Beinecke Scholarship

Campus Deadline: 

Saturday, January 20, 2024

Who Should Apply?: 

Juniors, U.S. citizens, with documented financial need

What It's For: 

Graduate degree

Fields of Study: 

Arts and Humanities

Social Sciences

Scholarship Website: 

Beinecke Scholarship Website

The Beinecke Scholarship Program was established in 1971 to provide substantial scholarships for the graduate education of young men and women of exceptional promise. The program seeks to encourage and enable highly motivated students to pursue opportunities available to them and to be courageous in the selection of a graduate course of study in the arts, humanities, or social sciences. Preference is given to candidates for whom the awarding of a scholarship would significantly increase the likelihood of the student’s being able to attend graduate school. Since 1975, the program has selected more than 500 college juniors from more than 100 different undergraduate institutions for support during graduate study at any accredited university.

Each scholar receives $4,000 immediately prior to entering graduate school and an additional $30,000 while attending graduate school. There are no geographic restrictions on the use of the scholarship, and recipients are allowed to supplement the award with other scholarships, assistantships, and research grants. Scholars are encouraged to begin graduate study as soon as possible following graduation from college, and must utilize all of the funding within five years of completing undergraduate studies.

Eligibility Requirements:

• College junior pursuing a bachelor's degree
• Planning to enter a master's or doctoral program in the arts, humanities, or social sciences after graduation
• Able to demonstrate financial need during undergraduate years
• U.S. citizen or United States national from American Samoa or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands

Candidate Profile:

• Superior intellectual ability and demonstrated academic achievement beyond excellent grades
• Independent projects, extracurricular activities, and/or internships related to the applicant's interests or future goals
• Clear plan for graduate education connected to applicant's career path and future goals

Application Components:

• Application Form
• Resume
• 1,000 word personal statement
• Three letters of recommendation from faculty members
• Certified transcript (or transcripts)

Application Procedure

HFA and SBS Colleges recommend ONSA competitive applicants by December 1, every year. One needs to be recommended by their College. From this pool, ONSA and the faculty committee select one student to nominate to the Beinecke Foundation. For advising or questions, meet with an ONSA advisor.

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Boren National Security Education Scholarship

Campus Deadline: 

Monday, January 8, 2024

Who Should Apply?

First-year students, sophomores, juniors, and seniors, as long as they are enrolled at UMass Amherst during their time abroad; U.S. citizens

What It's For: 

Study abroad for immersive learning of less-commonly taught languages (one semester or full year) in specific geographic areas and languages

Fields of Study: 

Any field relevant to U.S. national security

Scholarship Website: 

Boren Awards

Boren Scholarship supports students interested in spending one, preferably two, semesters in a non-western country in order to promote long-term linguistic and cultural immersion. These awards provide up to $25,000 to U.S. undergraduate students to study abroad in areas of the world that are critical to U.S. interests and underrepresented in study abroad, including Africa, Asia, Central and Eastern Europe, Eurasia, Latin America, and the Middle East. Western Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand are excluded. Boren Scholars represent a variety of academic backgrounds, but all are interested in studying less commonly taught languages, including but not limited to Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, and Swahili.

Boren Scholarships focus on geographic areas, languages, and fields of study deemed critical to U.S. national security. Applicants identify how their study abroad program, as well as their future academic and career goals, will contribute to U.S. national security. National security is broadly defined to include not only the traditional concerns of protecting American well-being, but also areas such as sustainable development, environmental degradation, global disease and hunger, population growth and migration, cyber security, human rights, and economic competitiveness. Recipients of the scholarship agree to work in the federal government for at least one year after completing their study abroad.

Eligibility Requirements:

• U.S. citizen at time of application
• Enrolled in a degree program at time of application and during study abroad
• Applying to a full-semester or academic year study abroad program in a country outside of Western Europe, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand
• Must plan to study a less commonly taught language in an eligible world region for full semester or (preferred) academic year. Intermediate/Advanced French will be considered for study under the African Flagship Languages Initiative (AFLI). A limited number of undergraduate students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields may be funded for summer programs of at least 8 weeks.

Candidate Profile:

• Commitment to national security (broadly defined) and a desire to work in government service in an area pertaining to national security after graduation
• Academic background and preparation commensurate with future career goals (e.g., independent projects or other study abroad experience, language learning, internships, volunteer experience, etc.)
• Study abroad program that prioritizes language learning and immersion
• Clear connections among one's chosen study abroad program, desire to pursue language learning, and future goals in relation to national security
• Cultural knowledge and adaptability, flexibility, and maturity

Application Components:

• Online application
• Two letters of recommendation (Three for Boren Fellowship for Graduate Students)
• Two essays, which are detailed here
• Certified transcript (or transcripts)
• Language self-assessment form
• One-page study abroad description with cost information

Application Procedure

If you wish to receive comprehensive advising support, including feedback from ONSA staff and a formal endorsement of your application, you need to meet the campus application deadline of January 8, 2024.

Students who do not follow these campus deadlines will not be eligible to receive feedback and the endorsement, but may still apply independently to the Boren scholarship.

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Carnegie Junior Fellows Program

Campus Deadline: 

December 1

The award provides a one-year paid internship in Washington, D.C., with the Carnegie Endowment for Peace. Junior Fellows work as research assistants on projects, such as non-proliferation, democracy-building, migration, international economics, trade and development, China, and Russian/Eurasian issues. Junior Fellows have the opportunity to conduct research for books, co-author journal articles and policy papers, participate in meetings with high-level officials, contribute to congressional testimony, and organize briefings attended by scholars, activists, journalists, and government officials. Selection criteria include a high GPA (3.7 or above) with coursework in international relations, government, history, economics, or area studies, as well as a commitment to a career in international affairs. Up to ten awards are given annually.

Eligibility: 

Applicants must be graduating seniors or have graduated in the last academic year and must not have begun graduate studies. Applicants do not have to be U.S. citizens however; all applicants must be eligible to work in the U.S. Candidates should have a strong transcript overall GPA (at least 3.7+) and have substantial coursework in the topic for which they are applying. Some program areas require specific language or qualitative skills in addition to coursework in the research area topic. Fellows must be available to work from September 1 through June 30. 

