University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Scholarships for International Students

For international students aspiring to pursue higher education, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) offers a range of scholarship opportunities. These scholarships are designed to support students in financing their education and achieving their academic goals. This article explores the various scholarships available to international students at UWM, eligibility criteria, and the application process.

Understanding Costs and Resources at UWM

Before diving into scholarship specifics, it's essential to understand the overall financial landscape for international students at UWM. This includes tuition, living expenses, insurance, and other fees like the Segregated Fee and the International Student Fee. UWM provides resources to help international students navigate these costs and maintain their immigration status. Students can also refine their English language skills through the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program.

Scholarships for Newly Admitted International Undergraduate Students

UWM has a scholarship program specifically for newly admitted international undergraduate degree-seeking students. These scholarships are awarded based on academic merit. Decisions are made monthly, and students are notified as soon as a decision is made. Scholarships are awarded until the funds are fully allocated. To ensure full consideration, students should be admitted by May 1 for the fall intake and by October 1 for the spring intake.

The Panther Scholarship Portal

All admitted international students are encouraged to explore the UWM Scholarship Portal and apply for any other scholarships for which they believe they meet the eligibility requirements. Once admitted to UWM, students can use their ePanther ID to sign in to the Panther Scholarship Portal and complete the General Application. Completing as much of the application as possible is crucial, as it serves as the primary source of information for selecting recipients.

Each scholarship offered by UWM has unique eligibility criteria. Some are open to most or all students, while others have specific requirements regarding academic achievements, intended majors or careers, or even the high school a student attended. The Panther Scholarship Portal uses student data and answers on the General Application to match students with open scholarship opportunities for which they are eligible.

Merit-Based Admission Scholarships for First-Year Students

UWM recognizes outstanding academic achievement by awarding merit-based admission scholarships to incoming first-year students each year through a competitive scholarship awarding process. International students are eligible for these scholarships. New transfer students are also encouraged to complete the Panther Scholarship Portal General Application to be automatically considered for admission scholarships and others.

Scholarship Awarding and Timing

The majority of scholarships at UWM are awarded for a full academic year, split evenly across the fall and spring terms. Scholarships awarded specifically for the summer term are limited.

Graduate Student Funding Opportunities

Graduate students have opportunities for tuition remission through assistantships such as teaching assistants, project assistants, program assistants, and research assistants. Funding for graduate students is awarded directly from the academic program.

Additional Financial Aid Options

To apply for financial aid, students can submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for maximum financial aid consideration. UWM also offers need-based grants that can be paired with other awards to further reduce costs. Student loans, both federal and private, are available but must be repaid at a later date. Federal work-study provides part-time employment to degree-seeking students with financial need.

Specific Scholarship Examples

Several specific scholarships are available to UWM students:

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Chancellor’s Merit Scholarship: This scholarship is offered to incoming first-year students with at least a 3.4 high school GPA (unweighted). It is renewable for up to four years, resulting in a total award amount of $2,000-$6,000. Qualifying students receive this scholarship automatically upon full-time enrollment.
The Anu and Satya Nadella Scholarship: This full-ride scholarship is for first-year students from Milwaukee high schools pursuing degrees in computer science, data science, and information technology.
The Froedtert Memorial Hospital Scholarship: This scholarship is for students pursuing health-related academic programs such as biomedical sciences, health care administration, nursing, nutrition, public health and social work.

Scholarships for Specific Fields of Study

All UWM campuses and schools/colleges offer scholarships to their students in areas such as Business, Public Health.

Study Abroad Scholarships

UWM offers several scholarships to support students who wish to study abroad:

The Wisconsin Study Abroad Grant: This grant provides funding for qualifying undergraduate UWM students to offset the cost of study abroad. The amount of funding awarded varies based on the program length, with a maximum award of $2,000.
Donald R. Shea Scholarship: Offered by the Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies (CLACS), this scholarship provides $250-500 for undergraduate students demonstrating academic interest in Latin American and/or Caribbean studies.
The Rita Mae Conway Memorial Scholarship: This scholarship supports nursing students who plan to study abroad on a UWinteriM program.
Gilman International Scholarship: This program awards Pell Grant recipients up to $5,000 to study abroad for a semester or year.

National Security Education Program (NSEP) David L. Boren Scholarships and Fellowships

These scholarships and fellowships focus on study in areas of the world that are critical to U.S. national security, using a broad definition that includes not only traditional concerns but also the challenges of global society.

Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, this program offers scholarships for studying critical need foreign languages.

Fulbright U.S. Student Program

This program provides opportunities for students to undertake international graduate study, advanced research, university teaching, and primary and secondary school teaching worldwide.

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External Study Abroad Scholarship Providers

Several external organizations provide study abroad scholarships:

API (Academic Programs International): Awards approximately $400,000 in study abroad scholarships annually, ranging from $250 to $1,000 per student.
CAPA International Education: Offers scholarships to students who demonstrate high academic achievement and financial need.
CIEE (Council on International Educational Exchange): Provides scholarships and grants for studying, teaching, and working abroad.
ISA (International Studies Abroad): Offers numerous scholarships to students applying for a semester or year abroad through the ISA program.
Dr. Alfred Bader Scholarship: Funds awards (up to $2,500/semester) for eligible UWM students participating in the Herstmonceux Castle Study Abroad Program.
Taiwanese Government Scholarships: Offers scholarships to students interested in improving their Chinese language skills in Taiwan.

Online Scholarship Platforms

ScholarshipPortal.eu: A European platform providing information on scholarships for studying in Europe.
StudyAbroad.com: A resource listing scholarship opportunities available to students.

Navigating the Panther Scholarship Portal

The Panther Scholarship Portal categorizes scholarships into two types:

Auto-Match Scholarships: These scholarships do not require any additional questions beyond the General Application. Students are matched automatically if they satisfy the qualifications.
Apply-To Scholarships: These scholarships require additional questions or items (like a resume or reference). Students must submit a scholarship-specific application to be considered.

Additional Scholarship Opportunities

UWM offers a variety of other scholarships with specific eligibility requirements:

Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program Scholarship
Frances A. Rice Scholarship
Ian J. McMullen Scholarship: Awarded annually to an undergraduate French major for study abroad.
A.T. Scholarship
Frederick J. and Ruth H. Stare Scholarship
James A. and Dorothy G. Uphill Scholarship
Morris K. Udall and John S. McCain III Native American Congressional Internship Program
Tuition Waiver: Applied to the resident portion of tuition charges and awarded to undergraduate students in the MKE Scholars program and undergraduate re-entry students.

Reporting Scholarships

Students are required to report receiving a scholarship.

Understanding Grants and Loans

A grant is generally based on financial need and does not have to be repaid. Student loans are federal and private funds that must be repaid at a later date.

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