In recent years, the Office of Nationally Competitive Scholarships (ONCS) has regularly worked
with several major national and international scholarships and fellowships. Other scholarships
and fellowships may be new to us! We are available to advise on applications for most external awards. Please see the list below for several scholarships and fellowships
that ONCS may suggest for you.

List of Scholarships

Boren Graduate Fellowships support research and study in all countries, except those in Western Europe and Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Boren Fellows must study in geographic areas and disciplines deemed critical to U.S. national security. Boren Fellows design their own programs, usually research-based, but all proposed programs must include formal language study.

Boren Undergraduate Scholarships support undergraduate study abroad in all countries, except those in Western Europe and Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, to help students acquire the international competence needed to communicate effectively across borders, understand other perspectives, and analyze increasingly fluid economic and political realities. Boren Scholars must study in geographic areas and disciplines deemed critical to U.S. national security. All proposed programs must include formal language study.

The Bridging Scholarship program supports U.S.-based undergraduate students who plan to study abroad in Japan for a semester or full academic year. Bridging Scholars will receive a cash stipend and have the opportunity to participate in programs with their cohort, building community and growing in their connection to Japan.
The Critical Language Scholarship Program is a fully-funded overseas language and cultural immersion program for American undergraduate and graduate students. The program facilitates intensive study of languages deemed essential to America's engagement with the world, most years including Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Persian, Portuguese, Russian, Swahili, Turkish, and Urdu.

Graduate students in social sciences and hard sciences or in professional areas such as law, business, and medicine have particular needs for their research and study in Germany. The following opportunities exist to help graduate students master the German language, complete research projects in Germany, or study at German universities. The Study Scholarship provides highly qualified individuals with an opportunity to do independent study in Germany or to complete a full master's degree program at a German university. The RISE Professional Award provides three months of funding for graduate students to complete an internship at a German company or non-university research institution. Students must be in biology, chemistry, computer science, physics, earth science, engineering or a closely related field. German language requirements vary depending on placement.

The DAAD RISE Award offers undergraduate STEM students summertime internships working under German doctoral students at universities and research institutions. No German required!

The Freeman-ASIA scholarship program supports U.S.-based undergraduate students with financial need in studying abroad in East or Southeast Asia. The goal of the program is to increase the first-hand exposure and understanding of Asia and its cultures to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. The award provides funding to assist students with the cost of the program and related expenses.

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program funds 10-month abroad experiences after graduation. Applicants choose between two types of Fulbright grants. The English Assistantship Program sends recipients abroad to help teach English in primary, secondary, and college classrooms. Many countries do not require previous formal teaching experience, though applicants should have experience with leadership of some kind. Watch a video featuring Lauren Peterson James, an ETA recipient from Ball State, reflecting on her experiences in Poland. The other option when applying for a Fulbright award is the Study/Research Award, which offers opportunities for recent graduates, graduate students, and developing professionals and artists to conduct career-launching study and research abroad. Watch a video about Ball State alumna (and now faculty member), Cynthia Smith, and her experience in Switzerland as a doctoral student conducting research.

The U.S.-U.K. Fulbright Commission offers 3- to 4-week Summer Institutes at universities throughout the United Kingdom for U.S. undergraduates to participate in a high-quality academic program, improve their research and communication skills, and explore the culture and history of the U.K.

The Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) provides scholarships to U.S. students with financial need. Its mission is to make international education accessible by supporting students in pursuing meaningful study abroad experiences.

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship enables outstanding graduate students from outside the United Kingdom to study at the University of Cambridge. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of candidates' intellectual ability, leadership capacity, and desire to use their knowledge to contribute to society throughout the world by providing service to their communities and applying their talents and knowledge to improve the lives of others.

The Gilman International Scholarship supports study abroad for undergraduate students who are receiving Federal Pell Grants and who intend to study, intern, or student teach in another country for any period of time. The Gilman-McCain Scholarship is open to dependent children of active-duty military members, in any of the U.S. military branches, at the time of application. Applicants of the Gilman-McCain must receive any type of Title IV aid, rather than specifically a Pell Grant. Other eligibility requirements, application procedures, deadlines, and award amounts are the same as those for the regular Gilman Scholarship.

The Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship provides support to college students who intend to pursue research careers in science, mathematics, and engineering.

The Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship—an initiative of NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)—awards two years of academic assistance and a paid summer internship to sophomores pursuing careers in oceanic and atmospheric science or a related field.

The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program selects up to 100 high-achieving students annually to receive full funding to pursue a graduate education, in any discipline, at Stanford University. Applicants must have a record of leadership and plan for visionary, courageous, and collaborative leadership in the future.

James Madison Graduate Fellowships are awarded to seniors or recent graduates who intend to pursue their master's degrees and become outstanding teachers of the American constitution in secondary schools.

Marshall Scholarships finance young Americans of high ability to study for a degree in the United Kingdom. Marshall Scholars, who are the potential leaders, opinion formers, and decision makers in their own country, may thereby gain an understanding and appreciation of British values and the British way of life.

The Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship Program, funded by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, offers scholarships each year to assist students interested in studying at Japanese universities. For U.S. citizens, MEXT provides four types of scholarships: the Undergraduate Student, Specialized Training College Student, and Japanese Studies scholarships for undergraduate students, and the Research Student scholarship for students seeking a graduate degree in Japan.
National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships offer funding for graduate students in the mathematical, physical, biological, engineering, and behavioral and social sciences. Applicants must be planning for careers in research.
The NCAA awards scholarships for graduate studies to student-athletes who demonstrate excellence in academics, athletics, and leadership/community service. Applicants must be in their final year of intercollegiate athletics competition, or they must have completed their athletic eligibility.
The Public Policy & International Affairs (PPIA) Fellowship funds participation in the PPIA Junior Summer Institute and offers $5,000 to students who will attend graduate school at a PPIA Consortium institution. Applicants should be juniors who will earn master’s degrees in public and/or international affairs.

Rhodes Scholarships fund two years of post-baccalaureate study at Oxford University for students of high academic achievement, integrity of character, a spirit of unselfishness, respect for others, and potential for leadership.

The Samvid Scholars Program provides two years of funding to outstanding students in master’s-degree, J.D., or M.D. programs, with the goal of supporting and empowering young leaders who have ambition to make change in society.
The Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship-for-Service Program offers STEM students a unique opportunity that integrates education with career development. Funded by the Department of Defense (DoD), SMART equips undergraduate and graduate students with the skills and resources needed for a successful career as a DoD civilian employee. The program provides full tuition coverage, annual stipends, summer internships, and guaranteed employment with the DoD after graduation.
The Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation awards merit-based federal grants to undergraduate juniors who will attend graduate or professional school in preparation for careers in government, the nonprofit sector, or elsewhere in public service.

The Morris K. and Stewart L. Udall Foundation awards 50 undergraduate scholarships to sophomores and juniors preparing for careers related to the environment, Native American health care, or tribal public policy.

The Voyager Scholarship—also known as the Obama-Chesky Scholarship for Public Service—supports college sophomores with demonstrated financial need who have extensive experience in public service and are committed to a career in public service. The scholarship awards not only financial support for undergraduate expenses but also a funded summer work-travel experience and funding for post-college travel.