The University of Wisconsin–Madison King-Morgridge Scholarship is one of the most prestigious opportunities available to international students who are committed to driving social change. This fully funded undergraduate scholarship covers tuition, housing, health insurance, airfare, and living expenses for four years—removing the financial barrier for high-achieving students from low-income, first-generation backgrounds. Each year, only six exceptional scholars from regions such as Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America, South Asia, and Southeast Asia are selected to join UW–Madison’s vibrant academic community. Beyond financial support, recipients gain mentorship, leadership development, and global networking opportunities, empowering them to use their education to tackle poverty and inequality worldwide.
Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: USA
- Host University: University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Scholarship Category: Undergraduate Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All countries
- Scholarship Benefits: Tuition fee, Airfare, Stipend, etc.
Scholarship Benefits
The King-Morgridge Scholars Program provides:
- Four years of full tuition and mandatory fees.
- Room and board on campus.
- Comprehensive health insurance.
- Round-trip airfare from your home country.
- A stipend for miscellaneous expenses.
- Mentorship, leadership training, and community engagement opportunities.
Only six students are selected each year from around the world.
Eligibility Requirements for University of Wisconsin Madison King Morgridge Scholarship 2026
To apply, you must:
- Be an incoming first-year undergraduate student (not a transfer, graduate, or current UW–Madison student).
- Have graduated from high school within the past three years.
- Have completed secondary school in Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America, South Asia, or Southeast Asia.
- Be a first-generation university student.
- Demonstrate significant financial need.
- Apply to UW–Madison as a first-year student through Early Action.
See Also:
- Fully Funded UBC International Scholarships 2026 in Canada: How to Apply, Eligibility, Benefits, and Deadlines
- Asian Development Bank Scholarship 2026 | Fully Funded Scholarship in Asia
- University of Michigan Scholarship 2026 | Fully Funded Scholarship in USA
Documents Required
You will typically need:
- Official high school transcripts.
- Proof of graduation (diploma or equivalent).
- Evidence of financial need (family income details, financial affidavits, or bank statements).
- Responses to supplemental short-answer questions in the scholarship portal.
- A 500–700 word essay about your experiences, community work, and goals.
- Other documents required for international admission, such as proof of English proficiency, passport, or standardized test scores if applicable.
Scholarship Deadline
- Applications open in late August 2025.
- The deadline to apply is November 15, 2025.
- Decisions will be released in March 2026.
How to Apply for University of Wisconsin Madison King Morgridge Scholarship 2026
- Prepare for UW–Madison admission
- Choose your intended major.
- Gather your transcripts and other required documents.
- Check English proficiency or testing requirements for your country.
- Apply to UW–Madison
- Submit your first-year application as an Early Action applicant.
- Access the WiSH (Wisconsin Scholarship Hub)
- After applying, activate your UW NetID.
- Log into WiSH to access scholarship applications.
- Complete the King-Morgridge Scholars application
- Answer supplemental questions.
- Write and submit your 500–700 word essay.
- Upload required documents
- Transcripts, proof of graduation, and financial documents.
- Any other documents required for your international admission.
- Submit by November 15, 2025
- Ensure everything is completed before the deadline.
- Await results
- Decisions are announced in March 2026.
- Maintain eligibility if selected
- Stay enrolled full-time.
- Maintain good academic standing.
- Participate in leadership and community engagement activities.
FAQs About University of Wisconsin–Madison King-Morgridge Scholarship 2026
1. What is the King-Morgridge Scholarship About?
It is a fully funded undergraduate scholarship at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, designed for international students committed to poverty alleviation and social impact.
2. Who funds the King-Morgridge Scholarship?
The program is supported by alumni John and Tashia Morgridge, in partnership with UW–Madison, to cultivate future leaders working on global challenges.
3. What expenses does the scholarship cover?
It covers full tuition and fees, room and board, health insurance, round-trip airfare, and a stipend for personal expenses for four years.
4. How many students are awarded the scholarship each year?
Only six students are chosen annually, making it highly competitive.
5. Who is eligible to apply?
Applicants must be first-generation university students from low-income backgrounds, have graduated high school within the past three years, and be from Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America, South Asia, or Southeast Asia.
6. Can transfer or graduate students apply?
No. The scholarship is only for incoming first-year undergraduate students.
7. What is the application deadline for 2026 entry?
The application deadline is November 15, 2025.
8. How do I apply for the scholarship?
Students must apply to UW–Madison as first-year Early Action applicants, then complete the King-Morgridge application in the Wisconsin Scholarship Hub (WiSH), which includes essays and supplemental questions.
9. What kind of essay is required?
Applicants must submit a 500–700 word essay highlighting their leadership, community work, and commitment to addressing poverty and creating social change.
10. When are scholarship results announced?
Decisions for the 2026 intake will be released in March 2026.