Start Here
Apply for FAFSA
- Apply ASAP, early applications are given priority
- Unlike scholarships and stipends, some funding from FAFSA may be loans that will need to be paid back. Be aware of the types of funding you receive.
Search the COE Scholarships
Use the common application to apply for over 50 scholarships offered through the COE.Be aware of each scholarship’s requirements.
“Don’t be too intimidated by the process of applying for different scholarships because it can make a big difference!”
BEd Elementary Program Alumni
Start early and dedicate time
Why start early?
- To find scholarships
- To be ahead of application deadlines
- To give references time to write letters of recommendation
Important: Apply for scholarships even before you’re accepted into a program. Program acceptance dates may be after scholarship application deadlines.
Explore other funding sources
Search out additional opportunities
- You may be eligible for funding opportunities in addition to FAFSA and COE scholarships. See the UH Funding and Community Funding pages (organized by major) and check if your program has stipends available
- Sign up for the COE Newsletter to receive funding alerts
“There are hundreds of scholarships available, so it pays to take the time to search for some you can apply for.”
Post Baccalaureate in Secondary Education Alumni
Be proactive
Plan Ahead
- Due dates for funding opportunities vary and can approach quickly. Organize due dates and put them in your calendar
- Apply to FAFSA asap as early applications are given priority
- Plan for varying needs of funding – Some programs require a semester of full time student teaching in which other work might not be an option. Plan for this and seek out scholarships specifically for student teaching.
Seek assistance
- Find your support people early. These might include: Financial Aid office staff, academic advisors, program coordinators, or classmates who have been through the process
- Connect with those in your program or department office who are knowledgeable about program-specific funding
“Make as much money working while you can during the first year of the program since the second year does not leave much time for work unless you do OJT. [on-the-job training]”
Master of Education in Teaching program Alumni
Attend funding workshops
- Workshops offered by the college, campus or student groups provide lots of useful information
- Monitor your hawaii.edu email for workshop and funding announcements
- Attending connects you to people with knowledge about funding opportunities
Consider campus employment
- Jobs are available for undergraduates and graduate students and may include those eligible for federal work study
- These jobs may come with tuition waivers, and help you stay focused on school by working on campus
Applying
Apply widely
- Apply to as many opportunities as you can
- Even if your experience doesn’t fit the eligibility requirements exactly, you may still receive funding
“Apply to everything and always apply early”
BEd Elementary Program Alumni
Solicit letters of recommendation
- Be aware which applications require letters of recommendation
- Consider asking your references to write recommendation letters for scholarships at the same time they are writing recommendations letters for program admissions
Focus your applications
- Be sure to address how you meet the requirements of scholarship, even if your experience doesn’t fit exactly
- Advocate for yourself, don’t be afraid to toot your own horn!
- Tell a personal story in your essay/answers
“The essay writing, that’s what’s going to earn you those scholarships”
BEd Alumni