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What if studying in the USA came with a scholarship so generous? The University of Georgia Scholarships 2026 might just be your golden ticket. From full tuition awards to exclusive perks for high-achieving students, these scholarships are changing lives, and they’re more accessible than ever. Whether you’re a Georgia native, an out-of-state scholar, or an international applicant, this could be your chance to study at one of America’s top public universities without breaking the bank. Ready to find out how?
For the 2026 academic year, the University of Georgia is providing a wide variety of undergraduate scholarships to help students who are both financially poor and intellectually exceptional. These include research grants, travel-study stipends, and competitive awards that offer substantial financial aid. Residents of Georgia are eligible for state-specific scholarships that pay for a sizable amount of tuition. The purpose of these scholarships is to increase access to higher education and assist individuals in reaching their academic and professional objectives.
State-specific scholarships offer significant tuition aid to Georgia residents enrolled in undergraduate programs at the University of Georgia for the 2026 school year. These grants, which are determined by academic achievement and results on standardized tests, cover all or a large portion of tuition. These scholarships, which are intended to lessen the cost of a college education, assist Georgians in having greater access to and affordability of higher education.
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About The University of Georgia
UGA is a prestigious public university in the United States, having been founded in 1785. The university’s main campus is situated in Athens. Other campuses are longer. The campus of the institution spans more than 760 acres.UGA is ranked as the eleventh best public university in the United States by Niche. The Princeton Review also designated UGA a Best Value institution in 2024. This university has been recognized by the Princeton Review as one of the best in the country for offering top-notch instruction and career training at an affordable price.
Additionally, the university is a leader in a wide range of graduate programs, including social work, public affairs, pharmacy, and law. In addition, the university’s career placement rate is 96%. In 2024, there will be more than 41,000 students enrolled at the university. Of these, there are more than 31,500 UG students and more than 10,000 PG students. At UGA, there are around 2,600 international students. UGA is competitive in terms of admissions, with an acceptance rate of roughly 43% and first-year students’ (Class of 2028) average GPA of 4.05 to 4.33.
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There are more than 700 student groups at UGA, and students can join any of them to enjoy student life. Students who want to enjoy sports can also join this university’s competitive sports teams. UGA’s athletic department participates in the NCAA Division I Southeastern Conference. U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, AFLAC CEO Dan Amos, and Food Network celebrity Alton Brown are just a few of the well-known UGA alums.
The university’s motto, “to teach, to serve, and to inquire into the nature of things,” embodies its essential and distinctive role in preserving and advancing the intellectual, cultural, and environmental heritage of the state and the country.
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List of Scholarships at the University of Georgia:
Foundation Fellowship:
The Foundation Fellowship is the most distinguished of all University of Georgia scholarships, offered through the Morehead Honors College. It covers the full cost of attendance and includes generous travel-study grants, research funding, and enrichment opportunities. Open to incoming freshmen with a GPA of 3.8+, exceptional leadership, and Honors College admission, it awards up to $26,000 annually.
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Presidential Leadership Scholarship
The Presidential Leadership Scholarship is a merit-based award of $3,000 per year, renewable for eligible students. As one of the notable University of Georgia scholarships, it supports incoming freshmen with outstanding academic records and proven leadership. Recipients must maintain full-time enrollment and a minimum 3.0 UGA GPA, with additional pairing options like Zell Miller or Presidential Waivers.
Baldwin Scholarship
The Baldwin Scholarship is a selective legacy-based award granted to about 30–35 students annually. Valued at $2,000 per year and renewable, it honors academic excellence among Georgia residents. Among the prestigious University of Georgia scholarships, this award supports full-time students who maintain a minimum 3.0 UGA GPA and demonstrate strong academic achievement.
Classic Scholarship
The Classic Scholarship offers a partial tuition waiver of approximately $9,520 per year to high-achieving out-of-state freshmen. Designed to ease the tuition gap, this award, part of the University of Georgia Scholarships portfolio, recognizes academic excellence and requires recipients to maintain full-time enrollment and a minimum 3.0 GPA throughout their undergraduate studies.
Charles McDonald Brown Scholarship
The Charles McDonald Brown Scholarship awards $5,000 annually to outstanding Georgia residents and is renewable for up to four years. Among the prestigious University of Georgia Scholarships, it supports students who demonstrate academic excellence and leadership and can be combined with HOPE or Zell Miller. Eligibility requires full-time enrollment and a minimum 3.0 UGA GPA.
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Woodruff Scholarship
The Woodruff Scholarship is one of the most competitive University of Georgia scholarships, awarded to just two exceptional Honors College students annually. It offers $5,000 per year plus a residency scholarship and is renewable. Candidates must enroll full-time, maintain a GPA of 3.4 or above, and be accepted into the Morehead Honors College.
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Dr. Henry King Stanford Scholarship
Each year, exceptional Honors students who are not chosen for the Foundation Fellowship receive $5,000 as the Dr. Henry King Stanford Scholarship recipient. As part of the University of Georgia Scholarships, it is renewable and may be combined with Zell Miller, HOPE, or a Presidential Waiver. Full-time enrollment, acceptance to Honors College, and a minimum UGA GPA of 3.4 are eligibility prerequisites.
Charter Scholarship
The Charter Scholarship is one of the prestigious University of Georgia Scholarships awarded annually to 225–275 outstanding Georgia residents. Valued at $2,000 per year and renewable, it recognizes academic excellence and requires recipients to maintain a minimum 3.0 UGA GPA while enrolled full-time in an undergraduate program.
