UW Certificate Scholarship

Reach Your Potential

Education turns potential into possibility. Through the UW Certificate Scholarship program, you’ll have a chance to boost your potential — and your career — with a UW certificate.

WHat’s the UW Certificate Scholarship?

The UW Certificate Scholarship program is an important way to break down barriers to a UW education and help you ignite a change in your career. 

The UW Certificate Scholarship covers up to 80% of the cost, up to a maximum value of $4,000, for most of our eligible certificate programs.

The scholarship value is evenly divided each quarter of the program and delivered as a course fee waiver. The recipient is responsible for the remaining costs and any additional fees, which may include at least 20% of the course cost, an initial $50 application fee (if applicable), additional program fees, and the cost of any necessary books and other class materials.

Take The Next Steps

We’ll be accepting scholarship applications from May 1–June 1, 2026. Here’s how to find out if you meet scholarship qualifications and how to apply.

To learn more, check out the following list of eligible certificate programs, talk to an enrollment coach and attend an information session.

Eligible Certificate Programs

Students who apply to one of these certificate programs may be eligible for an Autumn 2026 UW Certificate Scholarship.

Biotech, health Care & Social Work

Business & Leadership

Data & Applied Math

Engineering, Construction & Sustainability

Education, Nonprofit & Society

Marketing, Communication & Design

Programming & Tech

Who’s Eligible for this scholarship?

To be considered for this scholarship, you must:

  • Be living in Washington state
  • Apply and be accepted to one of the eligible certificate programs
  • Not exceed the household income limits listed below for the previous calendar year*
  • Not have access to financial assistance from your employer to pay for your program
  • Not have been a part- or full-time student in the last 12 months (unless taking prerequisite courses) 
  • Not be a UW Continuum College employee or an immediate family member thereof

The University of Washington strives to create a community of students richly diverse in cultural backgrounds, experiences, values and viewpoints. Individuals from all cultures and communities are encouraged to apply.

* To qualify for a UW Certificate Scholarship, the applicant's total household income may not exceed 300% of the U.S. Federal Poverty Guidelines. You are required to state your household income and provide a copy of your 2024 or 2025 federal income tax return as part of the application. Please ensure your supporting documentation matches the information provided on your application and is submitted with it or before the deadline. 

People in Household

Annual Income

1 $46,950
2 $63,450
3 $79,950
4 $96,450
5 $112,950
6 $129,450
7 $145,950
8 $162,450

How To Apply For A UW Certificate scholarship

* The link to the scholarship application will be available below on May 1. *

✔ Carefully review the admission requirements for your chosen certificate program to make sure you qualify.

  • Click “See Requirements” on the program’s webpage to make sure you qualify.

  • If the Program Details indicate that you’ll need to Apply to the certificate, plan ahead — in mid-June, you’ll need to submit materials such as a resume and a personal statement.

Complete the UW Certificate Scholarship application below between May 1-June 1, 2026.

  • No late or incomplete applications are accepted.

  • To confirm your income eligibility, you'll need to submit your 2024 or 2025 U.S. federal income tax return.

  • The scholarship application below will be available on May 1, 2026.

Scholarship Application - OPENS MAY 1


Check your email! After you submit your scholarship application, watch for email from the Scholarship Committee with important details about what happens next.

  • Will you need to apply for admission to your chosen certificate? If so, you’ll receive an email in mid-June with instructions on your next steps. You’ll need to meet deadlines in June 2026 if you want to continue to be considered for this scholarship opportunity.

  • No admission application required? You’ll receive an email from us in July when scholarship decisions are final.

Check your email again! We will let all scholarship applicants know about award decisions by July 1, 2026.
 

What To Keep In Mind

Dates and Deadlines: There are important admissions and/or registration deadlines coming up in June and July. We’ll send these details to you by email. Don’t miss these deadlines!

Plan Ahead to Register and Pay: Remember, while a scholarship can help cover some program costs, students are responsible for paying any additional program costs or course fees on time. If you receive a scholarship, you’ll be responsible for registering for your first course AND paying any remaining costs no later than July 29, 2026.

If you have any questions, contact Enrollment Services.

Thank you for your interest in this scholarship program!

SCHOLARSHIP DETAILS

  • You may apply for a scholarship for one certificate program.
  • Scholarship decisions are made by the Scholarship Committee. All decisions are final.  
  • Scholarship awards are not transferable to other certificate programs. 
  • Scholarship recipients must successfully complete each course in their certificate program to receive the scholarship award for the remaining courses. 
  • Scholarship recipients cannot be enrolled in other UW programs while completing their awarded certificate program. 
  • Scholarship awards cannot be deferred.
  • Scholarship recipients must sign a Scholarship Agreement within two weeks of notification.
  • Scholarship recipients must attend a Welcome Session and Program Information Session before the start of their program. 
  • Scholarship recipients must meet all deadlines for accepting, registering, and paying fees as stated in the Scholarship Agreement. Generally, course fees must be paid two weeks before the start of a course. If the deadlines are missed, the scholarship will expire. 

Scholarship details

Award amount:
Up to $4,000


Next Scholarship application Cycle:
May 1–June 1, 2026


Next certificate programs start:
Autumn 2026

Rebecca Bramwell

Learning Within Reach

“Once I got the congratulations email for the scholarship, it was like a weight lifted off my shoulders. It made the program reachable. I was like, ‘Okay, I can do this.’” 

Clarissa Suarez, Scholarship Recipient & Certificate Graduate

Read Clarissa’s Story

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