Senior Year and Beyond

Fellowships are merit-based awards for further academic study or research disbursed through national, and sometimes international, competitions. Some sponsors also use the term “scholarship” in the name of their awards.

The federal government, foreign governments, and private philanthropic organizations sponsor these award programs. They provide funding based on academic merit and other criteria to support advanced study or research in the US and abroad after completion of the bachelor‘s degree.

Fellowship Opportunities for Seniors, Recent Graduates, and Early Graduate Students

Some of these programs are officially coordinated by our office while others are handled by the Center for Education Abroad. Many programs do not require any formal University involvement, but students are encouraged to seek advisement from the relevant office for these competitions as well.

Programs preceded by an asterisk (*) require institutional endorsement of candidates.

  • To be considered for nomination, you will need to complete the Fellowships Preliminary Questionnaire (FPQ) by the specified spring or fall deadline, prior to submitting the official application for campus review.
  • Already submitted an FPQ? If it has been more than one academic year since you completed your FPQ, please submit the FPQ Update.
  • Campus application deadlines are much earlier than the national application due dates. Check with the appropriate office at least a semester in advance if you are interested in applying for any of these awards.
  • Before you are nominated or endorsed, we will perform a conduct and academic honesty check to confirm that you are in good disciplinary and academic standing.

Please note that the campus application process begins in the spring of your junior year for some senior year competitions with early fall deadlines, e.g., Fulbright, Rhodes, Marshall, and Mitchell.

Students interested in any of the fellowships on this page are encouraged to consult the Director of Fellowships in the Fellowships Office (4-209B Dewey, (585) 276-5869) as early as possible.

The fellowship and scholarship programs described below are open to graduating seniors, recent graduates, and early graduate students. This is a selective list.


David L. Boren/NSEP (National Security Education Program) Graduate International Fellowship

David L. Boren/NSEP (National Security Education Program) Graduate International Fellowship [Heading 4 and anchor]

The David L. Boren NSEP Graduate International Fellowship is for seniors and recent graduates currently applying to a US graduate-degree program and for currently enrolled graduate students from a broad range of disciplines. US citizenship required to apply.

The fellowship supports the study of languages, cultures, and world regions deemed critical to national security but less frequently studied by US graduate students, like, Eastern Europe, Africa, non-Western Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Latin America. Over 80 languages and over 50 countries are emphasized.

Awards are made for one to six academic semesters for overseas or domestic study or a combination of both. A maximum of $30,000 is available for combined overseas and domestic study program.

Fields of study with national security implications can include:

  • International relations
  • Political science
  • History
  • Policy studies
  • Business and economics
  • Information technology
  • Engineering and applied sciences
  • Ecology and sustainable development
  • International public health
  • Biomedical sciences
  • Arms control
  • Population growth and migration

Selection is based on:

  • Academic excellence
  • Strength of proposal
  • Plan for advanced language competency
  • Relation of program to academic field and career goals as well as national security
  • Commitment to federal service

Applications are available online and the filing deadline is usually in late January.

* Churchill Scholarship

The Churchill Scholarship is for seniors majoring in engineering, mathematics, or science fields. US citizenship required to apply. The scholarship supports one year of graduate study for the pursuit of a master's degree at the University of Cambridge.

Selection is based on:

  • Academic achievement (minimum 3.9 GPA recommended)
  • GRE scores
  • Recommendation letters
  • Capacity for original, creative work
  • Character
  • Adaptability
  • Demonstrated leadership
  • Concern for critical problems of society

* University of Rochester nomination is required and only two candidates may be nominated.

The campus nomination process begins in spring, when eligible candidates are invited to a Churchill information session. Nomination materials are usually due in late April, and nominees are selected in May.

Nominees will need to submit the Cambridge online graduate admission application by early October to secure acceptance into their desired degree program. Additionally, nominees will also complete the Churchill Scholarship application by the early November campus deadline. Four references are needed for the Churchill application.

Questions can be directed to Belinda Redden at fellowships@rochester.edu.

