Priority Awards

This is a list of the Priority Awards the NCA office assists with, however this list is not exhaustive. All the awards are for U.S. Citizens unless otherwise stated. Though you are not required to work with NCA in order to complete an application for a Priority Award, we strongly encourage you to do so.

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

Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students
Deadline: Campus Deadline: January 2024
Boren Fellowships: January 24, 2024
Boren Scholarships: January 31, 2024

Funds US undergraduate and graduate students to study less commonly taught languages in world regions critical to US interests and underrepresented in study abroad programs.

Eligibility: U.S. Citizen college seniors or recent graduates seeking admission to a two-year graduate program  in an academic field relevant to the work of the Foreign Service at a U.S. university with a GPA of 3.2 or higher.
Deadline: September 28, 2023

The Rangel Program seeks to attract and prepare outstanding young people for careers as diplomats in the Foreign Service of the U.S. Department of State. The Program seeks individuals interested in helping to shape a freer, more secure and prosperous world through formulating, representing, and implementing U.S. foreign policy.

Eligibility: Undergraduates & graduates
Deadline: November 14, 2023 @ 8PM ET

Funds intensive summer language institutes in critical foreign languages. Does not require university endorsement.

Eligibility: U.S. Citizen college seniors or recent graduates seeking admission to a two-year graduate program at a U.S. university with a GPA of 3.2 or higher.
Deadline: October 26, 2023

The USAID Donald M. Payne International Development Graduate Fellowship Program seeks to attract outstanding individuals who are interested in pursuing careers in the Foreign Service of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). 

Eligibility: Undergraduates
Deadline: January 16, 2024 @ 11:59PM ET

A two-year Fellowship program that funds an IT-related degree, internships, professional development and mentorship – culminating in an appointment in the Foreign Service as an Information Management Specialist (IMS). Does not require university endorsement.

Eligibility: 1st and 2nd year students
Deadline: February 1, 2024

Funds 3-4 week academic and cultural summer programs on a variety of topics at prestigious universities throughout the UK. Does not require university endorsement.

Eligibility: A citizen of any country outside the United Kingdom & Applying to pursue one of the designated full-time residential courses of study at the University of Cambridge.

• Available for Non-U.S. Citizens

Deadline: October 2024

Funds outstanding applicants from countries outside the UK to pursue a full-time postgraduate degree in any subject available at the University of Cambridge.

Eligibility: Currently enrolled undergraduate students from the US or at US-based colleges and universities or recent graduates 

• Available for Non-U.S. Citizens

Deadline: February 14, 2023

In several cities across Europe and the United States, Fellows gather to study past, present, and future challenges to local communities.

Eligibility: US citizen holding a bachelor's degree
Deadline: November 2023

Sends participants from around the globe to work in schools, boards of education, and government offices throughout Japan.

Eligibility: Graduate students
Deadline: October 11, 2023 @1PM Pacific Time

Provides full funding to 100 exceptional students from around the world, making it the largest fully endowed graduate fellowship in existence.

Eligibility: College seniors, graduate students, and young professionals
Deadline: October 16, 2023 @5PM ET

Provides stipends, language training, and individualized professional placement in Asia forging stronger relationships across geographic borders by creating opportunities for young Americans to deepen their ties and understanding of the countries, cultures, and people of Asia.  

Eligibility: Graduating seniors & recent alumni
Deadline: October 2023 (determined by discipline)

Funds graduate education in STEM fields at any U.S. university; based on potential for significant achievements in science and engineering research. Does not require university endorsement.

Eligibility: Graduating seniors & recent alumni whose birth parents were born outside of the US as non-US citizens.
Deadline: October 26, 2023 @2PM ET

Provides funding of one to two years of graduate study in any field and in any advanced degree-granting program in the United States for immigrants and the children of immigrants. Each award is for up to a total of $90,000. 

Eligibility: College juniors committed to pursuing a Master’s Degree in public policy and/or international affairs at one of the PPIA Consortium graduate schools.
Deadline: November 2023

A rigorous academic graduate-level preparation program for undergraduate juniors committed to public service careers.

Eligibility: US citizen full-time undergraduate students, with at least sophomore status
Deadline: February 2024

A six-week summer program designed to provide undergraduate students with a deeper appreciation of current issues and trends in international affairs, a greater understanding of career opportunities in international affairs, and the enhanced knowledge and skills to pursue such careers. 

Eligibility: Graduating seniors & recent alumni

• Available for Non-U.S. Citizens

Deadline: September 19, 2023 @ 11:59PM EDT

First scholarship created to respond to the geopolitical landscape of the 21st Century. Concentration gives students an opportunity to focus on aspects of global affairs they may not have previously studied.

Eligibility: U.S. Citizen college seniors or recent graduates seeking admission to a two-year graduate program  in an academic field relevant to the work of the Foreign Service at a U.S. university with a GPA of 3.2 or higher.
Deadline: September 21, 2023

The Pickering Graduate Fellowship Program attracts and prepares outstanding young people for Foreign Service careers in the U.S. Department of State. It welcomes the application of members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the State Department, women, and those with a demonstrated financial need for graduate school.