UndergraduatePartial

University of Rochester Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award

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

The University of Rochester offers a range of merit-based scholarships to recognize academic excellence and potential in incoming first-year and transfer students.

Provider: University of Rochester
Host country: United States
Deadline: The source states that students who complete all application materials on time and are admitted to the University will receive a financial aid award letter shortly after their admi
Region: North America

Official source

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Eligibility & requirements at a glance

University of Rochester Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award is open to African students applying to study in United States at the Undergraduate level, with partial 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: Partial
Study level: Undergraduate
Deadline: The source states that students who complete all application materials on time and are admitted to the University will receive a financial aid award letter shortly after their admi

Key eligibility criteria

Eligibility for merit scholarships is primarily based on outstanding academic achievement and potential demonstrated by applicants. All admitted undergraduate applicants to Arts, Sciences, Engineering, and Business are considered for merit scholarships. Specific scholarships have additional eligibility criteria: * **Alan and Jane Handler Scholarship:** Selected students who do not otherwise have the financial means to attain a URochester education, based on academic excellence, outstanding potential to be future leaders, and demonstrated mastery of complex challenges. * **International Baccalaureate (IB) Scholarship:** Students who have excelled in the IB Diploma Programme. Students who successfully complete the IB diploma at Wilson Magnet High School are eligible for consideration for a full tuition IB Scholarship. * **Prince Street Scholarship:** High academic achievers with outstanding creative capacity in one or more artistic fields. * **Simon Scholars Scholarship:** Exceptionally strong academic students who have demonstrated an interest in an undergraduate business degree rooted in economics and analytics, displayed positive leadership traits, and have a deep commitment to ra

What the partial award covers

Full tuition
Accommodation

About the University of Rochester Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award (2026)

