Forty Acres Scholars Program | Fully Funded |University of Texas
Job Description
Quick Overview of Forty Acres Scholars Program
Scholarship Name: Forty Acres Scholars Program – 2026
Host Country: United States of America
Host University/Organization: The University of Texas at Austin / Texas Exes
Degree Level: Undergraduate (Bachelor’s Degree)
Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
Fields of Study: Open to all academic fields offered by UT Austin
Who Can Apply for the Forty Acres Scholars Program?
Your Journey Starts Here
The Forty Acres Scholars Program is a full-ride, merit-based scholarship at The University of Texas at Austin. It’s more than just financial aid. It’s a complete college experience. Scholars join a vibrant, close-knit community. They gain access to leadership development, global experiences, and one-on-one mentorship.
The program empowers outstanding students to unlock their potential through academics, service, and real-world learning. Built to shape the leaders of tomorrow, it’s designed for students who want to make an impact – at UT, in their communities, and across the globe.
Is This for You?
The Forty Acres Scholars Program is for high school seniors applying to The University of Texas at Austin. It’s open to both in-state and out-of-state students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents at the time of application.
What You’ll Get Along the Way?
The Forty Acres Scholars Program covers full tuition, housing, and more. It frees you from financial stress. But it doesn’t stop there. Scholars receive a generous enrichment stipend, one-on-one guidance, leadership training, and access to global experiences. The program supports your academic goals through mentorship, internships, and hands-on learning. It also helps you grow into a confident, connected, and well-rounded leader at UT and beyond.
History of the Forty Acres Scholars Program
The Forty Acres Scholars Program was launched in 2011 by the Texas Exes, the alumni association of The University of Texas at Austin. The program was created to support and develop future leaders who embody the university’s mission: “What starts here changes the world.” Inspired by a deep commitment to excellence, it brings together exceptional students from across the U.S. and helps them grow through community, discovery, and connection.
The program is unique because it’s administered entirely by alumni. This makes it deeply personal and closely connected to UT’s rich legacy. Today, it stands as one of the most prestigious undergraduate scholarships in the country.
Forty Acres Scholars Program Benefits
The student who will successfully get the Forty Acres Scholars Program will receive the following benefits:
1. Full Tuition, Fees, and Housing Coverage
The program covers 100% of tuition, mandatory fees, and on-campus housing, eliminating financial stress for scholars and their families.
2. Stipend for Living and Educational Expenses
Scholars receive additional funding to cover books, supplies, travel, and personal expenses. This allows full focus on academics and leadership.
3. Comprehensive Mentorship and Guidance
Each scholar is paired with dedicated mentors. This includes UT alumni and faculty members. It is for the support academic, personal, and career development.
4. Leadership Development Opportunities
Students participate in leadership training, workshops, and initiatives designed to cultivate confidence, responsibility, and influence.
5. Global and Experiential Learning
The program supports international travel, study abroad, and service-learning trips, helping students develop a global perspective.
6. Priority Access to Enrichment Activities
Scholars gain exclusive access to high-impact opportunities such as honors programs, internships, research, and networking events.
7. Lifelong Connections with the UT Community
With strong alumni involvement and small scholar cohorts, the program fosters meaningful, lasting relationships within the UT network.
Eligibility Criteria for Forty Acres Scholars Program
Given below is the eligibility criterion of the Forty Acres Scholars Program:
1. Nationality Requirement
Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents to be considered for the program.
2. Academic Qualification
You must be a high school senior applying for first-year undergraduate admission to The University of Texas at Austin.
3. English Language Proficiency
Applicants must meet UT Austin’s English language requirements, typically demonstrated through scores from the SAT, ACT, TOEFL, or IELTS, if applicable.
4. Age Eligibility
There is no specific age limit, but applicants must be first-time college students entering directly after high school.
5. Academic Excellence
Candidates should have a strong academic record, including high performance in coursework and standardized tests.
6. Leadership and Extracurricular Involvement
Applicants must show demonstrated leadership through extracurricular activities, community service, or school involvement.
7. Personal Drive and Social Awareness
Scholars are expected to display intellectual curiosity, a desire to create positive impact, and a commitment to good citizenship.
8. Strong Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Applicants should possess excellent interpersonal skills, confidence in communication, and the ability to work well with others.
9. Additional Requirement for Business Majors
Those applying to the McCombs School of Business must also submit a separate application to the Canfield Business Honors Program.
