Office of External Fellowships

The Boren Scholarship is for current undergraduate students pursuing a study abroad program outside of Western Europe, Australia or New Zealand who are studying a language and a topic critical to national security. 

Candidates must:

• Be a currently enrolled college student at any level, and plan to complete the study abroad program in question while still in college (i.e. this will not fund a gap year)
• Apply to a study abroad program with a language study component in a Boren-supported country/language, and plan to continue language study after your return
• Have academic and career goals which resonate with Boren’s emphasis on US national security and/or international affairs
• Be a US citizen

Campus deadline: December

National deadline: February

Boren Scholarship website

ENDORSEMENT REQUIRED; APPLY THROUGH OEF ONLY

Provides a paid one-year fellowship at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington, DC. 

Candidates must: 

• Be a current senior or an alumnus within one year of receiving the BA but not in graduate school
• Demonstrate superior research skills and academic strengths in a field which matches Carnegie’s ongoing research programs
• Have a competitive GPA

Campus deadline: October

National deadline: January

Carnegie website

NOMINATION REQUIRED; APPLY THROUGH OEF ONLY

Provides full-tuition plus living stipend, travel allowance, and potential additional research funding toward one year of graduate study in the physical or natural sciences, engineering, or mathematics at Churchill College, University of Cambridge.

Candidates must:

• Be a US citizen
• At the final deadline, be a current senior or recent graduate between the ages of 19 and 26
• Demonstrate character, adaptability and a demonstrated concern for the critical problems of society, in addition to high academic achievement in the relevant scientific field
• Submit a separate application to the University of Cambridge, which is due by Oct. 15

Campus deadline: September

National deadline: October

Churchill website

Provides all-expenses-paid funding for intensive overseas summer language institutes in 14 critical languages.

Candidates must: 

• Must be a US citizen to apply
• Must be 18 years of age

Deadline: November

Critical Language Scholarship website

Wide variety of summer, semester, and yearlong internships/research/study in any field in Germany. 

Deadlines: vary; many are due in January.

DAAD website

SOME REQUIRE UIC ENDORSEMENT; APPLY THROUGH OEF

The Payne Fellowship, which provides up to $96,000 in benefits over two years for graduate school, internships, and professional development activities, is a unique pathway to the USAID Foreign Service.

National deadline: November

Candidates must: 

• Be U.S. citizens.
• Be seeking admission to enter graduate school in the fall of 2020 for a two-year program at a U.S. university. They can be in the senior year of their undergraduate studies, graduating by June 2020, or they can be college graduates.
• Have a cumulative grade point average of 3.2 or higher on a 4.0 scale at the time of application.

Payne Fellows website 

The Ford Foundation Fellowship is meant to increase the number of professors who can and will use diversity as a resource for enriching the education of all students; Alaska Natives (Aleut, Eskimo and other Indigenous People of Alaska); African Americans; Mexican Americans or Chicanos(as); Native American Indians; Native Pacific Islanders (Hawaiian/Polynesian/Micronesian); and Puerto Ricans.

Ford Foundation website

CONTACT OEF IF INTERESTED

Provides full funding for US citizens for one academic year abroad for research/study in one of over 140 countries worldwide OR teaching English as a foreign language in one of over 70 countries worldwide.

Candidates must:

• Be a U.S. citizen
• Hold a bachelor’s degree before the beginning date of the grant
• Present a plan or project which can be completed in one academic year

First draft target: June

Campus deadline: September

National deadline: October

Fulbright website

NOMINATION REQUIRED; APPLY THROUGH OEF ONLY

A 3-to-6-week summer program at a world-class UK university or cultural institution; immersive academic, cultural and social experience for freshman or sophomore American students who wish to deepen their knowledge of the United Kingdom and its diverse population whilst developing their communication, research and presentation skills. 

Candidates must: 

• Be a US citizen and possess a US passport
• Have had little or no study/travel outside of the US or North America
• Have a minimum GPA of 3.7
• Be at least 18 years old by the start of the program
• Be able to participate in the program in its entirety
• Have at least two years of undergraduate study remaining after the Institute finishes

National deadline: February

Fulbright UK Summer Institute

One of the most prestigious scholarships in the world, this provides full tuition plus a generous living stipend for the graduate degree program of your choice at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom.

