Undergraduate$22,000/year renewable

UMBC #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship

Last verified 18 May 2026 by the Scholarships for Africans editorial team

UMBC’s #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship offers two renewable $22,000/year awards to first-year international undergraduates who champion intercultural learning. This brief explains benefits, eligibility, documents, how to apply via Scholarship Retriever, timelines, selection, and F‑1/I‑20 tips.

Provider: University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Host country: United States
Deadline: Deadlines vary; check Scholarship Retriever for the current cycle and align with UMBC fall admission timelines. Confirm exact dates on the official scholarship page.
Region: Maryland

Official source

Topics

Undergraduate scholarships

Eligibility & requirements at a glance

UMBC #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship is open to African students applying to study in United States at the Undergraduate level, with $22,000/year renewable funding. Below is a quick summary of who can apply, what's covered, and the key dates — full details are further down the page.

Who can apply: Undergraduate · applicants for United States
Funding: $22,000/year renewable
Study level: Undergraduate
Deadline: Deadlines vary; check Scholarship Retriever for the current cycle and align with UMBC fall admission timelines. Confirm exact dates on the official scholarship page.

Key eligibility criteria

First-year, degree-seeking international (F-1) undergraduates admitted for fall at UMBC
transfer students ineligible. Requires Scholarship Retriever application plus a 500–1000 word essay on advancing intercultural learning. Only one UMBC scholarship may be accepted. Minimum 3.0 GPA to renew.

What the $22,000/year renewable award covers

Accommodation

About the UMBC #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship (2026)