Critical Language Scholarship

The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) is an overseas language training and cultural enrichment program in languages deemed of critical importance to the US:

  • Arabic
  • Azerbaijani
  • Bangla/Bengali
  • Brazilian Portuguese
  • Chinese
  • Hindi
  • Indonesian
  • Japanese
  • Korean
  • Persian
  • Russian
  • Swahili
  • Turkish
  • Urdu

Open to currently enrolled students (undergraduates and graduates) in all academic disciplines who are US citizens. Undergraduate candidates must have completed at least one year of college by the program start date. Candidates must also meet language study prerequisites set for the language of interest. The application may be made for one language only.

The award covers all CLS program costs.

Selection basis includes:

  • Academic record and potential to succeed in a rigorous academic setting
  • Cultural adaptability
  • Diversity
  • Plan for continuation of language study
  • Plan for use of the language studied in a future career

The application is available online and usually due mid-November. CLS Spark, an initiative of the CLS Program, provides opportunities for American undergraduate college and university students to study Arabic, Chinese and Russian virtually at the beginning level

DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst/German Academic Exchange Service)

The programs are open to all students studying in North America. Students who are citizens of countries outside North America may also apply for certain DAAD programs. See the DAAD website for details.

There are several different DAAD programs that students may be interested in:

  • Undergraduate Scholarship: Sophomores and juniors with demonstrated interest in German and European affairs can apply for this award to support study abroad, senior thesis research, or internships in Germany. Funding is available for a minimum of four and a maximum of ten months during the German academic year, i.e. October to July. Proficiency in German is not mandatory, but applicants should have the necessary language skills for the programs they propose to undertake. The application deadline is usually January 31.
  • Research Internships in Science and Engineering (RISE): Sophomores and juniors majoring in a science or engineering field may apply for summer internships of six weeks to three months; placements provided by top German university research groups. Knowledge of German is not required for most positions but would be helpful for life outside the laboratory. A two-week intensive language course is available for participants with little or no German. The application deadline is in mid-January.
  • Study and Internship Program (SIP) in Germany: Sophomores and juniors majoring in an engineering, science, economics, or art/design field can apply for full semester of study at a participating German university of applied sciences followed by semester-long paid internship in a German company or research institute. Basic German skills helpful, but some courses available in English. The application deadline is usually mid-February.
Department of Energy Science Graduate Fellowship

The Department of Energy Science Graduate Fellowship is for seniors and early graduate students in math, science, and engineering fields to pursue research-based master's or PhD degrees in areas relevant to the DOE's Office of Science. Applicants must be US citizens and currently enrolled full time at the time of application.

This fellowship provides partial tuition support (up to $10,500), an annual $35,000 living stipend, and a research stipend of $5,000 a year at a US institution for three years. A minimum 3.3/4.0 cumulative undergraduate GPA required.

Selection is based on:

  • Academic performance
  • Scientific and/or technical merit of proposed research plan
  • Scientific and technical contributions outside the classroom

Application includes two essays and requires three letters of recommendation. GRE scores are not required.

Applications are usually due in late November and fellows are announced in April.

Ford Foundation Predoctoral Fellowship

N.B. This program ended in 2023.

The Ford Foundation Predoctoral Fellowship is for seniors, holders of bachelor’s degrees, and individuals who have completed some graduate study and plan a career in university teaching or research. The fellowship is open to US citizens, undocumented students who have received Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status, or US nationals of any racial or national origin with demonstrated commitment to the program's diversity goals.

Fellowship recipients will receive three years' pre-doctoral funding ($20,000 a year stipend plus tuition and fee allowances) for the pursuit of a PhD or ScD degree in an eligible field of study in the humanities, social sciences, or natural and applied sciences, at any US institution.

Selection is based on:

  • Academic achievement and scholarly promise
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Suitability of the proposed graduate institution for the plan of graduate study
  • The applicant’s ability to present a well-written, thoughtfully prepared application

GRE scores are encouraged but optional for applicants seeking admission to graduate school.

