FARMINGTON — In keeping with its continuing efforts to help students have affordable access to a quality college education, the University of Maine at Farmington has announced a new merit scholarship created exclusively for transfer students.

The competitive UMF Transfer Academic Scholarship will be awarded to select individuals with an outstanding college record who are admitted to UMF as full-time, matriculated transfer students, beginning in fall 2012. According to Roberto Noya, UMF vice president for enrollment management and marketing, the scholarship is valued at $1,000 per year, in the amount of $500 per semester, and is renewable for up to a total of four years or until the completion of graduation requirements, whichever comes first.

“UMF wants to help students succeed in college, at a time when the cost of college makes it difficult for some students to complete a four-year degree,” said Noya. “Merit scholarships, including this new scholarship for transfer students, give UMF the opportunity to recognize students for their hard work and commitment while also helping limit the amount students need to borrow for their education.”

To qualify for UMF’s new merit scholarship for transfer students, applicants are expected to achieve a college G.P.A. of at least 3.50 in all college work before enrollment in a UMF degree program and to submit an enrollment deposit by the admission reply deadline.

In addition to the new merit scholarship for transfer students, UMF has also created the Stevens Scholarship this year — a merit scholarship awarded exclusively to Maine first-year applicants.

No special application is necessary to be considered for any UMF merit scholarship. Recipients will be notified of their merit award upon admission. However, UMF recommends that prospective students complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to determine their eligibility for need-based financial assistance. It is available online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

For more information, visit www.farmington.edu/admissions/finaid-merit.php.