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LAC Scholarship Frequently Asked Questions

  • How does the LAC scholarship work?

    The Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) scholarship functions in two parts:

    1. LAC recipients receive in-state tuition rated by being reclassified as Florida residents for tuition purposes
    2. LAC recipients receive $500 each Fall and Spring term ($1,000 per academic year)
  • How do I submit the application?
    Please complete the online form available on the International Center website. Incomplete packages will not be considered.
  • What is required for the letter of recommendation?
    Letters of recommendation from an academic or professional source are preferred. For the best chances of success the letter will be on an official letterhead, include a signature from the writer, as well as their credentials. The letter should also include the date, mention the name of the applicant, and reference the relationship of the write to the applicant. Letters from relatives will not be considered.
  • I’m from ________, can I apply?
    As stated in the LAC guidelines, LAC recipients must be a citizen and resident of one of the following countries in Latin America or the Caribbean: Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Argentina, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Curacao & Bonaire, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, French Guiana, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Martinique, Mexico, Monsterrat, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Maarten/St. Martin, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago, Turk & Caicos Islands, Uruguay, U.S. Virgin Islands, Venezuela, or as identified by the UNF Vice President for Student and International Affairs.
  • What is the difference between in-state tuition and out-of-state tuition?

    Students who are residents of Florida pay in-state tuition fees, with are less expensive. Students from other states and international students are typically required to pay out-of-state tuition fees. Out-of-state tuition rates are significantly more expensive than in-state tuition rates.

    Please view the estimated cost of attendance for international students at UNF with out-of-state tuition rates for one academic year (2 semesters with 12 credits per semester, 24 credits per year).

    You can also compare the different rates (in-state vs. out-of-state) per credit hour.

  • Is the scholarship only for one semester?

    No. You will be awarded the scholarship for the number of hours required for your degree program for the Fall and Spring semesters. Dependent on eligibility, your LAC scholarship will automatically renew for Fall and Spring semesters pending sufficient enrollment, academic standing, satisfactory academic progress, and immigration status.

    Funding during summer semesters is very limited and not guaranteed. If you are interested in receiving the LAC scholarship for Summer terms, you must submit a renewal application prior to the deadline (April 1). To receive the LAC scholarship for the Summer term you must be enrolled full-time (12 credit hours for undergraduates; 9 credit hours for graduates) during Summer A and/or Summer C term (courses starting in May).

    Please remember, to maintain eligibility while receiving the LAC scholarship, you must inform the International Center of any changes in: (1) course load, (2) residency status, and/or (3) academic major change.

  • What are my chances of receiving the LAC scholarship?
    This is a competitive scholarship, but we aim to award as many qualified students as possible. It is worth applying for!
  • I already have a graduate assistantship or other scholarship that pays my out-of-state tuition fees. Should I apply?
    No. The condition of this scholarship is that is waives out-of-state tuition fees. We cannot award the scholarship if you have no out-of-state tuition to pay. That's great that you already have your out-of-state tuition paid for, you do not need the LAC scholarship!
  • I have not been admitted to UNF yet, can I apply?
    Yes, you may apply before you are admitted. The LAC scholarship is budget-driven and most decisions are made after the application deadline for the term.
  • I’m a dual citizen from Latin America or the Caribbean holding U.S. citizenship, can I apply?
    Yes, dual citizens with U.S. citizenship and citizenship from Latin America or the Caribbean (as outlined in the LAC guidelines) are eligible to apply for LAC. However, eligibility for LAC comes from residency in the LAC qualifying country. For example, if you are a dual citizen of the U.S. and Colombia but live in the U.S. you are not eligible for the LAC scholarship.
  • I have U.S. Permanent Residency (Green Card), can I receive LAC?
    No. The LAC scholarship is intended for students that will return to their home countries as their place of long-term residency.
  • If I am double majoring, will my LAC work for both majors?
    As long as your credits are taken at UNF, and are required for your degree programs, then yes, LAC will be effective for both majors (in-state tuition rates).
  • Do I have to be enrolled full-time? What if I only have one course left in my degree program?

    Yes, all LAC recipients must be enrolled full-time (minimum of 12 credit hours for undergraduate students, and minimum of 9 credit hours for graduate students).

    If you only have 6 credit hours of coursework during your last semester at UNF you are not eligible for LAC, however you may apply for tuition assistance through other International Center Scholarships.

  • When will I hear a decision about my LAC application?

    Decisions are made after the application deadline. Applicants will be notified of a decision via email.

    Deadlines:

    Fall - July 1

    Spring - November 1

    Summer - April 1

  • I was awarded the LAC Scholarship, but I do not see the $500 in my account. Why not?

    This may happen for several reasons: 

    1. The LAC is disbursed in two phases. The first phase is removing out-of-state tuition. The second phase is the disbursement of $500. The awards process may have not reached phase 2 of disbursement yet.
    2. Do you have any unpaid charges on your UNF account? If yes, then the $500 will automatically go to pay for your outstanding balance at UNF. For example, if you owe the university $100 and your LAC award is disbursed you will only see $400 on your account because the other $100 was automatically used to pay the outstanding balance.
    3. Do you have a hold on your account? Sometimes holds on your account such as a SAP (satisfactory academic progress) suspension can prevent your LAC from being disbursed. Please talk to One-Stop Student Services about clearing your holds as soon as possible and let the International Center know when it has been cleared.
  • I have another question about my specific case, who can I contact?
    Please contact us at intlctrscholarships@unf.edu. We are happy to assist you!