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 Universities of Wisconsin Go Wisconsin team administers the Emma D. Boettiger Scholarship, which was established to encourage Wisconsin students to pursue a postsecondary degree at a Universities of Wisconsin institution. The scholarship is awarded in memory of Emma Boettiger’s sister, Nettie Dieckmann, and nephew, Freddie Dieckmann.
Each year, two academic scholarships are awarded to Wisconsin high school students who plan to enroll as first-year students at a Universities of Wisconsin university. 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). The application for students beginning in Fall 2026 is now closed. The application for students starting in Fall 2027 will open in late 2026.
Please contact Go Wisconsin with any questions 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.