University of Washington USA Mary Gates Research Scholarship 2025
Description
The Mary Gates Research Scholarship is a prestigious and competitive undergraduate research award offered by the University of Washington. Designed to support student-led research across all disciplines, this scholarship helps full-time UW undergraduates gain meaningful research experience while reducing their financial burden.
For the 2025–2026 academic year, the university will hold only one application cycle, taking place during Autumn 2025. Over 100 Research Scholarships and 50 Leadership Scholarships will be awarded in this single cycle.
Degree Level
University of Washington USA Mary Gates Research Scholarship 2025 is available to undertake Undergraduate level programs at University of Washington.
Available Subjects
Following subjects are available to study under this scholarship program.
- All Subjects
Benefits
What is the Mary Gates Research Scholarship?
The Mary Gates Research Scholarship is a merit-based, faculty-mentored research grant. It encourages University of Washington undergraduates to engage in independent or collaborative research under the supervision of UW faculty. Scholarships are available in all academic disciplines — including STEM, social sciences, arts, and humanities.
Each scholarship awards $5,000, disbursed in two installments of $2,500 across two quarters. Students can choose which two quarters they wish to receive funding: Winter, Spring, Summer, or Autumn. Seniors with only one quarter remaining may request a one-quarter award of $2,500.
Eligible Nationalities
Open to applicants of all nationalities.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Mary Gates Research Scholarship, applicants must:
- Be a matriculated undergraduate student at University of Washington Seattle, Bothell, or Tacoma
- Be pursuing a bachelor’s degree
- Be registered full-time (12 credits or more) during the award period
- Be actively involved in a faculty-mentored research project during the scholarship term
- Be enrolled in at least one credit during Summer Quarter if that is one of their award terms
Note: Students may apply even if they are not enrolled full-time during the application quarter (Autumn 2025). Full-time enrollment is only required during the quarters in which the scholarship is awarded.
Application Procedure
Application Process and Selection Criteria
Applications are reviewed by a diverse committee of faculty and staff. Evaluation is based on:
- The clarity and quality of the research proposal
- The strength of the mentor-student relationship
- The potential impact of the project on the student’s academic and personal growth
- The applicant’s academic progress and commitment
Students do not need to be currently engaged in a research project at the time of applying but must start before or during the award period. Applicants are encouraged to consult the Application Guidelines, Mentor Guide, and Review Criteria published on the Mary Gates Endowment website.
Key Dates – Mary Gates Research Scholarship Application Timeline
- Application Opens: August 4, 2025 at 12:00 PM
- Application Deadline: October 20, 2025 at 5:00 PM
- Letter of Recommendation Deadline: October 22, 2025 at 5:00 PM
All undergraduate students are encouraged to attend virtual or in-person info sessions and workshops before applying. These sessions guide students in understanding the expectations and building strong applications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can international students apply for the Mary Gates Research Scholarship?
Yes. The Mary Gates Research Scholarship is open to all matriculated undergraduate students at the University of Washington (Seattle, Bothell, or Tacoma), regardless of nationality. International students, permanent residents, DACA recipients, and undocumented students are eligible as long as they meet enrollment and academic requirements.
Q2: Can I apply if I’m not currently involved in a research project?
Yes. You do not need to be engaged in research at the time of application. However, you must begin working with a faculty mentor and engage in your research project during the award period. Early planning and mentor support are strongly encouraged before submitting your application.
Q3: Can I receive both a Research and a Leadership Scholarship from Mary Gates?
Yes, but not during the same quarter. You may apply for both the Research and Leadership Scholarships, but you can only receive one Mary Gates Scholarship per quarter. Additionally, students can receive a maximum of three Mary Gates Scholarships throughout their undergraduate studies.
Requirements After Selection
Recipients must:
- Remain full-time students (12 credits or more during regular quarters)
- Stay actively involved with their research mentor and project
- Complete a brief quarterly survey during the award period
- Present their research at the Undergraduate Research Symposium in May. If unable to present that year, students are expected to do so the following year
Can You Apply If You’ve Received It Before?
- Students may receive the Mary Gates Research Scholarship twice, but not three times.
- Students may apply for both Research and Leadership Scholarships, but only one can be held at a time.
- A student may receive a maximum of three total Mary Gates Scholarships in their undergraduate career.
Financial Aid Considerations
If you receive need-based financial aid, the scholarship may affect your aid package. Students are advised to consult the UW Office of Student Financial Aid to understand potential adjustments.
How to Apply
- Review the Application Guidelines
- Work with a faculty mentor to develop your proposal
- Submit your application by October 20, 2025
- Ensure your mentor submits the recommendation by October 22, 2025
- Monitor your application status through the online portal
Conclusion
The Mary Gates Research Scholarship 2025–2026 is an excellent opportunity for UW undergraduate students to deepen their academic inquiry and gain meaningful research experience. With mentorship, funding, and visibility through the UW Undergraduate Research Symposium, this program is a significant step toward academic and professional growth.
To learn more and apply, visit: https://expd.uw.edu/mge/apply/research/
