Georgia HOPE Scholarship

Required Application

Students have two options when applying for the HOPE Scholarship:

• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or,
• Complete the online Georgia Student Finance Application (GSFAPP).

Note: The FAFSA must be completed each year.

Application Deadline

The application deadline is the last day of the school term or a student's withdrawal date, whichever occurs first.

Recommendation: Submit the annual FAFSA or the GSFAPP as early as possible; the earlier you apply, the earlier your college can determine your eligibility and awards.

Note: Additional college-specific application and deadline requirements may be required. Check with your postsecondary institution.

Basic Eligibility for the HOPE Scholarship

The HOPE Scholarship program requires students to meet basic eligibility requirements to be awarded initially after high school graduation and maintained while enrolled in an eligible college or university (postsecondary institution).  An eligible student must:

1. Meet U.S. citizenship or eligible non-citizen requirements;
2. Meet the postsecondary institutions Georgia Residency requirements;
3. Be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at a USG, TCSG or eligible private HOPE eligible college or university in Georgia;
4. Be in compliance with Selective Service registration requirements;
5. Meet the Eligible Postsecondary Institution’s Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy;
6. Be in good standing on all student loans or other financial aid programs;
7. Be in compliance with the Georgia Drug-Free Postsecondary Education Act of 1990;
8. Not have exceeded the maximum award limits for any HOPE program

Note: Students must not be in default on any federal or state of Georgia student loan, grant, or scholarship. If a student goes into default on a federal or State of Georgia student loan, the loan must be repaid in full, or the default status resolved before eligibility can be determined for HOPE Scholarship. Students must not owe a refund on a state of Georgia scholarship or grant program. The refund amount must be paid in full before eligibility can be determined for HOPE Scholarship.