Applications are available online and the filing deadline is usually early November. Approximately 40 Ford Predoctoral Fellows are selected each April.

* Fulbright U.S. Student Program

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program is for seniors, current graduate students, and recent alumni who are US citizens and wish to spend a year abroad. There are over 140 cooperating countries from which to choose.

Applicants propose a program of university study, independent research, creative and performing arts projects, or English Teaching Assistantships (in selected countries). Applicants must have compelling, intellectually motivated rationale for their choice of country and institution.

Fulbright grants cover tuition and round-trip international travel and provide a monthly living stipend.

Candidates are responsible for arranging appropriate institutional affiliation in the proposed host country—applying for admission and/or finding a research supervisor. This process can take three to nine months and should be started by the spring semester before the fall competition. Applications must be prepared over the spring and summer before the fall competition.

*University of Rochester nomination is required for currently enrolled students. Unenrolled recent graduates may also apply through the University of Rochester, and must observe campus deadlines. Alumni may choose to apply at-large without a University of Rochester endorsement.

Prospective candidates should complete the Fellowships Preliminary Questionnaire (FPQ) by the designated deadlinein the spring semester before the fall competition.

Selection is based on:

  • Academic achievement and qualifications (including linguistic) for the proposed project
  • Coherence and feasibility of the project
  • Strength of the project in relation to the host country
  • A personal essay
  • Evidence of maturity and adaptability
  • Commitment to engaging with host community
  • Recommendation letters

See the Fulbright binder in the Fellowships Office for examples of project proposals and personal essays.

A complete, polished application is due mid-August. Drafts should be submitted for critical feedback in spring and summer prior to the fall campus application deadline. Candidates who are endorsed will have their applications reviewed and will be interviewed by the faculty committee in early September.

New applications are usually available online as of May 1. Approximately 1,000 Fulbright Scholars are named each spring.

* James C. Gaither (formerly Carnegie) Junior Fellows Program

The James C. Gaither Junior Fellows Program is for seniors and recent alumni within one year of graduation. This program offers a one-year, full-time, paid total immersion program in international affairs. Fellows spend a year at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington, D.C., under the mentorship of senior associates in their field of interest. Junior fellows conduct research, write articles and reports, give presentations, and engage in outreach in areas such as:

  • Democracy building
  • US foreign policy
  • Nuclear non-proliferation
  • International economic reform
  • Studies on China, Eurasia, Russia
  • Middle East political reform

Applicants are welcome from a broad range of disciplinary backgrounds but should have a minimum 3.70 GPA, appropriate foreign-language skills, a strong background in international affairs/political science, and relevant experiences. All national origins are welcome, but non-citizens must be able to work in the US for the tenure of the program.

Selection is based on:

  • Academic merit
  • Leadership
  • Future promise

The application requires two essays, résumé, and two letters of recommendation.

*University of Rochester nomination is required and only two students will be nominated. The Fellowships Preliminary Questionnaire (FPQ) is due in early fall. The official fellowship application will be available from the director of fellowships in early October.

A complete, polished application for the campus nomination process is due in mid-November. However, a first draft should be submitted by late October for initial feedback. The nomination process also includes an interview by faculty committee. See our timeline page for campus deadlines.

Gates Cambridge Scholarship

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is for seniors, current graduate students, and recent graduates under 30 years of age. Citizens from every country outside the UK are eligible to apply.

This scholarship supports up to three years of study in any field at the University of Cambridge for pursuit of a second bachelor's degree, a one-year post-graduate course, or research leading to a PhD. It covers full tuition costs, fees, and round-trip travel and also includes maintenance as well as further discretionary allowances.

Prospective applicants first apply directly to Cambridge for admission through the normal application process and then follow guidelines to be considered for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship. Plan to have the application completed by October 1.

Selection is based on:

  • Outstanding academic achievement
  • Scholarly promise
  • Leadership potential
  • Commitment to use talents creatively to improve the common good

Cambridge application materials can be downloaded from the Cambridge website. Application procedures and receipt deadlines differ according to country of origin and proposed degree level. The US applicant deadline is usually in early October for graduate study and early November for undergraduate programs.

