The University of Washington Tacoma offers a variety of scholarships for students. Some are based on merit; others require applicants to demonstrate evidence of financial need, many are a combination of both need and merit. Students who wish to demonstrate financial need must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the priority registration date.

Most scholarship applications for the upcoming academic year open between February - May of the current academic year.  Start your search early! At least 12 months prior to needing the funds. Some scholarships may require you to be admitted before applying, and some may not.

Scholarship Highlights

Start your scholarship search today with the UW Office of Merit Scholarships, Fellowships & Awards' scholarship search database of UW, local, national, and international scholarships. 


ACCESS In STEM Program | Priority Consideration Deadline:  February 23, 2026 

For students admitted to UW Tacoma as a First-Year or Transfer (under 45 credits) for Autumn 2026 with an interest in STEM majors. Scholarship award up to $15,000 a year, for four years. For eligibility and program requirements please visit ACCESS In STEM Scholarships.

Discover Our Scholarships

Scholarships Open to All Students
Scholarships for First-Year Undergraduates Only
  • Incoming First-Year Merit Scholarship: All legal residents of Washington state with an application for autumn quarter admission received by January 15 are automatically considered for this scholarship; no additional materials are necessary. This scholarship is based on a combination of need and merit, other factors may also be considered. Scholarship amounts vary based on funding allocations received year-to-year.
  • ACCESS in STEM Scholarship
Scholarships for Transfer Students
  • Transfer Priority Scholarship: All legal residents of Washington state with an application for autumn quarter admission received by March 15 are automatically considered for this scholarship; no additional materials are necessary. This scholarship is based on a combination of need and merit, other factors may also be considered. Scholarship amounts vary based on funding allocations received year-to-year.
  • Next Step Scholarship
  • Hites Transfer Scholarship (for Tacoma Community College students only)
Program-Specific Scholarships

The eligibility requirements for these scholarships, including residency, may vary. Please contact the respective unit for additional information. If your academic department is not listed, please check with that department directly for scholarship information.

Scholarships & Funding Opportunities for Graduate Students

The eligibility requirements for the below resources, including residency, may vary. Application open and closing dates differ. Please visit each respective unit for more information.

Scholarships offered specifically by your degree program:

UW Tacoma Student Fellowships

The Tuition Exemption Program

Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program

The UW Tacoma General Scholarship

Office of Merit Scholarships, Fellowships & Awards (OMSFA)

The UW Graduate School Resources:

Scholarships for the UW Tri-Campus

The University of Washington Office of Merit Scholarships, Fellowships and Awards helps students identify and apply for competitive merit and need based resources for academic and development opportunities. 

Use the OMSFA Scholarship Search database to look for funding opportunities. Some scholarships are open to students at all three campuses, while some may be limited to one or two.

External Scholarship Information

 

Need to Mail a Scholarship Check?

Scholarship checks are processed by Student Fiscal Services and should be mailed to:

University of Washington - Scholarships
PO Box 24967
Seattle, WA 98124-1967

Please have the sponsor include the following information with the check:

  • Student name
  • UW student number or social security number
  • Quarter or academic year that the payment covers
  • Sponsor's full address, including fax and email address, if available. 

 

Received a Scholarship and Need to Let Financial Aid Know?

Remember to report  the resources you receive for the academic year. Our office will need current and complete information on your resources throughout the year, so you are not over-awarded and have to potentially to repay aid.

You can do this via your MyUW Financial Aid Status page. Once on the page, look to the left hand menu and click "resources".

 

Other Useful Sources for Non-UW Scholarships

 

More Links for Finding Financial Assistance and Advice