University of Chicago scholarships: Eligibility Criteria, Application Process and Selection Process

The University of Chicago scholarships

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Syed Yusuf Ashraf

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The University of Chicago scholarships enable students to afford world-class education and higher career prospects. Most of the scholarships offered by University of Chicago are funded by donors and outside agencies, which partially involves a combination of the University’s funds. Both merit-based and need-based scholarships are available to international applicants. However, the University of Chicago merit based scholarships are not available for the summer term but for autumn, winter, and spring only. In the last year, nearly 20 million USD need-based funds were awarded as University of Chicago scholarships for international students.

The University of Chicago Scholarship Benefits for Students:

  • The University of Chicago through its merit-based and need-based scholarships assists students financially.
  • Distinguishes students as outstanding and brilliant in their respective courses as well as extracurricular activities.
  • Increases chances of students getting selected at internship and placement drives.
  • Increases their opportunities in the field of education and helps them to connect to like-minded scholars.

Check out 100% funded scholarships in USA for international students before applying for admissions


Highlights

Scholarship TypeMerit-Based, Need-Based
Offered byInstitution
OrganizationN/A
Application Deadline Nov 15 ,2024
Number of ScholarshipsN/A
AmountVariable Amount
RenewabilityNo
International Student EligibleYes
Scholarship Website Linkhttps://collegeadmissions.uchicago.edu/financial-support/scholarships

Eligibility Criteria

University of Chicago Scholarship UG Eligibility Criteria:

The University of Chicago offers merit-based as well as other scholarships to assist financially unstable students to attain higher education and career opportunities. Each scholarship offered under the undergraduate degree comprises its specific eligibility criteria.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • HIgh School transcripts
  • Outstanding academic achievement and extracurricular activities.
  • Students must have contributed significantly to their communities and should possess excellent leadership qualities.
  • Students are required to submit a Letter of recommendation for obtaining scholarships.
  • To get assistance through need-based scholarships, applicants must submit proof in the form of a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Documents Required:

  • Application for Admission and Supplement Essays
  • Application Fee or Automatic Fee Waiver
  • Letter of recommendation
  • Cover letter
  • English language Proficiency Tests(TOEFL, IELTS)
  • Mid-year report (1st year applicants)
  • Extra-curricular activities records
  • FAFSA (Federal Student Aid Application)
  • The International Financial Aid Worksheet
  • Valid proof of family’s income and assets

Specific Requirements

Scholarship Name Eligibility Requirements Scholarship Period Award
University Merit-based Scholarship Outstanding academic record with extra-curricular activities | 1st-year students | No additional application 4 years (on maintenance of good credits) Variable
Odyssey Scholarship Must be financially unstable applicants | Have filled the application for need-based financial aid beforehand | Have not borrowed student loans (except federal student loans) | Participation in Career Advancement programs (for internship perks) Full-time Funded summer internship/research opportunity (1st year) + scholarship award +
First Phoenix Scholarship Students whose parents don’t have bachelor’s degree | no additional material or application required Full-time 20,000 USD (16.53 lakhs INR)

Check out: Popular Scholarships to Study in USA

University of Chicago Scholarship PG Eligibility Criteria:

A postgraduate degree at University of Chicago brings with it a lot of opportunities for students in the form of connections, financial assistance, and overall growth as an individual. The eligibility criteria for University of Chicago Scholarship for PG is based on a student's research potential and academic excellence. It is therefore advised to carefully review the eligibility criteria.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Outstanding academic achievement and research experience.
  • Students are required to submit a Letter of recommendation for obtaining scholarships.
  • A cover letter stating the main reason for opting for scholarship and admission to The University of Chicago.
  • Resume mentioning previous education and work experience.

Documents Required:

  • Application for Admission and Supplement Essays
  • Application Fee or Automatic Fee Waiver
  • Scholarship/Funding Record (if any)
  • Letter of recommendation
  • Cover letter
  • English language Proficiency Tests(TOEFL IBT, IELTS)
  • Extra-curricular activities records
  • Federal Student Aid Application (FAFSA)
  • The International Financial Aid Worksheet
  • Valid proof of family’s income and assets

Specific Requirements (if applicable)

Scholarship Name Eligibility Requirements Scholarship Period Award
Susanne H. Rudolph Scholarship All students applying are automatically considered for the scholarship (No separate application process) | Only The University of Chicago graduates who wish to continue for a Master’s are eligible | Only provided for some selected courses 1 year 15,000 USD (INR 12.42 Lakhs)

Application Process

To get shortlisted for the University of Chicago’s scholarships and financial aid programs, applicants need to go through the handbook of rules carefully. Before applying they should be aware of the terms and conditions of the scholarship programs opting for. The steps for applying are given below:

  • Applicants must go through the scholarships section to check for programs they fit in and should check in all the eligibility criteria beforehand.
  • Create your student portal by clicking on the “Apply” button for the desired course.
  • Upload the necessary documents as listed on the application page.
  • Additional documents such as a Letter of recommendation and cover letter are submitted along with the application form.
  • Applicants must keep in mind that most of the scholarships offered are for autumn, winter, and spring term only. The University doesn’t accept scholarship applications for the summer term.

Tabulated below are the University of Chicago scholarships deadline for international students:

Term Submission Deadline
Early Action & Early Decision I November 15, 2024
Early Decision II January 15, 2025
Regular Decision February 15, 2025

Selection Process

Students of 1st year who have applied to the University of Chicago are automatically considered for merit scholarships and there is no need to apply separately. The students are then selected by the merit scholarship committee. Need-based scholarships are provided if an applicant can produce a valid Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The selection of an applicant depends upon these factors:

  • Students who have performed well academically as well as maintained an extra-curricular activities record are given preference.
  • The postgraduate applicants seeking financial aid must have good research skills along with experience in their respective fields.
  • The cover letter provided must be satisfactory and within the given word limit to increase the chances of selection.
  • Financial aid scholarships are disbursed by providing documents that validate the need to obtain the scholarship.

Conclusion

The University of Chicago is well-known for its scholarships and financial aid programs. The University allows students to opt for outside scholarships as well where funding is done by outside donors and not the University of Chicago. In general, the merit-based and need-based scholarships offered by the University of Chicago are sufficient enough for any student to afford education and housing expenses.

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