Approximately 100 Gates Cambridge Scholars are named each spring.

Glamour's Top Ten College Women Competition

Glamour's Top Ten College Women Competition is for junior and senior women in any field, of any national origin. Applicants must be a legal resident of the US or Canada (void in Quebec).

There is one grand prize of $20,000 and nine $3,000 cash prizes plus a three-day trip to New York City, opportunities to meet top female professionals, and recognition in Glamour magazine.

Applicants are evaluated on:

  • Academic excellence
  • Leadership experiences
  • Personal involvement in community and campus affairs

Applications are available online and are usually due in mid-September.

Fannie and John Hertz Foundation Graduate Fellowship

The Fannie and John Hertz Foundation Graduate Fellowship is for seniors and current graduate students intending to pursue a PhD in an applied physical, biological, or engineering science field at one of the fellowship program’s tenable schools. All US citizens and permanent residents are eligible.

Fellows receive $31,000 a year, which is renewable for a maximum of five years. Deferrals are possible if awarded another fellowship. These funds may support the PhD portion of a joint MD/PhD program.

Fellows must also be willing to morally commit to making skills available to the United States in a time of national emergency.

Selection criteria includes:

  • Outstanding academic achievement (minimum 3.75 GPA recommended)
  • Evidence of creativity in technical endeavors
  • GRE scores
  • Demonstrated excellence in applied science
  • Personal character
  • Morality

The annual application period opens in August, with the application being available online and normally due by late October. Interviewees are selected by mid-November.

Approximately 25 Hertz Fellows are selected each spring.

Humane Studies Fellowship

The Humane Studies Fellowship is for juniors, seniors, and graduate students of any nationality "embarking on liberty-advancing careers in ideas." Students must have a clearly demonstrated interest in the classical liberal/libertarian tradition of individual rights and free-market economies. This fellowship is open to candidates from various fields of study.

The fellowship awards $2,000 to $15,000, which can be used at any degree-granting institution in the US or abroad.

Selection is based on:

  • Academic performance
  • Relevant admission test scores (GRE, LSAT, SAT, etc.)
  • Demonstrated interest in classical liberal ideas
  • Potential to contribute to "the advancement of a free society"

The application can be downloaded and must be postmarked no later than January 31. Approximately 100 fellowships are awarded each year.

Humanity in Action Foundation Fellowship

The international human rights education and internship program sponsored by the Humanity in Action Foundation is "devoted to the study and betterment of human rights and specifically the relationship between majority and minority populations." Students from any national background of sophomore through senior standing may apply.

Students chosen from the US travel to Washington, DC for orientation and then to a participating European country for a four-week European core program of seminars, workshops, site visits, and meetings with figures from various fields, such as academia, government, journalism, and human rights organizations. Fellows engage in outreach programs to their peers and local communities during the academic year following the summer program in Europe.

Selection is based on:

  • Leadership potential
  • Academic achievement
  • Interest in minority issues
  • Concern for human rights
  • Willingness to engage in intellectually and socially rigorous work in group settings
  • Maturity
  • Self-reliance

The foundation pays expenses for European travel and accommodations.

The application deadline is in early January. See the program website for more detailed information, application forms, and exact filing deadline.

Samuel Huntington Public Service Award

Any graduating senior can apply to the Samuel Huntington Public Service Award to receive a $15,000 stipend to pursue a one-year public service project anywhere in the US or the world following the completion of an undergraduate degree. Projects can be self-designed and completed by the student alone, or done through an established charitable, religious, educational, governmental, or other public service organization.

Selection is based on:

  • Proposal quality
  • Academic record
  • Other personal achievements

Applicants are notified of status by mid-April and semi-finalists will be interviewed prior to final selections. The application requires:

  • 1,000-word proposal
  • Budget
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Resume
  • Transcripts

Applications are due mid-January.