Institutional Endorsement/Nomination Required: Yes

For more information contact onsa [at] honors [dot] umass [dot] edu (onsa[at]honors[dot]umass[dot]edu) and visit: James C. Gaither Junior Fellows Program.

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Churchill Scholarship

Campus Deadline: 

Tuesday, October 1, 2024

Who Should Apply?: 

Seniors & recent graduates, U.S. citizens

What It's For: 

One year at Cambridge University for graduate degree in science, engineering, or mathematics

Fields of Study: 

Science

Engineering

Mathematics

Scholarship Website: 

Churchill Scholarship Website

The Churchill Scholarship funds 18 scholarships per year, comprised of 16 Churchill Scholarships in science, mathematics, and engineering, and two Kanders Churchill Scholarships in science policy. It is for one year of Master’s study (courses run between 9 and 12 months). The award covers tuition, roundtrip airfare to the UK, visa fees and health surcharge, and a stipend that is set 5% higher than the UK Research Council standard. Recipients are eligible to apply for a $4,000 special research grant. The total value is around $65,000. 

Eligibility Requirements:

• U.S. citizen
• Ages 19–26
• May not have attained a doctorate at the time they take up the award

Candidate Profile:

• Exceptional academic achievement and talent in an eligible area of study (GPA: min. 3.7, but usually 3.9 or higher)
• Strong record of research in your field
• Potential to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the sciences, engineering, or mathematics by pursuing original, creative work
• Preparedness for rigorous, independent graduate study and research
• Demonstrated leadership, extracurricular involvement, and social engagement

Application Components:

• List of research and relevant employment experience (e.g., lab positions, internships)
• Program of Study essay of no more than one, single-spaced page, including a rationale for your chosen program of study at Cambridge and a clear link to your future goals
• Personal Statement of no more than two pages, single-spaced
• Certified transcript (or transcripts)
• Four letters of recommendation from faculty members. Share this important information with your recommenders: Instructions for Recommenders: U.K. & Ireland Awards.
• Letter of interest or commitment from the director of an appropriate laboratory at Cambridge

Application Procedure

Students must apply independently for admission to the University of Cambridge through the GRADSAF by mid-October and will complete a separate application for the Churchill Scholarship. Students MUST be nominated by UMASS in order to apply for the Churchill. As such, an UMASS faculty internal committee will read and select two nominees for the Churchill Scholarship competition.

ONSA staff encourage you to set an advising appointment during the spring semester to discuss your eligibility and competitiveness for the UK/Ireland scholarships. After discussing with us your academic record and leadership and research experience for these highly competitive scholarships, students will pre-apply with ONSA by June 1.

The pre-application process officially informs ONSA about your application plan and allows students to start working early on their applications. Complete and submit the U.K./Ireland Scholarships Pre-Application by June 1.

APPLY with ONSA by October 1:

Finalize your Churchill application. We will access your application from there.

THE CAMPUS DEADLINE OF OCTOBER 1 IS REQUIRED; WE WILL NOT ACCEPT APPLICATIONS AFTER THIS DATE.

After the campus deadline, we will review your application and inform you if you will be endorsed for the national competition.

UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE DEADLINE: October (check their website for the exact date)

Churchill applicants must also apply to their graduate program at Cambridge. Some key points regarding the Cambridge application:

• If your account is inactive for 2 or more weeks, your application will be automatically deleted, so be sure to log in frequently.
• Your application will require 2 academic letters of recommendation. Your online submission of the Cambridge application will send automated email prompts to your references, who will then have 14 days to submit their letters.
• Your Cambridge program may have its own requirements, such as an additional research proposal or other essays, additional test scores, or differing deadlines. Carefully review their website.
• Churchill College MUST be your first choice of college on the Cambridge application.

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DAAD Scholarships and Grants (German Academic Exchange Service)

Campus Deadline: 

Saturday, October 19, 2024

Who Should Apply?: 

Undergraduates and graduates
DAAD Study and Long-Term Research scholarships deadline is October 19; all other DAAD scholarships have external deadlines.

What It's For: 

Research and study opportunities in Germany

Fields of Study: 

Any field

Scholarship Website: 

DAAD

Study & Long-Term Research DAAD Scholarships for graduating seniors, master’s students, and PhD students require a nomination. 

UMass campus deadline for nominations is October 19 midnight.

• Support for one or two years of study in Germany
• Can be used to earn a Master’s degree at a German university
• German language ability should be commensurate with needs
• Final-year undergrads may apply

Study Scholarship for Master Studies:

• Students in their last year of undergraduate studies at an accredited U.S. or Canadian university.
• U.S. or Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
• Foreign nationals who live in the U.S. or in Canada by the time of application deadline are eligible, if your last degree was obtained in the U.S./Canada, or you will have received a degree in the U.S./Canada before your scholarship starts. All other foreign nationals may need to apply via a different DAAD office.
• Recent B.A./B.S. or M.A./M.S. graduates who completed their last degree no longer than 6 years ago.
• U.S./Canadian students in the first year of a Master’s degree program in Germany may apply to fund their second year.
• Applicants may not have been living in Germany for more than 15 consecutive months by the time of application deadline.

Research Scholarship:

• UMass campus deadline for nominations is October 19 midnight.
  Research scholarships are awarded to highly qualified candidates who have completed a master's degree or, in exceptional cases, a bachelor's degree at the latest by the time they begin their grant-supported research.
• Research Scholarships can offer students the chance to pursue a 7 to 12-month research project in Germany.

Tips for Success:

• Follow the instructions on the DAAD web pages
• Express why a stay in Germany is critical for your academic or professional goals
• Choose the right school
• Obtain a letter of invitation from a German professor or institution for research scholarships (an invitation essential for research scholarships)
• Focus on academic goals and your background to achieve them
• Present a reasonable time-line for research projects
• Explain clearly why you chose the location or program
• Submit quality letters of recommendation addressing your specific research goals/study plans
• Make sure your application is on time and complete

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Fulbright U.S. Student Program

Campus Deadline: 

Tuesday, September 3, 2024

Who Should Apply?: 

Seniors, graduate students, UMass Amherst alumni, U.S. citizens

Please complete and submit the Fulbright Campus Pre-Application.

