University of Miami Stamps Scholarship 2026: How to Apply

If you are a high school senior who is serious about attending a top-ranked American university on a fully funded basis, the University of Miami Stamps Scholarship is one of the most valuable and prestigious merit awards you will come across. It is not just a tuition waiver. It is a comprehensive scholarship package that covers nearly every major cost of attending the University of Miami and comes with a generous enrichment fund that you can use for study abroad, research, internships, and more.

In this guide, we are going to break down everything you need to know about the University of Miami Stamps Scholarship, from what the award covers and who is eligible, to how the application and selection process works, what the scholarship requirements are once you are enrolled, and practical tips to improve your chances of being selected. Whether you are a domestic student from the United States or an international student looking to study in America, this is worth reading carefully.

About the University of Miami

Before diving into the scholarship details, it helps to understand the institution you are applying to. The University of Miami, commonly referred to as UM, U of M, UMiami, or simply “The U,” is a private research university located in Coral Gables, Florida. The university was formally chartered on April 8, 1925 by the Circuit Court for Dade County, making it nearly a century old. Its main campus in Coral Gables spans 240 acres and is located about 7 miles southwest of downtown Miami.

As of 2025, the University of Miami enrolled over 20,000 students across two colleges and eight schools, offering more than 350 academic majors and programs. The university offers 154 undergraduate, 150 master’s, and 70 doctoral degree programs, making it one of the most academically diverse private institutions in the United States. With over 21,000 faculty and staff, UM is also the second-largest employer in Miami-Dade County.

The university’s academic reach extends beyond its main Coral Gables campus. In addition to its Coral Gables campus, the university operates a Medical Campus in Downtown Miami, which includes the Miller School of Medicine and UHealth, the University of Miami Health System, as well as a Marine Campus on Virginia Key. The Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, located on Virginia Key in Biscayne Bay, is the country’s only subtropical applied and basic marine and atmospheric research institute.

In terms of rankings, the University of Miami holds a strong position nationally and globally. It is one of only two private institutions established in the 20th century to be invited to join the Association of American Universities (AAU), which represents the top 3 percent of four-year institutions in the United States. US News ranks it among the best global universities, and College Factual placed it in the top 10 percent of all colleges in the country in its 2025 rankings. The university holds full accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

The point here is simple. A scholarship to study at the University of Miami is not just a financial award. It is access to one of the most respected and well-resourced private universities in the United States, with a vibrant international campus community and world-class facilities in one of America’s most dynamic cities.

What is the Stamps Scholarship?

The Stamps Scholarship is not exclusive to the University of Miami. It is a national merit-based scholarship program that operates through a foundation and a network of partner universities across the United States and into the United Kingdom. Understanding where the scholarship comes from helps you understand why it is so highly regarded.

The Stamps Scholarship is a merit-based undergraduate scholarship that was established in 2006 by E. Roe Stamps and his late wife Penny, with the purpose of enabling extraordinary educational experiences for extraordinary students. E. Roe Stamps IV is a prominent venture capitalist and philanthropist based in South Florida, and Penny Stamps was a University of Michigan graduate with a deep passion for education and the arts. Together, they created a foundation that has since funded multi-year scholarships for thousands of students across the country.

The original scholarships were awarded to students at the University of Michigan and Georgia Tech, their alma maters. The program expanded in 2009 to include the University of Miami. Since then, the program has grown significantly. The Stamps Family Charitable Foundation now offers merit scholarships to 44 partner colleges and universities in the United States.

The foundation and its partner schools share the cost of the awards equally. The unique benefit that all Stamps Scholarships include is an enrichment fund, an additional monetary fund for scholars to use in their academic and professional development. This enrichment fund is what sets Stamps apart from most other scholarships, and we will get into exactly how it works at the University of Miami shortly.

It is also worth knowing that Stamps Scholars are among the recipients of other prestigious national and international awards, including the Rhodes, Marshall, Truman, and Fulbright scholarships. Being a Stamps Scholar does not limit your eligibility for other awards. If anything, it puts you in a community of high achievers who go on to win more opportunities throughout their academic and professional careers.

