UT Austin Scholarships

UT Austin Scholarships Guide

Earning UT Austin scholarships is an excellent way to lessen the cost of college. Moreover, lucky for those interested in attending this leading research institution, there are many UT Austin scholarships available. In fact, the Terry Foundation Scholarship and the Dell Scholars Program are just two of the UT Austin scholarships available to students with demonstrated financial need. 

In this UT Austin Scholarships guide, we’ll discuss:

  • Different University of Texas scholarships
  • How to apply to UT Austin scholarships
  • Scholarship deadlines
  • Tips for receiving UT Austin scholarships
  • And more!

Does UT Austin offer scholarships?

UT Austin Scholarships

UT Austin Scholarships are a significant part of the university’s commitment to affordability and accessibility for all students. UT Austin offers over 3,000 scholarships to both incoming and current students, demonstrating a dedicated effort to reduce student debt and make higher education possible for low- and middle-income families.

Catering to a variety of needs, UT Austin Scholarships come in many forms. For freshmen, the application deadline is December 1st, with additional scholarship interest forms due by December 7th. Transfer and continuing education students can apply for UT Austin Scholarships through the Continuing and Transfer Scholarship Application, which is due by March 15th.

Additionally, international students may also apply to certain UT Austin Scholarships. In fact, some academic departments offer scholarships specifically to international applicants. Furthermore, many UT Austin colleges, schools, and departments award their own scholarships, often providing more opportunities to continuing students than freshmen.

Finally, UT Austin Scholarships include opportunities from the University’s alumni association, the Texas Exes, with deadlines ranging from December 1st to February 15th. Regardless of your circumstances, UT Austin Scholarships provide a range of opportunities to help make your education more affordable.

What is the Terry Foundation Scholarship?

UT Austin Scholarships

One of the prominent UT Austin Scholarships is the Terry Foundation Scholarship. Through this scholarship, the Terry Foundation offers four-year scholarships to Texas residents not only at UT Austin but also at other universities in the state. The Terry Foundation Scholarship is one of the many renewable UT Austin Scholarships, with amounts ranging from $1,000 to $25,000.

Candidates for the Terry Foundation Scholarship are selected from a highly competitive applicant pool of incoming freshmen who demonstrate exceptional leadership, character, and scholastic ability. The selection process also accounts for financial need and family income. Additionally, it’s worth noting that continuing UT Austin students are not eligible for the Terry Foundation Scholarship. 

For renewal of the Terry Foundation Scholarship, students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5. As such, the Terry Foundation Scholarship not only rewards exceptional incoming students but also motivates them to maintain high academic standards throughout their time at UT Austin. Thus, the Terry Foundation Scholarship plays an essential role in the broader UT Austin Scholarships ecosystem, helping to make higher education more accessible to students with significant potential.

Am I eligible for the Terry Scholarship?

UT Austin Scholarships

The Terry Foundation Scholarship is one of the numerous UT Austin Scholarships available for incoming freshmen. As a potential applicant, you might wonder about your eligibility for this scholarship. Like all scholarships, the Terry Foundation Scholarship has a set of criteria that applicants must meet to be considered.

Firstly, applicants must demonstrate strong academic abilities, which are evaluated based on grades and SAT/ACT scores. This is a common characteristic among many UT Austin scholarships. Additionally, the Terry Foundation Scholarship requires applicants to have a record of leadership in school and in the community. It should be noted that applicants who earn UT Austin scholarships tend to be well-rounded.

Understanding financial need

Financial need also plays a key role in the selection process for the Terry Foundation Scholarship. Applicants’ financial need will be determined by the completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Furthermore, applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, meet Texas residency requirements, qualify for in-state tuition, and be eligible for federal financial aid assistance. High school graduates from an accredited Texas high school or homeschool are the primary targets for this scholarship. However, it’s important to note that those who have taken a gap year immediately following high school are not eligible.

Lastly, like other UT Austin scholarships, the Terry Foundation Scholarship requires applicants to be admitted to a Terry-affiliated college or university as full-time entering freshman students for the upcoming fall semester. Applicants must also commit to residing on campus for the first year of school.