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Georgia Incentive Scholarship
The Georgia Incentive Scholarship offers a $2,000 annual stipend, plus Zell Miller or HOPE, to academically strong students from underrepresented Georgia public high schools. Among the many University of Georgia Scholarships, this award stands out by encouraging geographic diversity and rewarding merit. Eligibility requires full-time enrollment and maintaining a minimum 3.0 UGA GPA.
Harris Scholarship
The Harris Scholarship offers $3,000 annually, supplementing Zell Miller or HOPE, and is exclusively awarded to graduates of Clarke County public high schools. As one of the targeted University of Georgia Scholarships, it supports 20–25 deserving students each year who maintain full-time enrollment and a minimum 3.0 GPA at the University of Georgia.
One UGA Scholarship
The One UGA Scholarship is a diversity-centered award offered through University of Georgia Scholarships, providing $3,000 annually for Georgia residents and $1,500 plus a Presidential Waiver for non-residents. It’s renewable and supports students who bring diverse perspectives, with eligibility requiring full-time enrollment and maintaining a minimum 3.0 GPA throughout their academic journey.
Classic City Scholars
The Classic City Scholars award offers a full Presidential Waiver, covering approximately $19,040 annually in out-of-state tuition for up to four years. As one of the prestigious University of Georgia Scholarships, it supports academically outstanding non-resident students who maintain full-time enrollment and a minimum 3.0 UGA GPA throughout their undergraduate studies.
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Presidential Waivers
The Presidential Waivers are a valuable addition to University of Georgia scholarships, awarded to 75–100 high-achieving non-resident students each year. These waivers significantly reduce or completely cover the out-of-state tuition differential and are renewable based on the conditions of the accompanying merit scholarship, making UGA more affordable for exceptional out-of-state applicants.
Chick‑fil‑A Bowl Scholarship
The Chick-fil-A Bowl Scholarship offers a $4,000 renewable award for up to eight semesters to eligible graduates of Atlanta public schools. Among the many University of Georgia scholarships, this one supports local students committed to academic growth, requiring a minimum 2.8 UGA GPA and full-time enrollment throughout their undergraduate studies.
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Benefits of University of Georgia Scholarships 2026:
- Alleviates educational costs through full or partial tuition coverage.
- Supports academic success with stipends for textbooks, learning materials, and occasionally housing expenses.
- Provides support for undergraduate research projects and study abroad programs, thereby promoting global participation and creativity.
- Enhances career readiness through access to exclusive internships and experiential learning opportunities.
- Celebrates scholarly excellence and leadership potential through competitive merit-based recognition
Eligibility Criteria for University of Georgia Scholarships 2026:
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Proven academic distinction, frequently shown in a great cumulative GPA and competitive standardized test scores.
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Evident leadership capability demonstrated through active participation in school or civic organizations.
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Eligibility for need-based awards determined by documented financial circumstances or FAFSA submissions.
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Recognition of exceptional merit in academics, research, or other discipline-specific accomplishments.
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meaningful participation in outreach initiatives, community work, or ongoing extracurricular activities.
Required Documents:
- Completed Application Form
- Resume or CV
- High School or College Transcripts
- Standardized Test Scores (SAT, ACT)
- Letters of Recommendation
- Personal Statement or Essay
- Proof of Financial Need (for need-based scholarships)
Deadline: Check the University of Georgia’s official scholarships webpage for specific deadlines, as they can vary by scholarship.
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Application Procedures for University of Georgia Scholarships 2026?
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Explore Scholarship Opportunities: Navigate the official University of Georgia scholarships portal to review current offerings and determine your eligibility based on academic merit, residency, or other criteria.
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Compile Supporting Materials: Collect all required documentation, including academic transcripts, standardized test results, recommendation letters, and tailored personal statements.
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Complete the Online Application: Access and accurately complete the relevant scholarship forms via the UGA student or scholarship portal.
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Submit All Components Promptly: Ensure all materials digital uploads or mailed items are submitted before the stated deadlines to avoid disqualification.
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Monitor Application Progress: Regularly log in to your application dashboard to confirm receipt of materials and respond to any additional requests or notifications from the scholarship office.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I win a UGA scholarship without having perfect grades?
Absolutely. While academic excellence is crucial, many University of Georgia scholarships also value leadership, service, extracurriculars, and personal character. Some awards like the One UGA Scholarship consider diversity, resilience, and contribution to community life, making well-roundedness just as important as a 4.0 GPA.
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2. Do I need to apply for admission first before applying for scholarships at UGA?
Yes, in most cases, you must first submit your UGA undergraduate admission application. Many scholarships automatically consider admitted students, while others require separate applications after admission. Apply early to be eligible for priority scholarship review.
3. Are out-of-state students eligible for full-tuition scholarships?
Definitely. Several merit-based awards, like the Classic City Scholars or Presidential Waivers, offer full or partial tuition coverage for non-residents. Some even combine with stipends or housing support, significantly narrowing the financial gap for out-of-state students.
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4. Does the University of Georgia offer scholarships based on artistic talent or athletics?
Yes. While academic awards dominate the spotlight, UGA also offers performance-based scholarships through departments like Music, Theatre, and Athletics. These require auditions or coach endorsements and are highly competitive, perfect for students blending academic and creative excellence.
5. Is financial need considered in UGA scholarship decisions?
While many scholarships are merit-based, UGA offers need-sensitive scholarships as well. Submitting the FAFSA and CSS Profile ensures you’re reviewed for funding that considers your financial circumstances in tandem with academic merit or geographic background.
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