Overview
The Wells Mountain Foundation runs the Empowerment Through Education (ETE) program, which funds undergraduate study for students from developing countries. The scholarship supports you to study in your home country or a neighboring developing country. All recipients must complete at least 100 hours of volunteer service each year.
Awarded by
You choose an institution in your home country or in another developing country.
Subjects and level
Bachelor's degree in any field. Applications are encouraged from students pursuing degrees that will best help their local communities, such as medicine and health sciences, community development, law, education, social work, business, information technology, agriculture, and engineering.
Awards available
About 50-60 scholarships per year.
Who can apply
Citizens of developing countries.
What the award covers
ETE scholarships range from $300 USD to $3000 USD annually and are provided throughout the undergraduate education of the recipient. The average scholarship amount is $1500. Scholarships may be used for tuition and fees, books and materials, and other related costs (room rent and meals).
Eligibility requirements
WMF's ideal candidate is a student, male or female, from a country in the developing world, who:
- Will be 35 years of age or younger as of 1 August 2026
- Has completed or is in the final year of secondary education, with above-average to excellent grades
- Is applying to university or is currently enrolled and taking classes towards completion of their first undergraduate degree
- Will be studying in their home country or another country in the developing world
- Plans to live and work in their own country after graduation
- Has participated in volunteer service before applying for this scholarship and is committed to volunteering within their community during their studies
- Has some funding available for their education but will not be able to go to university or continue without assistance. The WMI scholarship does not always cover the full cost of tuition and associated educational expenses. The scholarship is not intended to be a full scholarship.
How to apply
Applications are currently closed.
To apply for the Empowerment Through Education (ETE) program, you must submit a complete application via the online scholarship application portal (preferred method) or via postal mail to the Foundation's office. The 2025 Empowerment Through Education online application will be available from 1 December 2025 to 1 March 2026.
It is important to visit the official website (link found below) to access the application form and for detailed information on how to apply for this scholarship.
Official website
Official Scholarship Website: http://www.wellsmountainfoundation.org/our-programs/scholarships/
At a glance
- Host: Wells Mountain Foundation
- Level: Bachelor's degree
- Study destination: any developing country
- Deadline: 1 March 2026 (annual)
- Awards: about 50-60 per year
- Value: $300 to $3000 USD annually, average $1500
- Course starts 2026
Who should apply
This scholarship suits students from developing countries who are 35 or younger as of 1 August 2026 and are either finishing secondary school or already enrolled in their first undergraduate degree. You should be studying in your home country or another developing country, and you must plan to live and work in your own country after graduation.
It also fits candidates who have some funding for their education but cannot manage without extra support, and who have a record of volunteering and will continue to volunteer during their studies.
Frequently asked questions
- Who can apply for the Wells Mountain Foundation Empowerment Through Education Scholarships? Citizens of developing countries who are 35 years of age or younger as of 1 August 2026, have completed or are in the final year of secondary education, and are applying to university or already enrolled in their first undergraduate degree.
- What does the scholarship cover? Awards range from $300 USD to $3000 USD annually and may be used for tuition and fees, books and materials, room rent, and meals. The average amount is $1500.
- How many scholarships are awarded? About 50-60 scholarships are given each year.
- When is the deadline? The 2025 Empowerment Through Education online application is available from 1 December 2025 to 1 March 2026. Applications are currently closed.
- How do I apply? Submit a complete application via the online scholarship application portal (preferred) or by postal mail to the Foundation's office. Visit the official website for the application form and details.
- Do I have to volunteer? Yes, all scholarship participants must volunteer for a minimum of 100 hours a year.
How to apply
- Read the official guidelines carefully before you start your application.
- Prepare your documents early, including academic transcripts and proof of volunteer service.
- Check any language requirements for your chosen university and test dates.
- Write a clear statement about how your degree will help your community and why you need the funding.
- Submit your application well before the deadline to avoid last-minute problems.