Frequently Asked Questions

The Awards are funded by the University of Alaska Land Grant Trust Fund. The endowment receives revenue from property sales and resource development conducted on Trust lands.

No. While eligible, you will receive $1,875 each semester to help cover your educational expenses.

Yes. Scholars must submit an application for admission to a certificate or degree program at any campus in the University of Alaska System to secure their Award. Applications must be submitted by June 30 following high school graduation. Scholars who miss the final deadline of August 15 will forfeit their scholarship. For example, a Scholar designated for the Class of 2026 must apply by August 15, 2026. Any Scholar who does not meet this deadline will no longer be eligible to use the Award.

Applying by the preferred June 30 deadline gives students time to complete admission, registration, housing, and financial aid before the semester begins. Waiting until the August 15 final deadline limits that time, and Scholars who miss August 15 will forfeit their scholarship.

The Award expires under any of the following conditions:
* You did not apply for admission by August 15;
* You did not receive a distribution for more than four semesters;
* You have received the entire amount of the Award; or
* You do not remain eligible for the Award.

Yes. You may take a Leave of Absence of up to four semesters at any time during the six year period following your high school designation. During the Leave of Absence you will not receive an Award distribution. If you do not receive a distribution for more than four semesters, your Award will expire unless, in certain narrow circumstances, you apply for and the Program Administrator determines you are eligible for an Extended Leave of Absence.

Your Award and your Leave of Absence are secured once you have applied for admission by the deadline (see Section (2)(A)(1)). If you plan to use your Leave of Absence during the first fall semester after graduation, please indicate the semester in which you plan to enroll on your application for admission. Otherwise, any semester you do not attend or you enroll less than full-time (12+ credits for undergraduate degrees, 9+ credits for graduate degrees) during the fall and/or spring semesters will count as a Leave of Absence.

No, you do not need to inform the UA Scholars Program, but you must contact your campus admissions office to postpone your enrollment if you plan to utilize your Leave of Absence in the first two semesters.  

Apply for the most recent semester available on the application, then contact the Admissions Office to request that your application be updated to the semester you intend to attend.

Unless you are using a Leave of Absence, you must begin using your Award the fall semester immediately following high school graduation.

Your Award is posted to your student account at the University once you have been accepted into a degree or certificate program and are enrolled as a full-time student. Distribution of Awards occurs during the normal fee payment period each semester you are eligible.

Yes, and the application is free when you use the application fee waiver code provided in your Award letter.  Apply for admission at alaska.edu/alaska/apply.php.

You must uphold the University’s Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy toward completion of your degree or certificate program, and maintain the milestone requirements of the Program by earning the minimum cumulative number of annual credits (24 credits after two paid semesters, 54 credits after four paid semesters and 84 credits after six paid semesters) and maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5.

Your Award may be used in conjunction with other funding sources. If you have a credit balance on your account due to funding from the Alaska 529 account, additional scholarship(s) or financial aid, your campus may issue you a refund.

Yes. Visit APS.alaska.gov for more information.

Yes, you can use your Award for Study Away programs. In fact, we encourage you to take advantage of exciting opportunities like these.

Yes, you may use your Award to take classes during the summer term, but only if you are enrolled full-time (12+ credits for undergraduate degrees, 9+ credits for graduate degrees) and otherwise eligible. Contact your campus financial aid department to ensure distribution of your Award during the summer term, as you may be required to complete a form.

You must be either a U.S. citizen or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence.

Yes, you may begin using your Award as soon as you graduate and meet all other eligibility requirements.

No, you must have earned a high school diploma before you can start using your Award. If you receive a certificate of achievement or GED instead of a diploma you will not be eligible to redeem your Award.

Since graduate degrees consider full-time enrollment at least 9 credits, contact the UA Scholars Program office to ensure the Award is paid.