UCF scholarships for International Students 2024
Looking for UCF scholarships for international students? Explore funding options, eligibility criteria, and application tips to find out how you can finance your education at UCF today!
At the University of Central Florida (UCF), affordability meets excellence. Renowned for its size and accessible UCF courses and University of Central Florida scholarships, UCF offers undergraduate and graduate programs at a comparatively affordable cost of around $35,000 to USD 40,000. This affordability extends to international students, who, despite not being eligible for federal student aid or specific international scholarships, can benefit from limited yet significant University of Central Florida Scholarships.
Overseas students are encouraged to complete the “Florida Financial Aid Application,” which automatically enters them into consideration for all eligible UCF scholarships. Often based on faculty affiliations, these scholarships provide vital financial assistance to students pursuing their academic dreams.
UCF scholarships are available to both incoming and continuing students. Through “Access 2 Opportunities,” UCF’s online scholarship application system, students can explore and apply for various scholarships. By completing this streamlined application process, students position themselves for consideration for a range of UCF scholarships tailored to their academic journey.
Excluding this particular scholarship, most University of Central Florida (UCF) scholarships are available to domestic and international students, although priority may be given to Florida residents. Here are some of the UCF scholarships listed in the table below:
| Scholarship Name | Benefits | Eligible Program | Application System |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knight’s Achievement | Full-tuition fee | All undergraduate programs | Auto-consideration |
| Omar Radwan Scholarship | Varies | UG/PG program in information technology, business, psychology, and environmental studies | Yes |
| The Boeing Company Scholarship Fund | Varies | Any full-time UG program in College of Business Administration | Yes |
| Pegasus Scholarship Waiver | Full-tuition fee | All undergraduate programs | Auto-consideration |
| The Polson Family Scholarship | Up to 2500 USD | Any program at Burnett Honors College | Yes |
UCF College and Departmental Scholarships Overview:
At the University of Central Florida (UCF), one exclusive scholarship is available for international students: The Student Government Fall International Scholarship, which is specifically awarded to continuing students.
Eligibility Criteria for UCF Scholarships:
To qualify for UCF scholarships, international students must meet the following requirements:
– Be enrolled as a full-time undergraduate or graduate student at UCF.
– Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.75 for undergraduates and 3.00 for graduates.
– Demonstrate involvement in a job, internship, or campus activities.
Application Process for the Student Government Fall International Scholarship:
Eligible students must complete the application for the Student Government Fall International Scholarship. Required documents include:
– One letter of recommendation (LOR) from an official UCF faculty or staff member.
– A 250-word essay reflecting on the applicant’s experience as an international student at UCF.
Selection Process and Award Details:
Based on eligibility criteria and submitted documents, four recipients will be chosen, with two from undergraduate and two from graduate levels. Each awardee will receive $500 as part of the Student Government Fall International Scholarship.
UCF Scholarships Application Process:
To apply for University of Central Florida Scholarships, all centralized under UCF A2O (Access to Opportunities), follow a systematic procedure:
Step 1: Visit the official UCF A2O page and sign in using your UCF NID and Password, assigned to you upon admission to UCF.
Step 2: After signing in, complete a short general application.
Step 3: Once the application is submitted, you’ll be matched with UCF scholarships for which you qualify.
Step 4: Fulfill any additional requirements for specific scholarships.
Note: Some UCF scholarships may require additional essays or Q&A. Ensure completion of these tasks before the specified deadline, which varies for each scholarship.
Additionally, students are encouraged to regularly check their UCF A2O portal, as additional scholarship opportunities may be available after completing the General Scholarship Application.
UCF International Students and Scholarship Disbursement:
Recipients of University of Central Florida scholarships will receive their awards at the start of the academic year. However, prior to disbursement, scholarships for UCF international students undergo NRA tax review by UCF Global.
At the beginning of each academic session, specific IRS forms and immigration documents must be submitted to UCF Global, including the Foreign National Information Form, IRS Form W-8BEN or W-9, and Treaty Paperwork if applicable. Adherence to these requirements is crucial, as failure to comply may result in the rejection of UCF scholarships.
