Applications are now open for the Wells Mountain Initiative (WMI) Scholarship Program 2026, offered to students from developing countries to study their bachelor degree in their home country or another developing country.  This highly competitive scholarship opportunity helps the students pursue their first certificate, diploma, or bachelor’s degree. The scholarship award is valid for all four years of undergraduate study.

The Wells Mountain Initiative (WMI), which is located in the USA, aims to create social change through education and community building by providing scholarships and training and some other educational programs.

Each year, the WMI supports students in pursuing their education by providing 80 to 100 scholarships to students from developing countries who wish to pursue post-secondary (university, trade school, polytechnic) studies. The scholarship is offered for the entire period of study.

Details of the WMI Scholarship Program

Application Opens: December 1, 2025

Application Closes: March 1, 2026, 11:59 PM EST

Review of Applications: April-July, 2026

Announcement of Scholarship Recipients: August 1, 2026

First Installment of Scholarships Wired: September 2026

Gender: Male/female

Required language: English

Location: One of the developing countries

Number of scholarships: 80-100

Study Level: Undergraduate Degree

Location: USA

Benefits of the WMI Scholarship Program

WMI maximume scholarships amount is $ USD 3000 per year and are awarded throughout the recipient’s undergraduate study, with an average amount of USD 1500. The amount covers the following items:

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

Eligibility Criteria

Wells Mountain Initiative Scholarship Program’s ideal candidate is any student (male or female) from a developing country who:

• Will be 35 years old or younger as of August 1, 2026.
• Has either completed secondary school or is in the final year, with grades that are above average to excellent.
• Is applying to or is currently enrolled in their first undergraduate degree program.
• Will study in their home country or another developing country.
• Plans to return home after graduation to live and work.
• Has prior volunteer experience and will continue giving back to their community during their studies.
• Has some financial resources to support their education, but not enough to pursue or continue university studies without additional help.

Please note that the WMI scholarship does not necessarily cover all tuition and educational costs, and it is not intended to serve as a full-coverage scholarship.

Levels of Study and Expenses Not Supported by the WMI Scholarship:

• Study programs based in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, or Europe, due to their higher educational costs.
• Postgraduate degrees (Master’s or Doctorate), as the scholarship focuses solely on helping students obtain their first undergraduate degree.
• Funding for laptops, participation in conferences, or travel-related costs.
• Outstanding debts or overdue tuition fees.

Applicants Responsibilities

In addition to the criteria above, applicants should fulfill these responsibilities:

• Maintain good grades in all university courses
• Serve as an advocate for community service and involvement
• Perform, record, and document 100 hours of community service activities throughout the year
• Finish the Academic Semester Report and the Community Service Report for WMI Scholars.
• Official semester transcripts should be sent twice a year.
• Communicate directly with the Education Manager about your circumstances as a student.

You may also check: 

NPU Scholarship Program for Master’s and PhD Degrees in China

University of Tasmania Scholarships for Master’s and PhD International Candidates in 2026

ISU Bocconi Scholarship 2026-2027 in Italy (First Year Students)

Required Documents

Please prepare and submit the following supporting documents for your application:

• Personal photo
• Essay (explore the topic on the application form)
• 2026 application form
• Personal essay statement
• Two recommendation letters
• Secondary school official transcript
• Secondary school grades official grading key
• Tertiary studies official transcript of grades (if applicable)
• Tertiary official grading key
• National exam official results
• Official grading key to interpret scores on your national exam

Note:

• The requested documents must be in English.
• All documents in other languages should have an official English translation.
• The requested files must be in JPG, PNG, GIF, DOC, DOCX, and PDF formats in 10 versions or newer.

How to Apply for the WMI Scholarship Program?

Eligible applicants can apply in two ways: online or by mail:

Online Application:

• First, start applying through the online application form linked below
• Applicants must create an account, enter their personal information, and upload the documents.

Apply Now 

Notes:

• Late or incomplete applications 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

1. When can I apply?
You can apply starting December 1, 2025. The deadline is March 1, 2026, at 11:59 pm EST.

2. How do I apply?
From December 1, 2025, visit our website and follow the online application instructions here.

3. Can I email my documents?
No. All documents must be submitted online only once. Duplicate submissions will result in disqualification.

4. Must my application be in English?
Yes. Documents not originally in English must include a certified English translation and the original file.

5. Do I need to submit my grades?
Yes. Include official secondary and tertiary transcripts, with a grading key. Do not include primary-level grades.

6. Why are two recommendation letters required?
Two letters from non-family members who know you well are required. They should discuss why you deserve the scholarship and submit it online by March 1, 2026. Follow up with your recommenders to ensure they submit on time.

7. What if my application is incomplete?
Our system only confirms that you submitted something, not that all documents are correct. If required items are missing, your application will be disqualified.

8. Which fields of study are eligible?
All fields are eligible, though many scholars pursue fields like health care, education, social justice, IT, engineering, agriculture, and business.

9. Will you fund studies in the UK, US, Europe, or Australia?
No. We focus on funding education in developing countries, and our scholarships have a greater impact.

10. Do I need to be accepted to a school first?
No, but you won’t receive funds until you have an acceptance letter. Please do not email the letter unless we request it.

11. Will the scholarship cover all my expenses?
Not necessarily. Scholarships range from $3,000 USD per year, with an average of $1,500 USD. If you cannot cover costs beyond $3,000 USD, it may not be wise to apply.

12. Is the scholarship guaranteed for the entire degree program?
Generally, yes, if 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 confirmation email once you submit your application.

14. Will my application be reviewed?
Yes. Every application is thoroughly reviewed. High-scoring applications move through multiple stages until the final selection is made. We aim for a balanced group of recipients.

15. What are my chances of receiving a scholarship?
Competition is intense. Last year, out of 1,600 complete applications, 102 scholarships were awarded (about 6%). Make sure your application is complete and submitted before the deadline.

16. When is the deadline, and when are awardees announced?
The annual deadline is March 1 (11:59 pm EST). The new scholars will be sent an email on August 1, and their names will be posted on the website and Facebook page. Unsuccessful applicants will also be notified by email. If you don’t receive an email, check the website.

Similar Opportunities:

ISU Bocconi Scholarship 2026-2027 in Italy (First Year Students)

Brunei Darussalam Government Scholarship 2026/2027 (Fully Funded)

IsDB Scholarships for IsDB Member Countries 2026-2027 (All Degrees)