What It's For: 

Travel abroad to conduct independent research in academics or the arts, to pursue study, or to serve as an English teaching assistant.

Fields of Study: 

Any field

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program provides an unparalleled opportunity to teach, study, and conduct research in over 140 countries worldwide. As envisioned by U.S. Senator J. William Fulbright, the program is designed to:

• promote mutual understanding through a commitment to the free flow of ideas and people across national boundaries,
• expand, through this understanding, the boundaries of human wisdom, empathy and perception,
• create true and lasting world peace through cooperation in constructive activities among people of different nations.

Eligibility:

• Seniors, recent graduates, current graduate students, or alumni
• U.S. citizenship required
• Language proficiency in non-English-speaking countries commensurate with the proposed project (varies by country and grant type)

Types of grants:

• Study/Research grants, which allow recipients to conduct independent research or study in over 140 countries. Applicants develop an independent project proposal, which may include university coursework, independent library, lab, or field research, or special projects in the social sciences, life sciences, or visual and performing arts. Applicants must identify a contact in their host country and procure a letter stating that he or she will serve as the applicant's institutional affiliation during the student's stay. In the majority of cases, students applying for study/research grants do so to fund a research experience. Students applying for study/research grants in the creative and performing arts must submit supplementary materials in addition to their application.
• English Teaching Assistantship (ETA) grants are available in select countries and provide recipients with the opportunity to teach English as a second language to students from elementary school through university level, depending on the country. ETAs serve as supplemental instructors in a classroom, generally providing conversation practice and teaching American culture for approximately 20 hours per week. Unlike research/study grants, for which an applicant must identify a specific location within the host country, ETAs simply apply to a country, and those awarded grants are assigned a location based on need. Applicants cannot request specific assignments.

Candidate Profile:

General

• Strong academic record
• Compelling rationale for study, research, or teaching in your chosen country
• Demonstrated ability and desire to foster mutual understanding and cultural exchange
• Explanation of how the Fulbright experience will support your future goals
• Demonstrated preparation, maturity, and adaptability
• Knowledge of your host country, including its language and culture

Relative to Study/Research Grants

• Feasible project proposal with clear purpose, methodology, and timeline
• Previous research experience and demonstrated preparation for proposed project
• Description of the significance and/or innovation of your research/study

Relative to ETAs

• Previous teaching/instruction experience (e.g., mentoring, tutoring, classroom teaching, or related experiences)
• Description of the pedagogical theory and/or practices you will bring to a classroom in your host country
• Well-developed, specific ideas for engaging second-language learners

Application Components:

• Online application
• Statement of Grant Purpose essay (2 pages)
• Personal Statement (1 page)
• Three letters of recommendation
• Official transcript (or transcripts)
• Letter of affiliation (for research grant applicants) from an appropriate contact in your host country (e.g., professor, lab or archive director, etc.)
• Foreign language forms (when specified on your host country's profile page)
• Supplementary materials (for research/study grant applicants in the creative and performing arts)

Click here for more Fulbright application resources ...

Application Procedure:

All applicants currently enrolled at a university MUST be reviewed and nominated by their university. Recent alums, may apply either at-large or through UMass Amherst.

Detailed campus application information is provided directly to applicants once they submit their Fulbright Pre-Application.

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Gates-Cambridge Scholarship

Who Should Apply?: 

Seniors and recent grads; open to international students; open to citizens of any country outside the UK

U.K./Ireland Pre-Application must be completed and submitted by June 1.

What It's For: 

Graduate degree at Cambridge University

Fields of Study: 

Any field

Scholarship Website: 

Gates-Cambridge Scholarship

The Gates-Cambridge Scholarship is for one to four years of graduate study and research at the University of Cambridge. A small number are also available for study towards a second undergraduate degree.  Award covers full cost of study at Cambridge plus airfare to and from the U.K.

Eligibility:

Seniors and recent graduates. May be citizens of any country outside the United Kingdom and may apply to any subject available at the University of Cambridge.  Applicants must apply directly to the University of Cambridge and complete the supplemental portion of the application to the Cambridge Trusts to be considered for the award. The scholarship is open to applicant who will pursue one of the following full-time courses at the University of Cambridge: 

• PhD (three-year research-only degree)
• MSc or MLitt (two-year research-only degree)
• A one-year postgraduate course (e.g., MPhil, LLM, MASt, Diploma, MBA, etc.)

Candidate Profile:

Candidates will be expected to have excellent transcripts showing evidence of sustained achievement in study, together with academic references that speak of the candidate's leadership potential, social commitment, intellectual ability, and why further study at Cambridge is particularly appropriate.  The Gates Trust looks for students with enthusiasm, robustness of intellect, a willingness to engage, and humility. The four key selection criteria are:

1. Academic excellence: Applicants should have an extremely strong academic record, with a GPA over 3.7.  Successful applicants will have the ability to make a significant contribution to their discipline while at Cambridge, with a strong aptitude for research, analysis and a creative approach to defining and solving problems.
2. Leadership potential: Successful applicants must demonstrate a clear ability to “take others with them.”
3. Commitment to improving the lives of others: Gates Scholars will be driven by the values of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which include a commitment to reducing inequities and improving lives around the world, particularly in the areas of health and education, often through the use of science and technology.
4. Good academic fit with Cambridge: The Trust expects a good match to be made between the applicant's qualifications and aspirations and what Cambridge has to offer.  This means that the applicant’s research track record and future goals should connect with their targeted Cambridge program and proposed research supervisor(s) at Cambridge.

Application Components:

• Three letters of recommendation from faculty members. Share this important information with your recommenders: Instructions for Recommenders: U.K. & Ireland Awards
• 500 word Personal Statement
• Certified transcript (or transcripts)
• Cambridge admission application - GRADSAF

The Graduate Admissions Office or academic department to which you are applying may also require the following materials:

• English language test scores (if English is not the student’s first language)
• Research proposal or example of your written work
• GRE/GMAT scores

Application Procedure

This award does not require institutional endorsement. Students apply directly to the Gates Foundation; it is, however, in the best interest of applicants to work through ONSA. This involves support and feedback throughout preparation of the application materials to help students craft the strongest application possible. Contact us for advising approximately 2 months before the national deadline and send us your draft no later than 2 weeks before submitting it.

ONSA staff encourage you to set an advising appointment during the spring semester to discuss your eligibility and competitiveness for the UK/Ireland scholarships. After discussing with us your academic record and leadership and community engagement experience for these highly competitive scholarships, students will pre-apply with ONSA by June 1.

The pre-application process officially informs ONSA about your application plan and allows students to start working early on their applications. Complete and submit the pre-application by June 1: U.K./Ireland Scholarships Pre-Application

University of Cambridge Deadline: 

Early OCTOBER. For exact date check their website. 

Gates Cambridge scholarship applications are part of the University of Cambridge application. Some key points regarding the Cambridge application are:

• If your account is inactive for two or more weeks, your application will be automatically deleted, so be sure to log in frequently.
• Your application will require two academic letters of recommendation, plus the third, personal reference.  Your online submission of the Cambridge application will send automated email prompts to your references, who will then have 14 days to submit their letters.
• Your Cambridge program may have distinct requirements, such as a research proposal or other essays, test scores, or differing deadlines. Carefully review their website!

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Gilman Scholarship

Campus Deadline: 

N/A

Scholarship Website: 

Gilman Scholarship

The U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship is a grant program that enables students of limited financial means, who are often underrepresented in study abroad, to study or intern abroad. The Gilman Scholarship Program is open to U.S. citizen undergraduate students who are receiving Federal Pell Grant funding at a two-year or four-year college or university to participate in study and intern abroad programs worldwide.

Applicants must be in the process of applying to, or accepted for, a credit-bearing study or internship abroad program approved by their institution. The scholarship is open for programs taking place anytime during the semester (fall and spring), summer, or winter vacation. There are more than 3,000 scholarships annually, each awarding up to $5,000.

There are two application cycles each year; one in early October and one in early March.

For more information, visit: gilmanscholarship.org

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Goldwater Scholarship

Campus Deadline: 

Thursday, November 14, 2024

Who Should Apply?: 

Sophomores and juniors, U.S. citizen or permanent resident

What It's For: 

Undergraduate study in natural sciences, engineering, mathematics (STEM fields)

Fields of Study: 

STEM fields such as engineering

Mathematics

Natural science (student must be planning a research career)

Scholarship Website: 

Goldwater Scholarship

The Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program was established by the U.S. Congress in 1986 to honor Senator Barry Goldwater, who served his country for 56 years as a soldier and statesman, including 30 years of service in the U.S. Senate. The aim of the foundation is to provide a continuing source of highly qualified scholars to work as scientists, mathematicians, and engineers. Goldwater Scholarships support students with a passion for research and potential to contribute to their disciplines, and who plan to pursue a graduate degree. Up to 300 U.S. students will be selected each year for scholarships of up to $7,500/year.

Eligibility Requirements:

To be eligible for nomination for a Goldwater Scholarship, a student must:

• Be a full-time matriculated sophomore or junior pursuing a degree
• Intend to pursue a research career in a natural science, mathematics or engineering*
• Have a college grade point average of at least a 3.00 on a 4.00 scale
• 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. A permanent resident nominated for the scholarship must include a letter stating his/her intent to become a U.S. citizen. A photocopy of the nominee’s Permanent Resident Card, also known as the Alien Registration Card or Green Card, must also be submitted.

* The natural sciences, engineering, and mathematics fields and sub-fields used by the Goldwater Foundation to determine eligibility are those used by the National Science Foundation for its Graduate Research Fellowship Program. These include: chemistry, computer & information sciences and engineering, engineering, geosciences, life sciences, materials research, mathematical sciences, physics & astronomy, and psychology.

While research in medicine is not supported by the National Science Foundation, students interested in pursuing careers in medicine or veterinary medicine are eligible for a Goldwater Scholarship if research is a central part of the student’s career goals.

Candidate Profile:

• Outstanding academic performance, especially in the major
• Commitment to pursuing an advanced degree in science, engineering, computer science, technology, or mathematics
• Potential to make a significant contribution to one's field through a commitment to research
• Significant participation in research
• Extracurricular activities and/or work experience (e.g., internships) consistent with the applicant's intellectual interests and career goals

Application Components:

• Online application
• Three letters of recommendation from faculty members
• 3-page research essay
• Transcript
• If applicable: copy of Permanent Resident Card (formerly known as the Alien Registration Card) and a letter of intent to become a U.S. citizen

Application Procedure

All applicants MUST be nominated by their college or university. As such, UMass Amherst applicants are reviewed by an internal committee and four nominees are sent forward to the Goldwater Foundation for consideration.

Detailed campus application information is provided directly to applicants once they meet with ONSA advisers

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Luce Fellowship

Established in 1974, the Luce Scholars Program, funded by the Henry Luce Foundation, provides stipends, language training, and individualized professional placement in Asia for 18 Luce Scholars each year in a variety of fields. The program welcomes applications from college seniors, graduate students, and young professionals, with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, and is especially interested in attracting those who have had limited exposure to the countries, cultures, and people of Asia.  

The Luce Scholar year is a 13-month commitment beginning with the orientation in June through the wrap-up meeting in July of the following year. After a series of virtual sessions that begin in April and a five-day in-person orientation in Asia in late June (all designed to build community and prepare for a year of living and working in Asia), Luce Scholars spend July and August engaged in intensive language training in their respective placement countries. (Language study is a program requirement and is fully funded through the intensive two-month period with additional funds available to each Luce Scholar for continued training throughout the Luce year.) 

Individually tailored professional placements begin in early September and are arranged for each Scholar based on their professional interest, background, and qualifications. These assignments, where Luce Scholars contribute their talents to NGOs, government agencies, private companies, universities, think tanks, and museums, and work alongside Asian colleagues, are the heart of the Luce Scholar experience. In the past, placements have been made in Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, and Timor Leste. See where Luce Scholars were placed last year.

Eligibility: 

The Luce year is experiential, not academic in nature. The selection committee is most interested in knowing if candidates demonstrate potential for leadership and accomplishment.  

• Candidates must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.   
• Candidates may be graduating seniors, recent graduates, or young professionals under the age of 32, OR if older than 32, candidates must have received their bachelor's degree within the past three years.  
• Candidates who have spent a significant amount of time (18 weeks or more since beginning college) in more than one of the countries where we place Luce Scholars are not eligible to apply for the Luce.  
• Candidates who have spent 18 weeks or more (since beginning college) in only one of the countries where we place Luce Scholars are eligible to apply but will not be placed in the country where they have spent significant time.  

Application deadline: October (check the official website) 

Read more about our application procedures. 

This award does not require institutional endorsement. Applicants submit their applications directly to the Luce Foundation; it is, however, in the best interest of applicants to work through ONSA. This involves support and feedback throughout preparation of the application materials to help students craft the strongest application possible. Contact us for advising approximately 2 months before the national deadline and send us your draft no later than 2 weeks before submitting it. 

 For more information contact %20onsa [at] honors [dot] umass [dot] edu (onsa[at]honors[dot]umass[dot]edu).

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Marshall Scholarship

Campus Deadline: 

Thursday, August 15, 2024

Who Should Apply?: 

Seniors or within two years of graduating from their undergraduate institution; U.S. citizens

U.K./Ireland Pre-Application must be completed and submitted by June 1.

What It's For: 

1–3 years of graduate study in the United Kingdom

Fields of Study: 

any field offered at a U.K. institution

Scholarship Website: 

Marshall Scholarship

The Marshall Scholarship finances up to 40 independent, wide-ranging students who have outstanding leadership potential and who wish to study for a graduate degree by any institution in the United Kingdom. The program seeks to encourage applicants' personal and intellectual growth by fostering their understanding and appreciation of contemporary Britain, its relationship with the United States, and its role on the world stage.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Seniors, graduate, or professional students, and recent alumni are eligible to apply within two years of earning their undergraduate degree.
• A minimum 3.7 GPA is required.
• Must not have studied at, nor hold a degree from, a British university.
• Applicants cannot apply directly to the Marshall Commission; rather, they must receive university endorsement in order to submit a Marshall application. 

Candidate Profile:

• Intellectual distinction, strong motivation, and a mature character
• Rationale for pursuing your chosen program of study at a particular university in the U.K.
• Preparedness for rigorous, independent graduate study
• Potential to make a significant contribution to society and to one's field of study
• Demonstrated leadership and community involvement
• Desire to act as a U.S. cultural ambassador to the U.K. and to understand the "special relationship" between the U.K. and U.S.

The specific selection criteria are:

1. Academic merit: The quality of the applicant’s proposed program of study, their knowledge of their proposed courses and supervisors, evidence of academic excellence and background relevant to their planned field of study, and the quality and breadth of their recommendations.
2. Leadership potential: Ability to deliver results, strength of purpose (as evidenced in commitment to extracurricular involvements), creativity and innovation in the applicant’s approach to solving problems, and self-awareness in their desire to contribute to society and their impact so far.
3. Ambassadorial potential: Knowledge of U.S./U.K. relations, evidence of transferable extracurricular activities, interpersonal skills and ability to engage with others, self-confidence, and ability to seize opportunities.

In summary, applicants should have a clear idea of what they want to study, how their goals build on their past accomplishments in and out of the classroom, and how they expect to make a major contribution or help to advance their field.

Application Components:

• Online application, including 5 written components:
  — 1,000-word Personal Statement
  — 500-word Proposed Academic Program essay
  — 500-word Post-Scholarship Plan essay
  — 500-word Leadership essay
  — 500-word Ambassador Potential essay
• Official transcript
• Three letters of recommendation tailored for the Marshall Scholarship. Letters should be written to the "Marshall Scholarship Committee" and are limited to 1,000 words. Share this important information with your recommenders: Instructions for Recommenders: U.K. & Ireland Awards.
• UMass Amherst Endorsement Letter

Application Procedure

All applicants MUST be nominated by their college or university. As such, UMass Amherst applicants must apply through ONSA.

ONSA staff encourage you to set an advising appointment during the spring semester to discuss your eligibility and competitiveness for the UK/Ireland scholarships. After discussing with us your academic record and leadership experience for these highly competitive scholarships, students will pre-apply with ONSA by June 1.

The pre-application process officially informs ONSA about your application plan and allows students to start working early on their applications.

After June 1 pre-application deadline, you will work on your essays, which will allow you to move forward with a full application for the campus endorsement process. In some cases, we may recommend that you consider other opportunities that are a better fit.

U.K./Ireland Pre-Application

APPLY with ONSA by August 15:

Finalize your Marshall application on the Marshall website. We will access your application from there.

THE CAMPUS DEADLINE OF AUGUST 15 IS FIRM. WE WILL NOT ACCEPT APPLICATIONS AFTER THIS DATE.

After August 15, we will review your application and inform you if you will be endorsed for the national competition.

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Mitchell Scholarship

The selection is paused for 2024-2025. 

Read more here: https://us-irelandalliance.org/mitchellscholarship/news/mitchell-scholarship-program-selection-to-pause 

Who Should Apply?: 

Seniors and graduate students; U.S. citizens

U.K./Ireland Pre-Application must be completed and submitted by June 1.

What It's For: 

One year of graduate study in the Republic of Ireland

Fields of Study: 

Any field offered at an Irish Institution

Scholarship Website: 

Mitchell Scholarship

The Mitchell Scholarship Program was named to honor former U.S. Senator George Mitchell’s pivotal contribution to the Northern Ireland peace process and covers one year of graduate study at any university in Ireland or Northern Ireland for up to 12 scholars annually (tuition, housing, a living expenses stipend, and an international travel stipend). The program seeks to introduce and connect generations of future Americans to Ireland, while recognizing and fostering intellectual achievement, leadership, and a commitment to community and public service.

Eligibility Requirements:

• U.S. citizen
• 18 years of age or older, but not yet 30, on September 30th of the year of application
• Bachelor's degree in hand by start of degree program in Ireland

Candidate Profile:

• Excellent academic performance and intellectual distinction
• Outstanding record of leadership as demonstrated by academic, campus, community, and/or work activities
• Sustained commitment to community and public service
• Personal and/or professional interest in U.S.-Ireland relations (e.g., cultural, political, economic, etc.). Candidates need not be Irish or have Irish ancestry to apply, nor will such candidates receive priority.
• Potential to succeed in independent graduate study abroad

Application Components:

• 1,000 word Personal Statement
•  Four letters of recommendation. Share this important information with your recommenders: Instructions for Recommenders: U.K. & Ireland Awards.
• Letter of institutional endorsement from UMass (full-time students only)
• Certified transcript (or transcripts)
• Scanned PDF of your signature
• Passport-style photo (PDF)

Application Procedure

An institutional endorsement is required for current full-time students. Contact ONSA if interested in applying. Applicants do NOT need to apply separately for university admission. The candidate’s assignment to a university in Ireland or Northern Ireland is part of the application process.

ONSA staff encourage you to set an advising appointment during the spring semester to discuss your eligibility and competitiveness for the UK/Ireland scholarships. After discussing with us your academic record and leadership and community engagement experience for these highly competitive scholarships, students will pre-apply with ONSA by June 1.

The pre-application process officially informs ONSA about your application plan and allows students to start working early on their applications.

After June 1 pre-application deadline, you will work on your essays, which will allow you to move forward with a full application for the campus endorsement process. In some cases, we may recommend that you consider other opportunities that are a better fit.

U.K./Ireland Pre-Application

Finalize your Mitchell application on the national website. We will access your application from there.

THE CAMPUS DEADLINE OF AUGUST 15 IS REQUIRED. WE WILL NOT ACCEPT APPLICATIONS AFTER THIS DATE.

After August 15, we will review your application and inform you if you will be endorsed for the national competition.

Mitchell National Deadline: late September (consult Mitchell Scholarship website for specific date)

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Payne International Development Graduate Fellowship

The USAID Donald M. Payne International Development Graduate Fellowship Program seeks to attract outstanding young people who are interested in pursuing careers in the Foreign Service of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). If you want to work on the front lines of some of the most pressing global challenges of our times — poverty, hunger, injustice, disease, environmental degradation, climate change, conflict and violent extremism – the Foreign Service of the U.S. Agency for International Development provides an opportunity to advance U.S. foreign policy interests and reflect the American people's compassion and support of human dignity. 

The USAID Donald M. Payne International Development Graduate Fellowship seeks outstanding young people interested in careers in international development as USAID Foreign Service Officers. The Payne Fellowship Program awards ten fellowships valued at up to $48,000 annually to fund a two-year master's degree, arranges internships on Capitol Hill and at USAID missions overseas, and provides professional development and support activities. Fellows who successfully complete the program become USAID Foreign Service Officers. 

Fellows may use the fellowship to attend a two-year master's program in an area of study relevant to the USAID Foreign Service, including international development, international relations, public policy, business administration, foreign languages, economics, agriculture, environmental sciences, health, or urban planning at a U.S. graduate or professional school approved by the Payne Program. At the end of the two-year fellowship, Fellows enter the USAID Foreign Service. Applicants must be college seniors or graduates looking to start graduate school in the fall of the year they apply, have GPAs of at least 3.2, and be U.S. citizens. The program welcomes applications from those with any undergraduate major and encourages applications from members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the USAID Foreign Service and from those with financial need.

For more information, visit: paynefellows.org

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Pickering Graduate Foreign Affairs Fellowship

The Pickering Graduate Fellowship aims to attract outstanding students who have an interest in pursuing a Foreign Service career in the U.S. Department of State. The Program seeks outstanding young people interested in careers in the Foreign Service of the U.S. Department of State. The program provides benefits of up to $95,000 over two years toward a two-year master's degree, arranges internships on Capitol Hill and at U.S. embassies, and provides mentorship and professional development support. Fellows can use the fellowship to attend two-year master's programs in U.S. institutions to study any area of relevance to the Foreign Service, including international relations, public policy, public administration, economics, or business administration. Upon successful completion of the two-year, Fellows join the Foreign Service of the U.S. Department of State, embarking on a uniquely rewarding career of international service. Applicants must be college seniors or graduates looking to start two-year graduate programs in the fall, must have GPAs of at least 3.2, and must be U.S. citizens. The program welcomes any undergraduate major and encourages applications from members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the Foreign Service and those with financial need.

The application deadline is in late September.

Information and application materials can be found at: pickeringfellowship.org.

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Rangel International Affairs Graduate Fellowship

Want to make a difference in the world? Promote U.S. and global interests? Consider the Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Graduate Fellowship Program. The Program seeks outstanding young people interested in careers in the Foreign Service of the U.S. Department of State. The program provides benefits of up to $106,000 over two years toward a two-year master's degree, arranges internships on Capitol Hill and at U.S. embassies, and provides mentorship and professional development support. Fellows can use the fellowship to attend two-year master's programs in U.S. institutions to study any area of relevance to the Foreign Service, including international relations, public policy, public administration, economics, or business administration. Upon successful completion of the two-year, Fellows join the Foreign Service of the U.S. Department of State, embarking on a uniquely rewarding career of international service. Applicants must be college seniors or graduates looking to start two-year graduate programs in the fall, must have GPAs of at least 3.2, and must be U.S. citizens. The program welcomes any undergraduate major and encourages applications from members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the Foreign Service and those with financial need.

The application deadline is in late September.

Information and application materials can be found at: rangelprogram.org/graduate-fellowship-program.

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Rhodes Scholarship

Campus Deadline:

Thursday, August 15, 2024

Who Should Apply?: 

Seniors and alumni; U.S. citizens

Citizen of a qualifying Rhodes country or global applicants from countries not covered above 

U.K./Ireland Pre-Application must be completed and submitted by June 1.

What It's For: 

Graduate degree at University of Oxford, England

Fields of Study: 

Any field

Scholarship Website: 

Rhodes Scholarship

The Rhodes Scholarship supports exceptional, well-rounded students with promising leadership potential and a commitment to public service who plan to enroll in any graduate degree program at the University of Oxford. The Rhodes is the oldest and perhaps the most prestigious international graduate scholarship program in the world. The foundation seeks to develop outstanding leaders who are committed to the common good and who will promote international understanding and peace. The scholarship covers all university and college fees for one to two years, plus a personal stipend and airfare to and from the U.K.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Applicants from one of the Rhodes eligible countries must apply for the Rhodes Scholarship for that country; all other applicants may apply for the Global Rhodes Scholarship. 

  The following information primarily applies to applicants from the United States, Canada, and those eligible for a Global Rhodes Scholarship. These individuals must seek a nomination from UMass Amherst. 

• Candidates for the United States, Canada, and the Global Rhodes Scholarship must: 
  • be a U.S. or Canadian citizen or lawful permanent resident, DACA recipient, or citizen of a country not covered by an existing Rhodes Scholarship 
  • be age 18, but not yet 24, by October 1 of application year or be up to a maximum age of 28 if the first undergraduate degree was earned within the last 2 years 
  • have academic standing sufficiently advanced to assure completion of a bachelor's degree before October 1 of year following application 

Candidate Profile:

• Record of literary and scholastic achievement beyond outstanding grades
• Strong moral character: truth, courage, devotion to public duty, humility
• Ambitious vision, the drive to make that vision a reality, and the ability to inspire others
• Energy to use one's talents to the fullest (demonstrated by extracurricular strength, such as in sport, debate, music, dance, etc.)
• Rationale for the chosen program of study at Oxford and a clear link with future goals

Application Components:

• 5-8 recommendation letters, 4 of which must be from individuals who have instructed you academically at the university level. Share this important information with your recommenders: Instructions for Recommenders: U.K. & Ireland Awards.
• 1,000 word personal statement
• A list of principal activities (a focused resume or CV)
• Evidence of age (e.g., birth certificate or passport)
• Certified transcript (or transcripts)
• Passport-size photograph
• Proof of citizenship
• English language proficiency (if English is not the applicant’s first language)

Application Procedure

All applicants MUST be nominated by their college or university. As such, UMass applicants must apply through ONSA.

ONSA staff encourage you to set an advising appointment during the spring semester to discuss your eligibility and competitiveness for the UK/Ireland scholarships. After discussing with us your academic record and leadership experience for these highly competitive scholarships, students will pre-apply with ONSA by June 1.

The pre-application process officially informs ONSA about your application plan and allows students to start working early on their applications.

After June 1 pre-application deadline, you will work on your essays, which will allow you to move forward with a full application for the campus endorsement process. In some cases, we may recommend that you consider other opportunities that are a better fit.

U.K./Ireland Pre-Application

APPLY with ONSA by August 15:

Finalize your Rhodes application on the national website. We will access your application from there.

THE CAMPUS DEADLINE OF AUGUST 15 IS REQUIRED. WE WILL NOT ACCEPT APPLICATIONS AFTER THIS DATE.

After August 15, we will review your application and inform you if you will be endorsed for the national competition.

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Schwarzman Scholarship

Who Should Apply?: 

Rising seniors, recent graduates

What It's For: 

One-year master's degree at Tsinghua University in Beijing, China; master's in global affairs

Fields of Study: 

Any field

Scholarship Website: 

Schwarzman Scholarship

The Schwarzman Scholarship provides a year of study leading to a Master's degree in Public Policy, Economics and Business, or International Studies at Tsinghua University in Beijing, China. All courses are taught in English.

This award does not require UMass endorsement; however, if you wish to receive comprehensive advising support, including feedback on your application essays from ONSA staff, you will need to contact us approximately two months before the external deadline, and send us your draft no later than two weeks before submitting your application.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Seniors, graduate or professional students, and alumni not yet 29 years of age.
• U.S. and non-U.S. citizens
• Note: Applicants who hold passports from Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan or Macao have a separate deadline at the end of May (check their website).

Candidate Profile:

Candidates are evaluated based on their potential to be future leaders in their professional fields and broadly in society, who seek a better understanding of China's role in the world. Students from any major can apply and Mandarin classes are included in the coursework. The program expects to fully fund 200 students annually (90 from the U.S., 40 from China, and 70 from the rest of the world). The Schwarzman Foundation endeavors to mix practical and theoretical knowledge to train those who aspire to make the world a more peaceful and prosperous place. Applicants with a strong profile possess:

• Academic excellence
• Outstanding leadership or leadership potential
• Entrepreneurial spirit and a willingness to take risks
• Exemplary character as demonstrated in letters of recommendation
• Desire to better understand China’s role in the world
• Desire to find innovative solutions to problems and effect change
• Experiences beyond undergraduate academics through internships, community service, work experience, and/or graduate coursework

DEADLINE for students from China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macao: MAY

Applicants who hold passports from Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macao must officially apply online through the China application system prior to the deadline in May. Finalists will be invited to interview at Tsinghua University in Beijing in early July. The Schwarzman Scholarship does not formally require a university endorsement process for Chinese applicants. Thus, Chinese applicants may choose to independently submit application materials to the Schwarzman. However, if you are interested in obtaining feedback on your application from ONSA, please provide a complete PDF of your Schwarzman Scholars application and a current résumé for our review at least two weeks before deadline.

DEADLINE for non-Chinese, including American students: SEPTEMBER

Unlike other prestigious scholarship processes, the Schwarzman Scholarship does not formally require university endorsement. An applicant may independently submit application materials to the Schwarzman Scholarship. However, if you are interested in obtaining feedback on your Schwarzman Scholarship application please send your essays to ONSA at least two weeks before deadline.

Application Components:

Your application must include:

1. Three letters of recommendation addressing specifically your qualifications as a Schwarzman Scholar. Two letters should be from academics or professionals in your field. The third recommender should focus on leadership and ideally also be aware of the leadership example you used for your essay. Please see Schwarzman criteria for more specific guidelines.
2. Schwarzman Scholars application.
3. Transcripts/academic records from every degree-granting college or university attended (undergraduate or graduate – must be combined into one PDF and then uploaded). If transcripts are not in English, official translations must be included.
4. Essay One: Statement of Purpose and Leadership (750 words).
5. Essay Two: Current Affairs Essay (500 words).
6. Current resume/CV (no longer than 2 pages).
7. 1-minute video introducing yourself (not required but strongly recommended).  The video can be up to one minute in length, and candidates are invited to introduce themselves in any style or setting they think best conveys their interests and personality. Note: the file must be less than 20MB in order for you to upload it to the application.

Application Procedure

While students and alumni can apply directly to the Schwarzman Program, it is in the best interest of applicants to work through ONSA's review process. This involves support throughout preparation of the application materials and feedback to help applicants craft the strongest application possible. Contact us for advising approximately 2 months before the external deadline and send us your draft no later than 2 weeks before submitting it.

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Soros Fellowship

The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans program honors the contributions of immigrants and children of immigrants to the United States. Each year, we invest in the graduate education of 30 New Americans—immigrants and children of immigrants—who are poised to make significant contributions to U.S. society, culture or their academic field. Each Fellow receives up to $90,000 in financial support over two years, and they join a lifelong community of New American Fellows. Eligible students must be 30 or younger as of the application deadline, be enrolled in a graduate program, or plan to start their graduate studies in the next academic year.

The application deadline is in late October.

For more information, visit: pdsoros.org

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Truman Scholarship

Campus Deadline: 

Friday, November 29, 2024

Who Should Apply?: 

Juniors interested in public service

What It's For: 

Graduate degree and career in public service

Fields of Study: 

Any field

Scholarship Website: 

Truman Scholarship

Click here for more Truman Scholarship application resources...

Truman scholars are movers and shakers, agents of change, students who are committed to changing the world and serving the public. The Truman Foundation awards 60-65 scholarships annually to college juniors who wish to pursue graduate school in preparation for careers in public service. The scholarship includes up to $30,000 toward graduate studies, leadership training, and a 10-week Washington, D.C. Summer Institute following graduation. The Foundation defines public service as government employment at any level, uniformed services, public interest organizations, nongovernmental research and/or education organizations, public and private schools, and public service-oriented nonprofit organizations - in short, those organizations and agencies whose primary purposes are to help needy or disadvantaged persons or to protect the environment.

Eligibility Requirements:

• U.S. citizen or U.S. national
• Current junior (based on date of graduation, not credit hours accumulated)
• Planning to pursue an advanced degree: Master's degree, doctorate, or professional degree such as a law degree or a Master of Public Administration, Master of Public Health, Master of Social Work, Master of Education, Master of Public Policy, or Master of International Affairs
• Will pursue a career in which you will serve as a "change agent," for example, improving the ways that government agencies, nonprofit organizations, or educational institutions serve the public

Candidate Profile:

• Record of sustained service to community as demonstrated by participation in extracurricular activities, volunteer work, internships
• Demonstrated skills as an effective leader, advocate, and/or activist ("agent of change")
• Intellectual rigor and a strong academic record that illustrate preparedness for graduate study
• Clear plans to pursue a career in public service
• Well-developed and pragmatic policy proposal essay that addresses a specific problem

Application Components:

• Online application form
• Personal Statement
• Policy Proposal essay
• Three letters of recommendation, each addressing a particular area:
  • Leadership abilities and potential
  • Commitment and desire for a career in public service
  • Intellect and ability to succeed in graduate school
  • Transcript

Application Procedure

All applicants MUST be nominated by their college or university in order to apply for the Truman Scholarship. As such, UMass applicants are reviewed by the internal faculty committee and up to four nominees are sent forward to the Truman Foundation for consideration.

Detailed campus application information is provided directly to applicants once they meet with ONSA advisers.

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Udall Scholarship

Campus Deadline: 

Friday, March 1, 2024

Who Should Apply?: 

Sophomores and juniors

What It's For: 

The Udall Foundation awards scholarships to students working towards positive solutions to environmental challenges and to issues impacting Native nations – specifically in health care and tribal policy. In addition to funding for academic expenses, the Udall Scholarship also provides access to the Udall Alumni Network, an association of change-makers, working in Native nations and environmental fields, sharing innovative ideas, professional advice, and job and internship opportunities. Udall Scholars must attend Scholar Orientation in Tucson, Arizona held in the summer following notification of the award. 

Fields of Study: 

Any: for students committed to a career related to environmental science

Native American health care

Native American Tribal Public Policy

Scholarship Website: 

Udall Scholarship

The Udall Scholarship honors Morris K. Udall, an Arizona Congressman known for authoring legislation to protect wilderness areas and for his commitment to the Native American population. The Morris K. Udall and Stewart L. Udall Foundation annually awards approximately 50 scholarships of up to $5,000 each to sophomore and junior students who have demonstrated commitment to careers related to the environment, including policy, engineering, science, education, urban planning and renewal, business, health, justice, economics, and other related fields; or Native American and Alaska Native students who have demonstrated commitment to careers related to tribal public policy or Native American health care.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Full-time matriculated sophomore or junior pursuing a degree at a university during the application year
• U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or permanent resident
• Only Native Americans and Alaska Natives are eligible to apply in tribal public policy or Native American health care; however, students applying in environment do not need to be Native American or Alaska Native to apply

Candidate Profile:

• Commitment to a clear career path, demonstrated by academic achievement and extracurricular activities
• Widely read among the speeches, legislation, and policy statements of Congressman Morris K. Udall or Secretary of the Interior Stewart L. Udall
• Excellent critical analysis of your chosen speech or piece of legislation in your essay
• Demonstrated desire for problem-solving and consensus-building
• Demonstrated leadership potential, including the ability to form a vision, make it a reality, and inspire others

Additionally, for applicants in tribal public policy or Native American health care:

• Explanation of how you will use your education to benefit your tribe or Native Americans in general
• Demonstrated interest and involvement in tribal community (e.g., participation in cultural events, volunteering with organizations that benefit Native communities)
• Support of a tribal leader or other professional who can attest to your involvement with your tribe or other Native American organization in a letter of recommendation

Application Components:

• Online application
• Transcript
• Udall Essay of no more than 800 words on a speech, legislative act, book, or public policy statement by either Morris K. Udall or Stewart L. Udall and its impact on your interests and goals
• Three letters of recommendation

Application Procedure

All applicants MUST be nominated by their college or university. Detailed campus application information is provided directly to applicants once they declare their intention to apply.

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