Rhodes Scholarship

The Rhodes scholarship is recognized as, arguably, the most prestigious and most competitive scholarship available for postgraduate study.  Each year eighty-three Rhodes scholarships are awarded to exceptional, well-rounded students from across the globe to study at Oxford University.  Thirty-two of these scholarships are awarded to U.S. scholars.  

The Rhodes scholarship committee seeks individuals who exemplify outstanding intellect, character, leadership, and commitment to service.  Students in nearly any major may apply, but must identify a specific program at Oxford in which they plan to study.  UC applicants must be graduating seniors or UC graduates under the age of 24. 

A Rhodes Scholarship covers all university and college fees, a personal stipend and economy class airfare for travel at the beginning and completion of the scholarship.

To apply for a Rhodes scholarship you will need endorsement from the University of Cincinnati, 5-8 letters of recommendation, a personal essay, a certified transcript, a list of activities, a photograph, and proof of citizenship. Students should also contact Pam Person, the Director of the Office of Nationally Competitive Awards, to set up a meeting and discuss the process.The institutional deadline for your application is August 31st, 2012.

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Marshall Scholarship

The Marshall scholarship was founded in 1953 and named in honor of former U.S. Secretary of State, George C. Marshall.  Up to 40 postgraduate scholarships are awarded annually to students  who are U.S. citizens graduating from or with a first degree from a U.S. university. 

Marshall scholars may pursue study in science, technology, the humanities and social sciences or the creative arts at any one of a number of universities in the U.K.  Because Marshall scholars act as unofficial ambassadors from the USA to the UK and vice versa, individuals applying for a Marshall scholarship must be of high character, display outstanding leadership potential and be committed to public service.   A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.7 is required. 

A Marshall Scholarship covers university fees, cost of living expenses, an annual book grant, a thesis grant, research and daily travel grants, and fares to and from the U.S.

To apply for a Marshall scholarship you will need endorsement from the University of Cincinnati, 4 letters of recommendation, essays, a certified transcript, a list of activities, a photograph, and proof of citizenship. Students should also contact Pam Person, the Director of the Office of Nationally Competitive Awards, to set up a meeting and discuss the process. The institutional deadline for your application is August 31,2012.

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Gates Cambridge

The Gates Cambridge Trust was established in 2000 by a $210 million donation from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.  80-100 scholarships for graduate study are awarded each year to students from around the world for study at the University of Cambridge.  Approximately 44% of these scholarships are awarded to students from the U.S. 

The trust seeks applicants with exceptional intellectual ability and leadership potential.  In addition individuals must demonstrate their commitment to providing service and using their knowledge and talents to improve the lives of others.

Applicants for the Gates Cambridge scholarships must apply simultaneously for admission to the University of Cambridge and a Gates Cambridge scholarship.  Applications are accepted for study in any subject available at the University of Cambridge, but applicants must articulate a good fit between their own abilities and career goals and the University of Cambridge graduate program to which they apply.

A Gates Cambridge scholarship covers all university and college fees, cost of living expenses, and economy class airfare at the beginning and end of the course of study.

To apply for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship, you will need to provide a complete GRADSAF application, transcripts, 3 references, and other documents as required by the course.  Other documents often required include:  a research proposal, a Curriculum Vitae, and written work.  Some applicants may also need to provide one or more of the following: a funding letter, English language scores, or a letter from your employer.  Students should also contact Pam Person, the Director of the Office of Nationally Competitive Awards, to set up a meeting and discuss the process. The institutional deadline for your application is September 1.

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Mitchell Scholars Program

The Mitchell Scholars program was established to honor former U.S. Senator George Mitchell and his contribution to the Northern Ireland peace process.  Up to 12 scholarships are awarded each year for one year of postgraduate study in Ireland.  Applicants must be between 18-30 years of age.

In addition to exceptional academic achievement, the Mitchell Scholars program seeks individuals who have outstanding leadership potential and a strong commitment to public service and community.  Mitchell scholars may study any discipline offered by institutions of higher learning in Ireland or Northern Ireland. 

The Mitchell Scholars Program provides tuition, housing, a living expenses stipend, and an international travel stipend.

Applications and procedures can change from year to year so if you are considering applying, you should take care to use the correct application form.  In addition, it is recommended that you study the 'Frequently Asked Questions' and the profiles of past Scholars to learn about the program, the selection process, and the qualities sought in a Mitchell Scholar. Students should also contact Pam Person, the Director of the Office of Nationally Competitive Awards, to set up a meeting and discuss the process. The institutional deadline for your application is August 31, 2012.

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Truman Scholarships

The Harry S. Truman foundation was established by an act of Congress and was signed into action in 1975 by President Gerald Ford.  The foundation is a tribute to President Truman who valued education tremendously and who wanted to promote a program for young leaders that would encourage educated citizenship and political responsibility.  Approximately 60 scholarships are awarded annually to college Juniors who have the potential to be "change agents" in their career.

The Truman scholarships are highly competitive awards.  The University of Cincinnati may nominate up to four individuals each year.  To be considered for a UC nomination, applicants should have an outstanding academic record; a distinct history of public service work; involvement and leadership in campus, community, government, and/or political activities; a commitment to obtaining a graduate degree; and a strong desire to work in government, education, the nonprofit sector, or the public interest/advocacy sector.

