Studying in the United States can be life changing, but the cost can feel intimidating at first, especially for international students who do not qualify for FAFSA.
The good news is that the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee offers real scholarship opportunities for international students at both undergraduate and graduate levels, including awards for new students and funding options like graduate assistantships that can reduce tuition.
This guide shows you the best UWM scholarships to look for, how to apply through the Panther Scholarship Portal, what documents you will need, and the smartest timing strategy so you do not miss deadlines.
What UWM offers international students
At UWM, international students typically find funding through four main routes:
- University wide scholarships in the Panther Scholarship Portal
- International student scholarships for newly admitted undergraduates (fall start and spring start)
- School or department scholarships (for specific majors like international studies or business)
- Graduate funding through assistantships and fellowships that can include tuition remission
The key is knowing where your level fits. Undergraduate applicants usually start with the international student scholarship and portal awards. Graduate applicants often get the biggest savings through assistantships and program based funding.
Quick Overview of the Best UWM Scholarships for International Students
Below are the most important UWM scholarship options international students should understand first. After each overview, you will see the core details you need for planning your application.
International Student Scholarship Fall Start
This is a high value scholarship option for newly admitted international first year and transfer students starting in the fall term. It is designed for students with strong academic records and demonstrated financial need, and it can reduce your annual tuition cost in a meaningful way. The most important thing to know is that you are considered through the General Application in the Panther Scholarship Portal, so your profile and documents must be complete early.
Details
- Award: up to $6,000 per year ($3,000 per semester)
- Who it is for: newly admitted international undergraduate first year and transfer students starting in fall
- Main selection factors: strong academic record and financial need
- Deadline timing: the scholarship listing shows a deadline for the annual cycle
- How to apply: complete the Panther Scholarship Portal General Application
International Student Scholarship Spring Start
This scholarship is similar in value and purpose to the fall version, but it is for students starting in the spring term. It is also aimed at newly admitted international first year and transfer students with strong academics and financial need. If you are planning a January start in the USA, this is one of the first awards you should target.
Details
- Award: up to $6,000 per year ($3,000 per semester)
- Who it is for: newly admitted international undergraduate first year and transfer students starting in spring
- Main selection factors: strong academic record and financial need
- Deadline timing: the scholarship listing shows a deadline for the annual cycle
- How to apply: complete the Panther Scholarship Portal General Application
Department and major specific scholarships
Beyond the big university wide scholarships, many UWM schools, colleges, and departments offer their own scholarship awards. These are often less competitive than university wide awards because eligibility can be limited to a specific major or academic track. If you are serious about paying less, you should always combine university wide scholarships with department scholarships for your program.
Example you may see: College and major based scholarships in areas like International Studies or Global Studies with awards in a specific range and a separate internal process.
Details
- Award: varies by school or department
- Who it is for: students in a specific program or major
- How to apply: usually through the Panther Scholarship Portal and sometimes an additional application
Graduate assistantships with tuition remission
For many international graduate students, the biggest opportunity is not a single scholarship, it is a graduate assistantship. UWM assistantships can include tuition remission when you hold an eligible appointment level, plus a stipend and possible health insurance eligibility.
Many graduate funding decisions are made by your academic program, so the smartest move is to apply early and communicate with your graduate program about funding availability.
Details
- Benefit: tuition remission for eligible graduate assistants, plus stipend and other benefits depending on appointment
- Key rule: tuition remission applies to the semester of appointment and typically covers program relevant courses, while some fees may still be your responsibility
- How to apply: through the graduate program that admits you and offers assistantships
Graduate fellowships and other financial support
UWM also offers fellowships and other graduate funding options. Fellowships can come with stipends and tuition waivers, and they can affect how other aid is calculated in your overall financial picture. The main point for international students is that graduate funding can be layered: an assistantship or fellowship, plus department support, plus external awards.
Details
- Benefit: may include stipend and tuition waiver
- Important note: tuition waivers and stipends count as financial aid in your cost planning
- How to apply: varies by fellowship and program
Check too: How to Apply for Online MPH Scholarships for Developing Countries (Fully Funded)
How to Apply for UWM Scholarships as an International Student
This is the process that works for most students, whether you are aiming for an undergraduate scholarship, a tuition discount, or a funded graduate pathway.
Step 1: Get admitted and activate your student access
Many UWM scholarships are connected to the student system and scholarship portal. In practice, this means you often need to be admitted and have access to your student ID and portal login before you can complete the General Application properly.
If you are an incoming student, plan your admission timeline so you are not trying to do everything at the last minute.
Step 2: Use the Panther Scholarship Portal the right way
UWM’s scholarship hub is the Panther Scholarship Portal. This portal is where you:
- complete the General Application
- see recommended scholarships you match
- apply for scholarships that require additional information
- track deadlines and offers
If you want scholarships in the USA, this portal step is the part most people underestimate. Your General Application is not a formality. It is the base that triggers consideration for multiple awards.
Step 3: If you are not using FAFSA, submit the right need information
International students typically cannot submit FAFSA. UWM provides a Non FAFSA worksheet process inside the scholarship portal for need based scholarship consideration. If you skip this, you may miss out on scholarships that consider financial need.