## Overview - The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) participates in the global #YouAreWelcomeHere initiative by offering two annual, renewable scholarships to incoming international undergraduates who champion intercultural understanding. - Each award is valued at $22,000 per year for up to four years of undergraduate study (fall and spring semesters only), signaling UMBC’s long-term investment in globally minded student leaders. - The scholarship is reserved for first-year, degree-seeking international applicants on F-1 visas; transfer students are not eligible. Applicants must be admitted for the fall semester before scholarship consideration. - Selection centers on your demonstrated commitment to bridging cultures and a required 500–1000 word essay on leadership and concrete plans to advance intercultural learning at UMBC. - UMBC is a public research university in Maryland renowned for inclusive excellence, undergraduate research, and strengths in STEM, public policy, the arts, and the humanities—supported by the Center for Global Engagement and the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS). - For African and other international students, this scholarship reduces financial barriers and provides a platform to lead campus-wide initiatives that highlight global perspectives and community impact. ## Benefits - Renewable funding: $22,000 per year for up to four years of undergraduate study, helping reduce total cost of attendance over eight academic semesters. - Leadership platform: Recognition as a #YouAreWelcomeHere scholar positions you to collaborate with UMBC’s Center for Global Engagement and student organizations on intercultural programs. - Community impact: Scholars are expected to participate in cultural sharing and engagement at UMBC and in the Baltimore area, building visibility for your ideas and initiatives. - Academic momentum: Renewal is tied to strong academic progress (minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA) and full-time enrollment, encouraging steady advancement to graduation. - Focused cohort experience: Only two scholarships are awarded annually, offering close connection with staff mentors and high visibility on campus. - Clarity on stacking: You may only accept one UMBC scholarship; if offered more than one, you must choose a single award. ## Eligibility - Be a first-year, undergraduate international (F-1 visa) applicant to UMBC; transfer students are not eligible for this scholarship. - Hold admission for the upcoming fall semester in a degree-seeking program at UMBC. - Demonstrate interest and personal initiative in intercultural learning and exchange through activities, leadership roles, or community projects. - Submit the scholarship application through Scholarship Retriever and a 500–1000 word essay on how your leadership will advance intercultural learning at UMBC. - Agree to the one-scholarship rule at UMBC (you cannot accept #YouAreWelcomeHere in addition to another UMBC scholarship). - Commit to scholarship maintenance requirements if selected: active cultural engagement, a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA, and full-time enrollment (generally at least 12 credits each fall/spring, with limited exceptions possible). ## Required Documents - Scholarship application via Scholarship Retriever (create an account and complete all required fields for the #YouAreWelcomeHere opportunity). - A 500–1000 word essay describing your leadership experience and specific plans to advance intercultural learning at UMBC. - Proof of admission or UMBC student identification details (as requested within Scholarship Retriever) to link your scholarship file to your fall application record. - Valid passport biographic page scan (commonly required for international student records and helpful as you proceed with F-1 processes). - Financial documentation for I-20 issuance after admission and scholarship award, per OISS guidance (evidence of funding to cover remaining costs after scholarship; see OISS financial requirement pages for current standards). - Any additional materials requested within Scholarship Retriever (e.g., brief activity descriptions or short-answer items) if specified for this cycle. ## How to Apply - Apply to UMBC as a first-year international undergraduate for the fall term through UMBC Admissions; monitor your application portal for your admission decision. - Create a Scholarship Retriever account and search for “#YouAreWelcomeHere” to access the application; review instructions carefully before you begin. - Draft your 500–1000 word essay focused on leadership and concrete, feasible plans to promote intercultural learning at UMBC; align your ideas with existing campus resources. - Complete and submit the Scholarship Retriever application before the posted deadline; retain confirmation of submission. - Watch your email and Scholarship Retriever notifications for updates; respond promptly to any requests for clarification. - If awarded, choose between this scholarship and any other UMBC scholarship offer (you cannot accept more than one), then follow OISS steps to request your I-20 and prepare your F-1 visa. ## Key Dates - Application timing: The scholarship follows a fall-entry timeline. Check the Scholarship Retriever posting for the current application window and closing date. - Admission milestone: You must be admitted for the fall semester to be eligible; align your scholarship application with UMBC’s first-year admission cycles. - Decision notices: Scholarship decisions are typically communicated after application review; monitor email and the portal for official updates. - Visa planning: After admission and any scholarship decision, promptly prepare financial documents for I-20 issuance and schedule your visa interview early. - Pre-arrival: Review OISS resources for orientation and arrival planning; confirm housing and class registration steps by UMBC’s published dates. ## Selection Criteria - Commitment to the #YouAreWelcomeHere mission: Clear dedication to bridging cultures and advancing intercultural understanding on campus and in the community. - Leadership record and potential: Evidence of initiative, collaboration, and impact in prior activities, with the capacity to scale ideas at UMBC. - Quality of the essay: A compelling, well-structured 500–1000 word plan with specific, actionable steps and realistic goals for intercultural engagement. - Demonstrated intercultural engagement: Past participation in cross-cultural projects, clubs, or community service that reflects sustained interest. - Academic readiness: A record that suggests you can maintain the scholarship’s 3.0 GPA renewal standard while engaging meaningfully beyond the classroom. - Fit with UMBC resources: Alignment of your proposed activities with UMBC’s organizations (e.g., Center for Global Engagement, student groups, events) for feasible implementation. ## Tips for Strong Applications - Make your essay project-based: Propose a concrete initiative (e.g., a peer-led dialogue series, mentorship program, or cultural collaboration) with timelines, partners, and measures of success. - Connect to UMBC’s ecosystem: Reference relevant offices and groups—such as the Center for Global Engagement, OISS programs, student organizations, or academic departments—to show feasibility. - Highlight African and global perspectives: Illustrate how your lived experiences inform your approach to inclusion, and how you will create reciprocal learning with peers. - Show leadership outcomes: Go beyond titles; quantify participation, describe challenges solved, and explain how you will adapt those lessons at UMBC. - Write clearly and professionally: Stay within 500–1000 words, use specific examples, and have mentors review for clarity and grammar before submission. - Plan for continuity: Explain how you will sustain your project across semesters while meeting the 3.0 GPA and full-time enrollment requirements. ## Why this funding matters for African applicants - Reduces upfront costs: The $22,000/year award lowers the documented funding you must show for I-20 issuance, making F-1 steps more attainable. - Supports leadership visibility: You gain a platform to highlight African innovations, arts, and community engagement within a US research university setting. - Leverages regional networks: Baltimore’s cultural institutions and UMBC’s partnerships offer venues for intercultural programming and off-campus collaboration. - Builds career capital: Intercultural leadership aligns with skills valued by employers and complements opportunities like internships (CPT) and post-graduation OPT. - Encourages inclusive narratives: Your projects can broaden campus understanding of Africa’s diversity and foster lasting peer-to-peer connections. ## Adjacent funding pathways at UMBC - Explore Scholarship Retriever for additional merit or donor-funded awards administered by UMBC; offerings vary by year and department. - Review UMBC Undergraduate Admissions communications for general merit scholarships available to first-year students; note the one-scholarship rule when deciding among offers. - Check academic departments and the Honors College for program-specific opportunities that may complement your studies (verify eligibility and stacking policies). - Seek on-campus work options permitted for F-1 students (up to 20 hours/week during terms) to help with living costs; coordinate with OISS for employment rules. - Consider external scholarships from home-country governments, NGOs, or foundations that permit use in US institutions and can be combined with UMBC awards when allowed. ## Practical visa and I-20 implications - F-1 requirement: This scholarship is for F-1 students; maintain full-time enrollment (generally 12+ credits in fall/spring) and keep your SEVIS record active. - I-20 funding: UMBC must verify you can cover total costs minus scholarships; the #YouAreWelcomeHere award reduces but may not eliminate your funding documentation. - Renewal and status: The 3.0 GPA requirement and full-time enrollment align with maintaining good academic standing—key for sustaining your F-1 status. - Timing: Start I-20 and visa steps early after admission and scholarship notification; embassy appointment wait times can vary significantly. - Engagement expectation: Active cultural programming is part of scholarship maintenance and also strengthens your campus presence as you prepare for CPT/OPT. ## Official Source - Official scholarship page: https://isss.umbc.edu/yawh/ - Apply to UMBC (undergraduate): https://umbc.edu/apply/ - Scholarship Retriever portal: https://scholarships.umbc.edu/retriever/ - OISS F-1 visa process: https://isss.umbc.edu/admitted-students-2/f-1-visa-process/ - OISS I-20 financial requirements: https://isss.umbc.edu/financial-requirements-for-a-new-i-20/ - Contact OISS: https://isss.umbc.edu/contact/

