International Scholarships

Both current and incoming international students can research and explore all the scholarships they qualify for based on their program, background, and interests through the Wisconsin Scholarship Hub (WiSH). Some scholarships at UW-Madison are awarded automatically, but others you will need to apply for through WiSH. Scholarships for incoming students generally open up in the fall and have application deadlines of February 1 or earlier. We encourage you to apply for scholarships as soon as you have submitted your application and set up your NetID. Visit the Office of Student Financial Aid for more information regarding Financial Aid and Scholarships at UW-Madison.

Please note that International students studying on an F-1 or J-1 student visa in the U.S. do not qualify for U.S. federal financial aid or Wisconsin state financial aid programs. Most international students are self-funded, receive assistance from family or community members, and/or seek out external scholarships. For more information regarding funding, including current tuition costs and estimated living expenses, please visit the International Student Services (ISS) Becoming a Global Badger page and Funding Your Education page.

King-Morgridge Scholars Program

The King-Morgridge Scholars Program is a four-year, full-tuition scholarship for enterprising, creative, dedicated students committed to applying their talents toward poverty alleviation. Selected for their community involvement, leadership, academic success, and commitment to alleviating poverty, King-Morgridge Scholars join us from secondary institutions around the globe.

Scholars receive a full-time, four-year/eight-semester scholarship to the University of Wisconsin–Madison that includes tuition and fees, room and board, health insurance, airfare, and a stipend for miscellaneous expenses. The scholarship is made possible through generous gifts by the King and Morgridge families.

Six students are admitted to the program annually.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the King-Morgridge Scholars Program applicants must:

• Be an incoming first-year student seeking a Bachelor’s degree.
• Be a first-generation university student from a low-income background.
• Be within three years of receipt of a high school diploma at time of application.
• Have graduated from secondary schools in Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America, South Asia, and Southeast Asia (see below drop-downs for eligible countries) prior to enrollment at UW-Madison.

Transfer students, graduate students, currently enrolled UW-Madison students, and students who have already completed a post-secondary degree are not eligible for the King-Morgridge Scholars Program. If you are a graduate applicant, you can find more information on admissions and funding opportunities through the Graduate School.

The Application Process

Starting in 2025, candidates must apply as a first-year student in Early Action and must meet all application and materials deadlines.

Candidates must also submit the separate King-Morgridge Scholars Program scholarship application found on the Wisconsin Scholarship Hub (WiSH). Both applications are required for full consideration.

Please plan to apply well in advance of the application deadline. Due to the large number of applications received for this program, we are unable to provide deadline extensions.

The King-Morgridge Scholarship application for Fall 2026 will open in WiSH by late August 2025.

King-Morgridge Scholarship Application Deadline: November 15, 2025

Application Instructions:

1. Submit the UW–Madison undergraduate application and all required application materials by the Early Action deadlines.
2. Set up your NetID using your UW–Madison Campus ID number that will be sent to you via email within your application confirmation.
3. Log in to the WiSH portal using your NetID and password.
4. Answer a series of multiple-choice questions, which will create your opportunities list in WiSH.
5. Select the “King-Morgridge Scholars Program” opportunity.
6. Complete the King-Morgridge Scholars Program application, consisting of several short-answer questions to determine eligibility, as well as a 500-700 word essay, by November 15.

Scholarship decisions will be released by the end of March 2026.

Please visit the King-Morgridge Scholars Program website to learn more about current and past scholars, as well as program information and expectations.

Questions about the application process? Please email kmscholars@admissions.wisc.edu.