Virginia Tech, officially Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, is a premier public research university located in Blacksburg, Virginia. Established in 1872, the university hosts over 38,000 students from all 50 U.S. states and more than 100 countries. Its campuses include the main Blacksburg campus, an Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia, and multiple research centers across the state.
The 2026–2027 General Scholarship Application at Virginia Tech allows both domestic and international students to apply for hundreds of university-wide, college-specific, and departmental awards using a single, centralized application. This system simplifies the process, providing students a comprehensive approach to secure merit- and need-based funding.
Scholarship Benefits
Virginia Tech scholarships offer a range of financial support, including:
Full or partial tuition coverage for highly competitive awards.
Annual awards ranging from $1,000 to $10,000.
Stipends for research, travel, or study abroad.
Book and technology allowances for select departmental awards.
Renewable scholarships for up to four years, subject to GPA and enrollment requirements.
Eligibility Criteria
Domestic Students
Incoming freshmen, transfer students, and current undergraduates.
Graduate students applying for departmental awards.
Eligible for both merit-based and need-based scholarships (FAFSA required for need-based).
International Students
Eligible for merit-based university and departmental awards.
Must meet admission and departmental criteria.
Eligible for scholarships in engineering, business, sciences, liberal arts, and professional programs.
Levels of Study
Undergraduate: first-year, transfer, continuing students.
Graduate: select departmental awards.
Professional programs: e.g., veterinary medicine, architecture.
Major College & Departmental Scholarships
Below is a selection of notable scholarships accessible via the General Scholarship Application:
| College/Department | Scholarship Name | Eligibility Highlights | Award Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pamplin College of Business | Pamplin Leadership Award | High academic merit, leadership roles | $5,000/year, renewable |
| College of Engineering | Davenport Engineering Scholarship | Exceptional GPA, leadership | $3,500/year |
| College of Agriculture & Life Sciences | AgriScience Achievement Award | Agricultural sciences students | $2,500/year |
| College of Architecture, Arts, and Design | Creative Arts Talent Award | Portfolio-based, fine arts/design majors | $2,000–$5,000/year |
| College of Science | Research Excellence Scholarship | High-impact undergraduate research | $3,500/year |
| Department of Mechanical Engineering | ME Department Leadership Award | Leadership in student societies | $2,000/year |
| School of Performing Arts | Music Performance Excellence Scholarship | Audition required, music majors | $1,500–$3,000/year |
Each department may have specific eligibility requirements, including GPA thresholds, projects, or recommendations.
Required Documents
Students should prepare the following:
Academic transcripts or records.
Personal statement or essays (as required).
Resume or CV highlighting achievements and extracurriculars.
Letters of recommendation (if required).
Supplemental materials such as portfolios for creative programs.
Application Process
Apply for Admission
Submit your Virginia Tech application and receive your VT PID.Access Scholarship Central
Log in using your VT PID to begin the General Scholarship Application.Complete the General Scholarship Application
Provide academic history, extracurricular activities, and personal achievements. Upload required essays or statements.Check for Supplemental Applications
Some departmental scholarships require additional essays, portfolios, or questions.Submit Before Deadlines
Review all entries carefully before submission.
Deadline
Application Opens: August 12, 2025
Priority Deadline: January 22, 2026 (varies by scholarship)
Award Notifications: March–April 2026
Scholarship Acceptance Deadline: May 1, 2026
Selection Criteria
Virginia Tech evaluates applications based on:
Academic Merit (GPA, standardized test scores if submitted).
Leadership experience in student organizations or community initiatives.
Extracurricular achievements in arts, sports, or volunteering.
Special achievements including research, awards, or entrepreneurship.
Financial need for domestic students (FAFSA required).
Tips to Strengthen Your Application
Highlight measurable achievements: e.g., “Raised $5,000 for charity.”
Write a strong personal statement: Showcase passion and career goals.
Obtain strong recommendations: Choose professors familiar with your work.
Tailor your profile: Align experiences with scholarship criteria.
Keep information updated: Ensure Scholarship Central data is current.
Special Notes for International Students
Focus on merit-based awards in your academic field.
Submit portfolios or project work for creative programs.
Apply for departmental research grants in STEM disciplines.
Engage with faculty to secure departmental nominations where possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I apply before being admitted?
A: Yes, but you must be admitted to receive awards.
Q: Can I receive more than one scholarship?
A: Yes, some awards can be combined if eligibility criteria are met.
Q: How will I know if I’ve been selected?
A: Notifications are sent via email and posted in Scholarship Central.
Q: Are scholarships renewable?
A: Many scholarships are renewable for up to four years if GPA and enrollment requirements are maintained.
Q: Do international students qualify for need-based scholarships?
A: No, need-based awards require FAFSA. International students are considered for merit-based funding.
Final Notes
The 2026–2027 Virginia Tech General Scholarship Application is a streamlined gateway to hundreds of funding opportunities. Students should apply early, carefully follow instructions, and highlight their academic, leadership, and extracurricular achievements.
Start your application via Scholarship Central and take the first step toward securing financial support for your Virginia Tech education.