UndergraduatePartial Funding

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: UMBC
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 Track this application

Topics

Undergraduate scholarships

Applying from your country? See your edition: Kenya · Nigeria · Ghana · Ethiopia · Uganda · Tanzania · Rwanda · Angola · Mozambique · São Tomé & Príncipe · Senegal · Cameroon · Ivory Coast · Benin · Togo · DR Congo

Eligibility & requirements at a glance

Review the recorded eligibility, funding and deadline information below. Confirm the current award conditions on the provider's official source.

Who can apply: The scholarships are open to first-year international students admitted for undergraduate degree-seeking study at UMBC – transfer students are not eligible for this scholarship. Successful applicants will be dedicated to furthering the #YouAreWelcomeHere message by bridging intercultural divides.
Funding: Partial Funding
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

The scholarships are open to first-year international students admitted for undergraduate degree-seeking study at UMBC – transfer students are not eligible for this scholarship. Successful applicants will be dedicated to furthering the #YouAreWelcomeHere message by bridging intercultural divides.

Recorded funding information

Partial Funding

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/

Funding information

The funding information below is recorded in this listing; it does not establish additional covered components. Check amounts, caps, exclusions and conditions on the official source.

Partial Funding

UMBC #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship eligibility

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

The scholarships are open to first-year international students admitted for undergraduate degree-seeking study at UMBC – transfer students are not eligible for this scholarship. Successful applicants will be dedicated to furthering the #YouAreWelcomeHere message by bridging intercultural divides.

UMBC #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship document information

No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the materials the provider requests.

How to apply for the UMBC #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship 2026

Follow the provider's stated process. The checks below are guidance, not additional application requirements. Any original editorial instructions remain in the description above.

1
Check the provider's process
Consult https://isss.umbc.edu/admitted-students-2/tuition-and-fees-billing-information/yawh/ to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there.
2
Check eligibility and any requested materials
Listed eligibility: The scholarships are open to first-year international students admitted for undergraduate degree-seeking study at UMBC – transfer students are not eligible for this scholarship. Successful applicants will be dedicated to furthering the #YouAreWelcomeHere message by bridging intercultural divides.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist.
3
Check dates and next steps
Listed deadline information: Deadlines vary; check Scholarship Retriever for the current cycle and align with UMBC fall admission timelines. Confirm exact dates on the official scholarship page.. Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

UMBC #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship deadline & application timeline

Provider deadline information: Deadlines vary; check Scholarship Retriever for the current cycle and align with UMBC fall admission timelines. Confirm exact dates on the official scholarship page.. This text cannot be safely converted to a countdown; check the official source for its meaning. The earlier milestones are optional planning suggestions only.

Planning suggestion: 12 months out
Check the current call and decide whether this opportunity fits your plans.
Planning suggestion: 6 months out
If the provider requires tests or documents that take time, plan for them using its published instructions.
Planning suggestion: 3 months out
If an application is required, review the provider's process and prepare only the materials it requests.
Planning suggestion: 1 month out
If submission is required, allow time to check your materials and any stated cutoff.
Provider 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.
Provider deadline information: Deadlines vary; check Scholarship Retriever for the current cycle and align with UMBC fall admission timelines. Confirm exact dates on the official scholarship page.. Confirm the current instructions and any cutoff or time zone on the official source; no additional time is assumed here.

Ready to apply?

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

Visit official site

Share this scholarship

Send the application link to a friend or post it to your network.

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the UMBC #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship?+

The scholarships are open to first-year international students admitted for undergraduate degree-seeking study at UMBC – transfer students are not eligible for this scholarship. Successful applicants will be dedicated to furthering the #YouAreWelcomeHere message by bridging intercultural divides.

What funding does the UMBC #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship offer?+

Listed funding: Partial Funding. Confirm amounts, exclusions and conditions on the official source. This label does not establish any additional benefit components.

When is the application deadline?+

Provider deadline information: Deadlines vary; check Scholarship Retriever for the current cycle and align with UMBC fall admission timelines. Confirm exact dates on the official scholarship page.. Confirm the current cutoff and any time zone on the official source; no additional cutoff or late-submission policy is assumed here.

What documents do I need to apply?+

No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the documents requested by the provider; requirements may differ from admission requirements.

How do I check the application process?+

Consult https://isss.umbc.edu/admitted-students-2/tuition-and-fees-billing-information/yawh/ to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there. Listed eligibility: The scholarships are open to first-year international students admitted for undergraduate degree-seeking study at UMBC – transfer students are not eligible for this scholarship. Successful applicants will be dedicated to furthering the #YouAreWelcomeHere message by bridging intercultural divides.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist. Listed deadline information: Deadlines vary; check Scholarship Retriever for the current cycle and align with UMBC fall admission timelines. Confirm exact dates on the official scholarship page.. Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

Guides for this scholarship

Next steps & guides

Pick the guide that matches where you are right now.

Explore related programmes

Long-form sponsor guides, country pages and category pages connected to this scholarship.

Browse by category & country

Related hubs

Open the broader hub pages for every country, destination and field this scholarship touches.

By destination

Study in USA