Paying for your Education

Scholarship Opportunities

Regents Scholarship

Presidential Scholarship

UH Foundation Scholarships

Office of Student Affairs
2444 Dole St.
Bachman 109H
Honolulu, HI 96822

tel (808)956-8753

UH System Scholarship Frequently Asked Questions

Questions?

Have a question about UH System Scholarships?

Email the UH System Scholarship Office at scholars@hawaii.edu.

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about the UH System Scholarships

Who is eligible to apply for scholarships?

The UH System scholarships are open to any student seeking a degree at any of the ten UH campuses.

How many scholarships are available?

There are over 40 different funds offered through the UH System scholarship application. There is one application for all UH System scholarships, and by filling out the application, you will be considered for all funds that you are eligible to receive.

View the full list of UH System Scholarships (PDF).

How do I apply for UH System scholarships and what do I need to submit?

You will need to have your personal statement completed and the answers to any of the essay questions because there is a time limit for the application. Also, you will need the email address to at least two recommenders for your Letter of Recommendations.

What information do I need to gather before logging into the online UH System Common Scholarship application?

Your UH Username is your electronic key to gaining access to the University of Hawaii online services (i.e. email, UH Portal, registration, etc.).

Do I need to have a UH Username to apply for a UH System scholarship?

It is highly recommended that you have a UH Username because it is required to be admitted to a UH campus to apply for the UH System scholarships.

Is there a time limit for the online scholarship application?

As a security feature on Scholarship Manager, there is a time out process. You have 45 minutes to complete each page of the application. Each time you navigate to another page of the application your information is saved and the clock is reset.

May I make changes to my online application once it is submitted?

No. Once your online application is submitted, you will NOT be allowed to make changes or corrections.

Can I save my application and return to it at a later time?

Yes. Before logging off make sure you click Save and Continue. Every time you select Save and Continue, your application information is saved. It is only after you submit your application that you will be unable to make changes to your application.

How can I check to see if my letters of recommendation have been submitted?

To view the status of your letters of recommendation, you will need to log into your scholarship account. Click Review Current Status. Then, view Review Answers to check the status of recommenders.

When will I be notified if I was selected for a scholarship?

If you have been selected as a scholarship recipient, you will be notified between April through June.

Who selects the scholarships?

There are committees set up for the different funds that will evaluate each eligible application.

Can I receive scholarships from more than one fund?

Yes, you may receive more than one scholarship if you are eligible.

How will I receive the scholarship funds?

For U.S. citizens and permanent residents, the scholarship funds are sent directly to your campus to be applied to any unpaid institutional charges. Any excess funds will be sent to you via the UH refund process, either by check or direct deposit.

For international students, the UH Foundation will pay scholarships to the student directly. International students must provide additional foreign national information to UH Foundation in order to process your scholarship.

If I am awarded a UH System Scholarship, will it affect my financial aid?

You must check with your home campus financial aid office. Most scholarships are considered as a student financial resource, available to pay for educational costs. If your financial aid awards currently meet your full financial need, government regulations specify that any scholarships you receive may lower your financial need, dollar-for-dollar, and the financial aid office may need to reduce your other financial aid awards to accommodate the scholarship you were awarded.

If I am awarded a scholarship and decide to change my UH home campus, am I still eligible?

Awards are based upon the criteria set forth by the donors and the UH campus you were admitted to at the time the scholarship committee reviewed your application.

If your home campus changes, you must inform the UH System Scholarship Office and your award will be re-evaluated based on the new information and you will be notified of the decision.

If I receive a scholarship, should I send a “Thank You” note? If so, where do I send it?

“Thank You” letters are highly encouraged. Donors and selection committees enjoying reading “Thank You” letters and it encourages continued donations for future scholarship opportunities.

Please address your “Thank You” letter/note to each scholarship and mail it to:
University of Hawai‘i Foundation
P.O. Box 11270
Honolulu, HI 96828-0270.

For more information, please visit UH Foundation’s webpage, Thanking Your Scholarship Donor.

If I receive a scholarship one year, will I automatically receive an award for the following year?

No. You must re-apply every academic year. Applications are generally available in January with a deadline of March 1. Some selection committees may give preference to renewal applicants.

Are these scholarships taxable?

If you receive a scholarship or fellowship grant, all or part of the amounts you receive may be tax–free. Qualified scholarship and fellowship grants are treated as tax–free amounts if all the following conditions are met:

You are a candidate for a degree at an educational institution that maintains a regular faculty and curriculum and normally has a regular enrolled body of students in attendance at the place where it carries on its educational activities; and
Amounts you receive as a scholarship or fellowship grant are used only for tuition and fees required for enrollment or attendance at the educational institution, or for fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for courses of instruction. Any amounts in excess of these expenses are considered taxable.

You must include scholarship or fellowship grants in gross income amounts used for incidental expenses, such as room and board, travel, and optional equipment, and generally amounts received as payments for teaching, research, or other services required as a condition for receiving the scholarship or fellowship grant.

Please consult with a tax preparation expert for advice or visit the Internal Revenue Service website for more information.

If you have any questions or concerns, please email the UH System Scholarship Office at scholars@hawaii.edu.