Letters & Science undergraduates are excellent scholars, leaders, and community members. Undergraduates are encouraged to apply for scholarships through the WISH portal. Putting together materials, asking for recommendations, and writing essays prepare students for many other competitive processes that enhance their future opportunities. What you learn about yourself through these processes will make you a better student, employee, and citizen. You are able to articulate your strengths and identify gaps and challenges. Although you may not be awarded a scholarship each time, you will be prepared to apply for more and more opportunities.
General Information
Scholarships recognize achievement, provide encouragement, and offset financial need. The College of Letters & Science has an open application for currently enrolled first-year students who are full-time and have completed at least one semester of full-time enrollment at UW-Madison at the time of application. Applicants are considered for many scholarships through one application.
Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors (enrolled full-time fall 2019) can apply for scholarships for the 2020-2021 academic year beginning December 9, 2019 with a submission deadline of February 14, 2020.
Students are encouraged not to delay declaring their majors. Many scholarships have major area preferences.
Students pursuing Letters & Science degrees, who are enrolled full-time, have a minimum 2.50 GPA, and complete an application can be considered for Letters & Science scholarships. The deadline to submit applications is February 14, 2020.
Students are notified by the end of the spring semester with payment posted in the beginning of the following fall semester. Please review the Letters & Science criteria. Donor preferences are followed in the final review (geographic, area of study, GPA, academic level, etc.). The College awards approximately 125 scholarships through the general application process each year. The awards range from $500 to $3,500.
The College of Letters & Science runs several scholarship competitions through the year.
Explore scholarship opportunities through the Wisconsin Scholarships Hub (WISH). Check with your major(s) department advisor to inquire about upcoming opportunities.
The College of Letters & Science is grateful to all the donors that make these awards possible. Students who are awarded scholarships are required to write thank you letters and attend functions with donors. There is an expectation that, when able, the student will give back in some way in the future. It is important to the College to continue to grow scholarships for future Letters & Science students.