Students will be considered for most scholarships, not including external opportunities, by submitting the School of Social Work Financial Aid Application. The majority of students complete this application as a part of their MSW application. A few scholarships require a separate application as noted on the individual scholarship listing.
Opportunities marked as "External" are external, non-University scholarship opportunities that may be of interest to University/School students. Inclusion of an external scholarship opportunity is intended only as a resource for students, and does not express or imply any University involvement with, or endorsement of, the external program.
Scholarship & Grant Opportunities
Ruth & Fred Schelkun Award
The Ruth and Fred Schelkun Award was established through memorial gifts from friends, family and colleagues to recognize MSW students engaged in community mental health field placements, preferably serving children, adolescents, adults, schools, and inter-faith organizations in Washtenaw County. Through this award, the Schelkuns' three daughters honor their parents' many contributions to dental and mental health in the State of Michigan.
Please note that no separate financial aid application is required.
School of Social Work Annual Donor Scholarship
These scholarships are made possible by donors to the School of Social Work Annual Fund. Please note that no separate financial aid application is required.
School of Social Work Dean's Scholarship
The Dean's Scholarship is awarded to new and continuing students utilizing academic- and practice-related criteria as evidenced by the supplementary statement, recommendations, and other application documents. Awards may be provided to students meeting one or more of the following criteria:
School of Social Work Gerontology-Related Expenses Fund
This fund was created by an anonymous donor and provides assistance for MSW students in the aging and families in society practice area. The awards are designed to help address students' professional needs, including areas such as membership dues and conference-related expenses. This award is provided to enrolled students.
Please note that no separate financial aid application is required.
School of Social Work Scholarships
This award is funded through the gifts of many donors who wish to provide scholarship support to students in the School of Social Work. School of Social Work Scholarships are awarded to incoming MSW students each year. Selection is based on demonstrated, outstanding potential for professional practice. This determination shall be based primarily on an evaluation of all previous academic work, recommendations, human service employment experience, the applicant's written supplementary statement, other application documents and the School of Social Work Financial Aid Application.
Shera Spar Dubitsky Scholarship Fund
To support scholarships for students in the Jewish Communal Leadership Program.
Sims Medal and Award
The Sims Medal and Award is given annually to one or more graduate students, primarily master's degree candidates, who examine some aspect of the interactive efforts of home/neighborhood, workplace, and school on the functioning of family members, and who intend to pursue active careers in those areas.
SSW Global Independent Study Grant Application
Deadline: mid-February
A global independent study offers students the ability to design a global social work opportunity in a foreign country while earning 1-3 elective credits. Accepted students receive a $2,500 scholarship to offset the cost of travel.
* This is a highly recommended funding source for Global students. Typically one or more MSW students receive funding from this source annually.
Stein, Martha Purdy, Endowed Scholarship
To provide an annual need-based scholarship to support MSW students in the School of Social Work, with a preference for students with an interest in criminal justice, early intervention, and prevention or alternatives to incarceration.
Telluride House Scholarship
Telluride House is a merit-based residential room and board scholarship committed to establishing a vibrant community supporting democratic ideals of self-governance, a stimulating intellectual environment, and a commitment to public service. All current or prospective U-M students, undergraduate or graduate, are encourage to apply, regardless of program or field of study.