform designed to connect students with relevant scholarship opportunities.

Understanding Scholarship Universe

UNF utilizes ScholarshipUniverse to streamline the scholarship search and application process. This platform automatically matches students to potential awards based on their major, GPA, and other information already on file with the university. To get started, students log in to Scholarship Universe and click the Scholarships link on the left. The more scholarship matching questions answered in Scholarship Universe, the more scholarships a student may match to.

Maximizing Your Scholarship Matches

To maximize scholarship opportunities within ScholarshipUniverse, students should regularly log in and update their profile. As new scholarships are added, additional matching questions become available. Keeping the question bank up to date ensures the most relevant scholarship matches.

Accessing ScholarshipUniverse

To access ScholarshipUniverse, students can click the ScholarshipUniverse button and log in using their UNF credentials. After logging in, students can start answering questions by selecting the Questions menu option on the left side.

UNF Scholarships

These are scholarships offered directly by the University of North Florida. Many UNF Foundation scholarships do not require a separate application. Students are automatically matched to potential awards based on their major, GPA, and other information UNF already knows.

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UNF Foundation Scholarships

Many UNF Foundation scholarships do not require a separate application. Students are automatically matched to potential awards based on their major, GPA, and other information UNF already knows.

Admission Scholarships

The Office of Admissions offers scholarships to first-time-in-college (FTIC) and transfer students. For optimal consideration for one of UNF's institutional scholarships, submit your complete admissions application as soon as possible.

Scholarship Awarding Process

Scholarships are awarded based on available funding and established deadlines. All students without scholarship funding are reviewed for eligibility during each round of awarding. In fairness to all eligible applicants, UNF refrains from offering more than one institutional scholarship to the same student. Students will receive the highest award for which they are eligible.

Scholarship Disbursement

Tuition and fees will be automatically pended against available financial aid and/or scholarships. If financial aid does not completely cover the charges on the account, the remaining balance must be paid by the payment deadline. Scholarships are first applied toward tuition. Once tuition and fees have been covered, Student Financial Services disburses any remaining balance of the scholarship after the payment deadline for the term has passed. Payments are typically processed by the third week of the term. For fastest access to refunds, students should set up an eRefund account in myWings. Scholarships count toward financial aid; therefore, other aid (loans, institutional grants, etc.) may need to be reduced so students are not over-awarded beyond their Cost of Attendance.

Scholarship Renewal

Students are evaluated for scholarship eligibility at the end of each spring term to determine renewal for the next academic year. If students do not enroll in the minimum UNF credit hours each term (fall and spring), the scholarship may be in jeopardy even after the fall term.

Scholarship Terms and Conditions

If a student does not meet the terms of their scholarship contract, the scholarship may be canceled. Most UNF institutional grants and admissions scholarships require enrollment in a minimum of 15 credit hours for disbursement.

Non-UNF Scholarships

In addition to internal scholarships, ScholarshipUniverse allows students to search for Non-UNF scholarships. These scholarships are not offered by UNF and can be matched based on a variety of factors such as major, financial need, hobbies, and interests.

Scholarships for International Students

The UNF International Center offers limited scholarships for international students. When applying to a scholarship, always be sure to check for eligibility for international students. For example, many UNF scholarships require the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).

Non-Florida Tuition Waiver

The Non-Florida Tuition Waiver scholarship functions as an out-of-state tuition waiver and if awarded, waives a portion or all of out-of-state tuition fees. Recipients must be registered students in good standing with the University of North Florida, with at least one academic year (Fall and Spring terms) of course work completed at UNF. Awards are based on the number of waivers provided to the International Center each year and are reserved for F-1 students. The selection criterion is a mix of academic performance and date of graduation.

Merit-Based Tuition Waivers

International undergraduate applicants may be eligible for Merit-Based tuition waivers.

Read also: Scholarship Opportunities at NAU

Sir Colville Young Scholarship

This scholarship is specifically for citizens of Belize studying any major at UNF and is eligible for both undergraduate and graduate students. Eligibility is based on a minimum UNF cumulative GPA of 3.0, must be a non-US Citizen attending UNF for one semester prior to applying for the scholarship, must be an enrolled UNF student with a minimum of 6 credit hours each semester, among other things.

