The Wells Mountain Initiative (WMI) is now accepting applications for its 2025 scholarship program, which provides financial assistance to students from developing countries who are seeking to pursue their first undergraduate degree in their home country or another developing country. This competitive scholarship program aims to empower students through education and supports them in obtaining their bachelor’s degree, with the scholarship valid for the entire duration of undergraduate study.

The WMI, based in the USA, works to create positive social change through education and community-building efforts. Each year, the initiative offers scholarships to 80-100 students, helping them cover their educational expenses at university, polytechnic, or trade school.

Important Dates

• Application Opens: December 1, 2024
• Application Closes: March 1, 2025
• Review Period: April-July, 2025
• Scholarship Announcement: August 1, 2025
• First Scholarship Installment: September 2025

Eligibility Criteria
Ideal candidates for the Wells Mountain Initiative Scholarship Program should:

• Be 35 years old or younger by August 1, 2025.
• Have completed secondary school or be in their final year with excellent grades.
• Be applying to or currently enrolled in their first undergraduate degree program.
• Plan to study in their home country or another developing country.
• Intend to return home after graduation to work and contribute to their community.
• Have prior volunteer experience and a commitment to community service.
• Possess some financial resources to support their education but need additional assistance to continue their studies.

Scholarship Benefits
The WMI scholarship provides annual awards ranging from USD 300 to USD 3,000, with the average amount being USD 1,500 per year. The scholarship helps cover:

• Tuition and fees
• Books and materials
• Room rent and meals

Expenses Not Covered by the WMI Scholarship

• Study programs based in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, or Europe due to their higher costs.
• Postgraduate degrees (Master’s or Doctorate).
• Funding for laptops, conferences, or travel-related costs.
• Outstanding debts or overdue tuition fees.

Applicant Responsibilities

• Maintain good academic standing and good grades in all courses.
• Actively engage in community service, with a requirement of at least 100 hours of community service per year.
• Submit Academic Semester Reports and Community Service Reports.
• Provide official semester transcripts twice a year.
• Stay in communication with the Education Manager regarding student circumstances.

Required Documents
Applicants need to prepare and submit the following documents for their application:

• Personal photo
• A personal essay (the topic is provided on the application form)
• Completed 2025 application form
• Two recommendation letters
• Official secondary school transcript
• Official secondary school grading key
• Tertiary education transcript (if applicable)
• Official grading key for tertiary studies
• National exam official results (if applicable)
• Grading key for national exam scores

How to Apply
Applicants can apply in two ways:

1. Online Application:
   • Create an account, fill out the personal details, and upload the required documents using the online application form.
2. Mail Application:
   • Print the PDF application form, attach all the necessary documents, and send them by mail at least three weeks before the deadline. Ensure that all documents are in English, and translations are provided if needed.

For detailed information and to apply, visit the official website starting December 1, 2024.

Note:

• All documents must be submitted in English.
• Files should be in formats such as JPG, PNG, GIF, DOC, DOCX, or PDF. Application form (PDF),
• Applications for 2025 will be available starting December 1, 2024.

Apply Now 

Notes:

• The late and incomplete application will not be reviewed.
• Do not send your documents by email.

For further details about the WMI Scholarship Program, please visit the WMI website or read the FAQs below:

WMI Scholars Program – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. When can I apply?
   • Applications will open on December 1, 2024, and close on March 1, 2025, at 11:59 pm EST.
2. How do I apply?
   • Visit the official website from December 1, 2024, and follow the instructions provided for the online application: https://www.wellsmountaininitiative.org/.
3. Can I email my documents?
   • No, all required documents must be submitted only through the online application system. Submitting duplicate documents will lead to disqualification.
4. Must my application be in English?
   • Yes, all application documents must be in English. If any documents are in another language, they must be accompanied by a certified English translation along with the original.
5. Do I need to submit my grades?
   • Yes, you must submit official transcripts from both secondary and tertiary education, along with a grading key. Do not include grades from primary school.
6. Why are two recommendation letters required?
   • You need to submit two letters from non-family members who know you well. These letters should discuss why you deserve the scholarship. Ensure that your recommenders submit their letters online by the March 1, 2025 deadline.
7. What if my application is incomplete?
   • The application system will only confirm submission, not the accuracy of the documents. If anything is missing or incorrect, your application will be disqualified.
8. Which fields of study are eligible?
   • All fields of study are eligible, though many scholars typically pursue courses in areas such as healthcare, education, social justice, IT, engineering, agriculture, and business.
9. Will you fund studies in the UK, US, Europe, or Australia?
   • No, the scholarship is focused on funding education in developing countries, as it has a more significant impact in these regions.
10. Do I need to be accepted to a school first?
    • No, acceptance to a school is not required for the application, but you must have an acceptance letter before receiving scholarship funds. Please do not email the acceptance letter unless specifically requested.
11. Will the scholarship cover all my expenses?
    • No, the scholarship ranges from $300 to $3,000 per year, with an average of $1,500. If you need more than this amount to cover your education, the scholarship may not be sufficient for your needs.
12. Is the scholarship guaranteed for the entire degree program?
    • Generally, the scholarship is renewable for the full degree program, as long as you maintain good grades, complete at least 100 hours of community service annually, and submit all required reports.
13. How will I know you received my application?
    • You will receive an automatic email confirmation once your application has been successfully submitted.
14. Will my application be reviewed?
    • Yes, all applications undergo a thorough review process. High-scoring applications will move through multiple stages until the final selection of awardees.
15. What are my chances of receiving a scholarship?
    • The competition is fierce. In the previous year, 102 scholarships were awarded out of 1,600 complete applications, meaning the acceptance rate was approximately 6%. Ensure that your application is complete and submitted on time.
16. When is the deadline, and when are awardees announced?
    • The application deadline is March 1 (11:59 pm EST) each year. Awardees will be notified by email on August 1, and their names will be posted on the WMI website and Facebook page. Applicants who are not selected will also be notified by email. If you don’t receive an email, check the website for the latest updates.