Scholarship

Academic Excellence Scholarship (AES)

The University of Texas at Dallas

Award varies by cohort (recipients qualify for in-state tuition and fees)
Deadline Dec 1, 2026

Merit scholarship for first-time-in-college freshmen admitted to UT Dallas for the fall term immediately after high school graduation. The admission application serves as the AES application; holistic review may consider optional essay, resume, and recommendations. AES recipients qualify for in-state tuition regardless of residency.

Eligibility

Grade levels
High school senior

Special eligibility to verify

  • Admission application is the scholarship application: First-time freshmen are considered through the UT Dallas admission application rather than a separate AES form.

Application requirements

  • Submit a UT Dallas first-year application: Apply through the Common App or ApplyTexas by December 1. The admission application is the AES application; there is no separate AES form.
  • Submit official high school transcripts: Official high school transcripts are required as part of the application materials reviewed for AES.
  • Add the encouraged supplemental materials: Encouraged but not required: UT Dallas invites letters of recommendation (maximum of 3), a resume, and/or an essay with your application for its holistic review. The sponsor sets no essay prompt or topic.
  • Complete the FAFSA (encouraged): UT Dallas encourages completing the FAFSA, though it is not required for AES consideration.
  • If offered an AES award, accept it by June 1: The deadline to accept an AES award offer is June 1.

Verified Jun 21, 2026 · View official source