Forty Acres Scholars Program Duration
The Forty Acres Scholars Program supports undergraduate students for four full academic years at The University of Texas at Austin. The scholarship begins in the freshman year and continues through senior year, covering all semesters of a standard bachelor’s degree program.
Number of Scholarships
The program supports students for four years and selects fewer than 20 scholars annually from thousands of applicants.
Required Documents for the Forty Acres Scholars Program
Applicants must prepare the following documents as part of their UT Austin application and possible follow-up steps for the scholarship:
- Completed Application to UT Austin (via Common App or ApplyTexas)
- Official High School Transcripts
- Standardized Test Scores (SAT or ACT, if submitted)
- Letters of Recommendation (usually 1–2, depending on UT Austin requirements)
- Personal Essay or Statement (included in application)
- Short Answer Responses (as required by UT Austin)
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency
- Additional Materials (may be requested if selected for semi-finalist or finalist stages)
Check the official Texas Exes or UT Austin website for the latest and most specific document requirements.
Forty Acres Scholars Program Application & Selection Timeline
The Forty Acres Scholars Program selection process is designed to find students who stand out in academics, leadership, and service. Below is a complete breakdown of what happens and when, from the day applications open to the final announcement.
Applications Open (August 1, 2025)
Students can begin applying to UT Austin using ApplyTexas or the Common App. This also starts your automatic consideration for the Forty Acres Scholars Program.
Priority Deadline (October 15, 2025)
Applicants who submit early are given priority consideration. It’s recommended to apply by this date for the best chance of review.
Final Application Deadline (December 1, 2025)
This is the last day to submit your UT Austin application to be eligible for the Forty Acres Scholars Program. No separate scholarship application is required.
Initial Review Phase (November–December 2025)
Applications are evaluated for academic merit, leadership qualities, community service, and alignment with UT’s values. A select group is chosen for interviews.
Semi-Finalist Interviews (January 2026)
The program team conducts virtual interviews with shortlisted candidates to assess their skills and potential.
Finalist Selection (February 2026)
The selection committee announces the top candidates as finalists and invites them to an exclusive on-campus experience.
Finalist Weekend at UT Austin (February 27 – March 1, 2026)
Finalists participate in in-person interviews, leadership sessions, and events featuring alumni and university leaders. This weekend plays a key role in final selection.
Scholarship Offers Sent (March–April 2026)
After Finalist Weekend, the Forty Acres Scholars Committee selects the final recipients and notifies them of the award.
Recipients Announced (May 2026)
UT Austin and Texas Exes officially introduce and welcome winners into the Forty Acres Scholars community.
How to Apply for the Forty Acres Scholars Program
Applying to the Forty Acres Scholars Program is simple. There’s no extra form to fill out. Just apply to UT Austin, and you’ll be automatically considered.
Follow these steps to get started:
1. Apply to UT Austin
Submit your application through either ApplyTexas or the Common App.
2. Choose a Major
Select your desired major and complete all required fields accurately.
3. Submit by the Deadline
Be sure to complete and submit your entire application by December 1, 2025. Early applicants should aim for October 15, 2025, for priority consideration.
4. Include Strong Supporting Materials
Upload essays, test scores (if required), extracurriculars, and any honors or awards that reflect your potential.
5. Wait for Contact
Texas Exes will reach out to selected applicants to guide them through the next steps, such as interviews and Finalist Weekend.
Official Application Portal Forty Acres Scholars Program
Start your application by selecting the ‘Apply’ button below.
Looking for more scholarships like the Gates Scholarship? Check out our newly added scholarships section for top opportunities.
How to Strengthen Your Forty Acres Scholars Program Application?
These tips are for high-achieving high school seniors aiming to stand out during the Forty Acres selection process. Follow them closely, the difference is in the details.
1. Start Your UT Austin Application Early: Don’t wait for the deadline. Applying before the October 15 priority date gives your file a better chance to be reviewed thoroughly for the scholarship.
2. Show More Than Just Grades: Top scores matter! But so do leadership, initiative, and impact. Highlight community involvement, leadership roles, and real-world projects. Be specific.
3. Write a Standout Essay: Make your personal essay genuine and focused. Avoid clichés. Let the reviewers see your voice, values, and ambitions – not just your résumé.
4. Mention Long-Term Goals: Connect your goals to your major, UT Austin, and how you plan to use your education to give back. This aligns well with the program’s leadership vision.
5. Prepare for the Interview (If Selected): If you reach the interview stage, a thoughtful thank-you email can leave a lasting impression. Keep it short and sincere. It shows professionalism and maturity.