James Madison Memorial Junior Fellowship

The James Madison Memorial Junior Fellowship is for seniors and recent graduates planning to teach US history, government, or social studies at the secondary school level and who wish to pursue a master’s degree that includes study of the US Constitution. The fellowship is for US citizens and nationals only.

Fellows will receive up to $24,000 over two years for tuition, books, fees, and room and board. The program also includes a four-week summer institute at Georgetown University. Fellows must commit to teach courses relating to the US Constitution in a secondary school (grades 7-12) for no less than one year.

Selection is based on:

  • Academic achievement
  • Civic mindedness and participation
  • Recommendation letters
  • A 600-word essay

Applications are available online.

Prospective candidates should contact Professor Richard Niemi of the Department of Political Science by November 15 preceding the spring application deadline. The national deadline is usually March 1.

* Marshall Scholarship

The Marshall Scholarship is for seniors and recent graduates who are US citizens and wish to study for one or two years in a degree program in any field of study at any university in the United Kingdom. Applicants must have very strong, intellectually based rationale for their choice of institution(s).

The scholarship provides funding for university fees, books, living allowance, travel, and research.

Selection criteria includes:

  • Superior academic achievement (minimum 3.70 GPA)
  • Exceptional promise of significant contribution to field or profession
  • Outstanding leadership ability
  • Demonstrated community-mindedness
  • Ambassadorial potential

The application requires:

  • Personal essay
  • Study proposal
  • Four letters of recommendation, at least two of which must be provided by faculty with whom the applicant has studied

See the Marshall binder in the Fellowships Office for essay samples.

*University of Rochester nomination is required for currently enrolled students and recent graduates. Prospective candidates should consult the director of fellowships and complete the Fellowships Preliminary Questionnaire (FPQ)by the designated deadline in the spring semester preceding the fall competition. The campus review process begins in the spring semester. The nomination process includes interview by faculty committee.

Preparation of the official scholarship application during the spring and summer is necessary. A complete, polished application is due mid-August. However, early drafts should be submitted in the preceding spring and summer for critical feedback. See the campus timelines page for a list of deadlines.

Applications are available online and sample copies are also available in the Fellowships Office. Applications also welcomed from highly qualified recent graduates.

Up to 40 Marshall Scholars are named each November.

* George J. Mitchell Scholarship

The George J. Mitchell Scholarship is for seniors, recent alumni, and graduate students (under age 30 by September 30 of year of application) who are US citizens and interested in a one-year graduate degree in any field at any institution of higher learning in Ireland or Northern Ireland.

The scholarship covers tuition as well as travel and living expenses.

Selection is based on academic achievement (minimum 3.7 GPA recommended), exceptional leadership and service to others, and character.

The application requires a 1,000-word essay and four letters of recommendation, at least two of which must be provided by faculty with whom the applicant has studied.

*University of Rochester nomination is required for currently enrolled undergraduate students only. Alumni and graduate-student candidates do not need institutional endorsement.

Prospective candidates for endorsement should consult the director of fellowships and complete the Fellowships Preliminary Questionnaire (FPQ) by the designated deadline in the spring semester preceding the fall competition. The campus review process begins in the spring semester. The nomination process includes an interview by faculty committee in spring or early fall.

Preparation of the official scholarship application during the spring and summer is highly recommended. A complete, polished application and recommendation letters are due mid-August for nomination consideration.

The official application is available and submitted online.

National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship (NDSEG)

The National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship is for seniors and first-year graduate students for pursuit of PhD in mathematical, physical, biological, ocean, and engineering sciences, as well as certain related interdisciplinary fields. Eligibility is restricted to US citizens and nationals.

The three-year fellowship can be at any accredited US institution of higher education. The fellowship includes full tuition and fees plus an annual stipend of $30,500-$31,500.

Selection is based on:

  • Academic achievement
  • Demonstrated aptitude for advanced study in science or engineering
  • GRE scores (subject test optional but highly recommended where applicable)
  • Three reference letters

While this fellowship is sponsored by Department of Defense, fellows incur no military or government service obligation.

