Core Awards

This is a list of the core awards the NCA office assists with, however this list is not exhaustive. All the awards are for U.S. Citizens unless otherwise stated.

To learn more about what awards might be a good fit for you, email nca@uc.edu to schedule an Intro to Fellowships session.

Undergraduate scholarship program created to ensure that the United States would maintain its leadership in science and technology by supporting some of the very best science, technology, engineering and math college students.

Eligibility: Sophomores and Juniors (must have at least 1 year remaining of undergraduate study)
Campus dealine: March 23, 2026
National deadline: March 30, 2026

Fosters a partnership between the US and UK by funding scholarships to complete a 1-year Master’s degree in science and technology so the next generation of scientists, mathematicians, and engineers will emerge equipped with the tools to define the future.

Eligibility: Graduating seniors & recent alumni
Campus deadline: October 1, 2026
National deadline: November 2, 2026 @ 5:00 PM ET

Cultural exchange program that provides grants to enable recent graduates and graduate students the opportunity to spend an academic year teaching or carrying out research, independent study, creative projects, or graduate study worldwide.

Eligibility: Rising seniors, graduate students & recent alumni
Campus deadline: August 21, 2026
National deadline: October 6, 2026 @ 5PM ET

Provides research assistance to scholars working in programs run by Carnegie Endowment for International Peace—a non-partisan foreign-policy think tank with centers in Washington D.C., Moscow, Beirut, Beijing, Brussels, and New Delhi. Positions are paid, full-time positions for one year.

Eligibility: Graduating seniors & recent alumni

• Available for Non-U.S. Citizens

Intent-to-Apply deadline: 2026 date TBD
Campus deadline: December 3, 2026
National deadline: January 15, 2027 

Provides up to $5,000 in merit-based scholarships to undergraduates receiving Federal Pell Grants who plan to study or intern abroad. In addition to the standard award, the Gilman Program offers supplemental funding opportunities for students who want to conduct STEM coursework or internships abroad (up to up to $1,000) and students studying critical languages deemed important to national security (up to $3,000). Gilman scholars are also eligible for 12 months of noncompetitive eligibility (NCE) hiring status within the federal government, with the possibility of extensions if certain criteria are met.

Eligibility: Undergraduate students receiving or eligible to receive a Federal Pell Grant
National Deadline: October 1, 2026 @11:59pm PT (Fall); February 25, 2027 @ 11:59pm PT (Spring) 

Undergraduate scholarships for students with outstanding academic and research potential who plan to pursue research-based PhDs and careers in STEM disciplines.

Eligibility: 2nd - 4th year students
Campus deadline: October 15, 2026
National deadline: January 29, 2026

Funds 1-2 years of graduate study at any university in the UK in any discipline; based on academic achievement, leadership potential, social commitment, and communication skills.

Eligibility: Graduating seniors & recent alumni
Campus deadline: August 14, 2026
National deadline: September 29, 2026

Provides tuition and fees for the entire standard duration of a master’s or professional program, as well as a living stipend of $2,300 per month during academic terms and a one-time relocation grant for moving to Montreal. Scholars who are not pursuing an academic term in the summer can apply for up to $5,000 in order to pursue summer initiatives.

Eligability: Graduating seniors & recent alumni 
Campus Deadline: September 1, 2026
National Deadline: September 23, 2026 @ 4pm ET

Funds graduate study in any discipline at Oxford University; based on academic excellence, leadership potential, and the will and ability to “fight the world’s fight."

Eligibility: Graduating seniors & recent alumni

• Available for Non-U.S. Citizens

Campus deadline (US): August 14, 2026
National deadline (US): October 7, 2026 @ 11:59 PM ET

Funding for graduate/professional school for students dedicated to becoming “change agents” through careers in public service; based on leadership, commitment to service, and academic promise.

Eligibility: 3rd year students
Campus deadline: November 5, 2026 
National deadline: February 2, 2027