National Scholarships and Fellowships

National Fellowships and Scholarships

UNK encourages all students to consider furthering their educational development by pursuing fellowships or scholarships offered by national and international organizations. Each program has a specific purpose, audience, and application process.  Students are encouraged to review the information below.  Please note that application dates vary. Those listed below are approximate.

Staff in the Honors Program Office are available to support applicants with discussion about opportunities, strategizing on application materials, and preparation for interviews.  However, the initiative must come from the applicants. 

Each program has a campus representative who must endorse the application.  If the applicant cannot determine who that is, they should contact the Honors Office and we will assist in determining that information.

Carnegie Junior Fellows Program
The Carnegie Endowment offers 1-year fellowships to graduating seniors to work as research assistants to the Endowment’s senior associates following graduation.  Positions are paid, full-time positions.  Junior Fellows are currently paid $2,583 per month and receive a full benefits package.

Students should begin the application process during the fall semester of their senior year.  Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States.  Candidates should have a strong background in international affairs, political science, economics, history, or Russian studies.

Application Deadline: January 15 (Application must be received by Carnegie Foundation)

Campus Representative:  Dr. Angela Hollman, Director, Honors Program

https://carnegieendowment.org/about/?fa=jrFellows

 

Churchill Scholarship
The Winston Churchill Foundation awards at least fourteen Churchill Scholarships annually to student nominated by participating institutions to study at the University of Cambridge.  The Scholarship is tenable from nine to twelve months, in accordance with the academic program.  It covers all University and College fees (currently about $25,000).  In addition, Churchill Scholars receive a living allowance of 11,000 pounds if enrolled in a nine-month program, 12,000 pounds if enrolled in a ten-or eleven-month program, and 13,000 pounds if enrolled in a full-year program.  They receive an allowance of up to $1,000 for travel to and from the United Kingdom, as well as reimbursement of applications fees for a UK visa (currently up to $433).  In addition, the Foundation now offers a Travel Award of $500 to enable Churchill Scholars to take better advantage of opportunities to travel in the UK, on the Continent, and wherever else good airfares lead them.  The Foundation also offers the possibility of a Special Research Grant of up to $2,000; this grant may cover travel for presentations at international conferences, short stays at another university or institute for special research, and other activities.

Applicants in the sciences and engineering will demonstrate extensive laboratory experience, internships, or other elated work, while applicants in mathematics will show substantial independent work or other research projects.

Application Deadline: November 10

Campus Representative: Dr. Angela Hollman, Director, Honors Program 

http://www.winstonchurchillfoundation.org/scholarship.html

 

Fulbright Program
The U.S. Student Program is designed to give recent B.S./B.A. graduates, masters and doctoral candidates, and young professionals and artists opportunities for personal development and international experience.  Several countries also offer English Teaching Assistantship positions.  Most grantees plan their own programs.  Projects may include university coursework, independent library or field research, classes in a music conservatory or art school, special projects in the social or life sciences, or a combination.  Recent projects have involved cancer research in the U.K., free market development in Mauritius, women’s rights in Chile and contemporary artistic expression in India.  Along with opportunities for intellectual, professional, and artistic growth, the Fulbright Program offers invaluable opportunities to meet and work with people of the host country, sharing daily life as well as professional and creative insights.  The program promotes cross-cultural interaction and mutual understanding on a person-to-person basis in an atmosphere of openness, academic integrity, and intellectual freedom.  The best way to appreciate others’ viewpoints, their beliefs, the way they think, and the way they do things, is to interact with them directly on an individual basis, work with them, live with them, teach with them, learn with them, and learn from them.

Application Deadline: May 1-September 8

Campus Representative: Ann Marie Park, Coordinator, Study Abroad/Exchange

http://fulbrightonline.org/

 

Gates-Cambridge
The Gates-Cambridge Scholarship offers a substantial number of scholarships for graduate study or for study for a second bachelor’s degree at the University of Cambridge.  Established by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the intention of the scholarship is to create a network of future leaders from around the world who will bring new vision and commitment to improving the life circumstances of citizens in their respective countries.  Applicants from every country of the world except the United Kingdom are eligible to apply.

Applicants can be from any academic discipline, and plan to pursue a post-graduate degree program.  Four criteria and key:

  • Academic Excellence, and ability to make a significant contribution to their discipline;
  • Leadership Potential
  • A commitment to improving the lives of others; and
  • A Good Fit with Cambridge—applicants should be able to persuade the Trust that their qualifications and aspirations accord with what Cambridge has to offer.

Application Deadline: October 15 for U.S. citizens; December 2 for non-citizens; Applications made as undergraduate senior

Campus Representative: Dr. Angela Hollman, Director, Honors Program 

http://www.gatescambridge.org/

 

German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)—Graduate Study Scholarship
The German Academic Exchange Service provides study scholarships and research grants to students to pursue undergraduate research and graduate study in Germany.  Award usually includes tuition waivers, travel costs, health insurance, and monthly stipend.  Previous German language experience is helpful but not required.