The University of Miami Stamps Scholarship: An Overview

The Stamps Scholarship is UM’s most prestigious merit award available to students at the University of Miami. This scholarship is awarded to exceptional and academically accomplished high school seniors. It is a fully funded four-year award that covers all major costs of attending the university as an undergraduate student.

The scholarship runs for eight semesters, which is the equivalent of four full academic years. The program period is four years covering eight semesters. This means the scholarship supports you through your entire undergraduate degree at UM, assuming you maintain the required academic conditions.

It is important to note that the Stamps Scholarship differs from the Frost School of Music Stamps Scholars program. If you are applying to the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami, you will need to check the details of the separate scholarship program that applies to that school, as it operates under different terms and conditions.

What Does the University of Miami Stamps Scholarship Cover?

This is one of the most important sections of this guide because the Stamps Scholarship at UM is genuinely comprehensive in what it covers. Here is a detailed breakdown:

Full Tuition and Fees

The scholarship covers the complete cost of tuition and mandatory university fees for all eight semesters of your undergraduate program. You do not have to worry about how to pay your tuition bill each semester. That is fully taken care of.

On-Campus Housing

The scholarship includes on-campus housing in one of UM’s residential facilities for the duration of your undergraduate studies. This removes one of the largest non-tuition costs that most university students have to deal with.

Meal Plan

A university meal plan is included in the scholarship package. This covers your daily meals on campus through the university’s dining services.

University Health Insurance

Access to the University of Miami’s health insurance plan is included. For international students in particular, this is a significant benefit, as health coverage in the United States can be very expensive when arranged independently.

Textbooks

The cost of required course textbooks is covered by the scholarship. This is another expense that adds up quickly for most students and is fully taken care of for Stamps Scholars.

Laptop Allowance

A one-time laptop allowance is included to help you purchase the computing equipment you need for your studies.

The $12,000 Enrichment Fund

This is the feature that makes the Stamps Scholarship genuinely unique compared to most other merit awards. The enrichment fund may be used toward study abroad, undergraduate research, unpaid internships, and other educational pursuits. Enrichment fund expenses are subject to prior approval by the Office of the Provost.

Think of it as a dedicated fund to help you pursue the academic and professional experiences that go beyond the classroom. Whether you want to spend a semester studying in Europe, conduct original scientific research over the summer, take on an unpaid internship at a nonprofit or a media company, or attend a major academic conference, the enrichment fund is there to make those opportunities financially possible. The enrichment fund is sometimes described as the “dream fund” because it is meant to help scholars pursue exactly the kind of experiences that shape careers and open doors.

Community and Networking Benefits

Additional benefits of the Stamps Scholarship include being part of the Stamps Scholars on-campus and national communities, funding to support academic and scientific research projects, cultural and leadership programs, study abroad, conventions and other regional conferences, and invitations to online events and networking opportunities.

This community dimension is worth taking seriously. Stamps Scholars form a tight-knit national network. The Stamps Scholars Program sponsors a national convention every two years to encourage collaboration and connection among Stamps Scholars. There are also private LinkedIn and Facebook groups exclusively for Stamps Scholars, a searchable alumni directory, and ongoing regional events throughout the academic year. When you become a Stamps Scholar at the University of Miami, you are joining a community of high-achieving, purpose-driven people who are actively working to make a difference in their fields and in the world.

Who is Eligible for the University of Miami Stamps Scholarship?

Eligibility for the Stamps Scholarship at the University of Miami is open to both domestic and international students. Here is what you need to know about who can apply and what the criteria are.

High School Seniors Only

The scholarship is awarded exclusively to high school seniors who are applying to the University of Miami as first-year undergraduate students. It is not available to transfer students, current UM students, or graduate students. You must be in your final year of secondary school and applying for undergraduate admission at UM to be considered.

Open to All Nationalities

The scholarship is open to eligible countries from all countries in the world. This is a significant point for international students. You do not need to be an American citizen or a permanent resident to be considered for the Stamps Scholarship at the University of Miami. Students from any country can apply.

