Meet the Recipients

Each recipient is assigned a dedicated success coach, an academic advisor and a peer mentor, and is provided additional tutoring and support opportunities to lead to successful student outcomes.

A select number of full-ride scholarships are available annually to incoming freshmen who graduate from a public or private high school in the city of Milwaukee.

The Anu and Satya Nadella Scholarship is exclusively for students pursuing computer science, computer engineering, data science, or information technology majors.


How to Apply

Complete and submit the following:

  1. UWM application for admission, including all transcripts and required materials. Click on the Eligibility Requirements button above to see eligible majors and be sure to list one of those majors as your first choice of study.
  2. Panther Scholarship Portal General Application. Students must complete this to be considered for UWM scholarships.
  3. Anu and Satya Nadella Scholarship Application. The application opens for submissions on October 1.

Application submission deadline: December 1
All steps above must be completed by this date to be considered.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
This scholarship requires that recipients demonstrate financial need via the FAFSA if eligible. The US Department of Education will first make the 2025-26 application available on December 1, 2024. Applicants must submit the 2025-26 FAFSA by January 19, 2025, to ensure consideration for this scholarship.

Students not eligible for federal financial aid can complete the Non-FAFSA Need Worksheet (PDF) and upload it to the Panther Scholarship Portal General Application.

Pounce in front of the UWM Fountain

Comprehensive Financial and Academic Support for Up to Five Years

  • The scholarship, in combination with other funds available to students with demonstrated financial need, pays for tuition, fees, and on-campus housing and dining.
  • Scholarship benefits cover up to five years of financial and academic support at the undergraduate level, as long as the student remains in good academic standing.
  • Each scholarship recipient will be assigned a dedicated success coach, an academic advisor, and a peer mentor, and be provided additional tutoring and support opportunities to lead to successful student outcomes.

About Donors Satya Nadella ’90 and Anu Nadella

The Anu and Satya Nadella Scholarship is being provided through the generosity of UWM computer science alumnus and Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella and Anu Nadella. They donated $2 million to increase diversity in tech education. In addition to providing support for scholarships, their gift also provides funding for academic support and pre-college programming to encourage students from diverse backgrounds to pursue tech education.

Satya and Anu Nadella
Anu and Satya Nadella
Learn how the Anu and Satya Nadella Scholarship benefited recent recipient Amya Camberos.

UWM Leads with High-Demand Tech Programs

  • 91% of engineering and computer science students at UWM secure a job or commit to graduate school before graduation.*
  • 93% of College of Engineering & Applied Science students participate in paid work-related experiences while in school, including internships, co-ops and research opportunities.*
  • UWM offers:
    • Accessible, world-class faculty 
    • Welcoming, inclusive environment
    • Diverse community
    • Excellent education, close to home 

*UWM First Destination Survey December 2019; as voluntarily reported by graduating undergraduate students.

FAQs

How are award decisions made?

A committee of faculty and staff from multiple areas makes determinations based on a holistic review of each applicant.

When and how will awardees be notified?

Awardees will be notified of their selection by February 1 and will receive notification via email.

Can I apply for the scholarship and admission at different times?

Yes, you may apply for the scholarship and admission at different times, though awardees will only be selected from admitted students who satisfy the eligibility requirements.

I live in the city of Milwaukee but attend a high school elsewhere. Am I eligible for the scholarship?

Only students attending a public or private high school located in the city of Milwaukee are eligible.

I’ve already been admitted to a different major at UWM. Can I change majors and apply for this scholarship?

Yes, you may change your major. Contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions to do so.

I’ve also been awarded another scholarship(s). Will I get both?

You can receive multiple scholarships as long as your total aid package is not greater than your cost of attendance.

Am I required to complete the FAFSA to be eligible for this award?

Yes, you must submit a completed FAFSA by the application submission deadline. Be sure to add UWM as a recipient before you submit.

Students not eligible for federal financial aid can complete the Non-FAFSA Need Worksheet (PDF) and upload it to the Panther Scholarship Portal General Application.

Do I have to mention this scholarship when I complete the UWM application for admission?

No. You must first apply for admission and be accepted to UWM. Once you submit the Anu and Satya Nadella Scholarship application, you will be considered for the scholarship if you satisfy the eligibility criteria. To access the application:

  1. Log into the Panther Scholarship Portal using your ePantherID.
  2. Complete the General Application. This makes you eligible for all scholarships at UWM.
  3. Search for “Anu and Satya Nadella Scholarship.” The application opens for submissions on October 1 each year.
  4. Complete and submit your scholarship application.

Where can I learn about other scholarships?

We encourage all students, including international students, to complete the Panther Scholarship Portal General Application. From there, students can identify additional scholarships of interest they wish to consider. Additional information is available at scholarships.uwm.edu.

What if I’m not eligible for federal financial aid?

Students not eligible for federal financial aid can complete the Non-FAFSA Need Worksheet (PDF) and upload it to the Panther Scholarship Portal General Application.

What will the scholarship pay for?

The Anu and Satya Nadella Scholarship is a “last-dollar” scholarship, meaning it will pay any remaining direct costs charged by the university after grants and other scholarships a student receives have been applied to the student’s account. The following charges are eligible:

Tuition
Fees
On-Campus Housing*
On-Campus Dining Plan*

Recipients are also eligible to receive $400 per semester for textbooks and supplies.

*Students who choose to live off campus are not eligible for housing or dining stipends.

Does the scholarship cover tuition and fees for summer and winter term courses?

Yes, as long as the credits satisfy the student’s degree program requirements.

If I choose to enroll in the accelerated master’s program, will the Nadella Scholarship pay for the master’s year?

The Nadella Scholarship funds undergraduate semesters of enrollment. However, Nadella Scholars who enroll in the accelerated master’s program or other graduate programs in the College of Engineering and Applied Science may receive priority consideration for assistantships/fellowships that can provide full-ride coverage for graduate study.

Questions?