Student Financial Services
Students at UVM are encouraged to seek outside scholarships to help with funding their education.

Scholarship funds are available from a wide variety of organizations. These funds are considered "gift aid" and do not have to be repaid. You are encouraged to review the information below to explore scholarship opportunities that may be available.

Understand how outside scholarships may affect your financial aid. 
Receiving an outside scholarship may change the financial aid you receive. We will first try to reduce need-based student loans and work-study before adjusting need-based grants or university scholarships that are offered based on financial need. If you have questions about how an outside scholarship could affect your aid, please contact a Student Financial Services (SFS) counselor. 

Scholarship Resources

Vermont Residents
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Vermont Student Assistance Corporation

Vermont Society of Engineers (VSE) Scholarship

  • Students must be enrolled in an Engineering curriculum at the University of Vermont, Norwich University or Vermont Technical College.
  • Students must have graduated (or will have graduated) from a Vermont high school and be in good academic standing.
  • VSE Scholars are awarded a scholarship of $3,000 per year.
  • Applications are available in March each year, and must be submitted to Student Financial Services (SFS) (scholarships@uvm.edu) by May 15, 2026. Selected students will be notified in August. Download the 2026-2027 application (PDF) and a Release of Information Form (PDF) so your application can be sent to VSE.

4-H Scholarships

  • 4-H Scholarships for Higher Education are available to help reduce the cost of higher education. Scholarship application due dates and award levels will vary by county; please contact your 4-H Educator for additional details

Graduate Students
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Visit Graduate Student Scholarships for a list of funding opportunities available to graduate students. 

Medical Students
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Visit the Medical Student Financial Services Comprehensive Scholarship Directory (PDF) for a comprehensive listing of outside scholarships available to medical students.

The Federal Trade Commission recommends that students and their families be cautious when using scholarship search companies. Some fraudulent organizations claim they can secure scholarships for students if an upfront fee is paid. Remember: legitimate scholarship providers do not guarantee awards. 

Scholarship Search Websites and Guides

Websites
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We have found the following websites helpful to students in providing free scholarship search services:

Note: The above list is provided to you as a reference tool. It should not be construed as an endorsement by the University of Vermont for any of the organizations listed.

Are you an organization that feels you may have a legitimate search site to add? Please send us an email (sfs@uvm.edu) with information so that we can review this potential opportunity for our students.

Guides
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Utilize these guides for help in navigating your way to free scholarships for college

Finding Scholarships: Where Do I Start?

Step 1: Get Organized
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Gather Your Information

Collect all necessary documents like transcripts, GPA, test scores, activities/awards, and financial information (provided on your FAFSA). 

Create a System

  • Create a dedicated email account. Using a separate email for scholarship applications can help you stay organized and avoid missing important updates and deadlines.
  • Stay organized. Use a spreadsheet (sample tracker opens in Excel), calendar, or other tracking tool to keep records of scholarship opportunities, application requirements, award amounts, deadlines, and submission dates.

Step 2: Identify Opportunities
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Use Free Search Tools

Use reputable, free scholarship websites and databases. To get started, review our scholarship search websites and guides.

Look Locally

Check with your high school or college counselor, local businesses, community organizations, religious organizations, and your parents' employers. Local scholarships often have fewer applications and may be less competitive. 

Step 3: Search Strategically
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Start Early 

Give yourself plenty of time to research and apply for scholarships that are a good match for your interests, achievements, and goals.

Think Broadly

Look for scholarships based on your unique profile, including hobbies, interests, ethnicity, major, or background, not just academic merit. 

Don't Overlook Smaller Scholarships

Smaller scholarships add up and often have fewer applicants, increasing your chances of receiving an award.

Step 4: Build a Strong Scholarship Application
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Meet Deadlines

Give yourself plenty of time to prepare materials and complete applications. Missing a deadline may result in disqualification.

Request Recommendations Early

Ask teachers, counselors, coaches, or mentors for letters of recommendation well in advance (at least 2 weeks) of the deadline. 

Write a Strong Essay 

Use your essay to highlight unique aspects of yourself; tailor it to the scholarship sponsor's specific criteria and goals and proofread carefully. If you are a current UVM student, you can considering using the UVM Writing Center to assist with your essay writing.

Step 5: Avoid Scams
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Protect your personal information and avoid losing money by watching out for these red flags:

  • Requests for payment: Legitimate scholarships do not charge fees. Avoid offers that ask for postage (the only postage you should pay is the cost for you to mail in an application), application fees, deposits, or credit card details.
  • Unusual personal information requests: Never share your Social Security number or other sensitive data, like bank account information.
  • False guarantees: Claims like "Guaranteed winner," "You've won a scholarship (that you didn't apply for)," or "We do all the work" are scams.
  • No privacy policy or one that says your information will be shared or sold.
  • Unusual personal information requests: Never share your Social Security number or other sensitive data.
  • Negative Reviews: Check the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and online reviews
  • No contact information: Legitimate organizations provide clear contact details

Other things you can check

  • If they claim to be a non-profit, verify on GuideStar or IRS Publication 78.
  • Are they a member of the National Scholarship Providers Association (NSPA)?

At UVM

Report or view recently reported phishing scams.

Step 6: Keep Applying
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Scholarships Aren't Just for First-Year Students

Don't get discouraged if you aren't selected for a scholarship right away. New opportunities become available, and many scholarships are open to continuing, transfer, graduate, and medical students, not just first-year students. Keep searching and applying. 

Step 7: Submit Info to UVM
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Congrats! You’ve been awarded a scholarship. Now what? Visit Submitting Outside Scholarship Information and Checks to find out more.