Applications are available online and submitted electronically. The filing deadline for the completed application is usually in early December.

Approximately 170 fellows are named each April.

National Physical Science Consortium Graduate Fellowship in the Physical Sciences

The National Physical Science Consortium Graduate Fellowship in the Physical Sciences is for seniors and early graduate students who are US citizens intending to pursue a PhD in an eligible physical science or related engineering field (see program website for complete list) at a participating NPSC university (there are more than 100 member institutions).

The fellowship provides an annual $20,000 stipend renewable for up to six years; the applicant's graduate institution covers tuition and fees. Benefits also include two paid summer research internships with leading national employers.

All qualified applicants are welcome; under-represented minorities and women are especially encouraged to apply.

Selection is based on:

  • Academic achievement (minimum required GPA is 3.0/4.0)
  • Academic preparation for the proposed graduate degree
  • Research experience
  • Recommendation letters
  • GRE scores

Applications are available online and are usually due in late November. Approximately 15 fellows are named each March.

National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship

The National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship is for seniors, recent graduates, or early graduate students pursuing research-based master’s or PhD degrees in mathematics, physical and biological sciences, engineering, and certain behavioral and social sciences. Support also available for research-based STEM education degrees. All US citizens, nationals, and permanent residents may apply.

The fellowship also includes Women in Engineering (WENG) and Women in Computer and Information Science (WISE) fellowship programs.

Fellows will receive up to three years of support, including tuition and an annual stipend of $30,000 plus other allowances. The fellowship also includes international research and professional development opportunities.

Selection is based on intellectual merit and the potential to contribute significantly to the broader scientific, educational, and societal impact the program seeks to promote.

Interested students should consult the director of fellowships for advisement and see the NSF binder in the Fellowships Office for sample essays. Although University of Rochester endorsement is not required, completion of the Fellowships Preliminary Questionnaire (FPQ) by early fall is highly recommended.

Applications are available online in August. Filing deadlines are in early to mid-November and vary by field of study. Reference letters also due by the application deadline.

At least 1,000 NSF Graduate Research Fellows are named each March.

New York Women in Communications, Inc. (NYWICI) Foundation Scholarship

The New York Women in Communications, Inc. Foundation Scholarship is for undergraduate and graduate students majoring in a communications-related field and aspiring to a career in this area. Students must be US citizens and permanent residents of NY, NJ, CT, or PA.

The scholarship awards range from $2,500 to $10,000.

Selection criteria include:

  • Academic excellence (minimum 3.2 GPA)
  • Financial need
  • Leadership
  • Campus and community service
  • Honors
  • Involvement in communications-related activities

To apply students must submit:

  • Personal essay
  • Statement of goals and aspirations
  • Two reference letters

Applications are available online and are usually due in late January.

Thomas R. Pickering Graduate Foreign Affairs Fellowship Program

The Thomas R. Pickering Graduate Foreign Affairs Fellowship Program is for seniors who are US citizens that are interested in pursuing a foreign service career and who are seeking admission to a two-year master's degree program in fields such as:

  • Public policy
  • International affairs
  • Public administration
  • Foreign languages
  • Political science
  • Economics
  • Business
  • Sociology

The program covers tuition, room, board, and fees, with reimbursement for books and some travel up to $37,500. Fellows also receive paid summer internships in the US and abroad, plus mentoring from a foreign service officer.

Selection is based on academic achievement (minimum 3.20 GPA), leadership skills, and financial need. GRE test scores are required. Applications from women and members of under-represented minority groups encouraged.

Applications are available online and are usually due in September.

Project Horseshoe Farm Community Health Fellowship

Project Horseshoe Farm Community Health Fellowship, open to seniors and recent graduates, offers a year-long service experience in either Alabama or California. Fellows volunteer with local healthcare, education, nonprofit, and other organizations to extend their capacity to provide relationship-based support to children, adults living with mental illness, seniors, and other vulnerable individuals. Fellows are provided free housing and utilities and receive a stipend of $800-$1050 per month.

