NOTE: State law requires that each student identify any relation to a current University of Houston Board of Regent member. A student who is related to a current member of the governing board of that institution is prohibited from receiving scholarships unless the scholarship is awarded exclusively based on academic merit or is an athletic scholarship.
The state of Texas provides funding for multiple scholarships available to outstanding students attending Texas colleges and universities. Some of the scholarships will require students to maintain a certain GPA or be part of a specific degree program. Additionally, most of the scholarships require students to be a Texas resident.
- Fifth Year Accounting Student Scholarship Program
- Amount: Up to $5,000
The purpose of this program is to increase the number of highly trained and educated professional accountants available to serve the residents of this state; improve the state's business environment and encourage economic development and financial stability; and identify, recognize and support outstanding scholars who plan to pursue careers in accounting. For more information about this scholarship program or the application process, please click the scholarship title above. - Good Neighbor Scholarship Program
- Amount: Tuition for one academic year (fall, spring, and summer)
Deadline: Not currently accepting applications
This scholarship program was established to encourage academically talented students from the countries of the Western (American) hemisphere to pursue higher education in the State of Texas; thus, establishing a beneficial link between the State of Texas and their home countries. For more information about this scholarship program, please click the scholarship title above. To apply, please click here. - Highest Ranking High School Graduate Exemption
- Amount: Tuition only (two semesters of first regular session)
The highest ranking graduate of each accredited high school in Texas is exempt from tuition only at public colleges in Texas for two semesters of the first regular session following graduation from high school. For more information about this exemption or the application process, please click the scholarship title above or contact the University of Houston’s Office of Student Financial Services at (713) 743-1010, option 6. For more information about this scholarship program or the application process, please click the scholarship title above.
Valedictorian Scholarship - See below for more information regarding this scholarship. - License Plate Insignia Scholarship
- Deadline: Not currently accepting applications
The License Plate Insignia Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to needy students attending eligible public or private, non-profit colleges and universities in Texas. The amount of funding available for the program depends upon the number of license plates purchased bearing the insignia of Texas colleges and universities.
- Mexican Citizens with Financial Need-Border Nations Waiver
- Amount: Resident tuition rate
Deadline: July 1, 2012
The purpose of this waiver is to permit a small number of individuals with financial need and are citizens of Mexico, to enroll in any public university in Texas while paying the resident tuition rate. In order to guarantee your application is processed by the 1st payment deadline of each semester, applications must be submitted by the deadlines provided. However, applications may be submitted after the stated deadline. Incomplete applications will not be considered. To apply, please click here. - Top 10% High School Graduate Scholarship
- Amount: $2,000 (up to four years)
Deadline: Not currently accepting applications
The 80th Texas legislature created this scholarship to encourage students who are in the top 10% of their high school class to attend a Texas public institution of higher education. Qualifying students must rank in the top 10% of their high school graduating class, be enrolled full-time and demonstrate financial need. In addition, applicants must submit an error-free (including verification, if selected) Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA), if applicable, by April 1st. To remain eligible, students must maintain a full-time enrollment status (12 credit hours per semester), complete 30 hours annually, and earn a minimum 3.25 cumulative GPA. This award is renewable up to 4 years, but is contingent upon state funding each year. For more information about this scholarship program, please click the scholarship title above.
University-Funded Scholarships for Freshmen
The University funds several different scholarships for incoming freshmen with awards ranging from $1,000 to $6,500 per year. Scholarship recipients are selected on the basis of academic credentials as measured by high school performance and standardized test scores. Award criteria vary from one scholarship to another, but to be eligible for any university-funded freshman scholarship, you should have accomplished the following:
- Graduated from a high school that is accredited by the Texas Education Agency and/or the appropriate Regional Association of Schools and Colleges.
- Applied for admission at UH for the fall semester immediately following high school graduation.
- Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or hold a Temporary Resident Card (form I-766) as provided by the Immigration and Reform Control Act of 1986.
- Students should have a complete admission file by December 1 to be considered for priority funding. Please note that this is the priority deadline and scholarships will continue to be awarded as long as funds are available.
Some scholarships require a separate application; for others, you'll be automatically considered once you've submitted your application for admission. University-funded scholarships for incoming freshmen include:
- Tier One Scholarship
- To learn more about the Tier One Scholarship including eligibility, benefits, FAQs, and information about current scholars, please visit the Tier One Scholars website by clicking the scholarship title above.
