The University of Georgia (UGA), founded in 1785, is one of the oldest and most prestigious public universities in the United States. Located in Athens, Georgia, UGA consistently ranks among the top public institutions for academic rigor, student life, and value. A major reason for its accessibility is the wide range of scholarship opportunities available to incoming and continuing students.
Whether you’re a high-achieving high school senior, a transfer student, or a graduate applicant, this comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about University of Georgia scholarships including merit awards, need-based aid, application requirements, and expert tips for success.
Why Choose the University of Georgia
UGA is a land- and sea-grant institution with over 39,000 students and 17 colleges and schools offering 180+ degree programs. Its strengths include business, public policy, journalism, agricultural sciences, and the Honors Program.
The university is nationally ranked for its graduation rates, research output, campus life, and value for cost. UGA also maintains a strong alumni network and career pipeline for internships, job placements, and graduate school admissions.
Financially, the university’s combination of competitive tuition and generous scholarships makes it a smart investment for students across Georgia and beyond.
Overview of University of Georgia Scholarships
Scholarships at UGA are offered through several channels:
-
University-wide merit-based awards for first-year students
-
Honors Program and Foundation Fellowships
-
Departmental and college-specific scholarships
-
Needs-based institutional grants
-
Scholarships for transfer, international, and graduate students
Most scholarships are automatic or require a separate application via the UGA Admissions portal, the Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA), or individual academic departments.
UGA awards millions of dollars annually in scholarship funding to thousands of students.
Merit-Based Scholarships for First-Year Students
UGA offers automatic and competitive scholarships based on academic performance, leadership, extracurricular involvement, and test scores (optional but encouraged for some awards).
Presidential Leadership Scholarship
-
Award: $1,000–$3,000 per year
-
Automatic consideration for admitted students
-
Based on high school GPA, rigor of curriculum, and overall application strength
Classic Scholarship
-
Award: $1,000 annually
-
For students from outside Georgia
-
Recognizes strong academic achievement and diversity of background
Charter Scholarship
-
Award: $2,000 per year
-
For out-of-state students in the top 5–10% of their class
-
Renewable for four years based on academic performance
Bernard Ramsey Honors Scholarship
-
Award: $5,160 per year
-
Reserved for top Honors Program students
-
Requires early application and Honors Program admission
Foundation Fellowship and Morehead Honors College Awards
UGA’s most prestigious scholarships are housed in the Jere W. Morehead Honors College. These are nationally competitive, full-ride awards that require early action and additional applications.
Foundation Fellowship
-
Covers full cost of attendance, plus:
-
$12,000 stipend annually
-
Travel grants for study abroad
-
Paid internships and research assistantships
-
Faculty mentorship and networking support
-
-
Requires separate application and admission to the Honors College
-
Highly competitive, typically for students with 1500+ SAT or top 1–2% GPAs
Bernard Ramsey Scholarship
-
$5,160 award, with access to additional research and academic support
-
Awarded to outstanding Honors College applicants
-
Often serves as an entry point to Foundation Fellowship candidacy
Both awards are renewable for four years based on maintaining a 3.5 GPA or higher.
Needs-Based Scholarships and Grants
In addition to merit awards, UGA offers financial support to students with demonstrated financial need through institutional scholarships and state/federal aid.
UGA Alumni Association Scholarship
-
Awarded based on financial need and academic merit
-
Requires completion of the FAFSA and the UGA General Scholarship Application
Georgia HERO Scholarship
-
Up to $2,000 per year
-
For students whose parents served in combat zones
-
Must demonstrate financial need and academic eligibility
Georgia HOPE and Zell Miller Scholarships
While technically state-funded, these programs are essential for Georgia residents.
-
HOPE Scholarship: Covers partial tuition for students with a 3.0+ GPA in high school
-
Zell Miller Scholarship: Covers full tuition for students with a 3.7+ GPA and high standardized test scores
Both require Georgia residency and completion of the GSFAPPS form.
College and Departmental Scholarships
Many UGA colleges and departments offer targeted scholarships for students in specific majors or academic tracks.