Applicants who have received an undergraduate degree in any discipline may apply for a year of independent study or a full master’s degree program at a German university.

Key Applicant characteristics sought by the Review Committee include:

  • Well-defined study or research plans in any discipline for study in Germany;
  • Demonstration of an interest in contemporary German and European affairs; and
  • Ability to explain the significance of their project in Germany to their future studies, research, or professional goals.

Application Deadline: October 31

Campus Representative: Dr. Angela Hollman, Director, Honors Program 

http://www.daad.org/graduates

 

Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program
The Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program was established by Congress in 1986 to honor Senator Barry M. Goldwater, who served his country for 56 years as a soldier and statesman, including 30 years of service in the U.S. Senate.  The purpose of the Foundation is to provide a continuing source of highly qualified scientists, mathematicians and engineers by awarding scholarships to college students who intend to pursue careers in these fields.  Each scholarship covers eligible expenses for tuition, fees, books, and room and board, up to a maximum of $7500 annually.

Application Deadline: Jan. 23; Recommendation: Jan. 27; Nomination: Jan. 30

Campus Representative: Dr. Angela, Director, Honors Program

http://act.org/goldwater

 

Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP)
The National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) helps ensure the vitality of the human resource base of Science and Engineering in the United States and reinforces its diversity.  The program recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students in NSF-supported science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines who are pursuing research-based masters and doctoral degrees at accredited U.S. institutions.  The NSF welcomes applicants from all qualified students and strongly encourages under-represented populations, including women, under-represented racial and ethnic minorities, and persons with disabilities, to apply for this fellowship.

Application Deadline: Different dates for different majors; Oct. 26, 27, 29, and 30

Campus Representative: Dr. Angela Hollman, Director, Honors Program 

http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=6201

 

James Madison Fellowship Program
Junior Fellowships are awarded to students who are about to complete, or have recently completed, their undergraduate course of study and plan to begin graduate work on a full-time basis.  Junior Fellows have two years to complete their degrees.  The Fellowships are intended exclusively for graduate study leading to a master’s degree.  James Madison Fellows can attend any accredited institution of higher education in the United States.  Each individual entering the James Madison Fellowship Program will be expected to pursue and complete a master’s degree in one of the following (listed in order of preference): Master of Arts degree (MA) in American History or in Political Science (also referred to as “government and politics” or “government”); Master of Arts in Teaching degree (MAT) concentrating on either American Constitutional History (in a History department) or American Government, political institutions and political theory (in a Political Science department); Master of Education degree (MEd) or the Master of Arts or Master of Science in Education, with a concentration in American History or American Government, political institutions, and political theory.  The maximum amount of each award is $24,000, prorated over the period of study.

Application Deadline: March 4

Campus Representative: Dr. Diane Duffin, Professor of Political Science and Dept. Chair

http://jamesmadison.com

 

Knowles Science Teaching Foundation
The 2010 Teaching Fellowships support exceptional individuals who are committed to becoming outstanding mathematicians and science teachers in U.S. high schools.  Applicants should have at least a bachelor’s degree in biology, a physical science, mathematics or a related field, and have received their most recent content degree within the past five years.  Individuals who are currently enrolled in a secondary math or science teaching credential program are eligible if they are within five years of their most recent content degree and will not have completed their credential before December 2009.

Fellowships will be awarded in each of three disciplinary strands: biology, physical science, and mathematics.

Benefits include:

  • Financial and professional support for up to five years, including tuition assistance for up to two years and a monthly stipend while fellows are enrolled in a recognized teacher credential program.
  • Room, board, travel expenses and fees for summer professional development activities as well as a monthly stipend in the summer.
  • Opportunities to apply for instructional materials, academic year professional development, school-site mentor support, support for National Board Certification and financial support for leadership activities.
  • Membership in a professional organization.
  • Room, board and travel expenses for three meetings per year with other KSTF Fellows.

Application Deadline: Oct. 29; Phone Interviews: January; Interviews: March 13; Orientation for New Fellows: May 15

Campus Representative: Dr. Angela Hollman, Director, Honors Program 

https://knowlesteachers.org/

 

Marshall Scholarship
The Marshall Scholarships finance graduating seniors of high ability to study for a graduate degree in any subject in the United Kingdom.  Each scholarship is held for one or two years and includes tuition and living expenses.  Scholarships are awarded to students interested in attending one of a large number of universities in England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland. The scholarship covers university fees, cost-of-living expenses, and annual book grant, a thesis grant, research and daily travel grants, and fares to and from the United States.  Approximately 40 American students are awarded a Marshall Scholarship annually.

