Host Institution: University of Washington (Seattle, Bothell, Tacoma)
Scholarship Name: Mary Gates Research Scholarship
Degree Level: Undergraduate
Funding Amount: Up to $5,000 (disbursed across two quarters)
Application Opens: August 4, 2025 – 12:00 PM
Application Deadline: October 20, 2025 – 5:00 PM
Recommendation Deadline: October 22, 2025 – 5:00 PM
Eligibility: All UW undergraduates (including international students)
About the Mary Gates Research Scholarship
The Mary Gates Research Scholarship is a competitive, merit-based research grant designed to support undergraduate students at the University of Washington in conducting faculty-mentored research. This prestigious award promotes academic excellence, leadership, and inquiry across all disciplines, including:
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Engineering
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Health & Life Sciences
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Environmental Science
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Arts & Humanities
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Business
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Social Sciences
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Interdisciplinary Projects
Scholarship Benefits
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$5,000 total, disbursed in two $2,500 payments
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Students select any two quarters for funding (Winter, Spring, Summer, or Autumn)
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Seniors with only one quarter remaining may request a one-quarter award of $2,500
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Mentorship, skill development, and research presentation opportunities
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
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Be matriculated UW undergraduate students at Seattle, Bothell, or Tacoma campuses
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Be pursuing a bachelor’s degree full-time (12 credits per quarter during the award term)
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Be involved in a faculty-mentored research project by the time funding begins
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Be enrolled in at least one summer credit if using scholarship funds in that quarter
Note: Full-time enrollment is not required in Autumn 2025 (application quarter), only during the quarters when funding is disbursed.
Application Timeline (2025 Cycle)
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Opens | August 4, 2025 – 12:00 PM |
| Application Deadline | October 20, 2025 – 5:00 PM |
| Recommendation Deadline | October 22, 2025 – 5:00 PM |
Apply Also
Application Components
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Research proposal (written with your faculty mentor)
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Personal academic goals statement
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Unofficial UW transcript
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Letter of recommendation from faculty mentor
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Completed application submitted via online portal
Selection Criteria
Applications are evaluated based on:
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Clarity and depth of the proposed research
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Strength of student-mentor relationship
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Impact of research on student’s development
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Academic commitment and progress
Who Can Apply?
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UW undergraduates of any nationality
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International, undocumented, and DACA students are eligible
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First-time applicants and prior recipients (max two awards)
Post-Award Requirements
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Maintain full-time enrollment (12+ credits) during award quarters
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Submit brief progress surveys each quarter
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Participate in the Undergraduate Research Symposium (May 2026) or defer to the following year
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Continue active mentorship and research involvement
Additional Notes
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Students may apply for both Mary Gates Research and Leadership Scholarships, but can only hold one per quarter
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Students may receive a maximum of three total Mary Gates Scholarships
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Need-based financial aid recipients should consult UW’s Office of Financial Aid regarding possible adjustments
How to Apply
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Review official Application Guidelines
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Collaborate with a faculty mentor to develop your proposal
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Submit your application by October 20, 2025
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Confirm your faculty mentor submits their letter by October 22, 2025
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Track your application status via UW’s scholarship portal
Final Thoughts
The Mary Gates Research Scholarship is a unique and empowering opportunity for undergraduates at the University of Washington to explore their academic passions, develop research skills, and build faculty relationships that support long-term success. Whether you’re in STEM, arts, policy, or beyond — this award offers both funding and a foundation for meaningful discovery.
Official Site & Application Portal: https://expd.uw.edu/mge/apply/research/
