Scholarship instructions
Current students are eligible each academic year for a variety of school and university scholarships and other aid opportunities, and the school emails instructions and application details in late fall or early spring directly to students. Students should check their VCU email for this announcement.
Students are also encouraged to use VCU’s RAMS Scholarship HUB for additional scholarship opportunities offered by other schools and departments.
For questions regarding scholarships or the application process, please contact swscholarship@vcu.edu.
Overview
Students may be eligible for aid by program:
- Prospective B.S.W. students are eligible for scholarships through the Office of Admissions when they apply by the Nov. 1 deadline.
- Prospective M.S.W. students may be considered for the Ruth Thalhimer Stern Scholarship when they apply for admission.
- Admitted Ph.D. students receive a $25,000 annual stipend for up to four years.
Instructions for current students
Step 1: Select the appropriate scholarship(s)
- Determine which scholarship(s) you are most qualified for by comparing the scholarship description, eligibility and selection criteria to your particular academic strengths and demonstrated professional interests.
- You are welcome to apply to as many scholarships as you qualify for; however, you must submit a new form response for each scholarship application.
- Applicants must have a FAFSA on file with the VCU Office of Financial Aid in order to apply for need-based financial assistance.
Step 2: Prepare your scholarship application materials
- Complete the scholarship application form (will be linked when active).
- Using a word processing document, develop a personal statement (500 words maximum) for each of the scholarships you apply for that explains your educational and career goals as they relate to the scholarship(s) for which you are eligible. Please save your document: LAST NAME OF SCHOLARSHIP(S), LAST NAME, FIRST INITIAL. Failure to save properly could disqualify your application.
- Obtain a copy of your unofficial transcript via eServices and save it digitally. If you have Adobe Pro, you can press Ctrl+P, then change to “Save as PDF.” You can also print and scan a copy if you do not have Adobe. Please save your document: LAST NAME and FIRST INITIAL.
- *Hibbs/Waller (fall) scholarship requires a copy of your resume (max 2 pages)
- *Hall/Kennedy (spring) scholarship requires a copy of your resume and two letters of recommendation
Step 3: Submit your scholarship application materials
- Submit your scholarship application form(s).
- The deadline to submit your online application form will be announced in early Spring 2023.
- Late or incomplete application packets will not be considered.
Instructions for prospective students
Prospective students will be considered for various scholarships when applying for admission.
Eligibility requirements vary by scholarship and are listed with each scholarship description.
Current students
Selected scholarship recipients will be notified of their award via VCU email by the end of April.
Prospective students
Students will be notified of any scholarship awards when they receive their notice of admission to VCU.
VCU National Scholarship Office
The National Scholarship Office (NSO) assists students with applying to national and international fellowship and scholarship opportunities related to their academic and professional goals. The office researches and offers suggestions on opportunities that best suit students' aspirations, provides advice on how students can produce competitive applications, and connects students with vital resources to improve their materials.
Please note that they only support services for students seeking external funding outside of VCU, thus excluding scholarships awarded by VCU schools and departments. Schedule an appointment with the NSO online or email natlscholar@vcu.edu.
Find external scholarship opportunities
Have questions?
Current and prospective students are encouraged to contact the School of Social Work's Office of Student Success at sswinfo@vcu.edu.