Wells Mountain Initiative (WMI) Scholars Program 2026 is open to students of developing countries. WMI is a public charitable foundation based in Bristol, Vermont, USA, which has been approved under the United States Internal Revenue Service.
This Scholarship is generally granted for the full period of study; however, recipients must maintain good grades, participate in community service and meet WMI deadlines for submitting an official copy of school/course grades, completing the semester report.
Benefits
Each year, WMI provides scholarships to students pursuing their first undergraduate degree at a university in their home country or region. Financial support may include:
University tuition and fees
Books and required course materials
Accommodation and meals
Transportation
Requirements
We seek exceptional, community-focused students who face significant financial barriers to university education. An ideal WMI Scholar:
Is 35 years of age or younger as of August 1, 2026
Will study in their home country (or within their home region when local programs are unavailable)
Has completed secondary school or is in the final year, with above-average or excellent grades
Is applying to a university OR is currently enrolled in their first undergraduate degree or diploma program
Plans to live and work in their home country or region after graduation
Has previous volunteer experience and is committed to completing 100 hours of community service each year during their studies
Has some financial resources, but cannot afford university without additional support
The WMI Scholarship is a partial scholarship and does not cover all tuition or living costs.
Is a first-generation university student (preferred but not required)
Additional Details
We highly recommend that you review the WMI Scholars Program Information Flyer,WMI Scholars Application Frequently Asked Question and the WMI Scholars Recommendation Letter Guidelinesdocuments on our website to assist you in preparing the most complete and competitive application possible.
Applications must be successfully submitted via the application portal by March 1 at 11.59pm EST, each year to be considered.
WMI Scholarhip receipients are selected through an in-depth multi-step review process. The selected WMI Scholars will be emailed on August 1. Their names will also be published on our website homepage and the WMI Facebook page. Those who are not selected will also be notified after August 1.
Please DO NOT type your responses in all capital letters.
Scholars planning to study in the United States, Canada, Australia, the UK, or Western Europe will not qualify for a WMI Scholarship.
Applications or application materials sent by email will not be considered. All applications and required uploads must be submitted through the online application portal.
Family members of WMI Team Members and of current WMI Scholars are not eligible to apply.
Selection Process
Scholarships are typically provided for the full duration of the degree program. To remain eligible each year, Scholars must:
Maintain above-average grades
Complete 100 hours of community service annually
Submit bi-annual academic and community service reports on time
Academic reports will include:
Semester grade results
Current bursary or fee statement
Current academic calendar
A completed Scholar Expense Tracker with receipts showing how WMI funds were spent
Community service reports will include:
A summary of service activities
Photos documenting the activities
Application Documents
Please prepare the following items before you start your application:
School Documents
Secondary school transcripts (grades from all schools you attended)
National exam results (if your country has them)
University transcripts (only if you are currently studying or studied before)
University fee structure (you can find this on the university’s website if you are not yet accepted)
Personal Statements (Short Essays)You must write two short essays. Each essay must be 500 words or less.A. Please write a 350–500 word personal statement that describes your background and the experiences that have shaped your life. You may include information about your family, community, education, or any challenges or opportunities that influenced your path.
In your essay, please explain:
What circumstances led you to apply for the WMI Scholarship
Why you believe you are a strong candidate, including qualities, values, or achievements that demonstrate your commitment to your goals
How this scholarship would support your long-term aspirations
B. In 500 words or less, please explain what inspired you to pursue your chosen field of study. Share the experiences, interests, or role models that influenced your decision.
In your essay, also describe:
Why this field is a good fit for your strengths, talents, or passions
How your degree will equip you to contribute to your community, nation, or region
The impact you hope to create in the future
We encourage you to be specific and help us understand why this field matters to you and how it connects to your long-term goals.
3. Essay Question (500 words)
Essay Prompt: This essay gives you the opportunity to share your ideas about issues affecting you and your community.( Note: This is a hypothetical scenario and not a funding request.)
In 500 words or less, answer the following: If you were given $1,000 to address a challenge in your community, what issue would you focus on and why?
In your response, briefly explain:
The root cause of the issue and why it persists
Why this issue matters to you personally
How your field of study connects to the issue or your approach
What you would do with the $1,000 grant to begin addressing the issue (a simple plan, not a detailed proposal)
How you would measure success, including 2–3 realistic indicators
This prompt is designed to evaluate your ability to analyze a problem, think creatively, and propose a practical, meaningful solution.
Please note:
Ensure that the work that you submit fully originates from you. If you borrow ideas from another source, cite any quotations or references, or the essay will be deemed plagiarized.
The use of AI-generated text or outline structures is not allowed.
Using uncredited ideas, content created by other persons, and AI-generated text directly violates the scholarship application policy. Your personal statements and essay will be checked for plagiarism and the use of AI-generated text. Any applicants found to have plagiarized or used AI-generated content will be considered ineligible for a scholarship.
4. Recommenders
You must provide:
The name and correct email address for two people who will write recommendations for you.
Click HERE for Recommendation Guidelines
5. ID and Photo
You must upload:
A headshot photo
A national ID or another official photo IDClick HERE if you want to download a PDF version of this application.
Click HERE for a PDF version of the application
Method of Application
Click Here to Apply
If you have questions regarding your eligibility or application status please email info@wellsmountaininitiative.org.
For More Information,
Visit the Official Webpage
Application Deadline: March 1, 2026.