What the $22,000/year renewable UMBC #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship covers

The award components below were extracted from the sponsor's published description. Always cross-check the exact figures, ceiling amounts and conditions on the official site before you budget around them.

Accommodation

UMBC #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship eligibility for United States applicants

Always cross-check eligibility against the sponsor's official site before applying — sponsor rules can change between intakes.

First-year, degree-seeking international (F-1) undergraduates admitted for fall at UMBC
transfer students ineligible. Requires Scholarship Retriever application plus a 500–1000 word essay on advancing intercultural learning. Only one UMBC scholarship may be accepted. Minimum 3.0 GPA to renew.

Documents required for the UMBC #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship application

A planning baseline drawn from how 90%+ of African scholarship sponsors structure their checklist. The sponsor's portal is the source of truth for any single application.

Valid international passport (bio page scan)
Most recent academic transcripts (sealed or e-verified copies)
Curriculum vitae / résumé (1–2 pages, reverse-chronological)
Personal statement or motivation letter (500–1,000 words, tailored to the sponsor)
Two to three reference letters (academic for students, professional for working applicants)
Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo) — Medium-of-Instruction letter may substitute for Anglophone-Africa graduates
Passport-sized photograph meeting ICAO biometric standards
Standardised test scores where required (SAT or ACT for many U.S. universities)
Secondary-school leaving certificate (WAEC, KCSE, NSC, EGSECE or equivalent)
Country-of-origin proof (national ID or birth certificate) — required by many Africa-focused funders

How to apply for the UMBC #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship 2026

A practical, sponsor-agnostic sequence used by >95% of international scholarship applicants. Adapt to the sponsor's specific portal — the order rarely changes.