Applicants may apply to any or all locations. After an initial application review, qualified applicants will interview with a current fellow and a Horseshoe Farm representative. Some applicants will then move on to additional interviews with a site director and the Executive Director. Horseshoe Farm seeks applicants who are willing to work hard and are flexible, positive, and resilient.

This fellowship is open to students of all majors and all nationalities, providing that they have permission to work in the US. Fellows must own a car and have an active driver’s license.

Applications are usually due in February.

* † Projects for Peace

Projects for Peace grants $10,000 for summer grassroots projects designed to resolve conflict and maintain peace.

Successful applicants will use their creativity to design projects and employ innovative techniques for conflict resolution, reconciliation, building understanding and breaking down barriers that cause conflict, and finding solutions for resolving conflict and maintaining peace.

The application is open to all undergraduates in all disciplines, and both individual and group projects are welcome. The project itself can take place anywhere in the world.

Nomination requirements:

  • Two-page statement (project description, expected outcomes, prospects for future impact)
  • One-page budget
  • A letter of support from collaborating organization or parties
  • One general reference from a Rochester instructor or staff supervisor per candidate

Submit application materials and a resume for each applicant via email to Belinda Redden, Director of Fellowships, at fellowships@rochester.edu. Two proposals will be selected by a campus review committee.

See the UR Projects for Peace campus timeline for deadline information.

* Rhodes Scholarship

The Rhodes Scholarship is for seniors and recent graduates 18-24 years of age interested in two years of graduate study for the pursuit of a degree/s in any field at the University of Oxford. (Candidates may also apply for the Rhodes for only one year of study at Oxford.)

This scholarship is open to US citizens and permanent residents with at least five years of continuous legal permanent residency in the US prior to the annual October application deadline.

Students from the British Commonwealth and select other countries may also apply according to the procedures for their country of origin.

Selection criteria includes:

  • Exceptional scholarly achievement (minimum 80 GPA recommended)
  • Distinguished leadership and service to others
  • Character
  • Evidence of physical vitality
  • Commitment to using talents for the betterment of humanity

*University of Rochester nomination is required for enrolled undergraduates. Recent undergraduate alumni who are not matriculated at another institution may also apply for nomination by the University of Rochester and must observe campus deadlines and procedures.

The application requires:

  • 1,000-word personal essay
  • List of extracurricular activities and honors
  • Five to eight letters of recommendation, at least four of which must be provided by faculty with whom the applicant has studied

Prospective candidates should consult with the director of fellowships and complete the Fellowships Preliminary Questionnaire (FPQ) by the designated deadline in the spring semester preceding the fall competition. The campus review process begins in the spring semester. The nomination process includes interview by faculty committee in spring or early fall.

Preparation of the official scholarship application during the spring and summer is highly recommended. A complete, polished application and at least five letters of recommendation are due mid-August for nomination consideration.

Application materials are available online.

* Saint Andrew's Society of New York Graduate Scholarship

The Saint Andrew's Society of New York Graduate Scholarship is for seniors who are Scottish-American US citizens wishing to pursue a year of graduate study and cultural exchange in Scotland.

Recipients are awarded $30,000 for graduate tuition, board, transportation and other expenses.

Selection is based on:

  • Academic achievement (minimum 3.70 GPA recommended)
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Extracurricular activities
  • Evidence of leadership
  • Personal objectives
  • Financial need

Preference is given to students who have not studied previously in the UK.

*University of Rochester nomination is required and only one senior can be nominated. Prospective candidates should complete the Fellowships Preliminary Questionnaire (FPQ) by the designated fall deadline.

A complete, polished application for the campus nomination process is due November 1. However, a first draft should be submitted by early October for initial feedback.

Application materials are available in the Fellowships Office or directly from the society, which can be reached by telephone at (212) 223-4248, or by email at office@standrewny.org.