Academic Merit

The scholarship is entirely merit-based. The Stamps Scholarship is entirely merit-based and does not consider financial need. The Stamps Scholars Program and the partner schools consider academic merit, leadership potential, and character.

This means your financial situation has no bearing on whether you are selected. The scholarship is awarded on the strength of your academic record, your leadership history, and who you are as a person and a potential contributor to the university community and the world at large.

Strong Academic Record

While the university does not publish a specific GPA cutoff for the Stamps Scholarship, the reality is that this award goes to students who are among the most academically accomplished in their graduating class. UM itself has an acceptance rate of around 19 percent, which already makes it a highly selective institution. Stamps Scholars represent the very top of that already competitive pool. Strong AP or IB coursework, high standardized test scores, and an outstanding GPA from a rigorous high school curriculum are all important.

Leadership and Character

Academic excellence alone is not enough to win a Stamps Scholarship. The Stamps Foundation, with its partner schools, seeks students who demonstrate academic merit, strong leadership potential, and exceptional character. It supports exceptional young people with promise and vision who are eager to make their contribution to the world and have the work ethic to make their dreams a reality.

Extracurricular activities, community service, awards, leadership roles in school clubs or community organizations, and your personal essays all factor into the evaluation. The foundation and UM are looking for students who show they will use this scholarship to do something meaningful, not just complete a degree.

English Proficiency for International Students

International students whose first language is not English are required to submit official English language proficiency test scores. This includes the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). These are standard requirements for admission to UM and are therefore also requirements for scholarship consideration.

How to Apply for the University of Miami Stamps Scholarship

One of the most important things to know about the Stamps Scholarship at the University of Miami is that there is no separate scholarship application. The scholarship consideration is integrated into the regular first-year undergraduate admissions process at UM. Here is how it works step by step.

Step 1: Apply to the University of Miami via the Common Application

The University of Miami uses the Common Application for all first-year undergraduate admissions. You apply to UM through the Common App portal at commonapp.org. The application requires a personal statement of up to 650 words, a 250-word supplemental essay specific to UM, a list of extracurricular activities, official high school transcripts, and letters of recommendation from school counselors and teachers.

There is a non-refundable application fee of $70 when submitting your application. If cost is a barrier, UM does offer fee waivers for eligible applicants, and you should contact the Office of Undergraduate Admission to ask about this.

Step 2: Apply by the Early Decision I or Early Action Deadline of November 1

Early Decision I and Early Action applicants are automatically considered for the Stamps Scholarship when they apply for early admission to UM by submitting all First-Year Admission Requirements by November 1. This is the most critical piece of timing information in this entire article. If you miss the November 1 deadline, you will not be considered for the Stamps Scholarship, even if you are admitted to UM through a later round.

There is also a Regular Decision deadline, but Stamps Scholarship consideration is tied specifically to the Early Decision I and Early Action rounds. Do not wait. Get your application in by November 1.

Step 3: The Semi-Finalist Interview with the Stamps Scholarship Selection Committee

Semi-finalist candidates for the Stamps Scholarship are required to interview via Zoom with the Stamps Scholarship Selection Committee in January. If you are selected as a semi-finalist, you will receive an invitation to schedule your interview. This is conducted online, so it is accessible to both domestic and international applicants.

The semi-finalist interview is your opportunity to bring your application to life. The selection committee wants to understand who you are beyond your grades and essays. Be prepared to talk about your academic interests, your leadership experiences, what drives you, and what you hope to do with your education. Be genuine, be specific, and be yourself.

Step 4: Finalists Are Notified and Interviewed by the Stamps Family Charitable Foundation

Finalists will be selected based on a review of the admissions application and supporting documents, including their Zoom interview, and notified of their status as finalists at the time of admission in late January. Finalists will also be interviewed by the Stamps Family Charitable Foundation thereafter, and Stamps Scholarship announcements will be made by early March.

So the process involves two rounds of interviews. The first is with the UM Stamps Scholarship Selection Committee in January. If you advance to the finalist stage, you will have a second interview with the Stamps Family Charitable Foundation before final decisions are made. Scholarship announcements come out by early March.