This scholarship brief outlines the various merit-based scholarship opportunities available at the University of Rochester for prospective undergraduate students. The University of Rochester distinguishes between merit-based aid, awarded as scholarships for outstanding academic achievement and potential, and need-based aid, which is determined by a family's financial situation. While the majority of the university's financial aid budget is allocated to need-based aid, a limited number of merit scholarships are available to exceptional first-year and transfer students. ## Overview The University of Rochester offers a range of merit-based scholarships to recognize academic excellence and potential in incoming first-year and transfer students. These scholarships are automatically considered for all admitted undergraduate applicants to Arts, Sciences, Engineering, and Business programs. They are renewable annually, provided the student maintains satisfactory academic performance and full-time status. The university utilizes an Institutional Methodology to calculate the expected family contribution, meaning it may differ from other sources. Merit aid is distributed regardless of a family’s demonstrated financial need. Students, including international applicants, are eligible for only one merit scholarship. ## Benefits Merit scholarships primarily come in the form of monetary awards applied to tuition. Approximately half of admitted students received a merit scholarship in a recent academic year, with the average award being around $14,000. Some highly selective scholarships, like the Alan and Jane Handler Scholarship, provide comprehensive financial support covering tuition, fees, room, board, and books for the duration of the regular academic program, along with individual and group opportunities. It is important to note that University of Rochester tuition benefits and scholarship funds cannot be applied to non-tuition related expenses, such as housing and dining services. If a student qualifies for University of Rochester tuition benefits due to a parent's employment, these benefits must be applied to the bill before merit scholarships. The combination of tuition benefits and scholarship funds can approach or match, but not exceed, the cost of tuition. Specific scholarships offer varied benefits: * **Alan and Jane Handler Scholarship:** Complete financial support (tuition, fees, room, board, and books) and individual and group opportunities. * **Steven J. Harrison Scholarship:** A 1/3 tuition scholarship for students admitted to the GRADE (Guaranteed Rochester Accelerated Degree in Education) Program. * **Say Yes to Education Program:** Full tuition funding through a combination of federal, state, and university grants for Say Yes students admitted to URochester from Syracuse and Buffalo City School Districts, with family incomes less than or equal to $100,000. * **Rochester Promise:** A source of funding specifically for Rochester City School District graduates. ## Eligibility Eligibility for merit scholarships is primarily based on outstanding academic achievement and potential demonstrated by applicants. All admitted undergraduate applicants to Arts, Sciences, Engineering, and Business are considered for merit scholarships. Specific scholarships have additional eligibility criteria: * **Alan and Jane Handler Scholarship:** Selected students who do not otherwise have the financial means to attain a URochester education, based on academic excellence, outstanding potential to be future leaders, and demonstrated mastery of complex challenges. * **International Baccalaureate (IB) Scholarship:** Students who have excelled in the IB Diploma Programme. Students who successfully complete the IB diploma at Wilson Magnet High School are eligible for consideration for a full tuition IB Scholarship. * **Prince Street Scholarship:** High academic achievers with outstanding creative capacity in one or more artistic fields. * **Simon Scholars Scholarship:** Exceptionally strong academic students who have demonstrated an interest in an undergraduate business degree rooted in economics and analytics, displayed positive leadership traits, and have a deep commitment to racial and global diversity. * **Steven J. Harrison Scholarship:** Students admitted to the GRADE (Guaranteed Rochester Accelerated Degree in Education) Program. * **Haudenosaunee Nations Scholarship:** Academically excellent students from one of the six Haudenosaunee nations: Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca, or Tuscarora. * **Jesse Moore Urban League Scholarship:** Awarded in partnership with Urban League affiliates based on students’ academic and personal achievements and life experiences. * **LGBTQ+ Pride Scholarship:** Academically excellent students engaged with LGBTQ+ issues. Requires completion of the LGBTQ+ Pride Scholarship Application. * **7th Generation Scholarship:** Designed for students who have explored and promoted values of environmental action and sustainable development, honoring the Haudenosaunee "7th Generation" Philosophy. * **Harper Scholarship:** For students who have demonstrated interest and leadership in expanding political, social, and economic equality for women worldwide. * **Joseph C. Wilson Leader of Change Scholarship:** For students who demonstrate leadership by promoting bridge-building dialogues across racial, ethnic, religious, cultural, and linguistic lines in diverse environments, while also exhibiting academic excellence and extracurricular achievement. * **Rochester Promise:** First-year and transfer applicants who reside in the city of Rochester (or have resided there during high school); have graduated from and spent their last two years at a Rochester City School District public or publicly chartered high school within city boundaries; and enroll in a full-time undergraduate program. * **Say Yes to Education:** Say Yes students admitted to URochester, including qualified graduates of the Syracuse and Buffalo City School Districts, whose family income is less than or equal to $100,000. * **Rochester Rotary Oratorical Scholarship:** Recognizes participants in the Rochester Rotary Oratorical Contest on Ethics who demonstrate confidence, eloquence, and poise. ## Required Documents The source does not explicitly list required documents for general merit scholarships, as automatic consideration is given to all admitted undergraduate applicants. However, for specific scholarships, additional materials may be needed: * **LGBTQ+ Pride Scholarship:** Completion of the LGBTQ+ Pride Scholarship Application is required for consideration. For need-based aid, which may be part of an overall financial aid offer, applicants must reapply each year as family financial situations can change. The university's Institutional Methodology considers factors such as assets, family size, and number in college, in addition to family income. ## How to Apply All admitted undergraduate applicants to Arts, Sciences, Engineering, and Business are automatically considered for most merit scholarships during the admission process. There is no separate application required for these scholarships. However, some specific scholarships have additional application steps: * **LGBTQ+ Pride Scholarship:** Requires completion of the LGBTQ+ Pride Scholarship Application. * Students interested in the GRADE (Guaranteed Rochester Accelerated Degree in Education) Program would apply for that program for consideration for the Steven J. Harrison Scholarship. Students needing financial aid beyond merit scholarships should be aware that they must reapply for need-based aid each year. ## Key Dates The source states that students who complete all application materials on time and are admitted to the University will receive a financial aid award letter shortly after their admission notification. Late applicants may not receive their award letter until after the May 1 deposit deadline, so keeping track of deadlines is crucial. Specific deadlines for scholarship applications are not provided in the source. ## Selection Merit scholarships are awarded to exceptional first-year and transfer students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and potential. Selection for most scholarships is automatic upon admission to the university. However, some specialized scholarships have specific selection criteria: * **Alan and Jane Handler Scholarship:** Scholars are selected on the basis of academic excellence, outstanding potential to be future leaders, and demonstrated mastery of complex challenges. * **Dean’s Scholarship:** Winners have demonstrated both academic achievement and the potential to make unique contributions to URochester student life. * **Genesee Scholarship:** Aims to answer financial challenges and recognizes scholars who will shape residential and academic communities and inspire others. * **International Baccalaureate (IB) Scholarship:** Winners have excelled in rigorous college preparatory programs like the IB Diploma Programme. * **Meliora Scholarships:** Winners have demonstrated strong academic achievement and the promise to enrich the URochester community through leadership, initiative, and contributions to student life. * **Rush Rhees Scholarship:** Winners are expected to bring vision and broad interests to the University community. * **Prince Street Scholarship:** Recognizes high academic achievers with outstanding creative capacity in one or more artistic fields. * **Simon Scholars Scholarship:** Awarded to exceptionally strong academic students who have demonstrated an interest in an undergraduate business degree rooted in economics and analytics, displayed positive leadership traits, and have a deep commitment to racial and global diversity. * **Steven J. Harrison Scholarship:** Awarded to students admitted to the GRADE Program. * **Whipple Science & Research Scholarship:** Named after a successful scientist and Nobel Prize winner, implying recognition of scientific potential. * **Haudenosaunee Nations Scholarship:** Awarded to academically excellent students from one of the six Haudenosaunee nations. * **Jesse Moore Urban League Scholarship:** Awarded based on students’ academic and personal achievements and life experiences, in partnership with Urban League affiliates. * **LGBTQ+ Pride Scholarship:** Awarded to academically excellent students engaged with LGBTQ+ issues. * **7th Generation Scholarship:** Designed for students who have explored and promoted values of environmental action and sustainable development. * **Harper Scholarship:** For students who have demonstrated interest and leadership in expanding political, social, and economic equality for women worldwide. * **Joseph C. Wilson Leader of Change Scholarship:** Recognizes students who demonstrate leadership by promoting bridge-building dialogues across racial, ethnic, religious, cultural, and linguistic lines in diverse environments, in addition to academic excellence and extracurricular achievement. * **Rochester Promise:** Eligible Rochester City School District graduates. * **Say Yes to Education:** Say Yes students who meet income and district-specific criteria. * **Rochester Rotary Oratorical Scholarship:** Recognizes participants in the Rochester Rotary Oratorical Contest on Ethics. ## Tips for African and International Applicants As the University of Rochester automatically considers all admitted undergraduate applicants for merit scholarships, the primary tip for African and international students is to focus on demonstrating outstanding academic achievement and potential in their university application. Highlight any unique contributions, leadership experiences, and engagements that align with the specific values and missions of the various scholarships highlighted, such as those promoting diversity, social change, or particular academic interests. For scholarships requiring specific applications, such as the LGBTQ+ Pride Scholarship, ensure these are completed accurately and submitted on time. While the source does not detail specific processes for international applicants regarding financial aid forms, it is prudent to check the official financial aid pages for any international-specific requirements for need-based aid. Early application is advisable to ensure financial aid award letters are received promptly. Given that the university calculates an Institutional Methodology (IM) for Expected Family Contribution (EFC), which may differ from other calculations, international applicants should review this process. It is also important to remember that most private universities like URochester do not typically meet 100% of demonstrated need for international students. Focus on developing a strong application that stands out for its academic rigor and potential. ## Source https://enrollment.rochester.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/

