By Kelvin Kibet | Last updated: 30 September 2026
The Stamps Scholarship is the University of Miami’s most prestigious merit award for incoming first-year students. It is aimed at high school seniors with strong academic records and leadership, and it is open to international applicants, including Kenyans applying as first-year undergraduates. Selection is highly competitive, so prepare other funding options as well. [1]
What the award covers
According to the University of Miami, Stamps Scholars receive funding for the full cost of attendance for one undergraduate degree, up to eight semesters (ten in the School of Architecture). The award includes:
- Tuition and fees
- On-campus housing and a meal plan
- University health insurance
- Textbooks and a laptop allowance
- Access to a $12,000 enrichment fund for study abroad, undergraduate research, unpaid internships and similar educational purposes
The enrichment fund needs prior approval from the university, so it is not a cash payment. [1] [2] International flights are not listed among the covered items, so plan for travel and visa costs.
How to be considered
You do not fill in a separate scholarship form. The university states that all incoming first-year students are automatically considered for its merit scholarships, and the Stamps deadline is tied to your admissions application. Apply through the Common Application under Early Decision I or Early Action by 1 November. Early Decision is binding, so read the terms before choosing it. [1]
Some third-party guides say semi-finalists are interviewed online by the selection committee in January. Treat that as likely but unconfirmed for your year, and watch for emails from the university. [3]
What Kenyan applicants should prepare
- Academic record: your Form 1 to Form 4 results, KCSE results or predicted grades, or IGCSE, A-Level or IB results if you follow an international curriculum. The university does not publish a minimum grade for Stamps. Submit the academic records required by its admissions instructions.
- Testing: check the university’s current policy on SAT, ACT and English-proficiency tests. Do not rely on a score target quoted by a blog.
- Recommendations: letters from teachers and your principal that describe specific examples of leadership and initiative.
- Activities and essays: concrete examples of impact, such as founding a club, leading a community project or volunteering, described in the Common Application.
- International documents: a passport (needed later for an F-1 student visa), a credential evaluation if the university requires one, and the International Financial Certification Form. Note that this form is required even for fully funded students. [2]
Scam warning: The University of Miami does not charge a fee for scholarship consideration beyond the normal application fee (check whether a fee waiver applies to you). Never pay an agent for a guaranteed Stamps award, and apply only through the Common Application and the university’s own website.
JobScholarship.com is an independent informational publisher. It is not affiliated with the University of Miami or the Stamps Family Charitable Foundation, does not accept applications and does not influence selection. Related reading: how to write a scholarship essay. Report corrections through the Contact page.
References
[1] University of Miami Admissions, First-Year Merit Scholarships
[2] Afribary, The Stamps Scholarship at the University of Miami
[3] After School Africa, Stamps Scholarship overview
Source check: 30 September 2026. Confirm the current deadline, testing policy and required forms on the University of Miami admissions site before applying.