The Truman Scholarship provides up to $30,000 in funding to students pursuing graduate degrees in public service fields. The Foundation also provides assistance with career counseling, internship placement, graduate school admissions, and professional development. Scholars are invited to participate in a number of programs: Truman Scholar Leadership Week, The Summer Institute, and The Truman-Albright Fellows Program.

To apply for the Truman scholarship and to be considered for a UC nomination, students must complete an application requiring several succinct essays, provide three letters of recommendation that must each emphasize different aspects of the applicants potential, and provide official transcripts.  The University of Cincinnati will provide nomination letters for those individuals nominated by the institution. Students should also contact Pam Person, the Director of the Office of Nationally Competitive Awards, to set up a meeting and discuss the process. The institutional deadline for the Truman application is November 1, 2012.

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Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship

The U.S. Congress established the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program in 1986 to honor the late Senator Goldwater for his lifetime of service to the United States.  The foundation seeks to support outstanding undergraduates majoring in science, engineering or math in order to assure the continuance of highly qualified scientists, engineers, and mathematicians.  Up to 200 scholarships are awarded each year with the number of scholarships awarded in each state determined by the number and qualifications of students applying in the 53 jurisdictions. UC Students may apply in their Sophomore, pre-Junior or Junior years.

The University of Cincinnati may nominate up to 4 students each year for Goldwater scholarships.  To be competitive for one of UC's nominations, you should have a minimum GPA of 3.75, experience participating in research (many co-op experiences involve research and thus will qualify), a clear idea of a research project or area in which you would like to participate as an undergraduate, a passion for your field of study, and a strong desire to continue to conduct research throughout your professional career.

Goldwater scholarships cover educational expenses including tuition, fees, books, and room and board. Payments from the Foundation may supplement, but not duplicate, benefits from another foundation, institution, or organization.  (I.E. the benefits from all sources combined may not exceed the costs of tuition, fees, books, and room and board.)

To apply for a Goldwater scholarship you must complete an application on the Goldwater website.  You will also need 3 letters of reference and official copies of your transcripts.  (Applicants who are not U.S. citizens will need a copy of your Permanent Resident Card and a letter stating your intent to become a U.S. citizen.) Students should also contact Pam Person, the Director of the Office of Nationally Competitive Awards, to set up a meeting and discuss the process. The institutional deadline for the Goldwater application is October 29, 2012

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Udall Foundation

The Morris K. Udall and Stewart L. Udall Foundation provides scholarships, fellowships, and internships to undergraduate students who have a strong commitment to environmental and/or Native American issues.  The aim of the foundation is to educate Americans to preserve and protect their national heritage.    In addition the Udall Foundation seeks to promote the principles and practices of environmental conflict resolution.

The Udall foundation awards up to 80 scholarships and up to 50 honorable mentions to college Sophomores and Juniors who are:  1)  students who have demonstrated a commitment to the environment; or 2)  Native American and Alaska Natives who have demonstrated a commitment to careers related to tribal policy; or 3)  Native American and Alaska Natives who have demonstrated a commitment to careers related to Native health care.    Applicants should have high grades and show strong leadership potential.  Students studying policy, engineering, science, education, urban planning and renewal, business, health, justice and economics are all eligible as long as they show a commitment to using their knowledge toward addressing environmental or Native American issues.

Udall scholarships are $5000 awards and honorable mention awards are in the amount of $350.

Students interested in applying for the Udall scholarship should go to the Udall website for information and materials. Students should also contact Pam Person, the Director of the Office of Nationally Competitive Awards, to set up a meeting and discuss the process. The institutional deadline for the Udall applications is December 1, 2012. 

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Fulbright Student Program

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program is administered by the Institute of International Education on behalf of the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.  More than 1,500 fellowships are awarded each year to American students who are graduating seniors, graduate students, young professionals and artists.  Fulbright fellows support postgraduate students to study, research or teach abroad.

Fulbright programs vary by country.  You will need to access the Fulbright website and review the 'Participating Countries' for availability and application information for each region and country.

Fulbright Fellowships provide either full or partial support.

Applicants for Fulbright Fellowships need to work through UC International. Please contact Kurt Olausen, the Director of UC International, for more information about these fellowships. The institutional deadline for your application is September 14. 2012.

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NSEP Boren Scholarships

Boren Scholarships are funded by the National Security Education Program (NSEP), which focuses on geographic areas, languages, and fields of study deemed critical to U.S. national security.  These scholarships are awarded to U.S. undergraduate students to study abroad in areas that are critical to U.S. interests and underrepresented in study abroad.  For a complete listing of countries that meet these criteria, see the Boren website.

Boren scholarship applicants must have an interest in studying a language not commonly taught in the U.S. and must be able to demonstrate how their study abroad program as well as their future academic and career goals will contribute to National security--broadly defined.  This definition of National security includes not only the traditional concerns of protecting and promoting American well-being, but also the challenges of global society, including sustainable development, environmental degradation, global disease and hunger, population growth and migration, and economic competitiveness.

Boren Scholarships provide up to $20,000.  In exchange for scholarship funding, all Boren Scholars must agree to the NSEP Service Requirement.  The duration of this service requirement is one year or the duration of assistance provided under the program, whichever is longer.

UC students interested in applying for a Boren Scholarship need to contact  Kurt Olausen, the Director of UC International, for more information about this award. The campus deadline for applying for a Boren scholarship is Jan. 5.

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