Reminder to High School Seniors & Parents:
ALL Florida Students, who qualify for a Bright Futures Scholarship, should apply ….. even those NOT planning to attend a Florida college
The Bright Futures Scholarship Program rewards Florida high school graduates for academic achievement. The program is based on merit, NOT financial need.
All Florida seniors who meet the requirements should complete the Florida Financial Aid Application no later than August 31 to qualify for this merit (non-need-based) scholarship. If you do not register by the deadline, you will not be considered for any Bright Futures awards, even if you qualify. Students have about five (5) years from the date of graduation to use their Bright Futures scholarship.
Several aspects of the Bright Futures Program are time-sensitive:
- Students must apply before the August 31st deadline
- Students must meet the service hours requirement by graduation day
- Students must send entrance exam scores (SAT or ACT — superscore is used) to at least one state of Florida public university by June 30.
The steps are straightforward:
- Students create a PROFILE on the Florida Student Financial Aid Website (OSFA) and complete the accompanying Financial Aid Application (FFAA).
- OSFA provides a toll-free number 888-827-2204 for students and parents to call with questions pertaining to Bright Futures and the application process.
Who Should Apply?
All qualified students should apply, EVEN those NOT planning to attend a Florida college. Eligible students who enroll out-of-state may transfer to a Florida college. Under some conditions, students matriculating out-of-state have been able to use their Bright Futures Scholarship to take summer courses at Florida universities.
Eligible students, who have applied by the deadline, have up to two years after graduating from high school to begin using the scholarship. A Florida Academic Scholar (FAS) or Florida Medallion Scholar (FMS) may receive funding for up to five years from high school graduation. The Bright Futures Scholarship aid is available for almost all undergraduate schools in Florida.
Minimum Eligibility Requirements
Click here for this year’s information. Keep in mind that the Florida Legislature votes on the program annually, so specific details are subject to change.
Other Ways to Qualify
There may be other ways to qualify, such as:
- Completing a minimum of 10 credits identified by the International Baccalaureate (IB) program
- Completing a minimum of 12 Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) credits identified by the University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE)
- Earning recognition as a National Merit/National Achievement Finalist or Scholar, or National Hispanic Scholar.
Check the Florida Student Financial Aid website or call 888-827-2004 for more details.
After Submitting the Application
Be sure to watch for an official email acknowledgment that provides instructions for obtaining a USER ID and PIN to access the submitted application, update information on the application, check the status of the application, and view notifications online.