Linkage Institutes

Linkage institutes serve as out-of-state tuition waivers and help to reduce the cost of tuition for international students. The primary purpose of these institutes is to assist in the development of stronger economic, cultural, educational, and social ties between this state and strategic foreign countries through the promotion of expanded public and private dialogue on cooperative research and technical acceptance activities, increased bilateral commerce, student and faculty exchange, cultural exchange, and enhancement of language training skills between the postsecondary institutions in this state and those of selected foreign countries.

Florida/West Africa Institute (FLAWI)

The Florida/West Africa Institute (FLAWI) was created by an act of the State Legislature in 1991 to promote academic, cultural, and economic exchanges between the state of Florida and the region of West Africa. It is one of eleven such institutes which are administered at affiliate universities and colleges throughout the state. FLAWI is based at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville. Institute tuition exemptions are available only to students from the following countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde Islands, Cote D'Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo. Exemptions generally will be granted for two semesters, normally the fall and spring semesters (August through April). Waivers are for one academic year and will be reviewed annually for continuation. Students awarded waivers are required to perform 50 hours of community service per year or 25 hours of community service per semester or term. To maintain a tuition waiver, students must maintain at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA).

Graduate Assistantships and Fellowships

Graduate assistantships and fellowships are opportunities for graduate students (master's or doctoral) to work or do research with a faculty member or department and, sometimes, receive funding. Assistantship and fellowship award amounts vary but may include the removal or reduction of out-of-state tuition fees. Certain awards may also include a stipend (salary), housing payments, etc.

Additional Scholarship Opportunities

Other UNF departments and Non-UNF organizations offer additional scholarship opportunities. Students should always be sure to check for eligibility for international students before applying to a scholarship.

Specific Scholarship Examples

Student Government Scholarships

Student Government awards scholarships annually during the Fall semester of each academic year. These scholarships are allocated and distributed by Student Government.

Competitive Scholarships

Competitive Scholarships are scholarships that are allocated and distributed by Student Government.

E.K.: Click here to apply for the E.K.
Martin P.: Click her to apply for the Martin P. Two recipients will be awarded $2,000. All applicant essays must adhere to the following format: 1-2 pages, double-spaced, 12pt. Must qualify as a non-traditional student.
Dr.: Click here to apply for the Dr.

Decentralized Scholarships

Decentralized Scholarships are scholarships that are allocated by Student Government for other departments to distribute. The departments themselves determine the selection process and decide on the award recipient(s) for each award. The applications may be submitted on Perch Portal. Please contact the VP of Student Affairs Office at (904) 620-2600 to inquire about the scholarship form.

