The University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass Amherst) is one of the leading public research universities in the United States, recognized for academic excellence, global diversity, and competitive funding programs. For international students, affordability can often influence the ability to study abroad. Fortunately, UMass Amherst offers several merit-based awards that help reduce the cost of attendance. These scholarships in University of Massachusetts are designed to acknowledge strong academic performance and leadership potential among incoming undergraduate students.
While most need-based scholarships in the United States are reserved for domestic applicants, UMass Amherst ensures international students are automatically considered for several merit awards during the admissions process. These scholarships require no separate application and are offered based on academic strength, excellence in high school coursework, and holistic review. Below is a detailed breakdown of the key scholarships in University of Massachusetts available to undergraduate applicants.
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1. UMass Amherst Chancellor’s Award
The UMass Amherst Chancellor’s Award is one of the most significant scholarships in University of Massachusetts offered to first-year undergraduate students coming from outside Massachusetts, which includes international applicants. This award recognizes exceptional academic achievement and provides substantial financial support to help students pursue their studies at UMass Amherst.
Benefits:
- Award amount ranges from $10,000 to $18,000 per year
- Renewable annually
- May be combined with a tuition credit
Eligibility:
- Must be a new first-year undergraduate student
- Must be from outside Massachusetts (international students included)
- No separate scholarship application required
- Must maintain satisfactory academic progress for renewal
Deadline / Application Details:
- No separate application; automatically considered during admission review
- Students must apply for UMass Amherst admissions by the official application deadlines
2. UMass Amherst Dean’s Award
The UMass Amherst Dean’s Award is another important merit-based offering within the list of official scholarships in University of Massachusetts. Although it is primarily awarded to in-state students, it remains a significant part of the university’s scholarship structure. This award supports students who demonstrate notable academic promise and a strong commitment to their studies during high school.
Benefits:
- $2,000 per year ($1,000 per semester)
- Renewable for up to eight semesters
Eligibility:
- Primarily for Massachusetts residents
- Strong academic background required
- Automatic consideration based on admission application
- Must maintain satisfactory academic progress
Deadline / Application Details:
- No separate application
- Evaluated during the admissions review
3. Honors-to-Honors Scholarship
The Honors-to-Honors Scholarship is one of the specialized scholarships in University of Massachusetts, awarded to outstanding students transferring from a Massachusetts community college into the Commonwealth Honors College. This scholarship is intended to support students continuing their high-level academic pursuits as they transition into the honors program at UMass.
Benefits:
- $6,000 per year for up to two years
Eligibility:
- Must be a Massachusetts community college transfer student
- Must enter the UMass Commonwealth Honors College
- Demonstrated academic excellence
Deadline / Application Details:
- Awarded automatically through transfer admission review
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4. Academic Honors Scholarship
As part of the university’s commitment to recognizing academic excellence, the Academic Honors Scholarship stands out as a one-time award included among the scholarships in University of Massachusetts. This scholarship is tied to strong performance in the Massachusetts Science & Engineering Fair (MSEF), making it a prestigious recognition of high-level academic effort and innovation.
Benefits:
- $5,000 one-time award
- Renewable for up to four years upon maintaining eligibility
Eligibility:
- Must be a first-place winner at MSEF
- Documentation required
- Cumulative GPA of at least 2.5
- Must meet satisfactory academic progress
Deadline / Application Details:
- No separate scholarship application
- Awarded based on MSEF results
5. Community College Academic Honors Scholarship
This scholarship supports high-achieving Massachusetts community college graduates pursuing further education at UMass Amherst. It forms part of the extensive list of scholarships in University of Massachusetts, designed to encourage smooth academic transition and further academic success.
Benefits:
Eligibility:
- Massachusetts community college graduate
- Demonstrated academic strength
- No additional scholarship application
- Must maintain satisfactory progress for continued eligibility
Deadline / Application Details:
- Considered automatically during admission review
6. UMass Community College Advantage Scholarship (CCAS)
The CCAS is one of the structured scholarships in University of Massachusetts, created to support high-performing students from Massachusetts community colleges. This award significantly lowers the cost of attending UMass Amherst, promoting academic growth and university access.
Benefits:
- $5,000 per year ($2,500 per semester)
- Renewable for up to two years (four consecutive semesters)
Eligibility:
- Top 10 percent of graduating class at a Massachusetts community college
- Must enroll full-time and in-person
- FAFSA or MASFA required
- Not applicable for online or flexible degree programs
- Must meet satisfactory academic progress
Deadline / Application Details:
- No separate application needed
- Awarded upon review of admissions and financial aid forms
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UMass Amherst offers international students meaningful opportunities to reduce the cost of higher education through merit-based awards, with the Chancellor’s Award being the most prominent. By recognizing academic excellence and high potential, these scholarships in University of Massachusetts allow talented students from around the world to access top-quality programs and vibrant campus life without the full financial burden of out-of-state tuition. Prospective students should prioritize submitting strong applications and maintaining high academic performance to take full advantage of these awards. With careful planning, international students can benefit from these scholarships and thrive academically, socially, and professionally at UMass Amherst.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need to submit a separate application for scholarships in University of Massachusetts?
No, international students are automatically considered for the Chancellor’s Award when they apply for admission; no additional application is required.
Can international students combine the Chancellor’s Award with other scholarships?
Yes, it can be combined with additional tuition credits and some university-administered awards.
Are there need-based scholarships in University of Massachusetts for international students?
Generally, U.S. federal need-based aid is not available for international students; only merit-based scholarships like the Chancellor’s Award apply.
Are there any additional tips to increase my chances of receiving scholarships in University of Massachusetts?
Strong academic records, participation in extracurricular activities, and submission of complete and accurate application materials increase the likelihood of being awarded the Chancellor’s Award and other merit-based scholarships.
Are there external scholarships international students can apply for while studying at UMass Amherst?
Yes, international students can apply for private and external scholarships from organizations, foundations, or their home country to supplement tuition costs.