- Academic Excellence Scholarship
- Amount: $2,500 to $7,000 per year
Qualifications: For students who have a competitive academic profile – typically a score of 1200 on the critical reading and math sections of the SAT (26 ACT composite) with a class rank in the top 20 percent. To remain eligible, students must maintain a full-time enrollment status (12 credit hours per semester), complete 30 credit hours annually (credit hours must be completed at the University of Houston), and a minimum 3.0 GPA per semester. - Presidential Endowed Scholarship
- Amount: $1,000 - $1,500 per year
Qualifications: Students who have been awarded the Academic Excellence Scholarship may compete for the Presidential Endowed Scholarship by invitation from the Scholarship Office. Students must submit a list of leadership activities in resume form along with 2 letters of recommendation. This award will bring an additional $1,000 – $1,500 per year, and is renewable for up to four years (or six years for Architecture or Pharmacy students). - Cullen Leadership Scholarship
- Amount: $1,000 per year (in addition to the Academic Excellence Scholarship)
Qualifications:Students who have been awarded the Academic Excellence Scholarship may compete for the Cullen Leadership scholarship by invitation from the Scholarship Office. This award will bring an additional $1,000 per year, and is renewable for up to four years. - National Merit Scholarship Finalist
- Amount: Cost of tuition, required fees, room, board, and a $500 per semester book stipend
Qualifications: National Merit Scholarship Finalists who select UH as their first choice in accordance with the rules and deadlines established by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). To apply, please click the scholarship title above. - Early College High School Scholarship
- Amount: $1,000 - $4,000 per year
Deadline: Not currently accepting applications
Qualifications: Students who have attended a Texas Early College High School are eligible to apply for the UH Early College High School Scholarship. To be competitive for the scholarship, a student must graduate from an early college high school, be admitted to the University of Houston, achieve a minimum of a 3.0 college GPA and complete 50 hours of college-level courses by high school graduation. Students must complete the application and provide all necessary documents by February 1, 2012 in order to be considered for this scholarship. These documents can be delivered in person or mailed to the UH Welcome Center. To apply, please click the scholarship title above. - Valedictorian Scholarship
- Amount: $3,000 (up to 4 years)
Students who started at the University of Houston the fall semester following their high school graduation and received the Highest Ranking High School Graduate Exemption are eligible to receive the Valedictorian scholarship. Students must also provide a copy of their Highest Ranking High School Graduate certificate to the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid and the Office of Student Financial Services. To remain eligible, students must maintain a full-time enrollment status (12 credit hours per semester), complete 30 credit hours annually (credit hours must be completed at the University of Houston), and earn a minimum 3.0 GPA per semester. This award is renewable for up to four years (or five years for Architecture students) or until graduation.
University Endowed Scholarships
- General Scholarship Application
- Deadline: May 31, 2012
Scholarships may be awarded to students based on varying criteria such as merit, financial need, college and/or major enrolled in at UH, high school GPA and/or rank, county and/or city of residence in Texas and length of residency in Texas. - Astronaut/Space Studies Scholarship Endowment
- Deadline: May 31, 2012
The Astronaut/Space Studies scholarship is for students interested in becoming an astronaut or pursuing a career in the nation’s space program. Scholarship applicant must be a certified full-time degree-seeking student, maintain a 3.0 GPA and provide notice to the Office of Scholarships & Financial Aid of summer work with NASA or another space related organization. Scholarship prospect’s studies must demonstrate some area of preparation for a career in the space program. Eligible programs of study: Bachelor of Science in Physics, Master of Science in Space Architecture, Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering, Master of Science in Materials Engineering, Master of Science in Industrial Engineering or a Doctor of Philosophy in Aerospace Engineering. Scholarship is renewable for up to 8 semesters. - Delphian Endowment Scholarship
- Deadline: Not currently accepting applications
The Delphian scholarship is based upon merit, character and financial need. It is only available for the fall and spring semesters, up to 8 semesters or graduation, whichever comes first. Students will be considered without regard to gender, age, religion, race or ethnic origin, but must be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States. Qualifying applicants must be classified as an undergraduate sophomore, junior, or senior, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 from all colleges attended as well as maintain full-time enrollment (12 credit hours) each semester. Additionally, applicants must submit an official University of Houston transcript and/or transcripts from any previously attended university or college with the application. To apply, please click the scholarship title above. - The Carole and Jim Hegenbarth Scholarship Endowment
- Amount: $1,000 (one time award)
Deadline: May 31, 2012
The Carole and Jim Hegenbarth scholarship was established to help first generation students achieve their dream of higher education. Eligible applicants must be certified undergraduate, degree-seeking students in good standing with the University of Houston, and demonstrate financial need as determined by the FAFSA. - Energy Alumni Scholarship Endowment
- The Energy Alumni Scholarship Endowment is for dependents of CenterPoint or Reliant Energy employees, or an employee who has been working for CenterPoint or Reliant Energy for at least one year. Applicants must be less than 26 years old, attend school full-time and show financial need according to the FASFA. To apply, please click the scholarship title above.