College of Arts and Sciences Scholarships

The Diane DeMell Jacobsen, Ph.D. American Art History Scholarship: Supports outstanding undergraduate students pursuing a degree in Art History at the University of North Florida. Eligible students must be Florida residents for tuition purposes, maintain full-time enrollment (12+ credit hours in both Fall and Spring semesters), hold a minimum UNF GPA of 3.0, and have completed or be enrolled in at least one of the following courses: American Art 1, American Art 2, Postwar Art, or African American Art. Awardees must continue to meet academic and behavioral standards, maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and consent to the release of academic information for donor reporting purposes. Administered by the UNF Foundation.
The Dr. Mauricio Gonzalez Endowed Scholarship: Provides vital need-based financial support to students pursuing a degree in Art and Design within the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of North Florida. To be considered, applicants must complete the FAFSA, demonstrate financial need as determined by UNFâs Office of Financial Aid, and be accepted to the university with a declared major in Art and Design. Awardees are expected to maintain full-time enrollment (minimum 12 credit hours in fall and spring), earn at least 24 credit hours each academic year, uphold a GPA of 2.5 or higher during junior and senior years, and remain in good academic and disciplinary standing. The scholarship is renewable for up to four semesters, pending continued eligibility and availability of funds.
The Dr. Peter Scott Brown Art History Scholarship Endowment: Supports outstanding students pursuing a degree in Art & Design at the University of North Florida, with a preference for those majoring in Art History. The award amount is determined by the fund manager and may cover up to the full cost of attendance, including tuition, books, housing, meal plans, transportation, and other related expenses, as outlined in the annual âCost of Educationâ budget by the Financial Aid Office.
The Hope McMath Leadership in the Arts Scholarship Fund: Supports students who demonstrate academic excellence and commitment to museum studies and leadership within the visual arts. The amount awarded is determined by the fund manager and may not exceed the total cost of attendance (as defined by the UNF Financial Aid Office).
The Jan and Bruce Lipsky Photography Scholarship: Supports outstanding junior and senior Photography majors at the University of North Florida who demonstrate both talent and financial need. This scholarship may be renewed based on continued eligibility and available funding, with a maximum of five semesters of support (including summer).
The John Hutcheson Memorial Printmaking Scholarship Endowment: Honors the legacy of John Hutcheson by supporting talented students pursuing a major in Printmaking at the University of North Florida. The scholarship amount is determined by the fund manager and may cover up to the full cost of education, including tuition, books, housing, meals, transportation, and miscellaneous expenses, as outlined by UNF's Financial Aid Office. Funding is derived from a combination of sources, including the Hutcheson Endowment and federal aid, in accordance with Title IV regulations. To be eligible, applicants must meet UNF admissions requirements, enroll full-time as an undergraduate student in the College of Arts and Sciences with a declared major in Art, Art History & Design (Sculpture concentration), and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.75. The scholarship may be awarded for up to two semesters, with award amounts determined by the fund manager.
The Lu Ann and Doran Weinstein Memorial Scholarship in Visual Arts: Supports aspiring visual artists who demonstrate both financial need and a commitment to academic success. Recipients may apply for a one-time study abroad award, subject to funding availability and compliance with all scholarship terms.
The Paul E. Ladnier Endowed Scholarship Fund: Supports promising art students at the University of North Florida who demonstrate a strong commitment to painting or drawing. Current recipients may apply for renewal and will be given preference, pending available funding and continued fulfillment of all eligibility criteria.
The Tay Wood Cooper Ceramics Annual Scholarship: Supports aspiring artists within the Department of Art, Art History and Design at the University of North Florida. Eligible recipients must meet UNF admission requirements, reside in Florida for tuition purposes, and be enrolled full-time (minimum 12 credit hours each in the fall and spring semesters). Students must also declare a major in Art, Art History, and Design with a concentration in Ceramics and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5. In addition to academic eligibility, recipients must comply with university regulations, agree to share academic progress with the Division of University Development and Alumni Engagement, and remain in good standing. Preference for renewal is given to current recipients who continue to meet all requirements and as funding permits. This scholarship is administered by the UNF Foundation and welcomes additional contributions in support of future ceramic artists.
The Tay Wood Cooper Scholarship Endowment: Supports aspiring artists and designers enrolled in the Department of Art, Art History and Design at the University of North Florida. Current recipients may reapply for the scholarship each year. Scholarships are renewable if students continue to meet all eligibility and responsibility criteria.
The George W. The preference will be for a student who is eligible to receive Pell Grant funding.

Theodore R. and Vivian M.

Complete a Theodore R. and Vivian M. Demonstrate financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Complete and return an acceptance form or contact the appropriate institution representative (listed at the end of the application) by the date specified in your notification letter. One recipient will be awarded $2,000. Half will be disbursed in the fall term; half will be disbursed in the spring term.

Athletics Scholarships

For inquiries about playing for an athletics team at UNF, contact the specific coaching staff. When contacting the coaching staff, include a resume and relevant statistics, video footage, and academic transcripts and test scores (if available). UNF is an NCAA Division I university and is a member of the ASUN Conference. As a result, roster spots and athletic scholarships are very competitive.

The Importance of Thank You Letters

Making an impact: Your thank you letter is very important to the donor! Make it your own: Share your own story about you, what year you are in, what you are majoring in, how this scholarship has helped you and a brief description of your short-term / long-term career aspirations. Write professionally: You want to make a good impression!

Starting with FAFSA

To be considered for most financial aidâincluding UNF scholarshipsâyou must first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form helps determine your eligibility for federal, state, and institutional funding. Even if you think you may not qualify for need-based aid, we encourage all students to apply. Visit studentaid.gov to get started. UNFâs school code is 009841.

External Scholarship Checks

If you're getting an external scholarship, please bring the check to One-Stop Student Services. If it requires endorsement, be sure to sign the check. Once received, checks will be processed and added as a private scholarship on your myWings award summary.

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