Scholarship FAQs

Application and Deadline Questions/Answers

Q: How are awards determined?
A: Awards are based on a number of factors including family income and the cost of in-state/in-country, public school tuition. These costs are evaluated on an ongoing basis.

Q: Are scholarships available in my country?
A: The Foundation offers scholarships in every country that Abbott operates; however the program is administered differently depending on the country. Click here to learn more about how the Program is administered in your country.

Q: Who is eligible to apply for a Clara Abbott scholarship?
A: Click here for complete eligibility information.

Q: Does The Foundation provide scholarships to employees seeking higher education?
A: No, scholarships are not available to Abbott employees. Scholarships are available to dependents of eligible employees and retirees worldwide.  Visit the eligibility section for more information.

Q: What is the scholarship application deadline for my country?
A: Each country has one application deadline per year. Click here for information about your country.

Q: What happens if I miss the application deadline?
A: Late applications are considered incomplete and will not be accepted. If you miss the deadline, you must wait until the following application year to reapply.

Q: Whose income statement should be submitted with the application?
A: Annual income statements for the Abbott employee and the spouse related to the student (parent and step-parent) from the most recent year completed must be submitted along with the application.

Awards and School Grade Reports

Q: Why is my award different than what I received last year?
A: Award amounts can and do fluctuate, and scholarships are never guaranteed. Awards are based on a number of factors including family income and the cost of public, in-state tuition. These costs were evaluated in 2019 and will continue to be reevaluated on an ongoing basis.

Q: In the US/PR, how are payments sent?
A: In the US and Puerto Rico checks are made payable to the school and sent in two installments (fall semester and spring semester).

Q: Outside the US/PR, how are payments sent?
A: In most countries, funds are provided via wire transfer in one lump sum shortly after you receive your award letter.

Q: Is a Clara Abbott scholarship considered taxable income to the Abbott employee?
A: Possibly. Taxable income requirements vary by country. Please seek the advice of a local tax professional to determine if you must report the Clara Abbott scholarship as income.

Q: When do I have to submit my school grade report?
A:  The student’s School Grade Report is not due until the following year after receiving the scholarship from the Foundation. School grade reports are required for 2 terms from all those who receive an award. An email will be sent to you to remind you that this requirement is due.

Q: What if I don’t have a full year of grades when the school grade report is due?
A:  You can submit your student’s first semester grades and proof of enrollment in the second semester. You are still required to submit the second semester grades when available (must be within 12 months of receiving the award).

THE CLARA ABBOTT FOUNDATION IS AN INDEPENDENT NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANIZATION. ELIGIBILITY FOR ASSISTANCE FROM THE CLARA ABBOTT FOUNDATION IS DETERMINED PURSUANT TO THE CLARA ABBOTT FOUNDATION’S POLICIES AND IS INDEPENDENT FROM ELIGIBILITY FOR EMPLOYEE BENEFITS PROVIDED BY ABBOTT LABORATORIES. STANDARDS FOR ELIGIBILITY AND AVAILABLE ASSISTANCE ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT THE CLARA ABBOTT FOUNDATION’S SOLE DISCRETION AND WITHOUT ADVANCE NOTICE.

We’re ready to help

For Abbott employees, retirees, and their families, The Clara Abbott Foundation is here to provide compassionate, confidential support in times of need.

In order to provide financial assistance or scholarships, we need to fully understand your situation. Therefore, personal information and various documentation will be requested and required throughout the process. In some cases, we will verify information with HR or Abbott.

Financial Assistance College Scholarships

Have you been impacted by a disaster?

Please contact us at +1-847-937-1090 or 1-800-972-3859 or email us at AskClara@abbott.com.

Before applying, we ask that you consider three things:
  1. Review the eligibility requirements:
  2. Be prepared to be open, honest, and forthcoming about your specific needs and situation throughout the process.
  3. Any misrepresentation of a situation, including fraud, deceit, or concealment with regard to information on an application or obtained during the consultation process will have consequences as defined by the Abbott Business Code of Conduct.