In summary, the Terry Foundation Scholarship, as one of the many UT Austin scholarships, has a distinct set of eligibility criteria. The committee reviews academic achievement, leadership, financial need, and specific residency and admission requirements.

How much is the Terry Scholarship?

The Terry Foundation Scholarship stands out among the UT Austin scholarships. As one of the most notable UT Austin scholarships, it offers substantial financial support, with amounts ranging from $1,000 to $25,000 annually. 

Additionally, the Terry Foundation Scholarship is renewable, providing continued assistance to scholars who maintain good academic standing. This underlines the sustained support that UT Austin scholarships like the Terry Foundation Scholarship offer.

How do I apply for the Terry Foundation Scholarship?

To apply to the Terry Foundation Scholarship, students will first apply to UT through the Common App or ApplyTexas. 

After completing the regular application, you’ll answer Terry Foundation Scholarship-specific questions on the scholarship interest form. This form can be found on the MyStatus portal and is due no later than one week after the admissions deadline. Applicants also need to complete the FAFSA, as it will determine their financial need. 

However, applying for the Terry Foundation Scholarship, one of several UT Austin scholarships, is a process that starts long before the official deadline. To compete, students should hone their academic abilities and leadership skills. Also, as part of the application process, you may want to prepare for potential Terry Scholarship interview questions about your academics and extracurriculars.

UT Austin Scholarships, including the Terry Foundation Scholarship, require demonstrated financial need. Be prepared to discuss your financial situation, as this could be a topic in the Terry Scholarship interview questions.

First-generation scholarships at UT Austin

The Terry Foundation Scholarship is not a first-generation scholarship exclusively. However, UT Austin Scholarships do include options for first-generation students. 

While the Terry Foundation Scholarship isn’t one of the first generation scholarships, first-generation students are still eligible to apply. As you plan ahead, you should prepare for the Terry Scholarship interview questions. The interview questions will also help you prepare when applying to other first generations scholarships at UT Austin, as they’ll likely focus on the same core topics. 

So, when you apply for UT Austin Scholarships, whether it’s the Terry Foundation Scholarship or a first-generation scholarship, be prepared to discuss your academic prowess, leadership skills, and financial need. And remember, preparation for Terry Scholarship interview questions will serve you well in all scholarship interviews for UT Austin.

What is the Terry Foundation Scholarship deadline?

UT Austin Scholarships

The deadline for the Terry Foundation scholarship is one week after the regular admissions deadline—December 8th, to be specific. Applicants must also complete the FAFSA by January 15th.

The University of Texas scholarships are numerous and diverse, aiming to provide financial support to a wide range of students.

Competitive students will be invited to interview with a panel of six former Terry Foundation scholars. During the interview, you’ll respond to the Terry Scholarship interview questions.

Prospective Terry Scholars are expected to demonstrate exceptional leadership, strong scholastic abilities, and financial need. While specific interview questions are not published, these criteria give a strong indication of the qualities the foundation seeks in its scholars. Besides the Terry Foundation Scholarship, University of Texas scholarships also include first generation scholarships. 

In essence, the University of Texas scholarships, including the Terry Foundation Scholarship and first generation scholarships, play an integral role in promoting educational access and equity. Preparing for Terry Scholarship interview questions and creating a strong application can set you up for success. And, of course, students need to meet the deadlines for any applications. So, check the specific criteria of each scholarship of interest, as the deadlines may vary. 

What is the Dell Scholars Program?

UT Austin Scholarships

The Dell Scholars Program is one of the many University of Texas scholarships designed to lessen the cost of college for eligible students. The Dell Scholars Program is a unique initiative that goes beyond the typical definition of what is a merit-based scholarship. While it takes into consideration academic performance, it focuses more on a different type of merit: grit, potential, and ambition.

Among University of Texas scholarships, the Dell Scholars Program stands out for its comprehensive support. It does not merely cover the cost of college but also provides ongoing support and assistance. This helps ensure that students succeed in their university journey and beyond. The Dell Scholars Program includes resources such as counseling, financial aid coaching, and a scholar network that connects students with peers and mentors.

