Regents and Presidential Scholars Program

The UH Board of Regents established the Regents and Presidential Scholarships to support students with a record of outstanding academic achievement. This scholarship is open to all Hawaiʻi residents.

The University of Hawaiʻi (UH) System Regents and Presidential Scholarship awards full tuition for both Fall and Spring semesters, a $2,000 semester based stipend, and a one-time travel stipend of $2,000 to successful applicants attending University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (UHM), the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, and the University of Hawaiʻi at West O’ahu. Regents Scholars are awarded this support for eight consecutive semesters, and Presidential Scholars for four consecutive semesters.

Regents Scholarships are awarded to incoming first year students. Eligibility for consideration for a Regents Scholarship will be as follows: 3.8 GPA for UH Mānoa; 3.5-3.7 GPA for UH Hilo and UH West Oʻahu, with preference for those with the higher GPA.

Presidential Scholarships are awarded to rising juniors who have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.7 for all college level work, a record of sustained progress in academic courses, and evidence of superior academic achievement or creative endeavor.

While the Regents and Presidential Scholarships cover the cost of tuition, and include a $4,000 stipend per year, this does not cover the full Cost of Attendance associated with attending the University for the year. To optimize your chances of receiving the very best Financial Aid available, you are strongly encouraged to also complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at http://fafsa.gov. Application for the FAFSA is available October 1st and its priority deadline is February 1st of each year. For additional information on the Cost of Attendance for your intended institution, please visit our Financial Aid site and link to your campus Financial Aid office.

The Regents and Presidential Scholarships are administered by the Office of the Vice-Chancellor for Student Affairs at UH Hilo, UH Mānoa, and UH West Oʻahu in cooperation with the UH System Office of the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs.

UH Mānoa Applicants

In keeping with the philosophy of excellence and engagement expected of Regents and Presidential Scholars recipients, UH Mānoa scholars are required to be part of the Honors Program.

It is required that applicants submit their application to the UH Mānoa Honors program in addition to submitting their Regents and Presidential Scholarship application. This includes an interview with a member of the Honors faculty, by May 1st.

To learn more about the Mānoa Honors/Regent-Presidential Scholar program, visit the Mānoa Honors Program FAQ page.

RAPS scholars are eligible to use their travel grant, up to $2,000, to further their academic studies and enhance their educational program. The grant must be used within the time frame of your RAPS scholarship and must be directly aligned with your field of study.

In order to use the grant, you must:

1. Turn in a RAPS Travel Grant Proposal to your campus academic adviser prior to booking
2. Turn in a budget of all related expenses along with proposal

If approved, after travel you must turn in the Travel Completion form with all original receipts for approved expenses to your academic adviser to be eligible for reimbursement. Go to our travel grants page for instructions and forms.

Visit our Past Awardees page to see previous years Regent and Presidential Scholars.

Contact

Regents and Presidential Scholars
System Office of Student Affairs
1733 Donaghho Road
Kuykendall 716
Honolulu, HI 96822

(808) 956-6203
avpsa@hawaii.edu