Overview
This page reviews the requirements for the LAC scholarship only managed by UWF's Office of International Affairs. LAC awards may be provided by other departments and may have different processes and eligibility requirements.
Requirements
The Latin American and Caribbean Scholarship(LAC) is offered to students who have been admitted to UWF. The scholarship is awarded for the fall and spring. Summers are not automatically included as an eligible semester for this award.
The following is required to be eligible for the Latin American and Caribbean Scholarship:
1. Citizenship is in a Latin American or Caribbean country.
2. Student has a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher.
3. Student has been admitted to a degree-seeking undergraduate program that is not online.
4. Student has or is pursuing an F-1 student visa.
5. Student is not currently and will not in the future be on a scholarship through the Athletics department.
Students who have been awarded the scholarship are renewed for the duration of their program of study (fall and spring semesters only) as long as they maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.75 and maintain all other eligibility requirements.
Eligible Countries
Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Argentina, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Bolivia, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Caribbean Netherlands, Cayman Islands, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Curacao, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Falkland Islands, French Guiana, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Martinique, Mexico, Montserrat, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, St. Barthelemy, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Marteen/St. Martin, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago, Turks & Caicos Islands, Uruguay, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Venezuela.
Policy
UNIVERSITY POLICY AC-17.02-04/19 - Latin America and Caribbean Scholarship Guidelines
How to Apply
Students must have first applied to the University of West Florida and been issued a student ID (970xxxxxx).
Deadlines
- Fall - applications are due by July 1st.
- Spring - application are due by December 1st
- Summer - no applications are accepted for summer unless there are remaining funds for the academic year
FAQs
How much is the amount of the scholarship?
The scholarship provides a $500 scholarship per semester. This amount will be applied directly to your student account. Additionally, the scholarship will waive the out-of-state tuition fees, allowing awardees to pay tuition at the in-state rate for the awarded semester.
I am a citizen of one of the eligible countries, but am a US Permanent Resident or on another visa rather than F-1, am I eligible?
No, the award is only available to citizens of Japan taking in-person classes on an F-1 visa.
I am on F-1, but am currently receiving an out-of-state tuition waiver with a graduate assistantship or another scholarship. Am I still eligible to be awarded so that I can receive the $500 award?
No, only students who do not have an out-of-state tuition waiver are eligible to be considered for the award.
How many awards will you give out each semester/year?
This depends on the funding we receive. Our funding for the LAC is subject to change from year to year, and we are often not aware of the total amount until the beginning of the fiscal year on July 1 of each year.
I missed the application deadline, can I apply late?
No, only applications and supporting documents received prior to the deadline can be considered.
I have applied, but haven't heard any updates on a decision, why?
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and an award decision cannot be made until the applicant is admitted. If you have questions on the status of your LAC application, email international@uwf.edu.
I'm a new applicant. When will I know if I am awarded?
- Fall - We attempt to begin awarding in late February/early March for students who meet the minimum GPA requirement of 2.75. This awarding schedule may vary depending on funding.
- Spring - We attempt to begin awarding at the time of application if the applicant is admitted.
- Summer - all summer awards require a separate application for new and returning awardees, and summer awards will only be available if there is a surplus of funds at the end of the academic year. For current students, summer awards will be made after spring grades have posted.
I need a summer LAC award, is that possible?
Possibly. Summer awards are offered only if there is a surplus of funds at the end of the academic year. Current recipients will be notified by email if a summer award application period will open.
I received the LAC award in the previous semester, will I receive it in future semesters/years?
Not necessarily. You must maintain a minimum 2.75 GPA in order for the award to be continuous for future semesters.
I am a graduate student. Am I eligible for the award?
No, LAC awards provided by the Office of International Affairs are only provided to degree-seeking undergraduate students. Graduate students may still receive an award from another department. Students with graduate assistantships will automatically qualify for an out-of-state tuition waiver.
*Should additional funds be available, we may consider graduate students on a case-by-case basis.
Can my department provide an LAC award?
Yes, any department can award the LAC scholarship. Departments can see more information here: Latin American Caribbean Scholarship Policy
What criteria do you consider when making your awards?
We will primarily consider cumulative GPA, but take into account the essay and your documented financial need. Applicants with a cumulative GPA below 2.75 will be considered for an award.
What GPA will you use to consider my eligibility for the award?
For new students, we will use the cumulative GPA from your previous institution. For continuing students, we use the cumulative GPA provided after the completion of the previous semester at UWF.
I received an award, but it is not showing on my account, why?
The process to make awards to students is done each semester through a designated workflow. It begins with the Office of International Affairs, but also must go through the Registrar and Financial Aid before being added to your student account. For returning students, we will not make any awards until grades are posted from the previous semester. If your award is not showing on your student account prior to the fee payment deadline, please email international@uwf.edu.