Complete the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA) each year
If you are not eligible for federal financial aid due to your immigration status, you may still qualify for financial aid through Washington State and University of Washington funds. Students who are undocumented, DACA recipients, or other eligible non-citizens should submit the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA) each year between October 1 and by the UW’s priority filing date to be considered for financial aid for the upcoming academic year.
Because financial aid eligibility change from year to year, you must complete a new WASFA annually while attending UW.
Important: If you have already submitted a FAFSA for the same academic year, you do not need to also file a WASFA. However, you should contact our office to ensure your FAFSA is reviewed for eligibility.
Submitting your application after the priority filing date may limit the types of aid available to you. If circumstances prevented you from applying on time, or if you have questions about the application process, please contact our office. Our counselors are here to help and will work with you to explore your options.
After we receive your application, we may request additional documentation to verify your information. Be sure to respond promptly to any requests to avoid delays in processing your aid.
Special Notes
- Graduate students who apply after the priority filing deadline are generally not considered for financial aid.
- Graduate students enrolled in fee-based degree programs are not eligible for financial aid.
- Undergraduate students in eligible fee-based programs may be eligible for the Washington College Grant (WCG) only.
Verify your Washington State residency
If you are applying for UW financial aid for the first time, you must verify your Washington State residency before financial aid can be disbursed.
There are two residency application options. Submit the one that applies to your situation:
- Affidavit of Residency – If you meet the following conditions below, be sure to indicate that on your WASFA. By doing so, you will have submitted your Affidavit and no additional residency application is required. We will share your WASFA Affidavit with the Residence Classification Office when the quarter’s application date opens. Complete the Affidavit on the WASFA if you:
- Received a high school diploma (or equivalent).
- Maintained a primary residence in Washington for at least one year (12 months) immediately prior to starting your first admitted quarter at the University of Washington Seattle.
- Are able to affirm that you are a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or that you will file an application to become a permanent resident of the United States as soon as you are eligible to apply.
- Residency Questionnaire (RQ) – If you do not meet the conditions for the Affidavit of Residency, complete and submit the RQ, (for dependent student or independent student), along with the required documentation, directly to the UW’s Residence Classification Office via their submission portal. You will not be able to submit your RQ until the application period begins for the quarter that you are filing for residency. For information regarding the quarterly UW-Seattle application start dates and deadlines, visit the residency office submission portal page.
Please note: Each campus processes their own residency applications. Should additional information be required from you, your campus residency office will contact you. Once you submit your residency application and have questions, please contact your campus residency office (Bothell or Tacoma).
Important: If your residency application is denied, any financial aid awarded to you is subject to cancellation.
Helpful links
Below are some useful links for WASFA applicants: