The University of Hawaii offers a wide range of generous scholarships for international graduate students looking to study in the United States. With campuses located in some of the most beautiful and diverse environments across the Hawaiian islands, the University of Hawaii is an ideal place for graduate studies.
In this article, we will provide an overview of the major graduate scholarship opportunities at the University of Hawaii, eligibility criteria, application timeline, selection process, benefits offered and tips for prospective applicants, especially those from Nigeria.
Overview of University of Hawaii Graduate Scholarships
Some of the major graduate scholarship programs offered by the University of Hawaii include:
- East-West Center Graduate Degree Fellowship: Covers tuition, fees, health insurance and provides a monthly stipend for graduate studies at UH Manoa campus. Offered for up to 24 months for MA and 36 months for PhD.
- Future Global Leadership Fellowship: Provides tuition and fees, monthly stipend, book allowance, housing, travel and visa costs for 1 year of graduate studies to outstanding individuals who demonstrate leadership potential.
- Hawaii Pacific University Scholarships: Offers awards ranging from $2000 to full tuition coverage for graduate programs at HPU’s campuses in Honolulu, Hawaii and Online.
- UH Manoa Graduate Assistantships: Research, teaching and administrative assistantships offered by various departments and schools to support tuition and provide stipend.
- UH Manoa Tropical Conservation Biology & Environmental Science: Provides fellowship support including stipend, tuition, fees, medical insurance and research funds to conservation biology and environmental science graduate students.
In addition, individual UH campuses as well as external organizations offer scholarships for specific graduate programs. We will provide an overview of some major options in this article.
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Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria varies across the different graduate scholarship programs at the University of Hawaii. However, some common requirements include:
- Outstanding academic achievement with minimum GPA ranging from 3.0 to 3.5 on a 4-point scale.
- Relevant work experience ranging from 1 to 5 years in a related field.
- English language proficiency with minimum TOEFL score of 80 or IELTS score of 6.5.
- Graduate program acceptance at University of Hawaii.
- Enrollment as a full-time graduate student during scholarship period.
- Leadership experience, community service and recommendation letters are also required for competitive programs.
The East-West Center Graduate Degree Fellowship is open to students from Asia, Pacific Islands and the United States, while the Future Global Leadership Fellowship invites applications worldwide.
Application Timeline
Most University of Hawaii graduate scholarships have two application cycles – Fall and Spring.
- Fall Admission: Application deadline is January 1 – March 1 of each year for programs starting in August/September.
- Spring Admission: Application deadline is August 1 – October 1 for programs starting in January.
Prospective applicants must check the deadlines for their desired program and department early to ensure they submit the scholarship application along with graduate program application materials before the deadline.
Selection Process
The selection process for UH graduate scholarships consists of a holistic review including:
- Academic achievements, grades, test scores
- Quality of essays and personal statements
- Relevant experience, skills and recommendations
- Financial need and potential for contribution to diversity
- Interview performance for shortlisted candidates
Preference may be given to applicants who are current UH students progressing from undergraduate to graduate programs.
An interdisciplinary selection panel reviews the applications and selects recipients based on program goals and priorities. Only 1% to 10% of applicants are offered the highly competitive scholarships.
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Benefits Offered
The UH graduate scholarships provide substantial financial support including:
– Full or Partial Tuition Coverage
Recipients can get full tuition and fees paid for 1 to 3 years of graduate study. Partial tuition waivers ranging from $5000 to $15000 per year are also offered.
– Monthly Living Stipend
A monthly stipend of $1000 to $2000 is provided to cover living expenses during the scholarship period.
– Health Insurance
Mandatory health insurance is covered for international students under many scholarship programs.
– Additional Allowances
Benefits like book allowance, thesis support, housing subsidy, travel costs are offered through certain scholarships.
– Assistantships
Teaching and research assistant roles allow scholars to gain valuable experience and supplement their funding.
Overall, UH graduate scholarships significantly reduce the financial burden that limits many promising students from pursuing graduate education in the U.S.
Tips for Nigerian Applicants
Here are some useful tips for Nigerian applicants looking to win graduate scholarships at the University of Hawaii:
- Start early: Begin researching and preparing scholarship applications 12 months in advance before the admission deadline.
- Focus on academic excellence: Maintain a strong GPA score in your undergraduate studies and get high GRE/GMAT test scores. Publish research papers if possible.
- Gain relevant experience: Seek internships, volunteer work and leadership roles in your field to demonstrate passion and aptitude.
- Perfect your essays: Craft compelling personal statements and essays that convey your aspirations, interests, achievements and personality.
- Get recommendations: Ask professors and employers who know you well to write strong recommendation letters.
- Apply broadly: Increase your chances by applying to many appropriate graduate programs and scholarships.
- Highlight your strengths: As an applicant from Nigeria, emphasize how your background and experiences will add diversity and new perspectives.
By planning ahead, highlighting your academic and professional talents and demonstrating enthusiasm to contribute as a graduate student, you can greatly boost your scholarship chances at the University of Hawaii.
Also Read: Should You Study Abroad as an Undergrad or Grad Student for Scholarships?
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common FAQs about University of Hawaii graduate scholarships:
Are the scholarships only for tuition or do they cover living costs?
Most major UH graduate scholarships are designed to cover not only your tuition and fees, but also provide a stipend of $1000 – $2000 per month for living expenses. Some also cover health insurance costs.
When should I apply for the graduate scholarships?
You should apply for graduate admission and scholarships concurrently, before the admission deadlines which range from January to March for Fall admission, and August to October for Spring. Apply as early as possible.
Do I need to find a supervisor before applying for these scholarships?
For most scholarships including EWC and Global Leadership fellowships, you can apply without an identified supervisor. But having a faculty member agree to supervise you can strengthen your application. For graduate assistantships, you need to directly contact and find a professor willing to take you on.
Can I pursue any graduate program offered by UH under these scholarships?
While you can apply for any eligible graduate degree at UH, certain scholarships like EWC and TCBES favor area studies, environment, culture, development and STEM fields. Check the program website to see which fields they prioritize funding.
How do I prove English proficiency for these scholarships?
You need to meet English requirements through TOEFL 80+ or IELTS 6.5+ scores. Some scholarships may allow exceptions if you have completed a degree recently at an English-medium university. Check with the graduate program admissions for alternatives.
What types of costs are covered under the University of Hawaii graduate scholarships?
Most scholarships cover your tuition fees, provide monthly stipend for living costs, health insurance and some additional allowances. The most generous ones also include your housing, books, thesis costs, and travel expenses.
Am I eligible for these scholarships as an international student?
Yes, many UH graduate scholarships are open to outstanding international students from countries across the globe including Nigeria. The eligibility criteria focuses on merit factors like academics, experience and potential.
By offering generous graduate scholarships for international students, the University of Hawaii aims to attract diverse, talented individuals to its multicultural community focused on cooperation and coexistence. Prospective Nigerian applicants who apply smartly and highlight their unique strengths have an excellent chance of securing these prestigious scholarships for quality graduate education in the United States.
