Scholarships
Money for college that does not need to be paid back. Scholarships are a powerful way to reduce the cost of college—and the best part? You do not have to pay them back. Scholarships are a type of gift aid and may be awarded based on academics, extracurricular involvement, leadership, or financial need.
Campus Specific Scholarships
Every UW university offers scholarships to incoming undergraduate students. Some are automatic based on your academic profile, while others require a separate scholarship application. Either way, many are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis—so the earlier you apply, the better your chances.
Each UW has its own scholarship application process, priority deadlines, and eligibility criteria. Some priority deadlines hit as early as November, so check with each campus for the most up-to-date info.
Universities of Wisconsin Go Wisconsin Emma D. Boettiger Scholarship
The Go Wisconsin Emma D. Boettiger Scholarship was established to encourage the pursuit of a post-secondary degree at the Universities of Wisconsin. The scholarships are given in memory of Emma Boettiger’s sister, Nettie Dieckmann, and nephew, Freddie Dieckmann.
Two academic scholarships will be awarded to Wisconsin high school students who plan to enroll at a University of Wisconsin. The scholarship is a four-time award of $2,000 (awarded in two disbursements each year over the course of four consecutive years, $1,000 for the fall semester and $1,000 for the spring semester). Recipients must provide proof of enrollment each year, once for the fall term and again for the spring term before scholarship funds are disbursed.
The application along with all required application materials must be submitted electronically by Monday, March 2, 2026 at 4:30 PM CST.
Questions or requests for further information can be directed to Go Wisconsin at (800) 442-6459 or contact@go.wisconsin.edu.
Graduate and Professional Students
While most scholarships are geared toward undergraduates, graduate and professional students may qualify for funding, too—often in the form of fellowships or assistantships. Reach out to your UW program advisor and the Financial Aid Office for more information.
Finding External Scholarships
In addition to campus-specific options, there are thousands of scholarships out there from community groups, employers, nonprofits, and professional associations. Start your search early and use trusted sources.
Pro Tips:
- Never pay to search or apply for scholarships.
- Ask your high school counselor about local scholarship opportunities.
- Check with your employer (or your parent’s employer)—many offer scholarships for employees or dependents.
- Look into membership-based organizations, unions, or professional associations you’re part of.
- Your state government may also offer scholarships for residents.