- John Lienhard “Engines of Our Ingenuity” Scholarship
- Deadline: May 31, 2012
This scholarship is open to any creative-thinking, undergraduate student at the University of Houston. To qualify, a student must be full-time (12 hours or more) with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA. Applicants must submit a one-page essay describing how they exhibit “creative” and “inventive” qualities.
- John & Margot Cater—Compass Bank Scholarship Endowment
- Deadline: May 31, 2012
The John & Margot Cater—Compass Bank scholarship is awarded to students based on merit. Scholarship applicant must be a certified full-time undergraduate degree-seeking student in good standing. Applicant must also demonstrate participation with the “Communities in Schools” program. - M.A. Jinnah Scholarship
- Deadline: May 31, 2012
The Jinnah Endowment Scholarship is intended for full-time students who are in good standing with the University. Applicants must have and must maintain a GPA of 2.5 or greater. Undergraduate students applying must have completed a minimum of 24 credit hours at UH and graduate students applying must have completed a minimum of 12 credit hours at UH. Applicants must submit a 400-word essay in Urdu on the life of M.A. Jinnah. (Essays become the property of the University of Houston and may be reprinted in Pakistan Association of Greater Houston publications.) - Mehta Family Foundation Scholarship
- Amount: $1,000
Deadline: May 31, 2012
The Mehta Family Foundation Scholarship is a $1,000 scholarship to be used by students to cover expenses for tuition, books, fees, and/or supplies. The qualifying applicant must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or International student. Additionally, applicants must have a minimum UH-GPA of 3.5 and be a certified full-time undergraduate or graduate certificate student in good standing with demonstrated financial need. - Peggy & Bill Shiffick Foundation Scholarship
- Deadline: May 31, 2012
Applicants for the Peggy & Bill Shiffick must be full time, undergraduate, degree-seeking students who demonstrate financial need (as determined by the FAFSA or TASFA)and have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA. This is a one-time scholarship for the 2011-2012 year. To apply, please click the scholarship title above. - The Woman’s Club of Houston Scholarship
- Deadline: May 31, 2012
The Woman’s Club of Houston Scholarship is a one-time, annual award of $1,500. To qualify, an applicant must be a certified junior or senior student seeking an undergraduate degree in the field of Education or Fine Arts for Fall 2012/Spring 2013, enroll in a minimum of 12 credit hours each semester of award and maintain a 3.0 GPA. The applicant must also demonstrate an interest in contributing to the community through participation in community service activities. In addition, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. To apply, please click the scholarship title above.
Undergraduate Research Scholarships
The University of Houston encourages undergraduates to participate in research with a faculty mentor. In addition to programs offered through various departments and colleges, two programs currently award a stipend for qualified students from all majors to engage in a mentored research experience.
- Provost's Undergraduate Research Scholarship (PURS)
- Amount: $1,000 per semester of research
Deadline: April 25, 2012 (fall)
Any junior or senior who has either successfully completed at least 12 hours in residence at UH with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 OR who has completed fewer than 12 hours in residence at UH but has a 3.5 cumulative GPA on all college level course work taken at UH or elsewhere is eligible to apply. Applicants must have earned at least 60 credits by the beginning of the mentorship period and must enroll and maintain a minimum of 12 hours in the semester of the award unless they are graduating that semester. Students who have participated in the PURS program at UH in a prior semester are ineligible to reapply. For more information about this research scholarship, please click the scholarship title above. - Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF)
- Amount: $3,500 for research
Deadline: Not currently accepting applications
Qualifications: The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship program at the University of Houston (SURF-UH) seeks to provide funding for rising UH sophomores, juniors and seniors to participate in a focused, full-time, 10-week research experience under the direction of UH faculty. Current freshmen that will be sophomores in fall 2011 are eligible to apply for the fellowship. However, students graduating in spring and summer 2011 are not eligible for this program, nor are students who have participated in the SURF program before at UH. No course credit will be offered for participation in this program, and students who have previously participated in the SURF-UH program are ineligible to reapply. For more information about this research scholarship, please click the scholarship title above.