1
Confirm eligibility on the official site
Open https://ies.umbc.edu/yawh/ and verify the sponsor's stated criteria match your profile — currently: "First-year, degree-seeking international (F-1) undergraduates admitted for fall at UMBC; transfer students ineligible. Requires Scholarship Retriever application plus a 500–1000 word essay on advancing intercultural lear…". Sponsor rules change between intakes, so always confirm against the live call.
2
Secure a study place or admission offer
Apply to the host university or programme first where required, and obtain a conditional admission letter. A growing number of sponsors only fund applicants who already hold an offer.
3
Sit required tests and gather documents
Register for IELTS / TOEFL / Duolingo (or SAT / GRE where required), request official transcripts, brief two or three referees, and prepare passport and identity documents at high resolution.
4
Draft your essays and statements
Write a 500–1,000-word personal statement and any additional essays the sponsor specifies. Anchor each essay in concrete examples and tie your goals back to the sponsor's mission.
5
Complete the online application
Create an account on https://ies.umbc.edu/yawh/, fill in every field, and upload the required documents in the formats specified (PDF, max file size, single-file vs multi-file). Save progress frequently — most portals time out after 30–60 minutes.
6
Submit by Deadlines vary; check Scholarship Retriever for the current cycle and align with UMBC fall admission timelines. Confirm exact dates on the official scholarship page. (aim 7 days early)
Sponsor portals routinely slow or fail in the final 24 hours. Submit early, download the confirmation receipt, and screenshot the submission timestamp. Late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.
7
Prepare for shortlist interviews
If shortlisted, University of Maryland, Baltimore County will contact you within 4–12 weeks. Re-read your essays, rehearse 3–5 likely questions out loud, and confirm your time zone for any video interview.

UMBC #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship deadline & application timeline

The sponsor has not published a fixed deadline yet. Use the milestones below as a generic 12-month plan; substitute dates once the intake window opens.

12 months out
Register for tests (IELTS/TOEFL/SAT/GRE), shortlist 3–5 universities, identify referees.
6 months out
Sit your tests, draft a personal statement, request transcripts and confirm reference letters.
3 months out
Finalise essays, upload supporting documents, complete the online application portal.
1 month out
Final review, double-check uploaded files, submit a week before the deadline to avoid portal issues.
Application deadline
Submit by 23:59 in the sponsor's stated time zone — usually local to the sponsor, not your country.

Ready to apply?

Cross-check the latest eligibility rules and deadline on the sponsor's official portal before you start your application.

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Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the UMBC #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship?+

Applicants must be eligible African nationals applying at the Undergraduate level, meet the academic and English-language requirements set by University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and be able to relocate to United States for the duration of the programme.

Is the UMBC #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship fully funded?+

Funding model: $22,000/year renewable. Where listed as fully funded, the award typically covers tuition, monthly stipend, health insurance and round-trip airfare. Always confirm the latest funding breakdown on the sponsor's official page.

When is the application deadline?+

The application deadline is Deadlines vary; check Scholarship Retriever for the current cycle and align with UMBC fall admission timelines. Confirm exact dates on the official scholarship page.. Submit at least one week early — sponsor portals frequently slow or fail in the final 24 hours, and late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.

What documents do I need to apply?+

At minimum: passport bio page, academic transcripts, CV, personal statement, two to three references, and an English-language test score (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo). Research-led Masters and PhD applications also require a research proposal and a writing sample.

How can I improve my chance of winning?+

Apply early, tailor every essay to the specific sponsor (do not recycle a generic statement), secure at least one reference who knows your work in detail, and apply to two or three additional scholarships in parallel — never rely on a single application.

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