MSI Merit Scholarship

MSI merit scholarships typically cover half of tuition (regardless of residency status) for four semesters of full-time coursework. Decisions are made based on the application materials.

There are typically 3-4 rounds of SI merit scholarship offers throughout the admission process. The first round is announced in late February or early March and the final round in mid to late May. 

The first round of SI merit scholarships are entirely merit-based. This includes an evaluation of the strength of the statement of purpose and personal statement,  letters of recommendation, internship/research/work experience, academic record including GRE, demonstration of leadership, service, and indicators of qualities such as creative problem solving and comfort with ambiguity.

While subsequent rounds will still use merit as the primary factor for awards, we will also look at your motivation to attend SI and consider the nature of your financial need.  These additional factors can be demonstrated by professional, consistent communication with us.

SI matching funds for external tuition awards

SI master's students who receive scholarships administered by external sources, such as associations, foundations, and corporations, are eligible to request matching funds from the School of Information. For example, scholarships such as the American Library Association's Spectrum Award are eligible for these matching funds.

MSI students who receive an external scholarship prior to their first term of enrollment or through their first year (12 months) of enrollment are eligible for up to $10,000 in matching funds, depending on the award amount, the level of funding already awarded by SI, the remaining unmet need for cost of attendance, and the availability of funds remaining in the annual matching funds budget. Admitted students who receive an external award should submit the original award statement (keeping a copy for personal records) with a request for matching funds to si/admissions@umich.edu or:

School of Information
University of Michigan
MSI Admissions
3360 North Quad
105 S. State St.
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1285

Current students who receive an external award within 12 months of initial enrollment should submit the award statement to Xiao-Wen Zou, 3360 North Quad, or via E-mail to zxwen@umich.edu.

All SI matching funds will be applied towards student tuition expenses within the two-year (four-semester) MSI program, or as a stipend up to the unmet need for cost of attendance (as defined by the U-M Office of Financial Aid).

Note that SI matching funds apply to scholarship awards only, not to tuition support provided via employee benefit programs or government sponsored tuition payment programs.