The University of Missouri’s premier scholarship, the Stamps Scholarship, is open to students who are enrolled in any accredited U.S. or international high school.

Stamps Scholars receive a four-year, full cost of attendance scholarship, plus an additional $16,000 enrichment fund to be used during the student’s four years to enhance their studies and academic pursuits. Stamps Scholars must be enrolled in the Honors College for all four years, working toward the completion of the Honors Certificate.

Stamps Scholars will also have unique opportunities, including a dedicated mentor, contact with campus leadership, alumni networking, funding for study abroad and connection to other students in a larger Stamps Scholarship network.

Eligibility

• Have at least a 32 ACT (or 1420 SAT)
• Hold at least a 3.5 core GPA
• Apply and been accepted to Mizzou and Honors College in advance of the Dec. 1 scholarship deadline

Due to the requirements of an in-person interview and the time constraints of the visa application process, we are not currently considering international applicants for the Stamps Scholarship. Individuals lawfully in the United States as permanent resident aliens, asylum seekers, refugees or on a non-immigration visa are welcome to apply.

How to Apply

Step 1: Apply to Mizzou

Step 2: Apply to the Honors College

Step 3: Submit the Premier Scholars application (which includes the Stamps Scholarship, Brazeal Scholarship, Boomba Tiger Scholarship and Discovery Fellows) via your Application Status Page. This application includes:

• An additional essay of 500-750 words in response to the following prompt:
• Two letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak directly to your academic abilities, achievements, and character. They should be teachers, school counselors, coaches, supervisors; one letter must be written by a teacher or counselor.
  • Your writers/references will be sent a link to submit their letters of recommendation. Recommendation letters must be submitted by the Dec. 1 deadline.

Honors College application guidelines regarding your essay: In evaluating your application, we want to get a picture of your own independent thinking and creativity. Responses to application essay questions should reflect your own ideas and experiences, be independently written by you and reflect your personal writing style. You may receive advice on content and editing, including the use of generative artificial intelligence software to assist with readability only (e.g. making grammar or clarity suggestions for revising the work that you have already generated). Content, substance and final written text must be your own. You are ultimately responsible for the accuracy and readability of your work. 

Deadlines and Notifications

Sept. 15 – Honors College application opens

• In order to ensure you have access to the Premier Scholars application in time to meet the Dec. 1 deadline, you are strongly encouraged to have applied to Mizzou and the Honors College by Nov. 1. Please be advised the University of Missouri is closed on Thanksgiving and the Friday after Thanksgiving.

Dec. 1 – Premier Scholars application deadline

Mid-December – 100 quarter-finalists invited to submit video interview

Mid-January – 20 semi-finalists invited to Stamps Interview Weekend

Feb. 5-7, 2026 – Stamps Interview Weekend on Mizzou campus

All semi-finalists are required to attend. The weekend will include an in-person interview, meeting of current Stamps Scholars, lunch with key faculty and administrators, a tour of campus, sessions with campus resources, a session for parents, and several other campus activities. Semi-finalists are responsible for their own travel costs and arrangements. Mizzou will pay for all food and event-related expenses.

March 1 – Finalist nomination

Current and past Stamps Scholars