Step 5: Accept Your Award

If you are selected as a Stamps Scholar, you will receive a formal award notification. You will then go through the university’s standard enrollment confirmation process. Once you accept and enroll at UM, your scholarship benefits begin with your first semester.

Scholarship Maintenance Requirements

Winning the Stamps Scholarship is one thing. Keeping it throughout your four years at UM requires meeting a set of academic conditions. These are not unusually strict, but you do need to be aware of them before you start your program.

Full-Time Enrollment

A Stamps Scholar must complete a full-time undergraduate program of study with no fewer than 12 credit hours during each of the fall and spring semesters for a minimum of 24 credit hours per academic year. This means you cannot reduce your course load below the full-time threshold and still retain the scholarship. If you are thinking about taking a lighter load in a particular semester for any reason, you should speak with your academic advisor and the scholarship office before making any changes.

Minimum GPA Requirement

A minimum of a 3.0 GPA for the academic year must be maintained at the University of Miami, with the initial calculation at the end of the second semester of attendance. A 3.0 GPA is the equivalent of a B average. This is a reasonable bar to maintain for students who are academically prepared for UM’s curriculum, but it does require that you stay engaged with your coursework and seek academic support if you are struggling in any classes.

Award Subject to Revision

The award is subject to revision pending receipt of any grant, scholarship, or prepaid tuition and/or housing aid not anticipated at the time the award was made. This clause means that if you receive other financial aid after your Stamps Scholarship is awarded, the scholarship amount could be adjusted to reflect that additional support. The university’s Office of Financial Assistance handles these calculations, and you should disclose any other scholarships or aid you receive to that office.

The Stamps Scholars Community at the University of Miami

One aspect of the Stamps Scholarship that does not always get enough attention in scholarship guides is what it means to be part of the Stamps Scholars community once you arrive at UM. The community side of this scholarship is a genuine and lasting benefit that continues well beyond graduation.

At the University of Miami, Stamps Scholars participate in an orientation at the start of the academic year and engage in educational and leadership programs throughout the year. These programs are designed to connect scholars with each other and with professional mentors, to provide learning experiences beyond the classroom, and to help scholars develop a clear sense of how they want to use their skills and education to contribute to their fields and communities.

At the national level, the Stamps Scholars Program hosts a biennial national convention that brings together Stamps Scholars from all 44 partner universities. These conventions offer speakers, workshops, and a chance to explore the host city while meeting some of the most driven undergraduate students in the country.

A major benefit of the Stamps Scholarship is access to a national network of scholars and alumni who are eager to connect. Scholars have the option to be included in an online, searchable directory, where they can post their career interests and information to connect with other like-minded individuals. They also have access to private LinkedIn and Facebook groups to enhance their professional opportunities.

This network is especially valuable when you are entering the job market or applying to graduate and professional schools. Stamps alumni are working at organizations including Google, McKinsey and Company, and NASA, and pursuing graduate degrees at places like MIT, Stanford, and Oxford. The connections you build as a Stamps Scholar can genuinely shape your career trajectory.

Why the University of Miami is a Great Place to Be a Stamps Scholar

Studying in Miami is a unique experience that is hard to replicate anywhere else in the United States. The city is a genuinely international hub, home to people from over 150 countries, with a thriving arts, culture, food, music, and business scene that reflects its position at the crossroads of North America, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

For Stamps Scholars who want to use their enrichment fund for research, UM offers extensive undergraduate research opportunities through the Frost Institute for Chemistry and Molecular Science, the Institute for Data Science and Computing, and the Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, among others. The university’s location in Miami also makes it an ideal base for studying everything from marine biology and climate science to international business and global health.

The University of Miami’s colleges and schools cover an impressive range of fields. These include the School of Architecture, the College of Arts and Sciences, the Miami Herbert Business School, the School of Communication, the School of Education and Human Development, the College of Engineering, the School of Law, the Rosenstiel School of Marine Atmospheric and Earth Science, the Miller School of Medicine, the Frost School of Music, the School of Nursing and Health Studies, and the Graduate School. As a Stamps Scholar, you can pursue any of these fields knowing that your financial needs as an undergraduate student are taken care of.

