#YouAreWelcomeHere 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 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 – transfer students are not eligible for this scholarship. 

Successful applicants will 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.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Be a first-year, undergraduate international (F-1 Visa) applicant to UMBC. Transfer students are not eligible.
  • Have admission for the upcoming fall semester
  • Demonstrate interest and personal initiative in activities involving intercultural learning and exchange.
  • Complete a scholarship application and a 500–1000-word essay describing their aspirations to conduct projects, research, employment, or other experiences that will advance intercultural learning.
  • Please note you can only accept one UMBC scholarship at a time. If you have already been awarded and have accepted a different UMBC scholarship, you would not be able to accept the #YAWH Scholarship in addition to that. You would need to choose which scholarship to accept.

How to Apply

Applications are received through Scholarship Retriever. Set up your account here:      Scholarship Retriever

Scholarship Maintenance

  • Scholarship can be renewed for up to 4 years (Fall and Spring semesters only).
  • Participate in cultural sharing and engagement at UMBC and with the local community.
  • Maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0.
  • Enroll and successfully complete a minimum of 12 credits (exception may be granted) for Fall and Spring semesters.