There is one competition for US citizens and a separate one for all other nationalities (except UK citizens); OEF will advise students for both.

Candidates must: 

• Have a demonstrated record of academic achievement, leadership activity, and service to their community
• Gain admission to the University of Cambridge and to a constituent college
• Hold a bachelor’s degree by the start of your Cambridge program
• May be citizens of any country outside the UK

Deadline for US citizens: October

Deadline for other nationalities: December

Gates Cambridge website

The Gilman awards up to $5,000 for study abroad with the possibility of an additional $3,000 to study a critical language.

Deadline: varies; typically one semester before travel

Gilman website

MUST BE PELL GRANT ELIGIBLE; MUST APPLY THROUGH THE STUDY ABROAD OFFICE

Awards up to $7,500 annually to support undergraduate study leading to research careers in mathematics, natural science, or engineering. Open to sophomores and juniors in STEM fields. 

Candidates must:

• Be a full-time matriculated sophomore or junior pursuing a degree at an accredited 2- or 4-year institution of higher education during the 2019-2020 academic year
• Intend to pursue a research career in natural science, mathematics or engineering
• Have a college grade point average of at least a 3.00 on a 4.00 scale, and
• Be a U.S. citizen from the 50 states or the District of Columbia; a U.S. national for those students nominated by institutions in Puerto Rico, Guam, Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands; or a permanent resident.
• Be nominated by OEF

Campus deadline: November

National deadline: January

Goldwater website

NOMINATION REQUIRED; APPLY THROUGH OEF ONLY

The Bridge Scholarship is a merit-based, full-tuition award for graduating seniors to take a full year of graduate courses (2 courses per quarter over 3 quarters) at the University of Chicago. Accepted students are eligible to enroll in courses across the University of Chicago’s graduate divisions and schools; this includes the Biological Sciences, Physical Sciences, Social Sciences, and Humanities Divisions, as well as the Divinity School, the Harris School of Public Policy, and the School of Social Service Administration. (It excludes Business, Law, and Medicine.)

Candidates must: 

• Have a BA or BS degree at time of matriculation
• Possess a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0

Deadline: March

HBCU and HSI Bridge Scholarship website

The Hertz Fellowship is for graduating seniors and current graduate students going on to pursue PhD studies in the biological, physical or engineering sciences. 

Candidates must:

• be students of the applied physical and biological sciences, mathematics, and engineering
• be citizens or permanent residents of the United States of America
• be willing to morally commit to make their skills available to the United States in time of national emergency. 

National deadline: October

Hertz website

The HSF Scholarship is designed to assist students of Hispanic heritage to obtain a university degree. Awards are based on merit; amounts range from $500 to $5,000, based on relative need, among the Scholars selected.

Candidates must: 

• Be of Hispanic heritage
• Have a minimum of 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent) for undergraduate and graduate students
• Plan to enroll full-time in an accredited, not-for-profit, four-year university, or graduate school, during the fall of a scholarship cycle (year)
• Be a US Citizen, Permanent Legal Resident, DACA or Eligible Non-Citizen (as defined by FAFSA)
• Complete FAFSA or state-based financial aid application (if applicable)

National deadline: February

Hispanic Scholarship Fund website

The James Madison Fellowship is for:

1. Graduating seniors in college who are interested in becoming social science teachers; or 
2. Current teaching professionals planning to obtain their master’s degree in social science or history education.

Candidates must: 

• Be a U.S. citizen.
• Be a teacher, or plan to become a teacher, of American history, American government, or civics classes where you will teach topics on the Constitution at the secondary school level (grades 7–12).
• Possess a bachelor’s degree or plan to receive a bachelor’s degree no later than August 31 of the year in which you are applying.

