Special application instructions: UA Scholars

UA Scholars

UA Scholars are a big deal. They are Alaskans in the top 10% of their high school class, meaning they're some of the top-performing students in the state. Over 500 UA Scholars currently attend UAF, and they are some of the most promising Nanooks. They're going to go on to make big things happen — for their communities, Alaska and the world. UAF is the launching point.

 
 

Apply to UAF for Free

As a UA Scholar, your application for admission is free!

  1. Apply Online
  2. Enter the UA Scholars application fee waiver code when prompted for payment
  3. Submit your high school transcript. In-progress transcripts are okay! Email a copy of your unofficial transcripts or upload it to your application in the application portal. We'll need you to have your final, official transcripts sent to us directly from your school(s) when you graduate, but we can make an admissions decision once you send us your unofficial transcripts.

You can also apply to UAF on the Common App! Once you've filled out the common application, select UAF as an institution to send it to us! You won't be prompted for payment, and there's no need to use a waiver code.

 

 

Important Dates

  • Dec1

    FAFSA opens

      Online Application
      No Deadline, most scholarships give preferences to FAFSA applications filed by Feb. 15
    The 2025-2026 FAFSA will be available for all students starting in early December. You don’t need to complete your FAFSA to receive the UA Scholars award, but you'll need it for other scholarships that you might be eligible for, such as the Alaska Performance Scholarship, Nanook Commitment and other UA Foundation scholarships. For more information about the types of financial aid available at UAF, visit the Financial Aid website or connect with our Financial Aid Advisors at uaf-financialaid@alaska.edu or at 907-474-7256.

  • Feb15

    UA Foundation scholarship application deadline

      Online Application
      Deadline: Feb. 15
    There are over 400 scholarships available through the UA Foundation that you can apply for — with a single application. Fill out the General Application to be automatically matched with all the scholarship opportunities that you’re eligible for.

  • Aug15

    UA Scholar Application Deadline

      Online
      Deadline: Apply for Admission by August 15
    To secure the UA Scholar award, you must apply for admission to a certificate or degree program at any campus in the UA University (We hope you'll choose UAF!) by August 15 of your senior year.

    • For a complete list of important UAF dates and deadlines, visit the Academic Calendar.

     

    Your UA Scholar Benefits

    The main benefit of being a UA Scholar is the scholarship award itself. The UA Scholars Award is a $15,000 scholarship that is distributed over the course of eight semesters.

    • This scholarship can be used in conjunction with other types of scholarships and financial aid like the Nanook Pledge Scholarship and the Alaska Performance Scholarship. Some UA Scholars earn more than $46,000 to pay for their UAF education and expenses.
    • You can use your UA Scholars Award towards paying for tuition, housing and food, but it can also go towards funding other expenses such as exchange student programs, study and research equipment, and or other things you’ll need for school. 

    Another benefit of being a UA Scholar is it introduces you to campus leadership, staff and faculty and opens up many doors for research, internship and networking opportunities. 

    There are so many ways to add value to your degree at UAF. You’ll have the opportunity to participate in programs like the Honors College, Climate Scholars Program, Undergraduate Research and Scholarly Activity (URSA), exchange and Study Away programs, UAF clubs and student organizations, and so many more opportunities to take your college experience further.

     

    Choosing UAF

    Your UA Scholars Award can be used at any of the three UA universities — University of Alaska Fairbanks, University of Alaska Anchorage or University of Alaska Southeast. We hope you’ll choose UAF, and there are a lot of great reasons for you to join Nanook Nation.

    Affordable and Practical

    Staying in-state lowers the cost of college by a considerable amount — it’s a smart choice. As a graduate of an Alaskan high school, you’ll automatically be granted the resident tuition rate. Also, you may qualify for additional scholarships offered by the State of Alaska, such as the Alaska Performance Scholarship. Once you’re admitted to UAF, you’ll be considered for the Nanook Pledge Scholarship, and you’ll be able to apply for 400+ additional UA-funded scholarships. 

    Variety and Quality

    UAF was established in 1917 as the Alaska Agricultural College and School of Mines, and it’s the flagship campus of the University of Alaska system. Now it’s home to 9 colleges and schools that offer over 160 degrees and certificates.

    UAF is Alaska’s only National University, is ranked in the Top 25 Best Small Universities by Times Higher Education, and is a First-Gen Forward and Military Friendly institution. We’re proud of our award rankings, because they show that a degree from UAF is a valuable investment.

    Flexible Paths

    UAF’s great at online course delivery, and we’ve been offering courses over distances for decades. With over 40 fully online degree programs, award-winning online courses and hybrid options for almost every degree, you’ll get the benefit of some of the most robust learning technologies available. If online learning isn’t for you — don’t worry! You’ll work with your academic advisor to make a plan that works for your best learning style.

    World-class Opportunities

    UAF’s student population is smaller than other research universities, meaning you’ll have more access to opportunities to participate in research and projects that otherwise wouldn’t have been available at larger universities. UAF offers around $100M in research funding, and first-year UAF students can get involved in research as soon as they start at UAF. 46% of UAF undergraduate students participate in research or thesis projects during their time here.

     
    Hands-on Support

    At UAF, you won’t just be another face in a classroom. UAF has a student to faculty ratio of 11 to 1 which means you’ll be able to work directly with professors to get hands-on experience and academic mentorship, no matter what you study.

    When you join Nanook Nation, you join a close-knit, involved and supportive community. As a UA Scholar, you have a whole team of experts to help you transition to UAF. Your Admissions Counselor, Financial Aid Advisor and Academic Advisor are the coaches and cheerleaders to your Nanook success story!  

    Close Community

    UAF’s Troth Yeddha’ Campus is a true residential campus, offering a robust student life. Living-Learning Communities (LLCs) are an opportunity to build strong bonds with classmates who share your  interests. You can also join one of over 100 student clubs and organizations, run for office in student government, or compete in collegiate eSports — casual players are welcome, too! Whatever you want to do with your out-of-class time, there’s a place for you at UAF. 

     

     

    Questions?

    Jess Hildebrand

    Jess Hildebrand

    Admissions Counselor

    uaf-admissions@alaska.edu | 907-474-7500


    Hello there! My name is Jess Hildebrand, and I’m UAF’s admissions counselor for UA Scholars. I’m here to help you and your family consider your options and get started as you join Nanook Nation.

    Schedule a meeting with Jess