Dell Scholars Program vs. other University of Texas scholarships

The Dell Scholars Program shares commonalities with first generation scholarships initiatives at the University of Texas. Like first generation scholarships, the Dell Scholars Program seeks to level the playing field by making the cost of college more affordable for students from low-income backgrounds. 

Overall, the Dell Scholars Program is a distinctive feature in the landscape of University of Texas scholarships. This program, like many first generation scholarships, underscores the university’s commitment to inclusivity and equity in education. 

Am I eligible for the Dell Scholars at UT Austin?

The Dell Scholars at UT Austin is a prestigious program—and one of several great University of Texas scholarships. This program specifically targets students with the highest financial need in order to make the UT Austin tuition more affordable. Notably, there’s no separate application process for the Dell Scholars program; instead, scholarships are awarded based on the information provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

To qualify for the Dell Scholars at UT Austin, you must be an incoming Pell grant-eligible student attending UT Austin full-time as a first-time freshman admitted for the fall semester

In terms of first-generation scholarships, the university offers several. These include the Elizabeth & Gantt Walton Endowed scholarship and the Denson Endowed Scholarship for 1st Generation, with amounts ranging from $500 to $5000.

Understanding merit-based scholarships vs. the Dell Scholars Program

To recap, what is a merit-based scholarship? Merit-based scholarships, such as the Terry Foundation Scholarship, are awarded based on academic achievements, leadership, and character, among other factors. For instance, the Terry Foundation Scholarship at UT Austin requires strong academic abilities and demonstrated leadership. In contrast, the Dell Scholars program mainly focuses on financial need.

In summary, the Dell Scholars program is a significant player among the University of Texas scholarships. It serves to make UT Austin tuition more affordable for students with the highest financial need. These scholarships, including first-generation scholarships and merit-based scholarships, are key components of UT Austin’s strategy to reduce student debt and make quality education more accessible.

What do Dell Scholars receive?

The Dell Scholars program is a key part of the University of Texas scholarships landscape. Dell Scholars at the University of Texas at Austin receive a $20,000 scholarship that can be applied towards their cost of attendance, including UT Austin tuition. This support, as a part of the wider UT Austin financial aid system, is available for up to six years.

The Dell Scholars program also extends beyond financial assistance, offering comprehensive, individualized support to help scholars navigate academic challenges, increase financial literacy, and manage personal circumstances that impact their college experience. Such support includes peer advising, on-track graduation planning, and access to the UT for Me Resource Network. Dell Scholars are also given a laptop with a 4-year warranty to use during their time in college. 

Additionally, the Dell Scholars Program is intertwined with UT Austin automatic admission, as it targets incoming Pell Grant-eligible students, who are notified of their award along with their initial financial aid package. The program, along with other University of Texas scholarships, ensures students have the necessary resources to cover UT Austin tuition and related costs.

UT Austin Financial Aid, the Dell Scholars program, and other University of Texas scholarships offer critical resources that make UT Austin more accessible to students of varying financial backgrounds. They play a pivotal role in UT Austin’s commitment to education affordability, supplementing UT Austin Automatic Admission to ensure a diverse and inclusive student body.

Overall, the Dell Scholars program significantly lessens the financial burden of UT Austin tuition. It provides a holistic support system to promote academic success, reflecting the university’s dedication to its students through comprehensive UT Austin financial aid and University of Texas scholarships.

How do I apply to the Dell Scholars Program?

UT Austin Scholarships

The Dell Scholars Program is one of the most comprehensive UT Austin scholarships. To apply, students must be eligible for a Pell Grant and meet a certain threshold of demonstrated financial need. They must also pursue a full-time course of study at UT Austin. 

Note that the Dell Scholars Program is not one of the best UT Austin scholarships for international students, as it requires applicants to be eligible for a Pell Grant. Those interested in UT Austin scholarships for international students should look at the General ISSS financial aid awards, the Ethel Loving de Diaz scholarship, and other awards. These UT Austin scholarships for international students vary in amount and eligibility, so make sure to do your research. Some UT Austin scholarships for international students can cover a significant amount of students’ tuition bills. 