National deadline: March

James Madison Fellowship

Full funding for graduate/professional study at Stanford University. Applicants should demonstrate leadership and civic commitment and want to join a multidisciplinary community dedicated to finding creative solutions to the world’s greatest problems.

Eligibility Requirements: 

• Must apply during the final year of study for your first/bachelor’s degree, or within five years of earning your first/bachelor’s degree.
• Applications are accepted from citizens of all countries, to ensure that KH Scholars have global impact.
• Must meet the requirements of the Stanford graduate program(s) that you wish to pursue.

Campus deadline: August

National deadline: October

Knight-Hennessy website

One of the most prestigious scholarships in the US, the Marshall funds one or two years of graduate study at a British university. The award includes full tuition, living allowance, book grant, thesis grant, research grant, and travel allowance.

Candidates must: 

• Be a US citizen
• Be a current or rising senior or have received the BA after the April two years prior to the year of application
• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.7
• Have an outstanding academic record, creative and original leadership experience, extensive community service, and ambassadorial potential

Campus deadline: September

National deadline: June

Marshall website

NOMINATION REQUIRED; APPLY THROUGH OEF ONLY

The McKelvie Scholarship is for undergraduate or graduate students whose career plans include public service positions within state or federal government. 

McKelvie website

One of the most prestigious scholarships in the US, the Mitchell funds one year of graduate study or research at a university in Ireland. The award includes full tuition, accommodations, living expenses, and an international travel stipend.

Candidates must:

• Be a US citizen
• Have a demonstrated record of intellectual distinction, leadership activity and extra-curricular activity
• Demonstrate honesty, integrity, fairness and unselfish service to others, indicating a potential for future leadership and contribution to society
• Have a bachelor’s degree in hand prior to the beginning of graduate study
• Be between the ages of 18 and 30 at the time of application

Campus deadline: June

National deadline: October

Mitchell website 

NOMINATION REQUIRED; APPLY THROUGH OEF ONLY

Graduate fellowships in math, ocean, physical, biological and engineering sciences. NDSEG Fellowships last for a period of up to three years (based on continued funding), and covers full tuition and mandatory fees. 

NDSEG website

Provides a 3-year annual stipend of $32,000 along with a $12,000 cost of education allowance for tuition and fees, opportunities for international research and professional development, and the freedom to conduct your own graduate research at any accredited US institution of graduate education you choose. Applicants may be graduating college seniors or first-year graduate students pursuing doctoral degrees in physical and life sciences, mathematics, engineering, and social sciences.

Candidates must:

• Be a US citizen, US national, or permanent resident
• Intend to pursue a research-based Master’s or PhD program in an NSF-supported field
• Be enrolled in an eligible program at an accredited US graduate institution by the fall following your NSF application
• Have completed no more than twelve months of full-time graduate study (or the equivalent) as of the August 1 prior to this deadline

Deadlines vary by discipline: October-November

NSF Fellowship website

This opportunity is for graduating college seniors who are members of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society going on to graduate or professional school immediately after undergrad. 

Phi Kappa Phi website

UIC STUDENTS APPLY THROUGH THE HONORS COLLEGE

The Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship leads to a career in the US Department of State Foreign Service. Provides up to $40,000 annual funding for graduate study to begin the following year in foreign affairs, plus mentoring and professional development help to prepare Fellows to enter the US Foreign Service.  The Pickering offers a wide range of financial support, including transportation to internships, housing, and more. 

Candidates must:

• Be a US citizen
• Simultaneously be seeking admission to a 2-year, full-time graduate degree program in international affairs or a related field such as economics, history, political science, public administration, communications, public policy, business administration, or foreign languages (this excludes law school)
• Have a 3.2 GPA
• Be available for two summer internships

National deadline: early September

Pickering Fellowship website

Fellowships for graduating seniors and/or alumni going on to graduate programs in international affairs or relations, planning on a career in the Foreign Service. Provides up to $35,000 annual funding for graduate study in international affairs, plus mentoring and professional development help to prepare Fellows to enter the US Foreign Service.