Examples include:
Terry College of Business Scholarships
-
Awards range from $1,000 to $10,000 per year
-
For high-performing students in accounting, marketing, finance, and more
-
Requires separate application through the college’s scholarship portal
College of Education Scholarships
-
Dozens of scholarships available for teacher preparation, counseling, special education, and ed leadership students
-
May require a faculty recommendation and short essay
Franklin College of Arts and Sciences Awards
-
Scholarships for students in humanities, social sciences, life sciences, and mathematics
-
Includes funding for study abroad and research
Each college maintains its own deadlines, selection process, and criteria. Students should visit their department’s website early to learn about application windows.
Scholarships for Transfer Students
UGA welcomes a significant number of transfer students each year and offers scholarships to those who demonstrate strong academic performance at their previous institution.
Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship
-
$2,000–$3,000 for members of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society
-
Must have 60+ transferable credits and a GPA of 3.5+
-
Requires recommendation from a faculty advisor
Transfer Merit Scholarships
-
Based on cumulative GPA and completion of the FAFSA
-
Awards typically range from $1,000–$4,000
-
No separate application required
Transfer students are also eligible for departmental scholarships once enrolled.
Scholarships for International Students
The University of Georgia provides limited merit-based scholarships for international undergraduate students. Financial aid is not available for non-U.S. citizens, but external and competitive institutional awards exist.
International Student Merit Award
-
$1,000–$5,000 per year
-
Based on academic excellence, English language proficiency, and leadership potential
-
Must submit full admission application by December 1 for priority consideration
International graduate students may also be eligible for assistantships and department-based scholarships depending on their program.
Graduate Scholarships and Assistantships
Graduate students at UGA benefit more from assistantships than traditional scholarships. However, many programs offer:
-
Graduate School Merit Awards
-
Research and Teaching Assistantships (RA/TA)
-
Departmental Fellowships
-
Graduate Travel Grants
These awards may cover tuition in full and include a monthly stipend, often between $18,000 and $25,000 annually.
Students must apply to individual programs to be considered for graduate scholarships.
How to Apply for University of Georgia Scholarships
Step 1: Apply for Admission
You must first complete your UGA admissions application to be considered for most scholarships. For high-value scholarships like Foundation Fellowship, apply by Early Action (Oct 15).
Step 2: Complete the FAFSA
All need-based aid and some merit awards require a completed FAFSA. Use UGA’s school code 001598. Submit by the priority deadline (usually February 1) to maximize eligibility.
Step 3: Complete the UGA General Scholarship Application
Accessible via the UGA Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA) portal, this application matches students to dozens of university and donor-funded awards.
Step 4: Apply for Specialized or Departmental Scholarships
Check the Honors College, your academic department, or graduate program for additional scholarship applications. Some may require essays, interviews, or portfolios.
Tips to Improve Your Scholarship Chances
-
Apply early for admission and scholarships
-
Maintain a high GPA and take challenging courses in high school
-
Submit test scores if they strengthen your application
-
Write a strong personal essay for competitive programs
-
Demonstrate leadership and service outside the classroom
-
Reach out to your intended department for opportunities
-
Complete all forms (FAFSA, GSFAPPS, General Scholarship App) before deadlines
External Scholarships and Stackable Aid
UGA allows students to apply external scholarships alongside institutional awards. These may come from:
-
Local community foundations
-
Corporations and employers
-
Nonprofits and professional associations
-
National scholarship platforms like Fastweb and Bold.org
External scholarships are typically applied directly to your UGA tuition and can stack with state or UGA funds unless otherwise stated.
Work-Study and Student Employment
In addition to scholarships, students with financial need may qualify for Federal Work-Study, allowing them to work part-time on campus. UGA also offers non-work-study campus jobs through the UGA Career Center.
Student workers often earn between $10 to $15 per hour, gaining valuable experience and income while studying.
Final Thoughts
The University of Georgia scholarship program makes a world-class education more accessible and affordable for students of all backgrounds. Whether you’re aiming for full-ride honors scholarships, in-state HOPE awards, or departmental support, UGA offers numerous opportunities to reduce costs and graduate with less debt.
Start early, be proactive, and take full advantage of the tools, forms, and support systems available. With the right preparation, your time at UGA can be both transformative and financially sustainable.