Each academic year, the High Potential Scholarship program at the University of Michigan awards 150 partially funded scholarships worth $35,000. These scholarships include a monthly stipend and a reduction in tuition fees for highly qualified international students accepted into one of the University of Michigan’s undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral programs.
The High Potential Scholarships are funded by the University Scholarship Fund, while the Albright Scholarship is supported by the J.Morgan Grant. Both are administered by Vanderbilt University. These scholarships are designed for international students who wish to study a full degree program but are not U.S. citizens.
University of Michigan High Potential Scholarship Program
Application Deadline: March 20, 2024
Location: United States
Sponsor: University of Michigan
Eligible Applicants: Men and Women
Scholarship Benefits
Coverage for the High Potential Scholarship Program 2024-2025
- Living expenses
- Health and liability insurance
- Visa application costs
- Tuition fees
- Pre-Academic Training costs
- International Student Ambassador Programme (ISAP) Desk
- $25,000 paid to students by UM International Services
Please note that accommodation provided by the University of Michigan Housing averages $450 per month. This estimate is for a room in the guesthouse with shared shower and toilet facilities, and kitchen access. Choosing a different type of room may affect your monthly allowance.
Monthly Expenses Breakdown:
- Housing: $450
- Groceries and personal hygiene: $140
- Telephone: $60
- Travel: $70
- Books and study materials: $60
- Clothing, hobbies, and entertainment: $105
- Miscellaneous: $90
Eligibility Requirements
All candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Must be eligible for a US entrance visa and residency permit and be a citizen of a country outside the US, EU/EEA, Switzerland, or Suriname.
- Must not hold dual nationality with any EU or EEA country.
- Must apply for admission to a full-time undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral program at the university for the academic year 2024-2025.
- Must meet specific admission prerequisites for the chosen program.
- Must not have previously participated in a degree program in the United States (exchange programs are excluded).
- Must be under the age of 45 as of September 1, 2024.
- Must have completed previous educational programs with distinction, as evidenced by the most recent grade transcript or academic achievement certification.
- In case of equal qualifications among applicants, priority will be given to those whose academic records rank in the top 5%.
Note: Only 30% of applicants will receive the scholarship due to high competition. This scholarship includes full funding, some fee waivers, and partial coverage of school expenses.
Selection Process
- The UM International Services Desk reviews applications for completeness after February 1, 2024.
- Complete applications are forwarded to each UM Faculty in February 2024.
- Each Faculty selects and ranks their top 30% of scholarship applicants and sends these to the UM International Services for final review in February 2024.
- The UM International Services Desk confirms Faculty selections by the end of February 2024.
- Applicants will be notified of their status (selected, waitlisted, or rejected) by early February 2024.
- Waitlisted applicants’ statuses will be updated to selected or rejected by March 2024.
- Scholarship recipients will receive information about the UM Pre-Academic Training program and arrival details upon receiving their award letters.
- The UM Pre-Academic Training is a mandatory three-week component of the scholarship program and takes place in March 2024.
- Recipients must sign and return the award letter to the UM International Services to accept the scholarship.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must fill out the application form using their UM account and upload the following documents:
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Your CV should be relevant and concise, limited to two A4 pages. It should detail your academic background, work experience, skills, and any extracurricular activities or achievements that demonstrate your qualifications and readiness for the program.
Letter of Motivation
Use the provided template to write a compelling letter of motivation. This letter should explain why you are interested in the scholarship and the specific program at the University of Michigan. Highlight your academic and professional goals, how the scholarship will help you achieve them, and what you can contribute to the university community.
Proof of Academic Excellence
Submit a transcript or a letter from your institution that showcases your academic achievements. This document should provide evidence of your academic performance and distinguish you as a high-achieving student. It may include your grades, awards, honors, or any other recognition you have received.
Personal Statement of Financial Needs
In this statement, describe your current financial circumstances in detail. Explain why you need financial assistance and how this scholarship will support your educational and personal goals. Include information about your financial background, any financial challenges you face, and other sources of funding or support you may have.
Reference Letter
Provide a reference letter from a professor, lecturer, or employer who is familiar with your academic or professional work. This letter should highlight your strengths, achievements, and potential as a scholarship candidate. The referee should not be a family member and should provide specific examples that demonstrate your qualifications and suitability for the scholarship.
University of Michigan Scholarship Application Deadline
March 20, 2024
How to Apply for The University of Michigan Scholarship
Interested and qualified candidates should apply on the University of Michigan website.
Step 1: Register for a Participating Program at UM
First, sign up for a participating program at the University of Michigan. Visit the official website for more details on how to apply for graduate programs. After applying, you will receive a student ID number, which is required to complete the Scholarship Application Form.
Step 2: Complete the Application Form
Log in with your UM account and fill out the application form. Submit all required documents in PDF, .docx, or .doc format. Ensure all documentation and referee contact information are current, as you only have one chance to submit your application. The UM International Services Department will ensure that your full scholarship application is considered for all eligible programs.
For more information, visit the University of Michigan Scholarship website.