Merit Based Awards

FEBRUARY 22, 2026 UPDATE:
We apologize for the delay! Applications will be set to open Monday, March 2nd and will now close Friday, April 3rd!

The Merit Based Awards (MBA) recognize graduate students who excel in Diversity, Mentorship, Research, Service and Outreach, Teaching, and Leadership (Empowerment). Descriptions for each category are available here: https://manoa.hawaii.edu/gso/merit-based-awards/award-categories/

Descriptions for each award are available in the application. You may only apply in one category. If you are a previous recipient of an MBA, you may not apply again, even for a different category. If you have previously applied but not received an MBA, you are welcome to apply again.

Past MBA Reports available:

2024-2025
2022-2023
2021-2022
2020-2021
2019-2020