Students begin the application process during their junior year.  Nominations are submitted during the fall semester of the student’s senior year.  Students must be U.S. citizens to apply and must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.7.  Additionally, “Preference will be given to candidates who display a potential to make a significant contribution to their own society.  Selectors will also look for strong motivation and seriousness of purpose, including the presentation of a specific and realistic academic program.”

Application Deadline: October 1

Campus Representative: Mary Sommers, Director of the Office of

Financial Aid

http://www.marshallscholarship.org

 

George J. Mitchell Scholarships
The U.S./Ireland Alliance has established the George J. Mitchell Scholarships to educate future American leaders about the island of Ireland and to provide tomorrow’s leaders with an understanding about, an interest in,, and an affinity with, the island from which 44 million Americans claim descent.  Twelve Scholarships were awarded in both the 2000-2001 and 2001-2002 academic years.  Scholars are eligible to attend institutions of higher learning in Ireland, including the seven universities in the Republic of Ireland and the two universities in Northern Ireland, for one academic year of graduate study.

Application Deadline: Application opens April 4, ends Oct. 10; Skype Interviews: Oct. 27; Finalist Weekend, Nov. 21/22; Selection Nov. 23

Campus Representative: Dr. Angela Hollman, Director, Honors Program

https://www.us-irelandalliance.org/scholarships

 

The Rhodes Scholarships
32 Rhodes Scholarships are awarded each year to U.S. college students.  Elliot Gerson, American Secretary of the Rhodes Trust, called it “the oldest and best known award for international study, and arguably the most famous academic award available to American college graduates.”  Basic criteria set down by Cecil Rhodes are:

  1. Literary and scholastic attainments;
  2. Energy to use one’s talents to the full, as exemplified by fondness for and success in sports;
  3. Truth, courage, devotion to duty, sympathy for and protection of the weak, kindliness, unselfishness and fellowship;
  4. Moral force of character and instincts to lead, and to take an interest in one’s fellow beings.

Applicants are advised to check their own college or university endorsement process for special deadlines. Institutional deadlines will always precede official Rhodes Scholarship deadlines.  Rhodes Scholarship applications must be submitted online and must be received no later than 11:59 PM Eastern Daylight Time on the first Wednesday of October each year.  Applicants are encouraged to being the online process early and to register endorsers and referees as early as possible to permit the timely preparation and submission of institutional letters.  Institutional endorsements and referee letters must also be received online and are also expected to be submitted by 11: 59  EDT on the first Wednesday in October.  District receptions and interviews will be held on Friday and Saturday preceding the Thanksgiving holiday.  Notifications regarding interview status will be made no later than Nov. 1.  Election announcements are made following the conclusion of the Saturday interviews.

District 13: CO, NE, NM, ND, SD, UT, WY

Application Deadline: First Wednesday of October

Campus Representative: Dr. Angela Hollman, Director, Honors Program

http://www.rhodesscholar.org

 

Truman Scholarship
The Truman Scholarship is a $30,000 merit-based grant awarded to undergraduate students who wish financial support to attend graduate or professional school in preparation for careers in government, the non-profit sector or elsewhere in public service at a leadership level.  The Foundation seeks candidates who have extensive records of public and community service, are committed to careers in government or elsewhere in public service, and have outstanding leadership potential and communication skills.  Financial need is not a consideration.

Application Deadline: Feb. 3; Finalist Confirmation: Feb. 25; Finalists: Feb. 27; Scholar Posting: April 15

Campus Representatives:  Dr. Angela Hollman, Director, Honors Program 

http://www.truman.gov

 

The Morris K. and Stewart L. Udall Foundation
The Foundation will award approximately 75 scholarships to outstanding students to be known as Morris K. and Stewart L. Udall Scholars.  The awards will be made on the basis of merit to two groups of students:

  1. Those who are college sophomores or juniors in the current academic year, have outstanding potential, and who study the environment and related fields.
  2. Native American and Alaskan Native students who are college sophomores or juniors in the current academic year, have outstanding potential, and are in fields related to health care or tribal policy.

Two-year and four-year institutions are eligible to nominate a total of six students from either or both categories, although it is recommended that the total be equally divided between them.  To be considered, a student must be nominated by his or her college or university using the official nomination materials provided to each institution.  Each scholar receives up to $5000, or the cost of tuition, fees, books, and room and board, whichever is less.  Scholarship recipients are eligible for one year of scholarship support per application year.  Scholars selected during their sophomore year may be re-nominated during the next year’s competition.  Junior nominees may not be re-nominated.  Freshmen are not eligible.

Application Deadline: March 4; E-Mail: April 6; Finalists: May 1

Campus Representative: Dr. Angela Hollman, Director, Honors Program

http://udall.gov