These opportunities are good fits for students interested in attending graduate school
- American Association of University Women Fellowship Program
AAUW’s American and International Fellowship programs support women scholars who are completing dissertations at the fellow’s choice of institution, planning research leave from accredited institutions, or preparing research for publication. Candidates are evaluated on the basis of scholarly excellence; quality and originality of project design; and active commitment to helping women and girls through service in their communities, professions, or fields of research. The fellowship is intended offset tuition, living expenses, and/or research costs. Applications are typically due in November. - Boren Scholarship for International Study
Sponsored by the National Security Education Program, the David L. Boren Scholarship provides funding for U.S. undergraduate students to study less commonly taught languages in world regions critical to U.S. interests and underrepresented in study abroad. Applicants select a study abroad program in consultation with their study abroad office and Boren Campus Representative and receive funding up to $20,000 depending on the award and length of program. In exchange for financial support, Boren Scholars commit to working in the federal government for at least one year after graduation. Application materials must be certified by campus officers and as a result the campus deadline is before the national deadline. For application information, contact the Center for International Education in SF 102. - Confucius China Studies Program Fellowships
Run through the Institute of International Education, two fellowships are a part of the Confucius China Studies Program for students interested in pursuing Ph.Ds. The first is the Ph.D. in China Fellowship, which is designed for students holding a master’s degree in a China related field who wish to earn their doctorate at a Chinese institution. The second is the Research Ph.D. Fellowship for students in doctoral programs in the United States who are pursuing China-related research across a broad range of fields. Award benefits include an annual living stipend, a research stipend, Chinese university tuition, airfare, and insurance. Applications are typically due in February. - CSUEB Graduate Equity Fellowship
The Graduate Equity Fellowship Program seeks to increase the diversity of students completing graduate degree programs at Cal State East Bay, encourages continuation toward doctoral programs, and promotes consideration of university faculty careers. It provides fellowships for economically disadvantaged Cal State East Bay students who have had success in overcoming educational disadvantages and promotes faculty mentoring and research opportunities. Graduate Equity Fellowships are grants ranging from $500 to $2,000 per year. Applications are typically due in June. - Ford Foundation Fellowship
The Ford Foundation Fellowship Programs are designed to increase the diversity of the nation’s college and university faculties by increasing their ethnic and racial diversity, to maximize the educational benefits of diversity, and to increase the number of professors who can and will use diversity as a resource for enriching the education of all students. Applicants will be evaluated on evidence of superior academic achievement, class rank, and honors. The fellowship provides a stipend that varies between pre-doctoral, dissertation, and postdoctoral applicants, but the maximum award is $24,000 per year over three years. Applications are typically due in January. - Gates Cambridge Scholarship
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship program was established in October 2000 by a donation of $210 million from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to the University of Cambridge; this is the largest ever single donation to a UK university. Scholarships are awarded to outstanding applicants from countries outside the UK to pursue a full-time postgraduate degree in any subject available at the University of Cambridge. The scholarship covers the Cambridge University Composition Fee, a maintenance allowance, airfare, and inbound visa costs. Applications are typically due in October. - German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) Study Scholarship
Highly qualified final year undergraduate students (graduating seniors) or those who have received an undergraduate degree of all disciplines may apply for the DAAD Study Scholarship for a year of independent study or for a full master’s degree program at a German university. Study Scholarships are granted for one academic year (10 months) with the possibility of a one-year extension for those wishing to complete a full degree program in Germany. In addition to study, the scholarship provides funding for a monthly stipend, health insurance, travel costs, rent subsidy, and family allowance. Applications are typically due in October. - Google Scholarships
Google offers several scholarships for outstanding students who show promise in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines or in other disciplines with a track record of innovation. Included in the scholarships are specific opportunities for underrepresented students in technology including but not limited to students with disabilities, veterans, and women in technology. Winners may be required to attend the Google Computer Science Summer Institute. Deadlines and awards for scholarships vary, with applications due in November and December. Applications are typically due from December to March depending on the scholarship. - Marshall Scholarship
Marshall Scholarships finance young Americans of high ability to study for a degree in the United Kingdom in a system of higher education regonized for its excellence. Founded by a 1953 Act of Parliament, Marshall Scholarships are mainly funded by the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office and commemorate the humane ideals of the Marshall Plan conceived by General George C. Marshall. In appointing scholars, the selectors will look for candidates who have the potential to excel as scholars, leaders, and contributors to improved UK-US understanding. The total value of a Marshall Scholarship varies but the figure tends to average about $47,000 a year. Applications are typically due in October. - Mitchell Scholarship
The George J. Mitchell Scholarship Program is a national, competitive scholarship sponsored by the US-Ireland Alliance. Named to honor former US Senator George Mitchell’s pivotal contribution to the Northern Ireland peace process, the scholarship is designed to introduce and connect generations of future American leaders to the island of Ireland. Up to twelve Mitchell Scholars between the ages of 18 and 30 are chosen for one academic year of postgraduate study in any discipline offered by institutions of higher learning in Ireland and Northern Ireland. The scholarship includes tuition, accommodation, a stipend for living expenses and travel. Applications are typically due in October. - National Institute of Justice Fellowships
