The University of Florida (UF), a top-ranked public research university located in Gainesville, USA, offers a wide range of scholarships to support both domestic and international students for the academic year 2025–26. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence, leadership, diversity, and financial need. Whether you are applying for a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral program, there are numerous funding opportunities available to make your education more affordable.

Through this comprehensive guide, we cover the types of scholarships offered, eligible fields of study, application process, financial benefits, required documents, and deadlines.

Scholarship Summary

• University: University of Florida (UF)
• Degree Levels: Bachelors, Masters, PhD
• Scholarship Type: Fully Funded and Partial Funding
• Eligible Nationalities: All nationalities
• Host Country: United States
• Deadline: Varies by scholarship

Scholarships at UF are available through the university, individual colleges, and external donors. These awards may be merit-based, need-based, or specific to academic disciplines and personal backgrounds.

Fields of Study

Scholarships are available across a broad range of academic disciplines. Students in the following fields may apply for funding:

• Engineering
• Business Administration
• Health and Life Sciences
• Agricultural Sciences
• Education
• Humanities and Liberal Arts
• Architecture and Design
• Fine Arts
• Computer Science and Information Technology
• Journalism and Communications
• Law and Legal Studies
• Environmental Studies

Some scholarships are field-specific, so students should consult their respective college or department for targeted opportunities.

Eligibility Criteria

For Undergraduate Students

• Minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher

• SAT or ACT test scores (if required)
• Florida residency status (some scholarships may require it)
• Demonstrated financial need (for need-based awards)
• Involvement in extracurricular activities or leadership roles

For Graduate Students

• Completion of a relevant undergraduate degree
• Minimum GPA of 3.5
• GRE or GMAT scores as required
• Admission to a UF graduate program
• Teaching or research experience (for some assistantships or fellowships)

For International Students

• Academic qualifications equivalent to U.S. standards

• Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS)
• Financial documentation for visa requirements
• Strong academic and extracurricular record

Financial Benefits

Scholarships at UF can help cover tuition, living expenses, research, and more. Financial awards differ by scholarship type and student profile.

Undergraduate Scholarships

• Presidential Scholarship: $5,000/year for four years ($20,000 total)

• Presidential Gold Scholarship: $8,000/year for four years ($32,000 total)
• Presidential Platinum Scholarship: $10,000/year for four years ($40,000 total)
• Out-of-State Tuition Waiver: Up to $8,000/year
• Sunshine Scholarship: $16,000/year for out-of-state students
• Gator Nation Scholarship: $20,000/year for top-performing students
• Honors Program Award: One-time $2,000 scholarship

Graduate Scholarships

• Grinter Fellowship: Monthly stipend of $2,000 to $4,000 for up to 3 years

• Graduate Assistantships: Tuition coverage plus monthly stipend
• LAC Scholarship: Full tuition waiver for eligible students from Latin American and Caribbean countries

Additional financial support may include:

• Book allowances
• Travel grants
• Housing assistance

Required Documents 

Applicants must prepare and submit specific documents based on their level of study.

For Undergraduate Applicants

• Official high school transcripts

• SAT or ACT scores
• 1-3 Letters of recommendation
• Personal statement or essay
• Resume or list of extracurricular activities
• Proof of English proficiency (for international students)
• Financial documents (for need-based scholarships)

For Graduate Applicants

• Official undergraduate transcripts
• GRE or GMAT scores (as required)
• Letters of recommendation (academic or professional)
• Statement of purpose or research proposal
• Updated resume or CV
• English language proficiency scores (if applicable)
• Financial documents (for international students)

Each department may have additional requirements, so students should check individual program guidelines.

Application Process

The application process includes several key steps that must be followed carefully.

Step 1: Choose a Program

Select your desired undergraduate or graduate program at UF.

Step 2: Apply for Admission

Submit your application for admission to the University of Florida. Scholarships are only awarded to admitted students.

Step 3: Access UF Scholarship Portals

After submitting your application, access UF’s scholarship portals to explore and apply for eligible scholarships.

Step 4: Submit Required Documents

Ensure all required documents are submitted before the relevant scholarship deadlines.

Step 5: Monitor Application Status

Use UF’s student portal to monitor your application status and respond promptly to additional requests.

Step 6: Attend Interviews (If Required)

Some scholarships may involve virtual or in-person interviews as part of the selection process.

Step 7: Accept Scholarship Offer

If awarded, follow the instructions to accept the scholarship and receive funding.

Scholarship funds are typically disbursed directly to cover tuition and related expenses.

Application Deadlines

Undergraduate Deadlines

• Fall Admission: Applications open in August and close in early November (for merit scholarships)

• Spring Admission: Deadlines vary; typically due by September of the prior year
• FAFSA Deadline: Submit by December 1 for priority consideration (for need-based awards)

Graduate Deadlines

• Deadlines vary by program but usually fall between December and February for fall enrollment

• For spring entry, deadlines typically range from August to October
• Scholarships and assistantships often have earlier deadlines than general program admissions

Check your specific college or department for the most accurate and current deadlines.

Tips for a Successful Application

• Start Early: Begin preparing your documents and application well in advance

• Follow Instructions: Adhere to all guidelines provided by UF and the specific scholarship
• Customize Your Essay: Tailor personal statements to reflect your goals and relevance to the scholarship
• Seek Recommendations Early: Give recommenders ample time to write strong letters
• Track Deadlines: Use a calendar or planner to track multiple application deadlines

Apply Now >>>: https://admissions.ufl.edu/cost-and-aid/scholarships#international-scholarships

Official Link: University of Florida Scholarships