Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I apply for engineering scholarships?
A: To be considered for Engineering Scholarships, the Cockrell School of Engineering Continuing Student Scholarship Application must be completed. Applications are available online at https://utdirect.utexas.edu/engine/scholarship/.
Q: When is the deadline for submitting my scholarship application?
A: The priority deadline for the Cockrell School of Engineering Scholarship Application is February 1.
Q: Should I also apply for scholarships through the department of my major?
A: Currently, the departments do a majority of the nominations for the Cockrell School of Engineering scholarships. To be sure you are considered for all possible scholarships within the Cockrell School of Engineering and your department, you should complete a scholarship application within your department. If you submit a Cockrell School of Engineering Scholarship Application prior to the February 1 deadline, the application will be forwarded to the departments for consideration.
Q: What are the criteria for selecting candidates for scholarships?
A: A majority of the Cockrell School of Engineering scholarships are based solely on merit. In residence GPA is the key factor considered. Some scholarships available are based on other criteria such as financial need and/or adversity, field of study, career interests, student organization involvement, leadership, and work experience.
Q: How many scholarships may I receive through the Engineering Scholarship Program?
A: In general, no student should receive more than one scholarship award from sources within the University of Texas at Austin and the Cockrell School of Engineering. This includes scholarship award programs through the Engineering Scholarship Program and the departments in the Cockrell School of Engineering, Texas Achievement Awards, Presidential Achievement Awards, the Ex Students’ Association Texas Excellence Awards and Texas Leaders Awards, and Society of Automotive Engineers Awards. Also included are scholarships funded by outside sources that are administered through the Cockrell School of Engineering or the University of Texas and handled through University accounts such as the Terry Foundation Scholarships and the Temple Foundation Scholarships. National Merit, National Hispanic, and National Achievement Awards do not fall into this category.
Should a student receive more than one scholarship award from sources within the University of Texas at Austin and the Cockrell School of Engineering, the Engineering Scholarship Program will review the total award package and adjustments may be made to the Cockrell School of Engineering sponsored awards prior to the beginning of the next academic semester.
Q: Will I be eligible for an out-of-state tuition waiver?
A: The Cockrell School of Engineering offers a limited number of out-of-state tuition waivers to top incoming first year students. The waivers are not available to continuing students other than those who received them during their first year at UT-Austin.
Q: Why does my Engineering Scholarship not show up on my Financial Aid Award Letter?
A: The Engineering Scholarship Program is separate and distinct from the Office of Student Financial Services (OSFS). The OSFS handles the Financial Aid Award Packages and is not aware of a students Engineering Scholarship Offer until the Engineering Scholarship Program creates a scholarship appointment within the accounting system. Because the fiscal year is September 1 to August 31, the Engineering Scholarship Program does not enter any scholarship appointments until July in order to make sure all scholarship accounts are set. At this time when the appointment is made, the OSFS will make any adjustments necessary on the student's financial aid award package. If you would like to know, in advance, of the adjustments that will be made, contact the OSFS at 512-475-6282 and speak to a financial aid counselor.
A: You will be notified approximately mid June--after the Engineering Scholarship Program receives Spring semester grades. Emails will be sent to your email address. Be sure your email address is updated and correct by checking on the Registrar's Online Services.
Q: Will I be eligible for my scholarship if I am co-oping?
A: Scholarships are not available while students are away from school completing a co-op work term.. Generally, Engineering Scholarship Program will hold your scholarship until the next semester. You are required to enroll for 14 credit hours in the fall or spring and 8 credit hours in the summer. You will need to fill out a Co-op and Study Abroad Regulations Form in the Engineering Scholarship Program (ECJ 2.106) to assure your scholarship gets allocated correctly. For more information, check out the Co-op and Study Abroad Regulations.
Q: Will I be eligible for my scholarship if I am studying abroad?
A: In some cases, your engineering scholarship is available while you are studying abroad. If you are taking credit classes towards a second degree or towards your engineering degree, you will be able to receive your scholarship. If you are taking miscellaneous credit hours, your case will be reviewed based on the Co-op and Study Abroad Regulations Form you must fill out in the Engineering Scholarship Program (ECJ 2.106). All students studying abroad must complete the form to assure your scholarship gets allocated correctly. For more information, check out the Co-op Regulations and Study Abroad Regulations.
Q: If I am a Plan II Major, will I receive my continuing scholarship for an additional year?
A: If you currently receive a continuing (4-year) scholarship from the Cockrell School of Engineering, you can extend your scholarship one additional year as a Plan II Major. You must notify the Engineering Scholarship Program that you are a Plan II Major. The 5th year will not be added unless you notify us. After completing your 4th year of your scholarship, you can receive the 5th year if you are still enrolled as a Plan II Major at the time of the award.