The University of Maryland (UMD) is a premier public research university located just outside Washington, D.C. With a strong emphasis on innovation, academic rigor, and student success, UMD offers a dynamic environment that fosters intellectual growth, leadership, and global engagement.
Renowned for its commitment to academic excellence, the University of Maryland provides a wide range of undergraduate programs supported by exceptional faculty, cutting-edge research opportunities, and a vibrant campus life. It continues to attract high-achieving students who aspire to make meaningful contributions in their chosen fields.
Scholarship Description
- Host University: University of Maryland
- Host Country:Â USAÂ ;
- Study Level: Undergraduate, GraduateLevel;
- Scholarship Type: Â Partial Funding;
- Scholarship Worth: 1,500$Â ;
- Eligible Countries: International students;
- Subjects Available: All subjects
- Application Deadline: November, 1st, 2025. Â Â Â Â Â
The University of Maryland USA Freshman Merit Scholarship 2025 is designed to reward exceptional high school seniors who have demonstrated outstanding academic performance, leadership potential, and community involvement. These scholarships are merit-based and aim to support the university’s mission to attract and retain top-tier students who will contribute to the academic and social fabric of the institution.
This competitive scholarship program includes several distinguished awards such as the Banneker/Key Scholarship, the President’s Scholarship, and the Dean’s Scholarship. Each award recognizes students based on their scholastic achievements, extracurricular engagement, and demonstrated potential to thrive at UMD. Notably, no separate scholarship application is required; all eligible applicants who meet the early action admission deadline are automatically considered.
Scholarship Benefits
The University of Maryland’s freshman merit scholarships offer a variety of financial awards designed to lessen the burden of tuition and other college expenses. The key benefits include:
- Automatic consideration: Students are considered upon submission of their complete admission application by the early action deadline (November 1, 2025).
- Range of awards: Scholarship amounts vary, from $1,500 to full tuition, housing, books, and more.
- Inclusive opportunities: Both in-state and out-of-state students are eligible for many of the awards.
Banneker/Key Scholarship
- Full tuition coverage
- Mandatory university fees
- On-campus housing and dining
- Annual book allowance
- Admission to the Honors College
President’s Scholarship
- Four-year renewable awards
- Value ranges from $2,000 to $12,500 annually
Dean’s Scholarship
- Available to in-state students only
- One-time $1,500 award or up to $4,500 over two years
Additional opportunities include access to external and departmental scholarships through platforms like Scholarship Universe and through specific UMD colleges or academic departments.
Eligibility Requirements
General Eligibility
- Must be a high school senior applying for Fall 2025 undergraduate admission
- Must be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen (e.g., permanent residents, certain visa categories)
- International students without U.S. citizenship or eligible non-citizen status are not eligible for these merit awards
- Must submit a complete application by the early action deadline: November 1, 2025
Banneker/Key Scholarship Eligibility
- Must be admitted to UMD’s Honors College by the early action deadline
- No separate scholarship application is required
- Finalists are selected based on academic excellence, leadership potential, and a demonstrated commitment to community involvement
- Finalists will be invited for interviews in late February or early March
- Interview invitations will be sent by March 1, 2026
- Award notifications will be made by April 1, 2026
President’s Scholarship Eligibility
- Open to both in-state and out-of-state students
- Selection criteria include GPA, rigor of coursework, extracurricular activities, leadership roles, personal essays, and academic awards
- Recipients are notified by April 1, 2026
Dean’s Scholarship Eligibility
- Limited to in-state students
- Must demonstrate strong academic performance and involvement in meaningful extracurricular activities
- Typically awarded to approximately 400 students annually
- Awards are not renewable beyond the sophomore year
Application Process
The application process for the University of Maryland USA Freshman Merit Scholarship 2025 is streamlined and student-friendly. There is no need to submit a separate application for merit-based scholarships. Instead, students are automatically considered for all eligible awards when they complete their undergraduate admission application by the early action deadline.
Steps to Apply:
- Submit a completed undergraduate admission application to the University of Maryland by November 1, 2025.
- Include all required materials, such as:
- High school transcripts
- Standardized test scores (if submitting)
- Personal statement and essays
- Letters of recommendation (if applicable)
- Indicate interest in Honors College on the application if applying for the Banneker/Key Scholarship.
Evaluation Criteria:
- High school academic achievement (GPA and class rank)
- Rigor of completed coursework
- Standardized test scores (optional but may strengthen the application)
- Leadership roles and extracurricular activities
- Personal essay quality
- Academic honors and awards
Important Dates:
- Application Deadline: November 1, 2025 (Early Action)
- Interview Invitations for Banneker/Key Finalists: By March 1, 2026
- Scholarship Award Notifications: By April 1, 2026
Please note: Students are eligible to receive only one merit-based scholarship through the admissions process, and all scholarship decisions are final and non-appealable.
The University of Maryland’s Freshman Merit Scholarship program provides a valuable opportunity for high-achieving students to pursue a world-class education at a leading public university. By recognizing and rewarding academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to service, these scholarships foster a community of driven and talented individuals.
Students who wish to be considered should apply early, submit a compelling application, and showcase their achievements and aspirations. With generous funding and access to a dynamic academic environment, the UMD merit scholarships serve as a stepping stone toward future success in academics, research, leadership, and beyond.
Official website:
For more information, please visit the university’s official website : https://admissions.umd.edu/tuition/freshman-merit-scholarships