Study Abroad Scholarships
Students receiving non-UH scholarships for travel/study/internship/volunteer opportunities abroad are required to visit the Office of International Studies and Programs prior to their departure in order to be in compliance with UH Safety and Health regulations. Please contact Ms. Parul Fernandes (director, OISP) via email at pfernandes@uh.edu or call 713-743-9167 to schedule an appointment.
For complete listing of available scholarships, please visit Student Research Opportunities Around the World.
College-Specific Scholarships
Most colleges at the University of Houston offer scholarships specifically for students in those colleges. To be considered for a college-specific scholarship, submit an application through the appropriate college.
Find out more:
Privately Funded Scholarships
Each year, a number of foundations, corporations, and individuals provide funding for UH scholarships. Some of these privately funded scholarships are designed to support students in a particular discipline or from a specific heritage or geographic region; others are open to students of any major or background. Offerings change often according to availability of funds and the time of the school year.
- Barnes and Noble Textbook Scholarship
- Amount: $800 per year ($400 per semester), renewable for up to 2 years
Deadline: Not currently accepting applications
Barnes and Noble is pleased to be a member of the University of Houston (UH) community and seeks to support student Success and Access at UH by providing textbook scholarships to UH students that have been admitted to undergraduate programs. Qualifying applicants who meet at least one of the following eligibility requirements are invited to apply. Any funds not used each semester will be returned to the Barnes & Noble Textbook Scholarship account. Eligibility requirements: Academic Excellence Scholar with an SAT score ranging between 1100-1190 or ACT score ranging between 24-26, Dean's list student with a 3.5 GPA or above, or a Transfer Excellence Scholar with a 3.0 GPA or above. - Delphian Foundation Scholarship
- Amount: $4,000 per year (renewable)
Deadline: Not currently accepting applications
The Delphian scholarship is based upon scholarship, merit, character and financial need. It is only available for the fall and spring semesters, up to 8 semesters or graduation, whichever comes first. Applicants will be considered without regard to age, religion, race or ethnic origin, but must be a woman and citizen or permanent resident of the United States. Qualifying applicants must be classified as an undergraduate sophomore, junior, or senior, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 from all colleges attended as well as maintain full-time enrollment (12 credit hours) each semester. Additionally, applicants must submit an official University of Houston transcript and/or transcripts from any previously attended university or college with the application. Interviews will not be scheduled until all information is received by the Delphian office. To apply, please click the scholarship title above. - Ella Margaret Hawes Women in Transition Scholarship
- Amount: $1,000
Deadline: Not currently accepting applications
Women who are faculty or professional staff members, wives or daughters of the same, or retired members may apply for this $1000 scholarship. An applicant must be enrolled in a university-approved degree program. The scholarship will be awarded to the woman “in transition” based on merit, motivation and need. Applications are available in the M.D. Anderson Library Administration Office, room 220 (second floor). Submitted applications must be postmarked by April 30. For further information contact Joan Linsley at 713-661-8801 or joantex@aol.com, or Evelyn Brass at 713-743-9686 or ebrass@uh.edu. - Mary Hoffman Harding Scholarship
- Amount: $1,000
Deadline: Not currently accepting applications
Children or grandchildren of full-time current or retired employees of the UH System (any campus) are eligible for the Mary Harding Hoffman $1000.00 scholarship. Students may apply if they are, or will be, full-time students for the next school year at the UH Central Campus as entering freshmen, or undergraduate or graduate in good standing. The scholarship will be awarded on the basis of scholarship achievement with leadership qualities as secondary consideration. There is no financial disclosure requirement. A previous winner may not reapply because it is awarded on a one-time basis. Applications are available in the M.D. Anderson Library Administration Office, room 220 (second floor). Submitted applications must be postmarked by April 30. For further information contact Joan Linsley at 713-661-8801 or joantex@aol.com, or Evelyn Brass at 713-743-9686 or ebrass@uh.edu. - Meal Plan Scholarship
- Amount: Two Lifestyle 21 Meal Plans per year (One Lifestyle 21 Meal Plan per semester), not renewable
Deadline: Not currently accepting applications
UH Dining Services (UHDS) is pleased to be a member of the University of Houston community and seeks to support student Success and Access at UH by providing Meal Plan scholarships to UH students that have been admitted to undergraduate programs. Qualifying applicants who meet at least one of the following eligibility requirements are invited to apply. Eligibility requirements: Academic Excellence Scholar with an SAT score ranging between 1100-1190 or ACT score ranging between 24-26, Dean's List student with a 3.5 GPA or above, or a Transfer Excellence Scholar with a 3.0 GPA or above. To apply, please click the scholarship title above. - Rodeo Scholarships
- The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's educational program is a significant part of the Show's mission — benefiting youth, supporting education, and facilitating better agricultural practices through exhibitions and presentation. Because college is only a dream for so many students, the Show has made an extraordinary impact on the lives of countless young men and women in its quest to benefit the youth of Texas and support them through education. For more information about this scholarship or to apply, please click the scholarship title above.