Schwarzman Scholars Program

The Schwarzman Scholars Program is for graduating seniors and recent college graduates of any nationality and any academic major to pursue a one-year master’s degree in public policy, international relations, or economics and business at Tsinghua University in Beijing, China. The program is taught in English and prior knowledge of Mandarin is not required. Applicants must be proficient in English and no older than 28.

This scholarship fully funds all academic, travel, and living costs.

Two hundred scholars are selected each year, with 45 percent from the United States, 20 percent from China, and 35 percent from rest of the world.

The rigorous selection progress requires a record of outstanding academic achievement and proven intellectual ability along with demonstrated “leadership potential, strength of character, ability to anticipate paradigm changes, and desire to understand other cultures, perspectives, and positions.”

While formal endorsement is not required, interested students are encouraged to reach out to the Fellowships Office over the spring and summer prior to the fall competition cycle.

The application is completed and submitted online and requires several essays (e.g., personal, leadership, current affairs) as well as a resume/CV, transcripts, and three reference letters. Applicants are also need to provide a 30-second self-introduction video. The application deadline is usually in late September.

Short-listed candidates will be invited to participate in an interview in November and admission decisions will be made between late November and mid-December.

Herbert Scoville Jr. Peace Fellowship

Seniors, recent graduates, and current graduate students can apply to the Herbert Scoville Jr. Peace Fellowship, a full-time, six- to nine-month opportunity to gain practical knowledge and experience in key issues related to peace and security by serving as project assistants with 27 participating public-interest organizations in Washington, D.C. Both US citizens and non-US citizens able to obtain the proper work visa may apply.

Fellows receive a $2,400 monthly stipend, health insurance, and travel expenses as well as $500 to attend relevant conferences or meetings.

Selection for the fellowship is based on:

  • Record of academic excellence
  • Demonstrated interest in peace and security issues as reflected through coursework or independent study
  • Experience with public-interest activism or advocacy

The application requires:

  • Letter of interest
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Personal essay
  • Policy/opinion essay
  • Two letters of reference
  • Academic transcript

Application deadlines are typically in early October for spring fellowship and early January for fall fellowship.

Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans

The Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans is for seniors, recipients of bachelor's degrees, and currently enrolled first- and second-year graduate students for up to two years of graduate study at a US institution. Applicants must be no more than 30 years old and a permanent resident, naturalized citizen, or child of a parent who is a naturalized citizen.

This two-year fellowship covers up to $20,000 in graduate tuition and fees, and up to $25,000 a year maintenance allowance.

Selection is based on academic achievement and evidence of at least two of the following criteria:

  • Creativity
  • Accomplishment
  • Commitment to the principles of the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights in any endeavors

Appropriate graduate aptitude test results (i.e., GMAT, GRE, LSAT, MCAT) are required.

The application includes two essays and also requires two letters of recommendation. Applications are available online and the national deadline is usually November 1.

Prospective candidates are encouraged to seek advisement from the Fellowships Office and should complete the Fellowships Preliminary Questionnaire (FPQ) by August 1 of the year of application. Candidates should also plan to submit a draft of the Soros application essays by early September for feedback.

The Woodrow Wilson Teaching Fellowship

The Woodrow Wilson Teaching Fellowships (WWTF) are state-based programs that seek to attract talented, committed individuals with backgrounds in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) into teaching in high-need urban and rural secondary schools. There are currently programs in Indiana, Michigan, Georgia, New Jersey, and Ohio.

The program is open to seniors, recent graduates, and career-changers with appropriate undergraduate degrees. Fellows pursue master's level teacher education programs at schools in the participating states. Applicants must be US citizens or permanent residents.

Fellowship benefits include a $30,000 stipend, guidance toward certification, and intensive mentoring and professional development over a three-year teaching commitment.

A minimum 3.0 cumulative undergraduate GPA required.

Each state participant offers programs at multiple institutions; see the website for full details. Candidates must apply to one of the participating graduate programs by the designated school deadline. Application may require Praxis I test scores.

Applications are available online. The early decision deadline is in mid-October, with transcripts due in early October. The regular decision deadline is in early January, with transcripts due in mid-December.