Understanding the Dell Scholars Program

When considering the question, “What is a merit-based scholarship?”, note that granting entities award merit scholarships based on academic or extracurricular achievement. In contrast, the Dell Scholars Program largely considers financial need. However, like many scholarships for college, it does not have a separate application process. Instead, the Dell Scholars Program awards scholarships based on the information students provide on the FAFSA.

The UT Austin automatic admission policy doesn’t directly affect the Dell Scholars application, but it’s a crucial part of the broader UT Austin admission process. Students who receive UT Austin automatic admission have a streamlined path to enroll, which could enhance their chances of securing scholarships for college. This includes the Dell Scholars Program.

A merit-based scholarship rewards students’ academic or extracurricular achievements, while the Dell Scholars Program mainly focuses on financial need. This approach broadens the scope of UT Austin scholarships, ensuring students have the support they need to succeed in college. 

Finally, the UT Austin Financial Aid Office provides essential resources for any scholarship-related queries, including the Dell Scholars Program. They can provide guidance on the FAFSA, UT Austin automatic admission, and various scholarships for college. 

10 More UT Austin Scholarships to Explore

UT Austin Scholarships

10 UT Austin Scholarships

1. Sean N. Bourgeois Memorial Endowed Scholarship

This scholarship awards $1000 per year to up to two current UT students. Eligibility requirements include current enrollment as an undergraduate student, commitment to improving university spirit and campus involvement, minimum GPA of 2.7, completion of four long semesters. Additionally, this award has a preference for members of the Longhorn Hellraisers or engineering majors. The application deadline is approximately one month after the spring term begins. Students can apply online by submitting short essays, a resume, and a recommendation from a faculty or staff member.

2. Glenn Maloney Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship awards $1000 annually to up to five students. To apply, students submit several short essays, a resume, and a recommendation from a current or former UT Austin faculty or staff member. Eligibility criteria include current enrollment as an undergraduate student, completion of four long semesters, commitment to improving university spirit and campus involvement, minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7, and good disciplinary standing. The application opens on the first day of the spring term and remains open for approximately one month. The selection committee announces winners in late March. 

3. Ruth Martin Endowed Presidential Scholarship

This $2500/year scholarship is available for high school graduates from Corpus Christi and Austin. It is renewable and requires a minimum GPA of 3.0 to renew. Eligible students must demonstrate academic potential, financial need, and meet certain criteria. The selection committee prefers freshman applicants who receive nominations from their high school counselors. Additionally, applicants should have a minimum SAT score of 1200 and be in the top 10% of their senior class. Students must complete the FAFSA to apply.

4. Ronald M. and Marilou D. Brown Endowed Scholarship

Offering variable awards ranging from $500 to $2000, this scholarship is specifically available for children of current, retired, or deceased full-time faculty or staff members of UT Austin. It is a one-year scholarship and requires the completion of the FAFSA. Full-time undergraduate students who have demonstrated academic success and exhibit clear financial need are eligible to apply. Each year, the selection committee awards five to six scholarships, and previous recipients are welcome to re-apply. 

5. Alec Beck Endowed Scholarship

This $6000 renewable scholarship is available to qualifying applicants. It gives first preference to those whose parent or stepparent is currently or formerly incarcerated in the state of Texas. The scholarship is also for students who have a parent or stepparent incarcerated in or on parole from any incarceration facility or system. Students must complete the FAFSA to apply. 

6. Will Rogers Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship offers awards ranging from $250 to $1500. It is available for students who are disabled or non-disabled and are studying to work with individuals who are disabled, particularly children with disabilities. The term “disabled” includes physical, non-physical, mental, and spiritual hardships or obstacles resulting from environment, lack of opportunity, or other factors. The selection committee may consider financial need as a factor in the selection process. This scholarship also requires the FAFSA. 

7. The UT Scouting Award Scholarship

This program provides awards ranging from $500 to $1500. It is specifically designed for deserving students attending The University of Texas at Austin who have earned the Boy Scouts of America Eagle Award or Venturing Silver Award. FAFSA is required as part of the application process for this scholarship. 

