UF Thrive Experiential Learning Scholarship
The UF Thrive Experiential Learning Scholarship expands student pathways to meaningful learning beyond the classroom by reducing financial barriers for University of Florida students. Experiential learning is a vital part of the UF student experience, building career readiness, deepening academic understanding, and fostering long‑term success. UF Thrive provides financial support that enables students to participate in hands‑on opportunities that prepare them to apply their knowledge, develop professional skills, and become world‑ready graduates.
UF Thrive is open to all current undergraduate and graduate UF students preparing for an approved experiential learning experience.
What is Experiential Learning?
Experiential learning engages students beyond the classroom and provides practical insight into world readiness while building knowledge and skills and establishing professional connections. Experiential learning allows students to apply knowledge in real-world environments and develop transferable skills valued by employers and graduate programs.
UF Thrive supports a wide range of experiences, including:
- Internship, Co-Op & Work-Based Learning
- Professional Exploration & Development
- Leadership & Involvement
- Community Based Learning
- Creative & Entrepreneurial Works
- Research
- Global & Sociocultural Learning
Find more information about experiential learning through the Gain Experience tab on the CareerHub.
Why Experiential Learning Matters
Experiential learning is a proven pathway to student success, but cost can be a significant barrier. UF Thrive helps ensure that financial limitations do not prevent students from pursuing transformative opportunities.
Benefits of UF Thrive include:
- Financial support to offset experience related costs
- Increased exposure to high impact learning opportunities
- Skill development aligned with career readiness competencies
- Greater confidence, professional clarity, and academic engagement
- An opportunity to make meaning and reflect on goals before and after the experience
What expenses can be covered?
UF Thrive can support costs directly connected to a student’s experiential learning opportunity, such as:
- Travel and transportation
- Housing or living expenses
- Conference fees and program or participation fees
- Required materials, supplies, or equipment
- Other approved costs connected to the experience
Who should apply?
Students are encouraged to apply if they:
- Are currently enrolled as a UF undergraduate or graduate student
- Have a 2.5 UF GPA and are in good conduct and academic standing
- Are planning an upcoming experiential learning experience
- Have secured (or are in the process of securing) an eligible opportunity based on our seven UF experiential learning categories on the Career Hub: Learn about the categories here!
- Would benefit from financial support to participate fully
How to apply
Applying to UF Thrive is designed to be straightforward and student-centered.
Step 1: Log In
Use your GatorLink and password to log in to Scholarship Universe at: ufl.scholarshipuniverse.com
Step 2: Start Matching
For the Thrive Scholarship you will be asked to answer the questions below. Answering these questions will match you with the Thrive Scholarship application:
- Will you be participating in an experiential learning activity? If so, please select a term.
- Please select the type of experiential learning activity you are planning. (Please select one option)
Step 3: Submit One Application
Your matching results may include multiple scholarships that we offer, but don’t worry, you only need to submit one application to be considered for all of them, including the Thrive Scholarship.
Students may apply once they are planning or preparing for an experience.
Apply Early!
Funding is limited!
UF Thrive applications are accepted on a rolling, semester-by-semester basis. Because scholarship funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis, students are encouraged to submit their application as early as possible. Apply through Scholarship Universe here!
How are UF Thrive Funds Disbursed?
If selected for a UF Thrive Experiential Learning Scholarship, funds are distributed through the University of Florida’s standard financial process. Students must be enrolled at UF and participating in their approved experiential learning experience for funds to be released.
Disbursement timing may vary based on enrollment status, term of participation, and university processing timelines. Students are encouraged to plan accordingly and should not rely on scholarship funds for upfront costs.
If you have any questions, please email the Experiential Learning Team at uf-uri@ufsa.ufl.edu.