Candidates must: 

• Be a US citizen
• Simultaneously be seeking admission to a 2-year, full-time graduate degree program in international affairs or a related field such as economics, history, political science, public administration, communications, public policy, business administration, or foreign languages (this excludes law school)
• Have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.2 or higher
• Be available for two summer internships

National deadline: early September

Rangel Fellowship website

One of the most prestigious scholarships in the world, Rhodes provides full funding for graduate study (or a second bachelor’s degree) at the University of Oxford in the UK. The US Rhodes, for US citizens, is most well known here, although now, as of 2018, citizens of all nations may compete for the Rhodes, as long as they meet the overall selection criteria and the eligibility criteria appropriate to their country of citizenship. Contact OEF as soon as possible if you wish to inquire about a Rhodes nomination.

Candidates must: 

• a citizen of the United States OR a lawful permanent resident of the United States OR a U.S. resident with DACA status on April 15 in the year of application.
• eligible to apply through one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, or one of the U.S. territories: either in the state or territory where the applicant was legally resident on April 15 in the year of application, or where the applicant will have received at least two years of college training and a bachelor’s degree before October 1 in the year following election.
• at least 18 but not yet 24 years of age (i.e., the applicant must still be 23 on October 1 in the year of application).

Deadlines (these are for the US competition): 

Campus deadline: September

National deadline: October

Students interested in applying for other constituencies, please contact OEF.

Rhodes website: US 

Rhodes website: other nations

NOMINATION REQUIRED; APPLY THROUGH OEF ONLY

Provides a fully-funded year-long immersive program in Beijing. Schwarzman Scholars will study for a one-year Master’s degree in public policy, international relations, or economics and business at Tsinghua University. The Schwarzman is open to citizens of any country.

Candidates must:

• Demonstrate leadership potential
• Demonstrate strong intellectual capacity
• Demonstrate personal integrity and strong character
• Be at least 18 but not yet 28 years of age as of June 30 of matriculation year
• Have the bachelor’s degree in hand before July of matriculation year

National deadline: September

Note: Chinese citizens must apply well in advance–see Schwarzman website for details.

Schwarzman website

Provides tuition and stipend assistance of up to $90,000 in support of graduate study in the US in any professional field or scholarly discipline.  Open to students who qualify as a “New American”: e.g. hold a Green Card, or be a naturalized citizen, or be the child of immigrant parents. The Soros Fellowship is open to immigrants or children of immigrants, regardless of legal status. 

Candidates must: 

• Be a New American who is 30 or younger as of the application deadline
• Planning on starting or continuing an eligible graduate degree program full-time in the United States in the following academic year

National deadline: November 1

Soros Fellowship website

The Teaching Assistant Program in France offers you the opportunity to work in France for 7 months, teaching English to French students of all ages.

Deadline: January

TAPIF website

The Truman Scholarship is for current undergraduate students who demonstrate achievement in leadership, academics and public service who want a career related to public service. The award provides up to $30,000 for graduate or professional school. 

Candidates must: 

• Be a college junior at the time of application
• Be a US citizen, permanent resident, or US national
• Demonstrate significant leadership and a commitment to public service
• Plan to build a career in public service
• Have a highly competitive GPA

Campus deadline: November

National deadline: February

Truman website

NOMINATION REQUIRED; APPLY THROUGH OEF ONLY

The Udall is for current undergraduate students studying environmental science, public policy or Native American Indian health policy. Provides up to $5,000 towards tuition and other college expenses. Scholars also attend a Udall Orientation in August in Tucson, AZ, and will gain access to a nationwide network of environmental, Native American health, and tribal policy professionals.

Candidates must:

• Be a college sophomore or junior at the time of application
• Have a college GPA of at least “B”
• Be a US citizen, permanent resident, or US national
• Demonstrate commitment to the environment and plan to pursue careers related to the environment; or
  • be Native American or Alaska Native students who demonstrate commitment to careers related to tribal public policy; or
  • be Native American or Alaska Native students who demonstrate commitment to careers related to Native health care.

Campus deadline:  January

National deadline: March

Udall website

NOMINATION REQUIRED; APPLY THROUGH OEF ONLY