National Fellowships & Scholarships for Undergraduates

Visit the individual pages linked below for full details, deadlines, and application guidance. This list of nationally-competitive awards includes some opportunities that require a nomination or endorsement from BU–an initial campus review with earlier deadlines–while others ask candidates to apply directly. In both cases, we look forward to working with you as you explore these opportunities. You may also browse these opportunities organized by category or by application deadline.

We also oversee the application and selection for many of BU’s internal scholarships and awards.

BEINECKE SCHOLARSHIP
Graduate study in arts, humanities, or social sciences for juniors on an academic career trajectory. Open to juniors with demonstrated financial need. December deadline. Requires university nomination.

BOREN SCHOLARSHIP
Supports study abroad programs in all regions/countries except Western Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Focused on geographical areas, languages, and fields of study deemed critical to U.S. national security. Open to freshman, sophomores, and juniors. December deadline. Requires university endorsement. 

CHURCHILL SCHOLARSHIP
One-year Master’s degree in STEM fields at Cambridge University. For seniors and recent alumni. September deadline. Requires university nomination.

CRITICAL LANGUAGE SCHOLARSHIP (CLS)
Funding for intensive language study and cultural enrichment abroad. Open to undergraduate and graduate students. November deadline.

DAAD (GERMAN ACADEMIC EXCHANGE SERVICE) GRANTS FOR STUDY AND RESEARCH IN GERMANY
DAAD provides graduating seniors and current graduate students the opportunity to apply for full graduate degree study or independent research scholarships in Germany. October deadline. Requires university nomination.

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY SCHOLARS PROGRAM
The DOE Scholars Program is designed to attract talented undergraduate and graduate students, and recent graduates to research, technical and professional opportunities within U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and organizations that support the DOE mission. Open to US Citizens and must be an undergraduate, graduate student, or recent graduate majoring in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and related areas. Must be pursuing a degree or have received a degree within 5 years of their starting date in a science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) discipline or have demonstrated interest or experience in a STEM field that supports the DOE mission. January 23, 2023 deadline.

FORD FOUNDATION PREDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP
PhD or ScD studies in the US, for students engaged with underrepresented communities committed to a teaching and research career at the college or university level. For seniors, grad students, and recent alumni. January deadline.

FULBRIGHT UK SUMMER INSTITUTES
Fully funded 3-4 week summer programs for to explore the culture, heritage, and history of the UK while experiencing higher education at a UK university. For freshmen and sophomores. February deadline.

FULBRIGHT U.S. STUDENT PROGRAM (English Teaching Assistantship, Research Grant, Study Grant, Creative and Performing Arts Grant, and more)
One year of independent research, study, or English teaching abroad. Open to rising seniors, graduate students, and recent alumni. August deadline. Requires university evaluation.

GATES CAMBRIDGE SCHOLARSHIP
Graduate study in all fields at Cambridge University for those with a capacity for leadership and a commitment to improving the lives of others.  For seniors and recent alumni. October deadline.

GILMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Enables students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad. For all undergraduate class years. October deadline.

GOLDWATER SCHOLARSHIP
For sophomores and juniors on a PhD trajectory with exceptional academic/research experience in STEM fields. December 12 deadline. Requires university nomination.

JAMES C. GAITHER JUNIOR FELLOWS PROGRAM
One-year international affairs internship at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington, D.C. For seniors and recent alumni.  December deadline. Requires university endorsement.

KNIGHT-HENNESSY SCHOLARSHIP
Funds any graduate/professional degree at Stanford University, including dual/joint-degree programs. Seniors and recent alumni. August deadline. Requires university evaluation.

LUCE SCHOLARS PROGRAM
Year-long internship, cultural immersion, and language training program in Asia.  Seniors, graduate students, and recent alumni.  September deadline. Requires university nomination.

MARSHALL SCHOLARSHIP
One or two years of postgraduate degree studies anywhere in the UK. For seniors and recent alumni. July-August deadline. Requires university endorsement.

MITCHELL SCHOLARSHIP
One year of postgraduate study in Ireland. For seniors and recent alumni. July-August deadline. Requires university endorsement.

NSF GRFP
The National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships Program funds graduate study for research-oriented graduate degrees in STEM and social science fields. For seniors, recent alumni, and grad students early in their studies. October deadline(s).

RHODES SCHOLARSHIP
Two or three years of graduate study at Oxford University. For seniors and recent alumni. July-August deadline. Requires university endorsement.

SCHWARZMAN SCHOLARS PROGRAM
One-year Master’s degree and leadership training program at Tsinghua University, China. For seniors and alumni. September deadline. University evaluation required for seniors. Alumni apply directly.

SOROS FELLOWSHIP FOR NEW AMERICANS
Graduate school funding for immigrants and children of immigrants in the United States. Open to graduating seniors, recent alums, and graduate students early in their studies. Apply directly in November.

STATE DEPARTMENT & FOREIGN AFFAIRS FELLOWSHIPS
The Pickering, Rangel, and USAID Payne fellowships provide undergraduate and graduate students with financial support, mentoring, and professional development to prepare them academically and professionally for careers in the U.S. Department of State Foreign Service. Current juniors, seniors, and recent alums apply directly. September and January deadlines.

ST. ANDREW’S SOCIETY SCHOLARSHIP
One year of graduate study in Scotland for students of “some Scottish descent.” Open to seniors. November deadline. Requires university endorsement.

TRUMAN SCHOLARSHIP
For juniors with commitment to public service and leadership experience. Graduate school funding on the path to public service careers. November deadline. Requires university nomination.

UDALL SCHOLARSHIP
Educational funding for sophomores and juniors who wish to pursue careers related to the environment, Native American health care, or tribal policy. January deadline. Requires university nomination.

YENCHING ACADEMY SCHOLARSHIP
Two-year Master’s degree program in China Studies at Peking University, China. One year of coursework followed by a second year of independent research, travel, internships, or other opportunities for personal, academic, and professional growth. For seniors and recent alumni. December deadline.