The 19 percent acceptance rate at UM means that simply being admitted is already an achievement. Being selected as a Stamps Scholar on top of that places you in a very small and elite group of students, which opens doors both within the university and in the wider professional world.

Tips to Strengthen Your University of Miami Stamps Scholarship Application

Given how competitive the Stamps Scholarship is, here are some practical pieces of advice that can help you put together the strongest possible application:

Apply Early Decision I If You Are Sure About UM

Early Decision I is a binding decision plan, which means if you are accepted to UM under ED I and awarded the scholarship, you are committed to attending. If you know that the University of Miami is your first choice, applying ED I is the right move. It demonstrates a clear commitment to UM and ensures you are in the pool for Stamps Scholarship consideration at the earliest possible stage.

Write Exceptional Essays

The personal statement and the UM supplemental essay are your best opportunity to show the selection committee who you are beyond your GPA and test scores. The 650-word personal statement should be genuine, specific, and reflective. It should not sound like a list of achievements. It should read like a real story from your life that reveals something important about your character, curiosity, or drive.

The 250-word UM supplemental essay asks you to describe how your unique experiences contribute to UM’s diverse community. Take this seriously. Think about what you bring that is genuinely distinctive, and write about it in a way that is both honest and compelling.

Document Your Leadership and Service Record Thoroughly

The Stamps Foundation cares deeply about leadership potential and exceptional character. Every extracurricular activity, community service project, student government position, club leadership role, or independent initiative you have been involved in should be included in your application. If you have started something, built something, or led something in your school or community, make sure that is visible in your application.

Prepare Carefully for Both Rounds of Interviews

The interview process for the Stamps Scholarship is two-tiered, and both rounds matter. For the semi-finalist Zoom interview with UM’s selection committee, treat it like a professional meeting. Dress appropriately, have a clean and neutral background, and make sure your internet connection and audio are reliable. Practice answering questions about your academic interests, your goals, and your vision for using your education to make an impact.

If you advance to the finalist stage and interview with the Stamps Family Charitable Foundation directly, remember that this is the organization whose resources are funding your scholarship. They want to see that you understand the significance of the opportunity and that you have a genuine sense of purpose. Be thoughtful, be prepared, and be specific about your goals.

Request Strong Letters of Recommendation

Ask teachers and counselors who know you well and can speak to your academic ability, your character, and your potential. A letter from someone who can share a specific, memorable story about your intellectual curiosity or your leadership in action will carry more weight than a generic letter from someone who barely knows you.

Other Scholarships at the University of Miami

The Stamps Scholarship is the most prestigious merit award at UM, but it is far from the only financial support available to undergraduate students. The University of Miami offers a range of merit scholarships for students who do not make it to the Stamps Scholarship finals, including the Provost Award, the Dean’s Award, and the University Award. These are also merit-based and automatically considered as part of the admissions process.

International students can also explore country-specific scholarship programs, external foundations, and private scholarships that can be used in combination with UM’s own awards. The UM Office of Financial Assistance and Employment is a good starting point for understanding what financial aid options are available to you based on your situation.

Final Thoughts

The University of Miami Stamps Scholarship is, without question, one of the most valuable merit scholarships available to undergraduate students in the United States. It covers everything, from tuition and housing to meals, health insurance, textbooks, a laptop, and a dedicated enrichment fund to help you pursue the experiences that truly shape a career. Add to that the Stamps Scholars community, the UM campus environment in Miami, and the long-term professional network that comes with being a Stamps Scholar, and this is a scholarship that can genuinely change the trajectory of your life.

The key things to remember are straightforward. Apply to the University of Miami through the Common Application by November 1 under Early Decision I or Early Action. Make sure your essays are thoughtful, honest, and specific. Document your leadership and service record fully. Prepare for two rounds of interviews. And go in knowing that the people reviewing your application are not just looking for the student with the highest grades. They are looking for the student who is going to do the most with this opportunity.

If that student is you, start your application today. Visit admissions.miami.edu for the most current information on admission requirements and scholarship timelines, and head to the Common Application portal to begin your UM application well before the November 1 deadline.