Scholarships in UT Austin play a vital role in making world-class education accessible to talented students from diverse academic and cultural backgrounds. As one of the most respected public research universities in the United States, the University of Texas at Austin offers a wide range of competitive financial awards that support students in pursuing their academic ambitions. These scholarships allow deserving individuals to benefit from UT Austin’s strong academic environment, extensive research opportunities, and exceptional professional development resources without being held back by financial constraints.
In addition to reducing tuition and living expenses, Scholarships in UT Austin also recognize academic excellence, leadership potential, community service, and personal resilience. These awards are designed to support both domestic and international students, ensuring that the UT Austin community remains diverse and inclusive. By offering merit-based, need-based, and specialized scholarships, the university aims to empower students to excel in their studies, contribute meaningfully to campus life, and prepare for impactful careers beyond graduation.
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1. Carlos & Clara Quintanilla Scholarship
The Carlos & Clara Quintanilla Scholarship is one of the prominent scholarships in UT Austin provided through Texas Global, aimed at undergraduate students in the Cockrell School of Engineering. This scholarship honors students who have strong ties to Mexico and are committed to returning there after graduation, reflecting UT’s support for cross-border academic development and global leadership. It recognizes both academic achievement and financial need among those who have demonstrated a deep connection to Mexican higher education.
Benefits:
- $5,000 tuition award for one semester
- Covers spring tuition (for the awarded semester)
Eligibility:
- Undergraduate student, full-time in Cockrell School of Engineering
- Demonstrated financial need
- Must have resided in Mexico immediately prior to enrolling at UT Austin
- Intention to return to Mexico to work after graduation
- Good academic standing (minimum GPA requirement)
Deadline / Application Details:
- Application opens October 1 – November 1 in the LASSO portal
2. Dr. David Nilsson Scholarship
The Dr. David Nilsson Scholarship is one of the key scholarships in UT Austin via Texas Global, reserved for students who completed high school in Mexico and then joined UT Austin. This award supports academic commitment and financial need, encouraging students to both pursue a world-class education and contribute back to their home country. It’s a thoughtful investment in Mexican students aspiring to make significant contributions internationally.
Benefits:
- $2,000 tuition scholarship for a spring semester
Eligibility:
- Must be an undergraduate, full-time at UT Austin
- Graduated from a Mexican high school
- Demonstrated financial need
- Minimum required GPA (academic standing)
- Preference for students who intend to return to Mexico after graduation
Deadline / Application Details:
- Application is open October 1 – November 1 via LASSO
3. Ethel Loving de Diaz Scholarship
The Ethel Loving de Diaz Scholarship is one of the significant scholarships in UT Austin that supports students (undergraduate or graduate) with financial need, particularly those with ties to Mexico. It’s part of UT’s international student funding portfolio, offering a robust award to help ease tuition costs for deserving students who may also be supporting themselves through work. The scholarship underlines UT’s commitment to assisting students facing financial hardships, while also encouraging academic persistence.
Benefits:
- $4,500 toward tuition for the spring semester
Eligibility:
- Enrolled full-time at UT Austin in the award semester
- Demonstrate financial need
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress (2.0 GPA for undergrad; 3.0 for graduate)
- Preference for first-generation students and those who work to fund their education
Deadline / Application Details:
- Application window: October 1 – November 1 via LASSO
4. International Education Fee Scholarship (IEFS)
The International Education Fee Scholarship (IEFS) is a long-standing Scholarship in UT Austin administered by ISSS / Texas Global. It helps offset costs for international students by providing a cash award that can be applied to outstanding university expenses. This makes it especially valuable for students who are self-funding or managing tight financial constraints, helping to ease some of the most significant costs associated with nonresident international education.
Benefits:
- Cash award (up to $5,000, depending on need)
- Funds are applied to outstanding student account balances first, and then excess is paid to the student’s bank account
Eligibility:
- International students (undergraduate or graduate) enrolled full-time
- Demonstrated financial need
- Good academic standing at UT Austin
Deadline / Application Details:
- Application in LASSO: October 1 – November 1 for spring/summer awards
5. General ISSS Financial Aid Scholarship
The General ISSS Financial Aid award is one of the most flexible Scholarships in UT Austin for international students, providing cash awards to those who demonstrate financial need. This aid is not a tuition waiver but rather a direct cash award, helping to cover a variety of expenses. It’s specifically intended for students who have completed at least two semesters at UT, thereby supporting continuing international students in managing their financial burden.
Benefits:
- Cash award (for example, $4,000 in spring, $2,500 in summer — based on recent cycles)
- Automatically applied to any outstanding UT debts first; excess funds are disbursed to student’s bank account
Eligibility:
- Undergraduate or graduate international students
- Completed two academic semesters at UT Austin at time of award
- Have a minimum GPA (2.0 for undergraduates, 3.0 for graduates)
- Demonstrated financial need
Deadline / Application Details:
- Application via LASSO: October 1 – November 1 (for spring/summer awards)
- Note: 14% of the award may be withheld for U.S. tax purposes, depending on visa status and tax treaty
Also check, Yenching Academy Scholarship
6. Iimura Peace Endowed Scholarship
The Iimura Peace Endowed Scholarships are globally minded scholarships in UT Austin offered through Texas Global / ISSS. It recognizes international undergraduate students who have studied in Asia (especially East Asia) and who intend to pursue or have pursued a service project promoting peace. This scholarship encourages students to engage meaningfully with intercultural understanding and community service, enhancing both their academic and societal contributions.
