The application for the 2026 class of McDermott Scholars is now Open. The Eugene McDermott Scholars Program (EMSP) is a four-year, full-ride undergraduate merit scholarship program for domestic and international students in all majors. Scholars join a community of peers dedicated to academics, service, and leadership, working hard to improve themselves and UT Dallas.
Eligibility
Table of Interests
- First-time-in-college first-year student admitted for the fall term immediately following high school graduation (no gap years, no transfers).
- Applied to UT Dallas (with supplementary documentation) and the McDermott Scholars Program by the deadlines.
- In the top academic tenth of the UT Dallas entering class of 2026 and offered an Academic Excellence Scholarship (AES) award.
Deadlines
- Applied to UT Dallas (with supplementary documentation) well before Priority Application Deadline, Dec. 1, 2026.
- McDermott Scholars Program Application and McDermott Recommendation Forms due before Dec. 1, 2026 at 3:59:59 p.m. CT. Late or incomplete applications are not considered.
Apply
Visit our apply page!
Timeline
- October 2026: McDermott Application opens.
- Dec. 1, 2026: UT Dallas Application deadline.*
- Dec. 1, 2026: McDermott Application & Collegium V Application deadline.
* The week before Dec. 1 is Thanksgiving Break for UT Dallas and many other institutions. During the break, support is unlikely to be available from the university, the McDermott Scholars Program, and your recommenders. Plan accordingly.
Is there Seperate Application
Yes, the McDermott Application will be accessible on the Apply page of the website.’
Do I Apply to UT Dallas before applying to McDermont
Yes, you must submit a UT Dallas application to receive your UT Dallas NetID, which is required to start your McDermott Application. You will receive an email with your NetID and instructions for its first-time account setup a few days after you apply to UT Dallas.
Do I have to complete the FAFSA
Not for the McDermott Scholars Program*; the McDermott award is a merit scholarship and financial need is not a selection criterion. (*Completing the FAFSA is a good idea in general.)
Do I have to be from Dallas, Texas or US to apply?
No, the Program is open to international and domestic students.
I am a transfer Student, Can I apply to McDermont Scholars Program?
Regrettably, no. The McDermott Scholars Program is a four-year program and not currently available to transfer students.
May I take a year gap and still apply to McDermont Scholars Program?
No. A McDermott Scholar must be admitted to UT Dallas as a first-time first-year applicant for the fall semester immediately following high school graduation. Gap years and deferrals are not permitted.
How Many Dermont Scholars are selected Each Year?
Around 16-20 McDermott Scholars are selected each year.