Each semester, eligible students can receive up to a $3,000 Hobby School Excellence Scholarship (Graduate).

To be eligible for a Hobby School Excellence Scholarship (Graduate), applicants must:

1. Submit transcripts of previous academic coursework, credits, grades, and GPA via ApplyWeb.
2. Complete application to the Master of Public Policy program by the application deadline.
3. Be accepted into the MPP program.

The Hobby School Scholarship Committee reviews scholarship awards for all current and incoming graduate students and is currently comprised of the following committee members:

• Dr. Sunny Wong: Associate Dean for Graduate Studies
• Dr. Alan Witt: Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies
• Scott Mason: Program Director 2, Academic Advising

When the Hobby School Admissions Committee has decided whether to admit an applicant, the Hobby School Scholarship Committee is then assigned the role of determining whether the applicant should receive a scholarship and the applicable amount. Scholarship amounts typically range from $500 to $3,000 per semester. Applicants that apply before the priority deadline (March 1 for Fall and October 15 for Spring) will receive higher priority for scholarships, and all scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Hobby School Scholarship Committee then reviews the scholarship materials that are included in the overall application (which include criteria such as undergraduate GPA, test scores, letters of recommendation, and the statement of purpose), and assigns a competitive scoring system for determining scholarship eligibility and amounts.

To maintain this scholarship funding beyond the first semester, students must maintain at least a GPA of 3.3 and above, while also following the degree requirements and graduation semester.

Due to the academically competitive nature of this scholarship, highly qualified out-of-state and international students will also be eligible to qualify for a residency waiver to pay in-state tuition if receiving at least a $1,000 per semester Hobby School Excellence Scholarship (Graduate).

The Hobby School offers limited scholarships to outstanding graduate students via the H-E-B Graduate Fellowship Endowment Scholarship. The scholarship is for students pursuing an MPP based on distinguishable academic merit, and follows a similar process.

In addition, UH offers a variety of additional financial aid through other scholarships, fellowships, grants, and loans. Every student is encouraged to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to receive consideration for other federal financial aid and scholarships.

For more information about the Hobby School's scholarships, please contact Scott Mason at smason@uh.edu.

Graduate School Fund

The UH Graduate School Fund (GSF) is a generous scholarship that provides financial assistance for in-state resident graduate students who demonstrate financial need. 

Amount

Award amounts will be based on a student's financial need, enrollment level, and the availability of funds. The GSF can only be applied to the cost of tuition and mandatory fees. This award is non-refundable and will be adjusted if the scholarship amount exceeds the actual cost of a student's tuition and mandatory fees. Students who have a Graduate Tuition Fellowship (GTF) are not eligible to receive the GSF. 

Eligibility

• Be a U.S. citizen or noncitizen who is eligible to complete a FAFSA
• Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) annually and if selected, complete the verification process
• Demonstrate financial need
• Be classified as a Texas resident
• Be a degree-seeking graduate student, enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours during a long term (Fall/Spring), according to the policy set in the Graduate Catalog
• Demonstrate Satisfactory Academic Progress in course work, and timely progress in completing the degree requirements, including both course work and thesis/dissertation  (Students who do not meet SAP will only be eligible for GSF with an approved SAP appeal.)
• Not be the recipient of a Graduate Tuition Fellowship (GTF)

Maximum GSF award amounts will be determined based on your enrollment and financial need: