NOTE: Although the Office of Nationally Competitive Scholarships is housed in the Honors College, the Office of Nationally Competitive Scholarships serves the entire University.

What are nationally distinguished scholarships?

Prestigious national and international scholarships that are funded by sources independent of the University of Utah given to students based on demonstrated achievement and personal distinction

Support undergraduate and graduate studies, research, and teaching endeavors through highly competitive, merit-based scholarships.

Students from all over the country compete to earn these distinguished scholarships

Some nationally distinguished scholarships require an endorsement in which the potential candidate is vetted by a University-designated committee

Categories for Organization:

University Endorsement

Requires participation in a formal campus process. Applicants are unable to apply to these opportunities directly. Endorsement signifies that candidates submitted by the University of Utah have been thoroughly vetted by a University-designated committee. For some scholarships, the U is limited in the number of applicants who can move forward the national or international competition. These scholarships require a University interview.

Graduate Study

Scholarships provide opportunities to pursue graduate degrees (master’s or PhD) either in the U.S. or abroad.

STEM

Scholarships provide an opportunity to study and/or research in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics

Service-oriented

Scholarships emphasize public policy, international affairs, and public service through study, research, and internships. Many of these scholarships require commitment to service following graduation from a master’s program.

Diversity Populations

Scholarships seek applicants from historically underrepresented groups including students of color, financial need, first-generation, etc.

International

Scholarships provide opportunities for cultural engagement aboard through teaching, research, study, or internships.

Language Study

Provide opportunities to study language and immersion at vary levels of language proficiency

Available Scholarships for those applying as:

Seniors, Graduate Students, Alumni:

Gates Cambridge Scholarship

Funding for postgraduate study in any field (exceptions apply) at the University of Cambridge

Winston Churchill Scholarship

Funding for 1 year of postgraduate study in math, science, or engineering at Churchill College at the University of Cambridge

Churchill Scholarships offer American students of exceptional ability to pursue graduate studies (master’s degree) in sciences, engineering and mathematics for 9-12 months at the University of Cambridge based at Churchill College. The scholarships are highly competitive and covers tuition fees, and living expenses, and travel expenses.

 Marshall scholarship

Funding for 1-2 years of postgraduate study in any field (exceptions apply) at any university in the United Kingdom

Marshall Scholarships finance young Americans of high achievement and ability to study for a degree in any field at any university in the United Kingdom. The scholarship allows scholars, who are the potential leaders and decision-makers in their own countries, to gain an understanding and appreciation of British values and ways of life, while establishing a long-lasting tie between people of Britain and the U.S. Scholarships are either a year or two years of length and cover tuition fees, books, a thesis grant, research, daily travel and fares to and from the U.S.

 Rhodes Scholarship

Funding for 2-3 years of postgraduate study in any field at the University of Oxford

The Rhodes Scholarships is the oldest and most prestigious international scholarship program, enabling young people from around the world to study any course at the University of Oxford. It is a life-changing opportunity for students of demonstrated academic ability and good character to make a difference in the world. It is a life-long connection which goes far beyond financial value. The scholarship covers university tuition and fees, airfare, a stipend, and international healthcare for 2 years and in some cases, can be extended to 3 years.

 Mitchell Scholarship

Funding for 1-year master’s degree study in any field in Ireland or Northern Ireland

The George J. Mitchell Scholarship is a nationally competitive award for U.S. citizen sponsored by the US-Ireland Alliance. The scholarship is designed to introduce and connect future American leaders to the island of Ireland, while recognizing and fostering academic excellence, leadership, and a commitment to public service. The award provides tuition fees, accommodations, living stipend, and an international travel stipend for one-year postgraduate study in any discipline in Ireland or Northern Ireland.

 Knight-Hennessy Scholarship

Funding for up to 3 years for postgraduate study in any field at Stanford University

The Knight Hennessy Scholarship is an international graduate level scholarship for study at Stanford University. Through this program, scholars develop the skills to communicate, collaborate, and innovate across disciplines to tackle complex challenges and discover new solutions that will advance humanity. The scholarship covers tuition fees, a living stipend a travel stipend for travel to and from Stanford.

 Fulbright U.S. student program

Funding for 1-year English Teaching Assistantships or postgraduate study and research abroad. Specialized programs such as the Fulbright-National Geographic Storytelling Fellowship and the Fulbright-Fogarty Fellowships in Public Health are available.

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program awards grants to support study, research, or English teaching abroad in more than 140 countries. Fulbright applicants can propose self-designed study/research projects, participate in established research projects or serve as an English Teaching Assistant (ETA). The award covers funding including a living stipend, a travel stipend for round-trip transportation to the host country, accident and sickness health benefits for a full academic year. In some cases, funding may also cover a stipend for books and research, full or partial tuition, language study program, pre-departure and in-country orientations, and mid-term enrichment activities.

Schwarzman Scholarship

Funding for 1-year Master’s degree in Global Affairs at Tsinghua University in Beijing, China

The Schwarzman Scholarship program provides students with a greater knowledge of China through a rigorous and innovative Master’s of Global Affairs degree at Tsinghua University, one of country’s leading universities. The program seeks to build strong links between China and a rapidly changing world. The award cover tuition fees, room and board, a travel stipend for travel to and from Beijing, an in-country study tour, a stipend for course books and supplies, health insurance, and a stipend for personal expenses.

  National science foundation (NSF) Graduate Research fellowship program

Funding for 3-year graduate study (master’s or doctorate) in STEM field at any accredited institution in the U.S.

The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) aims to ensure the vitality and diversity of the scientific and engineering workforce in the U.S. by providing funding for outstanding graduate students who are pursuing research-based master’s and doctoral degrees in STEM fields. It is the oldest graduate fellowship of its kind and supports future leaders and contributors to the scientific community. The GRFP provides funding for 3 years in support of graduate education for individuals who have demonstrated their potential for significant research achievements in STEM or STEM education. The fellowship provides a $34,000 annual stipend for 3 years, $12,000 annually for tuition and fees that is awarded to the graduate institution.

 James C. Gaither Junior Fellows Program (Carnegie Endowment for International Peace)

Funding for 1-year for assisting in research projects related to foreign affairs and international peace.

The Junior Fellows Program provides opportunities for individuals to work as research assistants to the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace’s senior associates. 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, journalists, and government officials. The fellowship provides paid full-time, positions for 1-year that pay approximately $40,000 per year with full benefits.

Beinecke Scholarship

Luce Scholars Program

Funding for 13 months to live, work and learn a language in Asia for graduating seniors, graduate students and young professionals who have limited exposure to Asia

The Luce Scholars Program provides funding for graduating seniors, graduate students, and young professionals who have limited exposure in Asia or Asian studies. The scholarship provides Luce Scholars with the opportunity to gain new perspectives and cultural insights in host countries through immersive living and working experiences in Asia. A professional placement in an Asian institution or agency is individually arranged for each Scholar on the basis of the Scholar’s professional interest, background, and qualifications. The scholarship provides a monthly stipend for living and housing and provides an immersion experience in Asia for an outstanding group of young Americans who would not otherwise have the opportunity to come to know Asia intimately. Placements can be made in the following countries or regions: Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.

 Soros Fellowship for New Americans

Funding for up to $90,000 for up to 2 years of postgraduate studies in any field and at any university in the U.S.

The Soros Fellowship for New Americans honors the contributions of immigrants and children of immigrants to the U.S. by granting funding for up to 2-years in any field at any degree-granting program in the U.S. Funding includes a stipend of up to $25,000 per year and a tuition stipend of up to $20,000, allowing students to receive up to $90,000 over 2 years.

 German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)

Funding for undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and postdoctoral students for study, research or learning German.

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), is a publicly funded independent organization of higher education institutions in Germany. The DAAD supports more than 100,000 German and international students and researchers around the globe each year, making it the world’s largest funding organization of its kind. The scholarships usually consist of a monthly living stipend, and a flat-rate travel allowance. In many cases, health, accident, and personal liability insurance is covered. DAAD provides a wealth of different scholarships. Interested students should consult the DAAD website to find scholarship and internship programs available to you.

 Clarendon Scholarship

Funding for part-time and full-time postgraduate study at the University of Oxford

The Clarendon Scholarship is an extremely competitive scholarship for study at the University of Oxford. Scholarships are given to university graduate students from around the world and across all subject areas, who demonstrate academic excellence and potential. It provides funding for tuition course fees and a living stipend while at the University of Oxford.

 Hertz Fellowship

Funding for up to 5 years for tuition and personal expenses during PhD level study in applied physical and biological sciences, mathematics, or engineering

The Hertz Fellowship includes 5 years of funding and the freedom to pursue innovative projects in applied physical and biological sciences, mathematics, and engineering. The goal is for fellows to be financially independent and free from traditional restrictions of their academic departments to promote innovation in collaboration with leading professors in the field. The fellowship covers tuition and a personal stipend for up to 5 years.

 Yenching Academy of Peking University

Funding for 1-2 years of postgraduate studies leading to a master’s degree from Peking University in Beijing China

The Yenching Academy offers a highly customizable master’s program in China studies for English speakers with varied levels of Chinese language competency. The program is designed to cultivate leaders who will advocate for global progress and cultural understanding. The scholarship includes funding for tuition, accommodation, transportation, travel and a living stipend.

 Rangel Graduate Fellowship

Funding for 2 years of postgraduate study for two-year master’s degrees in international affairs or another area of relevance to the work of the Foreign Service.

The Rangel Graduate Fellowship is a collaborative effort between Howard University and U.S. State Department that aims to attract and prepare outstanding young people for careers in the Foreign Service of the U.S. Department of State. The program encourages students from minority groups, historically underrepresented in the Foreign service, women, and those with financial need to apply. Fellow are interested in helping to shape a freer, more secure and prosperous world through formulating, representing, and implementing U.S. foreign policy. The award includes funding for tuition, room and board, books and mandatory fees for completion of 2-year master’s degrees in international affairs or a related field to the work of the Foreign Service. Upon successful completion of a 2-year master’s degree, fellows commit to a minimum 5-year service in the U.S. Department of State.

 Pickering Fellowship

Funding for 2 years of postgraduate study for two-year master’s degrees in an area relevant to foreign service

The Pickering Fellowship is a collaborative effort between Howard University and U.S. State Department that aims to attract and prepare outstanding young people for careers in the Foreign Service of the U.S. Department of State. The program encourages students from minority groups, historically underrepresented in the Foreign service, women, and those with financial need to apply. Based on the fundamental principle that diversity is a strength in our diplomatic efforts, the program values varied backgrounds, including ethnic, racial, social, geographic diversity. The fellowship offers a unique opportunity to promote positive change in the world. The award includes funding for tuition, room and board, books and mandatory fees for completion of 2-year master’s degrees in international affairs or a related field to the work of the Foreign Service. Upon successful completion of a 2-year master’s degree, fellows commit to a minimum 5-year service in the State Department of State’s Foreign Service.

 Payne Fellowship

Funding for 2 years of postgraduate study for a master’s degree in an area related to international development or related area

The Payne Fellowship seeks to attract outstanding individuals interested in pursuing careers in the Foreign Service of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The USAID provides an opportunity to advance U.S. foreign policy interests and reflect the American people’s compassion and support of human dignity through pressing global challenges such as poverty, hunger, injustice, disease, environmental degradation, climate change, conflict and violent extremism. The fellowship provides up $48,000 per year for 2-year programs that covers tuition and a stipend for room and board, books and other education-related expenses. Fellows receive an appointment to the USAID Foreign Service, with a required 5 years of service.

Critical Language Scholarship

Funding for travel abroad for cultural immersion and study of a language critical to U.S. national security and economic prosperity

The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) is one of the most competitive scholarships in the U.S. and the most prestigious language program for U.S. citizens. It provides fully-funded group-based intensive language instruction and structured cultural enrichment experiences for 8-10 weeks for undergraduate, master’s and PhD students. The program takes place in a country where the critical language is spoken. Students of diverse disciplines and majors are encouraged to apply. Applicants are expected to continue their language study beyond the scholarship period and later apply their critical language skills in their future professional careers. The scholarship covers travel between the U.S., Washington D.C., and the CLS program country, visa application fees, language instruction, room and board, program-sponsored travel, U.S. academic credit, Oral Proficiency Interview language assessment and all entrance fees for program activities.

 Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) Scholarship

Funding for an academic year or summer for graduate and undergraduate study of underrepresented language

The Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) Scholarship provides funding for graduate or undergraduate students for study of underrepresented languages during an academic year or a summer fellowship. The University of Utah receives an allocation of fellowships from the U.S. Department of Education each year for FLAS. The scholarship covers up to $18,000 for graduate students and up to $10,000 for undergraduate students for tuition for an academic year. The estimated institutional payment for summer fellowships is up to $5,000 for graduate and undergraduate students. FLAS covers a living stipend for up to $15,000 for graduate students and up to $5,000 for undergraduate students for the academic year and up to $2,500 for graduate and undergraduate students for summer fellowships.

 

 

Sophomores and Juniors:

Truman Scholarship

Funding for up to 3 years of postgraduate study in a field leading to a career in public service

The Truman Scholarship is a premier graduate fellowship in the U.S. for those pursuing careers as public service leaders. It is a competitive scholarship for students with demonstrated leadership potential, academic excellence, and a commitment to public service. The scholarship is awarded to college juniors and consists of an award of $30,000 for up to 3 years of graduate education leading to a career in public service.

Goldwater Scholarship

Funding for 1-2 years of undergraduate tuition, fees, books, and room and board, up to a maximum of $7,500 annually for study in science, mathematics, and/or engineering intending to pursue PhD level research

The Goldwater Scholarship provides funding to college sophomore and juniors who intend to pursue research careers in the natural sciences, mathematics and engineering. It is the oldest and most prestigious national scholarship in STEM fields in the U.S. The scholarship seeks to identify college students who show exceptional promise of becoming the next generation of research leaders in STEM fields. It provides $7,500 per year for up to 2 years (if applying as a sophomore), which can used for tuition, fees, books, and/or room and board.

 Udall Undergraduate Scholarship

Funding for 1-year for undergraduate tuition, fees, books, and room and board, up to a maximum of $7,000 for study leadership, public service, and commitment to issues related to Native American nations or to the environment

The Udall Undergraduate Scholarship provides funding for undergraduate students interested in a career related to the environment or issues related to Native American tribal policy or health care. The scholarship awards 1-year scholarships for $7,000, which can be used for tuition, fees, books, and room and board. It provides students with the opportunity to connect with change-makers, working in Native American and environmental fields, to share innovative ideas and professional advice.

Undergraduate:

Gilman scholarship

Funding for undergraduate students receiving Pell Grant funding to study abroad or complete an internship abroad.

The Gilman Scholarship Program supports U.S. students with financial need to study abroad or complete internships abroad. The program encourages students to study and intern in a diverse array of countries or world regions. The program also encourages students to study languages, especially critical need language (those deemed important to national security). The scholarship includes an award amount of up to $5,000 to cover tuition, room and board, books, local transportation, insurance, international airfare, passport and visa fees. Applicants who are studying a critical need language while abroad can apply for a supplemental award of up to $3,000.

 Boren Scholarship/Boren fellowship

Funding for undergraduate students or graduate students to travel abroad to study less commonly taught languages.

The Boren Scholarship (for undergraduate students) and the Boren Fellowship (for graduate students) provide funding for undergraduates and graduates students to obtain long-term linguistic and cultural immersion abroad. The scholarship provides up to $25,000 in funding to study abroad in areas of the world that are critical to U.S. interests and underrepresented in study abroad, including Africa, Asia, Central & Eastern Europe, Eurasia, Latin America, and the Middle East. Upon completion of the Boren Scholarship/Fellowship, you are obligated to work for the federal government in some capacity for one year after graduation.

 Critical Language Scholarship

Funding for travel abroad for cultural immersion and study of a language critical to U.S. national security and economic prosperity

The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) is one of the most competitive scholarships in the U.S. and the most prestigious language program for U.S. citizens. It provides fully-funded group-based intensive language instruction and structured cultural enrichment experiences for 8-10 weeks for undergraduate, master’s and PhD students. The program takes place in a country where the critical language is spoken. Students of diverse disciplines and majors are encouraged to apply. Applicants are expected to continue their language study beyond the scholarship period and later apply their critical language skills in their future professional careers. The scholarship covers travel between the U.S., Washington D.C., and the CLS program country, visa application fees, language instruction, room and board, program-sponsored travel, U.S. academic credit, Oral Proficiency Interview language assessment and all entrance fees for program activities.

 Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) Scholarship

Funding for an academic year or summer for graduate and undergraduate study of underrepresented language

The Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) Scholarship provides funding for graduate or undergraduate students for study of underrepresented languages during an academic year or a summer fellowship. The University of Utah receives an allocation of fellowships from the U.S. Department of Education each year for FLAS. The scholarship covers up to $18,000 for graduate students and up to $10,000 for undergraduate students for tuition for an academic year. The estimated institutional payment for summer fellowships is up to $5,000 for graduate and undergraduate students. FLAS covers a living stipend for up to $15,000 for graduate students and up to $5,000 for undergraduate students for the academic year and up to $2,500 for graduate and undergraduate students for summer fellowships.