What the Partial University of Rochester Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award 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.

Full tuition
Accommodation

University of Rochester Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award eligibility for United States applicants

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

Eligibility for merit scholarships is primarily based on outstanding academic achievement and potential demonstrated by applicants. All admitted undergraduate applicants to Arts, Sciences, Engineering, and Business are considered for merit scholarships. Specific scholarships have additional eligibility criteria: * **Alan and Jane Handler Scholarship:** Selected students who do not otherwise have the financial means to attain a URochester education, based on academic excellence, outstanding potential to be future leaders, and demonstrated mastery of complex challenges. * **International Baccalaureate (IB) Scholarship:** Students who have excelled in the IB Diploma Programme. Students who successfully complete the IB diploma at Wilson Magnet High School are eligible for consideration for a full tuition IB Scholarship. * **Prince Street Scholarship:** High academic achievers with outstanding creative capacity in one or more artistic fields. * **Simon Scholars Scholarship:** Exceptionally strong academic students who have demonstrated an interest in an undergraduate business degree rooted in economics and analytics, displayed positive leadership traits, and have a deep commitment to ra

Documents required for the University of Rochester Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award 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 University of Rochester Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award 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://enrollment.rochester.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/ and verify the sponsor's stated criteria match your profile — currently: "Eligibility for merit scholarships is primarily based on outstanding academic achievement and potential demonstrated by applicants. All admitted undergraduate applicants to Arts, Sciences, Engineering, and Business are c…". 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://enrollment.rochester.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/, 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 The source states that students who complete all application materials on time and are admitted to the University will receive a financial aid award letter shortly after their admi (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 Rochester 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.

University of Rochester Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award 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.

Visit official site

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the University of Rochester Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award?+

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

Is the University of Rochester Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award fully funded?+

Funding model: Partial. 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 The source states that students who complete all application materials on time and are admitted to the University will receive a financial aid award letter shortly after their admi. 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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