You Are Welcome Here (YAWH) Scholarship

The #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship was developed as a result of U.S. higher education institutions’ commitment to providing a welcoming, safe and diverse environment to international students. UMBC is proud to support this initiative by offering two annual, renewable scholarships of $22,000 to international undergraduate applicants for up to four years of study. The scholarships are open to first-year international students admitted for undergraduate degree-seeking study at UMBC. U.S. citizens and permanent residents are not eligible for this scholarship.

Successful applicants will be admitted for the upcoming fall 2026 semester and be dedicated to furthering the #YouAreWelcomeHere message by bridging intercultural divides. UMBC’s #YAWH Scholarship selection process requires applicants to submit a 500-1000 word written essay about their leadership skills and ideas for utilizing those skills to advance intercultural learning and understanding at UMBC.

#YouAreWelcomeHere scholarships awardees are expected to:

  • Strengthen the message of #YouAreWelcomeHere
  • Create a lasting legacy of welcoming international students to UMBC
  • Advocate for internationalization at UMBC
  • Maintain a 3.0 gpa during their time at UMBC
  • Maintain full-time enrollment fall and spring
  • Participate in activities that align with these goals

Award
22,000
Deadline
03/01/2026
Supplemental Questions
  1. Tell us about your leadership skills in your school or community, and how you plan to continue applying your leadership skills at the U.S. institution you are applying to. We want to hear your story in your voice. Please do not use AI to write your answers.
  2. Please tell us how you plan to further the YAWH message of welcoming international students from around the world in your future endeavors (studies, work, internships, etc. - in your own words. Please do not submit AI generated work).