The National Institute of Justice is looking for doctoral students with innovative research that aims to solve problems faced by criminal justice practitioners. The Graduate Fellowships include opportunities for students in STEM fields and Social and Behavioral Sciences. The STEM fellowship awards a stipend of $35,000 and up to $15,000 annually to cover tuition and research expenses. The Social and Behavioral Sciences fellowship awards up to $32,000 in stipend and research support. Applications are typically due in December. - National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship
The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students in NSF-supported science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines who are pursuing research-based master’s and doctoral degrees at accredited United States institutions. Fellows share in the prestige and opportunities that become available when they are selected. Fellows benefit from a three-year annual stipend of $32,000 along with a $12,000 cost of education allowance for tuition and fees, opportunities for international research and professional development, and the freedom to conduct their own research at any accredited U.S. institution of graduate education. Applications are typically due in October. - Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans
Every year, The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans supports thirty New Americans, immigrants or the children of immigrants, who are pursuing graduate school in the United States. Each fellowship supports up to two years of graduate study – in any field and in any advanced degree granting program – in the United States. Each award is for up to $25,000 in stipend support as well as 50% of required tuition and fees of up to $20,000 for two years. The competition is merit-based. Selection criteria emphasize creativity, originality, initiative, and sustained accomplishment. Applications are typically due in November. - Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship
Funded by the U.S. Department of State and administered by The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars, the Thomas R. Pickering Fellowship Program provides undergraduate and graduate students with financial support, mentoring, and professional development to prepare them academically and professionally for a career in the U.S. Department of State Foreign Service. Program benefits include, up to $37,500 annually for tuition for two years of undergraduate and graduate study, two summer internships, an orientation program, and mentorship from a Foreign Service Officer throughout the fellowship. Those who complete the program earn and must make a five year commitment to employment in the Department of State Foreign Service. Applications are typically due in January. - Rangel International Affairs Graduate Fellowship
The Charles B. Rangel Fellowship is for individuals who want to make a difference in the world through careers as Foreign Service Officers in the U.S. Department of State. The Fellowship provides benefits of up to $95,000 over two years toward a two-year master’s degree, arranges internships on Capitol Hill and at U.S. embassies, and provides mentorship and professional development support. Upon successful completion of the two-year fellowship and Foreign Service entry requirements, Fellows join the Foreign Service of the U.S. Department of State, embarking on a uniquely rewarding career of international service. Applications are typically due in September. - Rhodes Scholarship
The Rhodes Scholarships are the oldest and most celebrated international fellowship awards in the world. Each year 32 young Americans are selected as Rhodes Scholars. Rhodes Scholars are chosen not only for their outstanding scholarly achievements, but for their character, commitment to others and to the common good, and for their potential for leadership in whatever domains their careers may lead. Scholars will apply to and enroll at Oxford University. Applications are typically due in October. - Rotary Scholarships
Through global grants, Rotary offers scholarships of $30,000 or more to career minded graduate students who share their commitment to promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water, saving mothers and children, supporting education, and growing local economies. Scholars have the opportunity to pursue a master’s degree or professional development certificate while working to grow into future leaders of the world. Scholars must have a track record of working with local Rotary Club and show a sincere commitment to continue that affiliation. Application is meant to be completed through local Rotary Club. Applications are rolling, but must be completed 90 days before proposed departure. - Schwarzman Scholars
Designed to prepare the next generation of global leaders, Schwarzman Scholars is the first scholarship created to respond to the geopolitical landscape of the 21 st Century. The program will give the world’s best and brightest students the opportunity to develop their leadership skills and professional networks through a one-year Master’s Degree at Tsinghua University in Beijing, one of China’s most prestigious universities. Students will live and study together on campus, where all classes will be taught in English. Students will pursue degrees in one of three disciplines: Public Policy, Economics and Business, or International Studies. Applications are typically due in September. - Truman Scholarship
The Harry S. Truman Scholarship recognizes future public service leaders. The application is open to junior level students who plan to go into careers in public service. Successful applicants will have outstanding service and leadership records as well as an academic record that indicates success in the graduate program of the student’s choice. The scholarship awards $30,000 toward graduate school, will be a part of a scholar orientation, and join the professional network of Truman scholars. The key characteristics sought by the review committee are outstanding leadership potential and communication skills, commitment to a career in public service, and likelihood of becoming a change agent in his/her field. Applications are typically due in February. - Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation
The Woodrow Wilson Fellowships responded to a shortage of college faculty at the conclusion of World War II by offering talented students the opportunity to attend doctoral programs and begin college teaching careers. Over time, the Foundation’s fellowships have evolved to address emerging needs, serve specific populations underrepresented in the academy, strengthen designated fields, and support key stages in professorial careers. Today, it administers a portfolio of fellowships intended both to strengthen American education and to address urgent contemporary challenges. Applications are typically due from October to January depending on the fellowship.
Did you read through all of the listings for nationally competitive fellowships and scholarships, but didn't find anything that is the right fit? Consider looking at Pioneer Scholarships, Cal State East Bay's in house portal for scholarship opportunities. These have fewer applicants and are less competitive, but still can provide useful funding for your university education. The portal uses a common application system, which opts you into all the Pioneer Scholarships that you are eligible for. The common application consists of four 500 word essay questions and a letter of recommendation. Application deadlines vary, but the most common deadline is in April for the following academic year.