- Terry Foundation Scholarship
- Qualifications: For graduates from a Texas high school or home school who demonstrate financial need, a record of leadership in school and community, and strong academic abilities, as evidenced by grades and SAT scores. To apply, please click the scholarship title above.
Scholarships for Transfers
Thinking of transferring to UH? If you show promise through academics, leadership, and/or community involvement, you may qualify for one of these scholarships:
- Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Scholarship
- Amount: $1,200 ($600 per semester), not renewable
Deadline: April 1 (Fall) & November 1 (Spring)
For Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society members who are transfer students and intend to pursue their first baccalaureate degree at the University of Houston. For inquiries regarding applications and deadlines, please contact the Office of Admissions at 713-743-1010, option 4. To apply, please click the scholarship title above.
- Transfer Excellence Scholarship
- Amount: $1,000 per year ($500 per semester), not renewable
Available to 600 newly admitted Transfer students who meet ALL of the requirements. Applicants must hold a permanent residence card or be a U.S. Citizen, must enroll in 12 hours of classes at UH Main Campus, must have 42 transferable hours from a regionally accepted U.S. institution and must have a 3.00 GPA (on a 4.0 point scale). Awards are offered for fall and spring applicants. For inquiries regarding applications and deadlines please contact the Office of Admissions at 713-743-1010, option 4.
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Out-of-State Students
Want to pay in-state tuition—but you live out of state? You may be entitled to an out-of-state tuition waiver if you are a:
- Nonresident of the state of Texas AND
- Recipient of UH or individual college scholarships totaling more than $1,000 annually.
The waiver allows you to pay tuition at the same rate as a Texas resident—a savings of thousands per semester. Waivers are limited, so we encourage you to apply as early as possible.
Scholarships for International Students
- Florence Terry Griswold Scholarship
- Amount: $2,500
Deadline: Not currently accepting applications
The Florence Terry Griswold Scholarship is for women who are citizens of a Pan American country (other than the United States) and is pursuing a graduate degree at a state-supported college or university in Texas. More than $2,500 may be awarded in years when funds are available. - Houston Junior Chamber of Commerce (HJCC) Scholarship
- Amount: Comprehensive
Deadline: Not currently accepting applications
The purpose of HJCC is to provide financial support for students participating in a study abroad program, Click here to learn more about eligibility and application requirements. For more information about this scholarship or to apply, please click the scholarship title above. - Jack & D'Ann Burke International Scholarship Endowment
- Deadline: Not currently accepting applications
Applicants must demonstrate active involvement in international education activities, have completed one semester of full-time study at the University of Houston and be currently enrolled full-time. All undergraduate applicants must have at least a cumulative 3.0 GPA, and all graduate applicants must have at least a cumulative 3.5 GPA. For United States citizens and permanent residents, financial need will be determined by guidelines from the UH Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid. For non-immigrant international students, financial need is established by the results of an application for a Texas Public Education Grant (TPEG) through the International Student and Scholars Services Office. For more information about this scholarship or to apply, please click the scholarship title above. - Mehta Family Foundation Scholarship
- Amount: $1,000
Deadline: May 31, 2012
The Mehta Family Foundation Scholarship is a $1,000 scholarship to be used by students to cover expenses for tuition, books, fees, and/or supplies. The qualifying applicant must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or International student. Additionally, applicants must have a minimum UH-GPA of 3.5 and be a certified full-time undergraduate or graduate certificate student in good standing with demonstrated financial need.
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