8. The Sarah Vandong Memorial Scholarship

This program offers awards ranging from $500 to $1500. It aims to support undergraduate students who are bilingual in Bisayan, Cantonese Chinese, Korean, Laotian, Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, Tagalog, Taiwanese, Thai, and/or Vietnamese. The selection committee prefers, in the following order: students studying for a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Health, students who graduated from Klein High School in Houston, Texas, and students with financial need. Students must submit the FAFSA to apply for this scholarship. 

9. The Laverne Noyes Foundation Scholarships

This program offers awards ranging from $500 to $1500. These scholarships are available to a limited number of qualified students registered at The University of Texas at Austin who are blood descendants of individuals who served in World War I between April 6, 1917, and November 11, 1918, and whose service ended with death or an honorable discharge. It is important to note that blood descent alone does not guarantee an automatic award. 

10. The Carole L. Patterson Endowed Scholarship

This program offers awards ranging from $250 to $2500. It is available for physically disabled students who are registered at The University of Texas at Austin. Preference is given to mobility-impaired students. Applicants must be enrolled in at least six hours at UT Austin and have a minimum UT GPA of 2.5. Financial need may be considered in the selection process, and all applicants must complete the FAFSA. A minimum GPA of 2.5 is required for renewal. 

In addition to these scholarships for college, for those who are Texas residents, there is the UT Austin Automatic Admission policy. Through this policy, the top 6% of freshman applicants from Texas high schools receive “automatic” admission to the university.

Does UT Austin give scholarships to international students?

Yes—there are UT Austin scholarships for international students. Because UT Austin understands the importance of diversity, they strive to attract talented students from around the world. 

So, with this commitment to promoting global engagement, UT Austin offers several scholarships specifically designed for international students. These UT Austin scholarships for international students provide valuable assistance towards tuition fees, living expenses, and other educational costs. Prospective international students can explore the university’s financial aid resources and eligibility criteria to find suitable opportunities. 

Top 3 UT Austin scholarships for international students

UT Austin Scholarships

UT Austin offers a variety of scholarships for college, including several notable UT Austin scholarships for international students. The following are some of the top scholarships for college available for international students at UT Austin.

One of the top UT Austin scholarships for international students is the Society of Iranian-American Women for Education Scholarship. It’s a $3,500 award for the spring term that recognizes students of Iranian descent who demonstrate financial need and academic excellence.

Next among our top 3 UT Austin scholarships for international students is the Iimura Peace Endowed Scholarship. This is a $5,000 award for the fall term. It’s specifically for international students from Asia, with a focus on promoting peace in the region.

Finally, the Khalid Alhilali Memorial Scholarship is another of the top scholarships for college at UT Austin. This $2,500 award is for undergraduate international students who have received all or part of their preparatory education in the Middle East.

5 Tips: How to win UT Austin Scholarships

UT Austin Scholarships

At UT Austin, the scholarship application process can be competitive. However, if you follow these 5 tips, you will give yourself the best opportunity to earn one of the many UT Austin scholarships available. 

Tips for Winning UT Austin Scholarships

1. Understand the Criteria

Each scholarship has specific requirements and criteria. Ensure you understand what selection committees expect of applicants, whether it’s academic excellence, financial need, or a particular field of study.

2. Apply Early

Some scholarships have limited funds. Apply early to increase your chances of securing a scholarship.

3. Showcase Your Strengths

Highlight your unique skills and achievements in your application. Whether it’s academic prowess, leadership skills, or extracurricular activities, showcasing your strengths can make you stand out.

4. Write a Strong Essay

Many scholarships require an essay. Craft a compelling narrative that aligns with the scholarship’s purpose.

5. Seek Recommendations

Strong recommendations from teachers or mentors can strengthen your application and improve your chances of winning a UT Austin scholarship.

More Scholarship Resources from CollegeAdvisor

At CollegeAdvisor, we’re committed to helping you learn how to pay for college. We craft our resources are to help you with schools in Texas, from UT Austin to Rice.

Check out our guide on how to make the most of the college application process as a first-generation college applicant. Additionally, take a look at our resources on committing to a school or affording college as an international student.

Find out more about scholarships you can apply for (such as Questbridge) and how to succeed through the scholarship application process by connecting with us today.


Senior advisor, Deepak Kejariwal wrote this guide. Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.