🌍 Overview
💰
Award Amount
Varies (Typically $500 to $5,000 per academic year; some awards are higher)
⏱
Duration
1 academic year (often renewable)
🗓
Deadline
Varies (Rolling deadlines throughout the year; major cycle ends in March/April)
🔬
Fields
All academic disciplines (some specific programs target STEM, Business, or Arts)
🏆
Awards/Year
Over 10,000 awards granted annually across all UNCF-managed programs
🌏
Study Country
United States
🏛️
Provider
United Negro College Fund (UNCF)
📊
Acceptance
Varies by specific scholarship program
The UNCF Scholarship program is the nation's largest private scholarship provider to minority group members. It manages hundreds of individual scholarship, fellowship, and internship programs to support students attending its 37 member HBCUs and other colleges across the country.
👥 Who Should Apply
Available to African American students attending UNCF member institutions or other accredited U.S. colleges with a minimum 2.5 GPA and FAFSA on file.
🏛️ Host University
Accredited U.S. Colleges and Universities (including 37 Member HBCUs)
🤝 Sponsor
United Negro College Fund
🔬 Fields of Study
All academic disciplines (some specific programs target STEM, Business, or Arts)
✨ Key Benefits
Provides financial support for tuition, fees, and books, plus access to career-building resources and a network of alumni.
🎯 Target Students
African American / Black students
🏷 Tags
HBCU
African American
Financial Need
Undergraduate
Graduate
STEM
General Academic
💸 Funding Breakdown
Tuition
Partial (Varies by specific scholarship program)
Living Stipend
Varies by specific scholarship program
Total Award
Varies (Typically $500 to $5
✈️ Travel: Varies (Usually not included in general scholarships)
🏠 Accommodation: Varies by specific scholarship program
💊 Health Insurance: Not typically covered
🔄 Renewable: Yes (Many programs allow for renewal based on performance)
💳 App Fee: Free
🎓 Tuition Coverage
Partial (Varies by specific scholarship program)
🏠 Living Stipend
Varies by specific scholarship program
🏡 Accommodation
Varies by specific scholarship program
✈️ Travel Allowance
Varies (Usually not included in general scholarships)
💊 Health Insurance
Not typically covered
🎁 Other Benefits
Internship opportunities, career development workshops, and professional networking
🔄 Renewable
Yes (Many programs allow for renewal based on performance)
📋 Renewal Conditions
Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA (usually 2.5 - 3.0) and full-time enrollment
✅ Eligibility Requirements
🌍 Eligible Nationalities
African American/Black heritage, U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident, enrolled full-time, demonstrated financial need
🎓 Academic Level
Undergraduate and Graduate (Freshman through PhD)
📊 Minimum GPA
2.5 on a 4.0 scale (Some specific programs require a 3.0 or higher)
🗣️ English Requirement
Proficiency required for admission to host U.S. institutions
💼 Work Experience
Not required for general scholarships
🏆 Leadership
Highly preferred and often evaluated in the essay section
💰 Financial Need
Required (Applicants must submit a FAFSA and show unmet need)
🎯 Target Students
African American / Black students
📝 Application Requirements
Rec Letters
Yes (Typically 1 academic or professional reference)
Interview
Varies (Usually only for high-value or corporate-sponsored programs)
Documents Required
- Academic Transcripts
- Passport / National ID
- Yes (Typically 1 academic or professional reference) Recommendation Letters
- CV / Resume
- Personal Statement / Essays
- Proficiency required for admission to host U.S. institutions
- Interview: Varies (Usually only for high-value or corporate-sponsored programs)
- Min GPA: 2.5 on a 4.0 scale (Some specific programs require a 3.0 or higher)
📋 Application Process
Complete the General Application on the UNCF portal to be matched with multiple opportunities automatically.
💡 Insider Tip: Submit your FAFSA as early as possible and tailor your personal statement to highlight community service and career goals.