Scholarships
University of Kentucky Scholarships
Thanks to generous donors, the University of Kentucky has multiple scholarships for UK students in the Distillation, Wine and Brewing Studies program available. Apply through the new dedicated DWBS scholarship portal.
When you apply for a distilling scholarship administered by UK, you will be considered for any of the scholarships listed below (with more being added), based on the scholarship criteria and eligibility requirements. That means only one application will be needed to be eligible for a number of scholarships. The scholarships are open to all students in the Distillation, Wine and Brewing Studies program, not just those in the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment or those studying at UK full-time.
The application window is currently closed. The 2026-27 academic year scholarship applications will open mid-January 2026 to March 1, 2026.
The Harry Thompson Scholarship Fund was created specifically to aid UK students pursuing studies and careers in the spirits industry.
The scholarship is open to students attending UK from Jefferson County or who are pursuing education in distillation and have exhausted their efforts for financial assistance. Read about previous recipients, Alexa Narel and Tyler Thompson.
The scholarship, endowed by Suntory Global Spirits, supports students who:
- are enrolled in the Distillation, Wine and Brewing Studies program
- are 21 or older
- have demonstrated unmet financial need
- preferably are residents of Kentucky
The scholarship, endowed by John and Elizabeth Koko (co-founders of Horse Soldier Bourbon), is intended for students in UK's Distillation, Wine and Brewing Studies Certificate with U.S. military ties (veteran, active duty, or child of the veteran or active duty member of the military). Learn more about John Koko and Horse Soldier Bourbon.
This scholarship supports preferably students enrolled in the Distillation, Wine and Brewing Studies program at UK who are:
- nontraditional students
- have unmet financial need
- and completed at least half of the program's requirements, i.e. at least two courses
The scholarship is intended to support an undergraduate student who is enrolled in the Distillation, Wine and Brewing Studies program at UK, preferably from Nelson County.
Brewers of Central KY award this scholarship to a student who:
- is enrolled in Distillation, Wine and Brewing Studies program
- is originally from Central Kentucky
- has an interest in brewing (enrolled in or completed AEN 341: Brewing Science and Technology)
External Scholarships
Bourbon on the Banks Scholarship
Each year, the Bourbon on the Banks Board sets aside a fund for scholarships. The board urges all qualified applicants to complete this application to be considered for scholarships to attend Kentucky State University Fermentation & Distillation program classes and courses or for those who live or work in Franklin County to attend other universities' college-level distillation, spirits, bourbon tourism, hospitality and event management degree or certificate programs.
Recipients will receive up to $5,000 to offset the cost of attending college-level distillation, spirits, bourbon tourism, hospitality and event management degree or certificate programs.
The application deadline is April 1 each year. See Bourbon on the Banks for more information.
Martin-Gatton CAFE Scholarships & Financial Aid
Learn more about scholarships and financial aid from the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment.
Explore Scholarships & Financial Aid