Benefits:
- $5,000 cash award (one semester)
Eligibility:
- Undergraduate international students
- Must have attended a secondary school in East Asia / Asia
- Minimum GPA requirement (usually ≥ 2.0)
- Agreement to complete a service / peace project within a year of the award
Deadline / Application Details:
- Application via LASSO; opens October 1 – November 1 for certain award cycles
7. African Leadership Bridge Endowed Scholarship
The African Leadership Bridge (ALB) Scholarships are a distinguished scholarships in UT Austin that supports undergraduate students who received their preparatory education in Africa and demonstrate leadership potential. The scholarship aims to grow future African leaders by providing a financial award that helps cover the nonresident portion of tuition, making education at a premier U.S. institution more accessible to underserved African talent.
Benefits:
- $5,000 award divided over academic year (half in fall, half in spring)
- Waiver for a portion of nonresident tuition (depends on specific ALB award)
Eligibility:
- Must have attended high school (or preparatory education) in an African country
- Demonstrated financial need
- Minimum cumulative GPA (3.0)
- Preference given to first-year, but can apply as a continuing student
Deadline / Application Details:
- Application via LASSO; typically opens for spring/summer cycle in October
8. Good Neighbor Scholarship
The Good Neighbor Scholarship is one of the many specialized scholarships in UT Austin for undergraduate students from countries in the Western Hemisphere (excluding the U.S.). This award provides tuition exemption (full year) to strong international students, facilitating regional diversity and educational cooperation across the Americas. It reflects UT Austin’s commitment to supporting students from neighboring countries, contributing to a more inclusive and global campus.
Benefits:
- Exemption of one full year’s tuition (fall, spring, summer)
Eligibility:
- Born in and a resident of a country in the Western Hemisphere (excluding U.S.)
- Demonstrated financial need
- Full-time enrollment at UT Austin
Deadline / Application Details:
- Application via LASSO; opens March 1 for the academic year
9. Jerry D. Wilcox Community Engagement Scholarship
The Jerry D. Wilcox Community Engagement Scholarship are meaningful scholarships in UT Austin administered by Texas Global / ISSS, aimed at international students who show strong leadership and community participation. This award values students who not only excel academically but also actively engage in service, both on campus and in the broader community. It’s ideal for students committed to making a positive social impact.
Benefits:
- $3,500 tuition scholarship for the fall semester (or as specified)
Eligibility:
- Undergraduate international student
- Demonstrated leadership and participation in campus / community organizations
- Minimum GPA (around 3.25, or as required)
- Full-time student at UT Austin during the award semester
Deadline / Application Details:
- Application via LASSO; ISSS posts it in their scholarship cycle (e.g., Feb/March)
10. Khalid Alhilali Memorial Scholarship
The Khalid Alhilali Memorial Scholarship are scholarships in UT Austin honoring an alumnus, designed for international undergraduates who completed part or all of their preparatory schooling in the Middle East. It supports students who demonstrate both financial need and academic promise, perpetuating Alhilali’s legacy and the value of education in the region. This scholarship strengthens UT’s engagement with Middle Eastern students and fosters cross-cultural academic excellence.
Benefits:
- $2,500 tuition scholarship (for the fall semester)
Eligibility:
- Must be an undergraduate international student
- Completed part or all of preparatory education (schooling) in the Middle East
- Demonstrated financial need
- Minimum required GPA (e.g., ≥ 2.0)
Deadline / Application Details:
- Application via LASSO (October 1 – November 1)
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UT Austin offers a wide array of scholarships catering to diverse student needs, ranging from merit-based awards to need-focused programs, and specialized international scholarships. These opportunities not only alleviate financial burdens but also promote academic excellence, leadership development, and global engagement. From the prestigious Forty Acres Scholars Program to region-specific and globally-minded awards through Texas Global, UT Austin demonstrates its commitment to nurturing talent, supporting student success, and fostering a vibrant, inclusive campus community.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What types of scholarships does UT Austin offer?
UT Austin provides merit-based, need-based, specialized departmental, and international scholarships to support academic excellence, financial need, leadership, and community engagement.
How do I apply for scholarships in UT Austin?
Most scholarships require an application through UT Austin’s LASSO portal. Some are automatically awarded based on admissions or FAFSA/TASFA submissions.
Can I apply for multiple scholarships at the same time?
Yes. Students are encouraged to apply for multiple scholarships if they meet eligibility criteria. Each scholarship has its own deadlines and application requirements.
What is the minimum GPA requirement for scholarships in UT Austin?
GPA requirements vary by scholarship. Some merit-based awards may require a minimum GPA of 3.7, while need-based or specialized awards may accept a minimum of 2.0 or 3.0 depending on program guidelines.
Do scholarships in UT Austin cover living expenses?
Some scholarships include stipends for living costs, meals, or housing (e.g., Forty Acres Scholars), while others focus solely on tuition and fees.
Are leadership or community service activities considered for scholarships in UT Austin?
Absolutely. Many scholarships, such as ULN or Wilcox Community Engagement, require evidence of leadership, service, or extracurricular involvement.
. Are there scholarship in UT Austin for specific majors?
Yes. Many departmental scholarships target students in engineering, English, Indian Studies, or other specific programs.
How competitive are scholarships in UT Austin?
Competition varies by scholarship. Prestigious awards like Forty Acres Scholars are highly competitive, while need-based or smaller awards may have a broader applicant pool.