Office of Nationally Competitive Awards

The Office of Nationally Competitive Awards supports UC undergraduates, graduate students, and recent alumni interested in applying for major external fellowships. NCA fosters the intellectual and personal development of UC’s student-scholars by facilitating a rewarding application process that encourages them to engage in rigorous self-reflection, cultivate strong writing practices, and define meaningful connections among their personal commitments, academic pursuits, and future goals.

This office administers UC’s nomination processes for awards like Rhodes, Marshall, Fulbright, Truman, and Goldwater; it also provides support for major awards that do not require endorsement. 

Upcoming Learning Series Registration


Schwarzman Scholarship - Wednesday, April 12th @ 12:30 PM in Swift 702.

Luce Scholars Program - Monday, April 17th @ 12:30 PM in Swift 702.

Email nca@uc.edu with questions.

Upcoming Learning Series Sessions

April 3-7: Fulbright Week Details and Info Sessions

Over the course of this week NCA will hold many info sessions about the Fulbright U.S. Student Program. Info sessions will include Getting Started Sessions, Fulbright Open House, Life of a Fulbrighter, and Fulbright in the Future. 

April 12th at 12:30PM: Scholarship and Session Details

NCA will discuss Schwarzman award details, what it's like to be a scholar, and how to craft a successful application.

April 17th at 12:30PM: Scholarship and Session Details

In this session, Michele McDonald will discuss the details of the Luce Scholars Program, how to select a program, and how to craft a successful application.


Upcoming Award Deadlines

  • Campus Deadline: August 18, 2023
  • National Deadline: October 2023
  • National Deadline: October 2023
  • Campus Deadline: April 21, 2023
  • National Deadline: September 2023
  • Campus Deadline: April 21, 2023
  • National Deadline: September 28, 2023
  • Campus Deadline: April 21, 2023
  • National Deadline: September 2023
  • National Deadline: October 2023

1

UC alum wins Samvid Scholarship

October 3, 2022

Samvid Scholarship recognizes Chinmay Bakshi, A&S ’21, as future changemaker after an extraordinary undergraduate career that focused on both research and public service

3

UC students awarded critical language scholarships

April 4, 2022

Three students from the University of Cincinnati were announced as finalists for the Critical Language Scholarship this year. The CLS Program is a study abroad opportunity for American college and university students to learn languages essential to America’s engagement with the world.

4

Rebecca Smith is here to empower men in nursing

October 21, 2021

UC College of Nursing senior Rebecca Smith is this year's American Association of Men in Nursing Outstanding Student Award winner for her far-reaching contributions to the organization.

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Congratulations 2022-2023 Award Winners!

  • Saba RehmanPolitical Science, Critical Language Scholarship (Arabic)

2022-2023 Award Alternates & Finalists

  • Kabelo ChirwaMusicology, Fulbright Study/Research Nigeria (Semi-Finalist)
  • Jane Cox, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Fulbright ETA Brazil (Semi-Finalist)
  • Adam ElzarkaMedical Sciences; Libral ArtsFulbright Study/Research Jordan (Semi-Finalist)
  • Anna Guan, Physiology, Fulbright-Garcia Robles Study/Research Mexico (Semi-Finalist)
  • Connor Herbert, Political Science; International RelationsFulbright-Durham University Award (Semi-Finalist)
  • Riley OwensPhysics; Astrophysics, Fulbright Study/Research United Arab Emirates (Semi-Finalist)
  • Ria ParikhNeuroscience; English, Fulbright-Imperial College London Award (Semi-Finalist)
  • Lily Stewart, English RPW; English LCS, Fulbright ETA Montenegro (Semi-Finalist)
  • Lily Stiefel, Asian Studies, Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program (Finalist)
  • Erin Tedtman, Political Science, Fulbright-University of Turku Graduate Award (Semi-Finalist)

Please Fill out our Intake Form

If you are interested in being added to our database to be kept up-to-date on all info sessions and resources for the awards that interest you, please fill out our Intake Form.

Come to an Intro to Fellowships Session

Open to all students! Get an overview of the awards and how our office can help you apply!

  • Email nca@uc.edu to schedule an appointment.
  • Sessions can be held either on Zoom or in-person.