Step 4: Match your timeline to UWM scholarship cycles
Scholarships are not only about being qualified. Timing is everything.
A practical timing plan:
- For fall intake: aim to complete admission steps early and submit your scholarship portal General Application well before peak deadlines
- For spring intake: do the same, but earlier in the cycle since many scholarships still follow the main annual rhythm
- For continuing students: submit the General Application each year by the main internal deadline to stay eligible for next year’s awards
UWM also publishes a scholarship timeline that shows how scholarship review and offers typically flow from application deadlines into review, then offers, then acceptance.
Key Requirements and Documents International Students Should Prepare
Scholarships differ, but if you prepare this document set early, you will be ready for most UWM scholarship applications.
Academic documents
- transcripts and academic records
- test scores if your admission route requires them
- proof of English proficiency where required for admission
Financial documents for need based consideration
- Non FAFSA worksheet (when required)
- bank statements or sponsor letters if requested in your admission or scholarship process
- proof of income sources, if applicable
Personal documents
- passport bio page
- immigration related documentation once you reach visa stage
Supporting profile documents
- CV or resume (especially helpful for scholarships, honors, and graduate funding)
- personal statement or short scholarship essays
- recommendation letters (some scholarships will request references)
How to Increase your Chances of Winning a UWM Scholarship
Scholarship selection is not only about having good grades. It is about presenting a clean, credible profile that makes the committee confident you will succeed.
Here is what usually moves the needle:
Build a clear academic story
If your grades are strong, highlight consistency. If your grades are not perfect, highlight improvement and proof of readiness, like strong results in the last two years or strong performance in related subjects.
Show leadership and impact
Committees like students who do more than attend classes. Leadership can be:
- student clubs
- volunteering
- community projects
- health outreach
- research participation
- internships
Write a practical personal statement
Avoid generic lines. Your statement should answer:
- why this program at UWM
- what problem or goal you are pursuing
- why studying in Milwaukee fits your plan
- how you will contribute on campus and after graduation
Apply broadly but strategically
Do not apply to only one award. Combine:
- the international student scholarship (fall or spring start)
- university wide scholarships in the portal
- department scholarships in your program
- graduate assistantships if you are applying for a master’s or PhD
This layered approach can reduce tuition cost significantly, and it is how many international students make studying in the USA financially realistic.
Tuition Planning Tips for International Students at UWM
If your goal is a full tuition scholarship, keep expectations realistic. Full tuition awards exist in the US, but they are rare and highly competitive. A smarter plan is to reduce tuition through multiple funding sources: scholarships, tuition waivers, assistantships, and department support.
For graduate students, assistantships can be the closest thing to a full tuition waiver, especially when combined with a stipend.
For undergraduates, the international student scholarship plus additional portal scholarships can reduce total cost, and a strong academic record can keep you competitive for renewals and new awards each year.
FAQs about UWM Scholarships for International Students
Can international students get scholarships at UWM?
Yes. International students are eligible for many scholarships at UWM, and the Panther Scholarship Portal is the main place to explore eligibility and apply for awards.
Do I need FAFSA to get scholarships at UWM?
Not always. International students typically cannot file FAFSA, and UWM provides a Non FAFSA worksheet option for need based scholarship consideration through the scholarship portal.
How much is the UWM International Student Scholarship?
The Panther Scholarship Portal listings show the International Student Scholarship (Fall Start and Spring Start) with an award of up to $6,000 per year, usually split as $3,000 per semester.
Is the International Student Scholarship automatic once I apply?
You still need to complete the General Application in the Panther Scholarship Portal. The scholarship listing indicates you are considered based on your completed General Application, so incomplete profiles can reduce your chances.
When should I apply for UWM scholarships?
UWM scholarship timelines commonly emphasize applying during the main scholarship window for the next academic year and submitting by key deadlines. Also, the international admissions scholarship guidance recommends being admitted by specific dates to ensure full consideration.
Can graduate students at UWM get tuition waivers?
Yes. UWM graduate assistantships can include tuition remission for eligible appointments, and fellowships can include tuition waivers. Funding is often awarded through your academic program.
Are there scholarships for specific majors at UWM?
Yes. Many UWM schools and departments offer major specific scholarships. These are often listed in the scholarship portal or on departmental scholarship pages.
Can I combine scholarships with a graduate assistantship?
In many cases, graduate students can receive a funding package that includes an assistantship and other awards, but the details depend on your program and the specific funding rules. Always confirm with your department because some awards have restrictions.
Conclusion
If you are searching for UWM scholarships for international students, the fastest path is simple: apply early, complete the Panther Scholarship Portal General Application properly, and layer awards instead of waiting for one miracle scholarship. Undergraduates should prioritize the International Student Scholarship for fall start or spring start, then add portal scholarships and department awards.
Graduate students should focus on funded assistantships and program based support because tuition remission is often the biggest cost reducer. With the right timing and a clean application, studying at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee can be far more affordable than most people assume.