Scholarships & Funding

Applications for the Henry T. Schatz Fellowship are currently closed. 

The University of Washington Tacoma School of Education offers this scholarship for a graduate student enrolled in or applying for the Secondary Math or Science Teacher Certification Program to obtain an initial teaching certification

Applications for Patti Banks Endowed Fellowship are currently closed. 

Graduate Merit Scholarship

The UW Tacoma School of Education Merit Scholarship is a tuition-based fund to be paid towards quarterly tuition only. The funds support a tuition rebate, lowering the cost of tuition.  This scholarship is not a cash award and cannot be applied to fees, books, or any expenses other than tuition. Any additional tuition-based funding received may nullify or reduce disbursement of this scholarship. Students who are currently enrolled in a School of Education (SOE) graduate program may apply for a merit-based scholarship that would be applied in Winter and Spring 2026. 

Please consult with the Office of Student Financial Aid for questions regarding impact to your individual aid package.

SCHOLARSHIP CRITERIA

1. Scholarships should be made to currently enrolled graduate students who will attend UWT in the quarters the scholarship is awarded.

2. Scholarships may be made only to students in tuition-based programs that operate in 2025-2026. Students in self-supporting or fee-based programs are not eligible.*

3. Scholarships may be awarded only to tuition-paying students (regardless of whether tuition is paid personally, through financial aid, or other means).  Students who meet the following criteria are eligible for these scholarships:

• Be a Washington state legal resident

• Currently enrolled in a graduate degree program at UW Tacoma

• Have completed at least one quarter as matriculated student

• Are in good academic standing with a minimum graduate GPA of 3.3

• Have demonstrated sustained academic excellence or shown academic improvement over time 

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS (Documents will be uploaded to this application)

1. Essay: In no more than 500 words, describe why you should be considered for a UW Tacoma/School of Education scholarship by citing your financial need, background, lived experiences, as well as recent accomplishments.

2. Resume: A short resume (1-2 pages) that summarizes the following: all degrees/certificates earned, cumulative GPA (based on last 90 quarter or 60 semester credits), and name of institution(s) attended.

Applications are due Friday, November 14, 2025 by NOON.
 

APPLICATION LINK: https://forms.gle/LcGcjfxDicLCqpQC8 (Google Form) 

*Students receiving full benefits are not eligible for this scholarship (i.e., VA, tuition exemption as mentioned above in #2).

Questions may be directed to uwted@uw.edu. 
 

Project TELL Equity Scholarship

The School of Education faculty member, Dr. Belinda Louie has received a multi-year federal grant to train teacher candidates to work with English language learners.

Up to $10,000 in tuition support may be available for each student accepted into the Master of Education for Practicing Educators program. The tuition support award is contingent on passing the WEST-E exam.

The award for tuition support will be split between spring and summer quarters for each student that completes all the following requirements:

• Pass the ELL WEST-E by February 1
• Successfully pass all required ELL Endorsement coursework through autumn quarter

If you need more information, please contact Dr. Belinda Louie, Project Director, blouie@uw.edu, (253) 692-4434

*The grant will pay 90% of tuition costs for the five English Language Learner Endorsement courses over four quarters. You as the student are responsible for the remaining 10% of tuition costs and all applicable fees. Please note: this funding is contingent upon ongoing federal funding availability to UW Tacoma by the US Department of Education; any changes will be communicated as possible.  

What is the Martinez Fellowship Program?

Applications are closed for the 2025-2026 academic year. Information for the 2026-2027 application will be posted at a later date. 

The Martinez Fellowship Program is a unique partnership UW Tacoma has with the Technology Access Foundation. The prestigious program, by a rigorous application and selection process, is geared toward diverse individuals who are committed to advancing equity in our schools as future classroom teachers through a partial tuition/professional development scholarship. Our goal is to ensure early-career educators enter the education field and have long and thriving careers. The rewards of teaching are endless, but the challenges are also real. The Martinez Fellowship provides a support community, ongoing professional development, and ongoing networking opportunities, all of which are grounded in racial identity development to support Martinez Fellows as they navigate the transition from a teacher preparation program to their own classroom. 

The Douglas & Belinda Louie Fellowship is currently closed 

Fellowship Opportunities

The Office of Student Fellowships & Awards supports UW Tacoma students in their applications for competitive institutional, national, and international fellowships. In collaboration with campus partners, the Office raises awareness of fellowship opportunities, helps students develop the skills and personal insights necessary to pursue scholarships, and provides assistance throughout the application process.

Opportunity Grants

The Opportunity Grant program helps low-income students complete up to one year of college and a certificate in a high-wage, high demand career.

For more information visit the Opportunity Grants website.

Graduate Funding Information Service (GFIS)

The Graduate Funding Information Service (GFIS) helps current and admitted UW graduate students learn skills and tools to find funding for graduate school-related expenses.

For Eligible Washington State Employees

Please visit the Current Students webpage to review the eligibility policy for the Washington State Employees Tuition Exemption

Application Fee Waiver Form

If you are a prospective student who is applying to a program within the School of Education and need assistance with paying the application fee, then you may apply for the application waiver fee. Please read through the form and complete it in its entirety before submitting to the School of Education for review. 

If you have any questions, please contact the School of Education, uwted@uw.edu or 253-692-4430.  

Office of Student Financial Aid

UW Tacoma's Office of Student Financial Aid can help you find ways to supplement your funds and pay for your education.