UCF Curricular Practical Training Scholarship:
The Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Scholarship is an internship program tailored for the temporary benefit of international students. It is open to academically recommended students pursuing bachelor’s and master’s programs at the University of Central Florida. Participants are required to enroll in a one-credit-hour internship course offered via Experiential Learning.
This funding enables UCF Global to cover the tuition associated with enrollment in the one-credit hour Experiential Learning course for students applying for CPT in the Spring 2020 and Summer 2020 semesters. It’s important to note that this scholarship program differs from other UCF scholarships.
The Curricular Practical Training (CPT) internship at the University of Central Florida offers flexibility in terms of scheduling, allowing students to choose between part-time and full-time options during the Spring, Fall, and Summer terms:
Part-time:
– Involves working up to 20 hours per week.
– Working hours do not affect Optional Practical Training (OPT) eligibility.
– Students can continue working on-campus for up to 20 hours per week.
Full-time:
– Requires working between 21 and 40 hours per week.
– Students who engage in 365 or more days of full-time (FT) CPT at the same academic level are ineligible for OPT.
– Students are not allowed to work on-campus while on full-time CPT.
Criteria to qualify for the scholarship at the University of Central Florida
To qualify for the scholarship at the University of Central Florida, applicants must meet the following criteria:
1. Must hold a valid F-1 student visa status.
2. Enrolled full-time in a degree program for at least one academic year.
3. Pursuing a degree-granting program.
4. Employment must be an integral part of the applicant’s curriculum and related to the primary field of study.
Recipients should be aware that their internship program must typically be off-campus. However, exceptions to this condition can be considered case-by-case by the appropriate authority.
Tips for Maximizing Scholarship Opportunities
To enhance your chances of securing scholarships, consider the following tips:
1. Apply early: The prime time to apply for scholarships for the upcoming academic year is typically between January and May. Early applicants often have an advantage.
2. Stay updated: Regularly check for scholarship updates from your department, college, and the UCF Scholarship Listing Page to ensure you don’t miss out on any opportunities.
3. Get involved: While not all scholarships require extracurricular involvement, showcasing your activities and contributions can strengthen your application. Active participation in your community, whether on campus, locally, or through other organizations, can make you a more appealing candidate.
4. Complete your FAFSA: While some scholarships may not require the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), completing it can increase your eligibility for certain scholarships. Submitting your FAFSA to be considered for a wider range of financial aid options is advisable.
Crafting an Award-Winning Scholarship Essay
Scholarships that involve essay writing often have fewer applicants, presenting an opportunity to stand out. Follow these tips to write a compelling essay:
1. Tailor your essay: Focus on addressing the essay prompt directly and tailor your response to the intended audience, showcasing why you are a suitable candidate for the scholarship.
2. Target your audience: Understand the goals of the scholarship donor and highlight how your skills and experiences align with their objectives.
3. Stand out: Capture the reader’s attention by presenting unique perspectives and experiences. Brainstorm ideas that differentiate you from other applicants and make your essay memorable.
4. Introduce yourself: Provide insight into your background, goals, and how the scholarship will contribute to your educational aspirations. Highlight your involvement in campus and community activities, as well as your interests and hobbies.
5. Maintain positivity: Avoid using negative messages or overly emotional appeals in your essay. Instead, focus on positive messages that showcase your resilience and determination.
6. Proofread: Review your essay for any typos or grammatical errors. Consider seeking feedback from resources like the UCF Writing Center or a financial aid advisor to ensure your essay is polished and error-free.
Conclusion on UCF Scholarships for International Students
UCF offers valuable scholarship opportunities for international students, providing financial support to aid in their academic pursuits. While some scholarships are exclusive to international students, others are open to both domestic and international applicants, with preferences often given to Florida residents.
The application process for UCF scholarships typically involves fulfilling specific eligibility criteria and submitting required documents through the UCF A2O portal. International students must adhere to all requirements, including tax considerations, to ensure successful disbursement of scholarship awards. Additionally, international students can participate in programs like the Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Scholarship, which offers internship opportunities aligned with their academic goals. By maximizing scholarship opportunities and crafting compelling essays, international students can enhance their chances of securing financial assistance to support their education at UCF.
RELATED
Scholarships That Cover Housing Costs for College Success in 2024