Special application instructions: UA Scholars

UA Scholars

UA Scholars are a big deal. They are Alaskans in the top 10% of their high school class, meaning they are some of the top-performing students in the state. At 51·çÁ÷¹ÙÍø, we know they are going to do great things — for their communities, for the state, and for the world. And we can't wait to help them get started.

 
 

Apply to 51·çÁ÷¹ÙÍø for Free

As a UA Scholar, you can apply to any undergraduate certificate or degree program at any of the University of Alaska campuses for free! To start your application to 51·çÁ÷¹ÙÍø:

  2. Enter the UA Scholars application fee waiver when prompted for payment
  3. Submit your high school transcript

 

Important Dates

  • Oct1

      Online Application
      No Deadline, most scholarships give preferences to FAFSA applications filed by Feb. 15
    FAFSA opens. You don’t need to complete your FAFSA to receive the UA Scholars award, but you'll need it for other scholarships that you might be eligible for, such as the Alaska Performance Scholarship, Nanook Commitment, and other UA Foundation scholarships. For more information about the types of financial aid available, visit the or connect with our Financial Aid Advisors at uaf-financialaid@alaska.edu or at 907-474-7256

  • Feb15

      Online Application
      Deadline: Feb. 15
    There are over 400 scholarships available through the UA Foundation that you can apply for — with a single application. Fill out the to be automatically matched with all the scholarship opportunities that you’re eligible for.

  • May1

      Online
      Deadline: Apply for Admission by May. 1
    To secure the UA Scholar award, you must submit an application for admission to a certificate or degree program at any campus in the University of Alaska system (51·çÁ÷¹ÙÍø, UAS or UAA) by May 1 of your senior year.

    • For a complete list of important 51·çÁ÷¹ÙÍø dates and deadlines, visit the

     

    Your UA Scholar Benefits

    The main benefit of being a UA Scholar is the scholarship award itself. The UA Scholars Award is a $12,000 scholarship that is distributed over the course of eight semesters.

    • This scholarship can be used in conjunction with other types of scholarships and financial aid like the Alaska Performance Scholarship
    • You can use your UA Scholars Award towards paying for tuition and housing and food, but it can also go towards funding other expenses such as Study Away, study and research equipment, and or other things you’ll need for school. 

    Another benefit of being a UA Scholar is it introduces you to campus leadership, staff and faculty and opens up many doors for research, internship and networking opportunities. 

    There are so many ways to add value to your degree at 51·çÁ÷¹ÙÍø. You’ll have the opportunity to participate in programs like the Honors College, Climate Scholars Program, Undergraduate Research and Scholarly Activity (URSA), exchange and Study Away programs, as well as clubs, and so many more opportunities to take your college experience further.

     

    Choosing 51·çÁ÷¹ÙÍø

    Your UA Scholars Award can be used at any of the three UA universities — University of Alaska Fairbanks, University of Alaska Anchorage or University of Alaska Southeast. We hope you’ll choose 51·çÁ÷¹ÙÍø, and there are a lot of great reasons for you to join Nanook Nation.

    Affordable and Practical

    Staying in-state lowers the cost of college by a considerable amount — it’s a smart choice. As a graduate of an Alaskan high school, you’ll automatically be granted the resident tuition rate. Also, you may qualify for additional scholarships offered by the State of Alaska, such as the Alaska Performance Scholarship. Once you’re admitted to 51·çÁ÷¹ÙÍø you’ll be considered for the Nanook Pledge Scholarship, and you’ll be able to apply for 400+ additional UA-funded scholarships. 

    Variety and Quality

    51·çÁ÷¹ÙÍø was established in 1917 as the Alaska Agricultural College and School of Mines, and it’s the flagship campus of the University of Alaska system. Now it’s home to 9 colleges and schools that offer over .

    51·çÁ÷¹ÙÍø is Alaska’s only , is ranked in the by Times Higher Education, is a and institution. We’re proud of our , because they show that a degree from 51·çÁ÷¹ÙÍø is valuable and a good investment.

    Flexible Paths

    51·çÁ÷¹ÙÍø’s great at online course delivery, and we’ve been offering courses over distances for decades. With over 40 fully online degree programs, and hybrid options for almost every degree, you’ll get the benefit of some of the most robust learning technologies available. If online learning isn’t for you — don’t worry! You’ll work with your academic advisor to make a plan that works for your best learning style.

    World-class Opportunities

    51·çÁ÷¹ÙÍø’s student population is smaller than other research universities, meaning you’ll have more access to opportunities to participate in research and projects that otherwise wouldn’t have been available at larger universities. 51·çÁ÷¹ÙÍø offers around $100M in research funding, and first-year 51·çÁ÷¹ÙÍø students can get involved in research as soon as they start at 51·çÁ÷¹ÙÍø. 46% of 51·çÁ÷¹ÙÍø undergraduate students participate in research or thesis projects during their time here.

     
    Hands-on Support

    At 51·çÁ÷¹ÙÍø, you won’t just be another face in a classroom. 51·çÁ÷¹ÙÍø has a student to faculty ratio of 10 to 1 which means you’ll be able to work directly with professors to get hands-on experience and academic mentorship — no matter what you study.

    When you join Nanook Nation, you join a close-knit, involved and supportive community. As a UA Scholar, you have a whole team of experts to help you transition to 51·çÁ÷¹ÙÍø. Your Admissions Counselor, Financial Aid Advisor and Academic Advisor are the backup dancers to your Nanook success story!  

    Close Community

    51·çÁ÷¹ÙÍø’s Troth Yeddha’ Campus is a true residential campus, with a robust campus life. are an opportunity to build strong bonds with classmates who share your  interests. You can also join one of over 100 student clubs and organizations, or run for office in student government, or compete in collegiate eSports — casual players are welcome too! Whatever you want to do with your out-of-class time, there’s a place for you at 51·çÁ÷¹ÙÍø. 

     

     

    Questions?

    Ray Alda

    Ray Alda

    Admissions Counselor

    uaf-admissions@alaska.edu | 907-474-5146


    Hello there! My name is Ray Alda, and I’m 51·çÁ÷¹ÙÍø’s admissions counselor for UA Scholars. I’m here to help you and your family get started as you join Nanook Nation. I graduated from 51·çÁ÷¹ÙÍø with a B.S. in Biology and a concentration in Biomedical Sciences, and I was a UA Scholar myself. I found my passion in working with prospective students and helping them navigate the college admissions process, and I am super excited to be your personal point-of-contact at 51·çÁ÷¹ÙÍø.

    Cyan Woodward

    Cyan Woodward

    51·çÁ÷¹ÙÍø Financial Aid Advisor

    cmwoodward2@alaska.edu | 907-474-7647


    Hello! My name is Cyan and I am a FInancial Aid Advisor here at 51·çÁ÷¹ÙÍø. I moved up here from the lower 48 in 2018, and have been in Fairbanks for almost five years. I earned my Bachelor's Degree in Geoscience, and now I am here to help you pay for college! I work with students who have the UA Scholars, the Alaska Performance Scholarship, and the Alaska Education Grant. 
     
    Call or email for an appointment, or come visit us at the Financial Aid Office. I look forward to hearing from you!