Understanding Scholarships and Other Financial Resources
Paying for college is a significant investment for any student and their families. However, there may be resources that can help cover the costs associated with attending college–the issue is understanding what financial resources are available and where to find them.
The CIRCLE Student Advisory Board created this resource page to help UW international students understand scholarships and other financial resources available to students. The videos in this page will help answer frequently asked questions students have about scholarships. In addition, the videos highlight things that international students need to keep in mind when looking for scholarship opportunities. Each video includes specific UW resources that can help if you have questions or wish to learn more about what is discussed. You can either watch a single video to help answer a particular question or you can watch them all to get a sense of what is available to international students.
Financial Resources Videos
Expand the sections below to watch videos, read scripts, and view related links on each topic!
This video will:
- Define what a scholarship is and how they are paid to students
- Review how students can use the funds they receive
- What it means when a scholarship is renewable
- Highlight the Mary Gates Endowment for Students as great examples of scholarships open to international students
Episode 1 Script:
Click here to view the script for this video.
This video will:
- Highlight the differences between merit and need based scholarships
- Highlight the Office of Merit Scholarships, Fellowships, and Awards database to find scholarships based on visa status
Episode 2 Script:
Click here to view the script for this video.
This video will:
- Highlight eligibility requirements that determine who is eligible to apply
- Describe selection criteria that determines who receives scholarships
- Highlight the Mary Gates Research Scholarship as a relevant example to better understand the difference between the two
- Explain the terms “preference” and “primary consideration” within the context of scholarship criteria
Episode 3 Script:
Click here to view the script for this video.
This video will:
- Cover other financial resources available at the UW besides scholarships
- Highlight grants as a potential source of financial assistance, noting that it does not have to be paid back
- Highlights UW’s main emergency aid program and how you can apply for it if you need emergency assistance
Episode 4 Script:
Click here to view the script for this video.
This video will:
- highlight the visa implications international students need to know about when receiving scholarships or grants from the UW
- highlight whether or not students need to contact International Student Services if they have questions regarding the acceptance of a scholarship
Episode 5 Script:
Click here to view the script for this video.
This video will:
- Give you a general overview of tax implications if you receive a scholarship as an undergraduate international student
- It is important to remember that a scholarship, fellowship or stipend might be taxable income
- If you receive a scholarship, the UW Payroll Office will send you a 1042S form that will include the tax among you owe (if any). It is very important that you do not do your taxes before receiving this form.
- Always remember that ISS gives UW international students free access to the Glacier Tax Prep Program
- Here is a list of countries who have a tax treaty with the United States.
- IRS publication on taxes for international students (Publication 515)
Episode 6 Script:
Click here to view the script for this video.
This video will:
- Give you a general overview of tax implications if you receive a scholarship, fellowship or grant as graduate international student.
- If you receive a scholarship, fellowship or grant, the UW Payroll Office will send you a 1042S form that will include the tax among you owe (if any). It is very important that you do not do your taxes before receiving this form.
- Please note that you may receive multiple 1042S if you receive multiple awards.
- Always remember that ISS gives UW international students free access to the Glacier Tax Prep Program
- Here is a list of countries who have a tax treaty with the United States.
- IRS publication on taxes for international students (Publication 515)
Episode 7 Script:
Click here to view the script for this video.