The Plus One Scholarship program offers individualized educational enrichment by granting University of Miami undergraduates a tuition-free year or semester beyond the normal number of years required to complete an undergraduate degree. The program’s single purpose is to give you the opportunity to broaden and expand your learning and study subjects your current degree requirements and other academic commitments may preclude.

Plus One Scholars earn an enriched degree with additional credit requirements (15 for one semester and 30 for two semesters). Upon completion of the Plus One you will have a BS or BA with enrichment. All coursework taken toward the Plus One can only be used to satisfy the Plus One degree requirements.

• Who can apply?

  The Plus One Scholarship gives you time to deepen and expand your education, to study something new, to pursue learning for its own sake. If, for instance, your current degree program, major, or pre-professional track constrains your ability to explore a subject in a different realm, you should consider Plus One. Another reason to apply is if you discover a new academic interest too late in your college careers to engage it. This degree program will enable you to do this.

  • Undergraduate students must have completed 30 credits at UM in order to apply for the Plus One.
  • Students must have at least one full semester of degree requirements (12-15 credits) remaining at UM after the October 1st deadline
    • (Ex: Students applying in time for October 1, 2021 deadline, must not graduate earlier than May 2022 without the extra time of Plus One)
  • Students can only apply for the Plus One program once

• What does the Plus One Scholarship cover?

  The Plus One Scholarship only covers standard full-time tuition for the length of the approved proposal (semester or year). Plus One Scholars are responsible for all other costs including housing.

• Study Abroad

  Students can incorporate study abroad into their Plus One proposal. However, students must study abroad through a UM program.  Students thinking about applying for Plus One should meet with Study Abroad as soon as possible and share with the study abroad advisor their interest in the Plus One Scholarship.

• GPA and Commencement

  All Plus One courses will be factored into the student’s GPA and will count in all GPA-based honors awards. Plus One Scholars will earn their credential upon successfully completing all degree requirements associated with the Plus One degree.

  Plus One Scholars are able to walk with their original graduating class, or upon completion of their degree.  If a Plus One Scholar wishes to attend Commencement with their original graduating class, they should visit the Office of Commencement website and look for the heading "Walking at Commencement Before Graduation Date" for special instructions on how to apply.

• Application & Process

  The Plus One Scholarship is a unique opportunity and requires students to thoughtfully plan out their proposal. This involves meeting with faculty, contacting department chairs, and if incorporating study abroad, meeting with study abroad. 

  This process will take time. Starting the application process shortly before the deadline is not advised.  Applications are available around May 1st every year, and due October 1st.  The Plus One Committee reviews applications in October, and applicants are notified by November 1st. There is currently only 1 application cycle per year.

  Successful applications will propose a set of Plus One courses that represent a clear educational vision, a case for enrichment, and specific goals for learning. You should confer with appropriate faculty when developing your proposal.

  Students typically will present a plan for all remaining semesters that integrates their Plus One degree courses with their current degree requirements. A proposal may include a Study Abroad component, but Study Abroad must be completed before the final semester. Plus One courses must be taken during the Fall or Spring semesters, not in the summer or during intersession.

  Download the Application 

  Download the Student Guide

• Information Sessions & Consultation Meetings

  Attending an information session is optional, but strongly encouraged. A brief overview of the application process will be provided, followed by time for Q&A.  

  View Upcoming Information Sessions

  After attending an information session and beginning their conversations with their Plus One facutly advisor, students are able to schedule a consultation meeting. These consultation meetings do not serve as Plus One advisor meetings nor do they guarantee increased chances of selection by the committee.  They are merely to provide an initial level of feedback or guidance. 

  Schedule a Consultation

• Faculty & Staff Guide

  The purpose of the Faculty & Staff Guide for the Plus One Scholarship is to provide more details to staff referring students to the Plus One Scholarship opportunity and to faculty who intend to serve as the student's Plus One Faculty Advisor.  You'll be redirected to log in via single-sign on.

  Click here to view

• Plus One Scholar Plan Modification Request

  If a course that was part of your approved Plus One Plan of Study is no longer offered in a given semester, was cancelled, or conflicts with other classes you have to take during a given semester, you need to request approval to modify your Plus One Plan of Study for Plus One specified courses only.  

  Submit this form to make your request, and you will receive a response within 2-3 business days.

  Plus One Modification Request Form

• Commencement Ceremonies

  Plus One Scholars are able to walk with their original graduating class, or upon completion of their degree.  If a Plus One Scholar wishes to attend Commencement with their original graduating class, they should visit the Office of Commencement website and look for the heading "Walking at Commencement Before Graduation Date" for special instructions on how to apply.