UNO Graduate Studies Launches New Scholarships for International Students, Graduating Seniors, and Recent Alumni

The UNO Office of Graduate Studies has more than 110 years of experience educating professionals and academics, and helping individuals succeed in their careers. The mission of the Office of Graduate Studies is to develop, enhance, and promote outstanding graduate education; to ensure a rich environment for learning, creative activity, and the discovery and communication of new knowledge; and to be recognized for excellence in regional, national, and global engagement and contributions. With over 90 graduate programs at all levels, UNO has numerous opportunities. 

While less common than undergraduate scholarships, a variety of scholarships are also available to help graduate students afford their education. The Graduate Studies recently announced the creation of two new scholarships.

• International Graduate Student Scholarship (newly admitted international students)

• The Jump Start Scholarship (UNO graduating seniors and recent alumni)

International Graduate Student Scholarship

For newly admitted international students

The new UNO International Graduate Scholarship is now available to newly admitted international students choosing to enroll in UNO. Distribution of the new UNO International Graduate Scholarship began with awards for 25 newly admitted international graduate students, representing 7 countries, in the Spring 2023 semester.

“One of the great things about being a student at UNO is the opportunity to interact with faculty, staff and peers from around the globe,” said Juan Casas, Interim Dean of Graduate Studies. “These interactions provide students with rich opportunities to learn about different cultures and foster new connections, experiences and relationships that will serve them well for the rest of their lives.”

Regardless of country of origin, the new International Graduate Scholarship automatically remits a portion (starting at approximately $2,000 per year) of tuition costs for all newly admitted first-time (and transfer) international graduate students after admission. A separate scholarship application is not required.

The scholarship requires each international graduate student to enroll in at least nine (9) credit hours per semester; and it is renewable for up to three to five years, dependent upon the level of graduate program (i.e., master’s, educational specialist, or doctoral), assuming the student remains in good standing.

“We are excited about this new scholarship which will make a graduate education at UNO even more affordable and accessible to talented students from around the world who enrich our community so much,” said Jody Neathery-Castro, Interim Associate Vice Chancellor for Global Engagement at UNO.

The International Graduate Scholarship cannot be combined with other tuition remission-based scholarships or graduate assistantships. In addition, the scholarship is not transferable in part or in whole to any other university or campus including UNL, UNMC, or UNK.

Additional information about the new International Graduate Scholarship can be found on the International Programs scholarships web page.

The Jump Start Scholarship

For UNO graduating seniors and recent alumni

UNO graduating seniors and alumni can get a head start on their graduate school journey by taking advantage of the Jump Start Scholarship. The Jump Start Scholarship, originally established in fall of 2020, helps UNO seniors and undergrad alumni (who have completed degree since May 2020) achieve their academic and professional goals.

As of January 2023, the Jump Start Scholarship is now an open-ended application and available to all UNO undergraduate students who will or have already completed their undergraduate degree and have been admitted and enrolled in a graduate program at UNO.

This scholarship is for those who are ready to take their education to the next level. Enrolling in a graduate program can benefit students in many ways including adding a graduate certificate to their resume or advancing their career with a graduate degree. This scholarship can help those students in achieving those goals.

“This is an exciting opportunity for our undergrad students who are completing their degree and for those who have previously graduated from UNO. The Jump Start Scholarship is one of our many affordability options that helps students move forward into a graduate program.” said Juan Casas, Ph.D., interim dean for the Office of Graduate Studies. “I highly encourage both graduating seniors and those who have already graduated to apply for the scholarship and explore our variety of graduate programs and certificates we have available here at UNO.”

The Jump Start Scholarship amounts are based on the number of credit hours the new graduate student is enrolled in during the first semester at UNO.

• 3-5 credit hours ($750)
• 6-8 credit hours ($1,000)
• 9+ credit hours ($1,500)

The Jump Start Scholarship application process has been improved for student success and is easily accessible on the Office of Graduate Studies website. Note, the award cannot be used for undergraduate prerequisite or foundational (undergraduate or graduate) courses. This scholarship is a one-time award (not recurring) for UNO undergraduate students beginning or exploring a graduate degree program at UNO. The amount of the scholarship is the same for both Nebraska residents and non-residents and cannot be combined with graduate assistantships or the NU Employee Scholarship.