Junior Year:
Selected National Scholarships & Fellowships
Current and Rising Juniors
"Fellowship" is a term equivalent to "scholarship." In the present context, neither should be confused with traditional financial aid. This is a selective list of national and international competitive fellowships opportunities.
The fellowship and scholarship programs described below are open to students of junior standing. The federal government, foreign governments, and private philanthropic organizations sponsor these award programs; they provide funding based on academic merit and other criteria to support undergraduate and graduate study in the U.S. and abroad. See the individual programs' official websites for complete information on eligibility requirements, application procedures, application forms, and exact filing deadlines. Many sites also include profiles of past winners.
Some of these programs are officially coordinated at UR through the Center for Academic Support (CCAS, Lattimore 312; 5-2354) and are overseen by the Fellowships Coordinator (Belinda Redden, fellowships@mail.rochester.edu ); others are handled by the Center for Study Abroad (Lattimore 206, 5-7532, abroad@mail.rochester.edu). Many programs do not require any formal University involvement, but students are encouraged to seek advisement from the relevant office for these competitions as well.
- Programs preceded by an asterisk (*) require institutional endorsement of candidates.
- To be considered for nomination, interested students need to first complete the Fellowships Preliminary Questionnaire (FPQ) by the specified spring or fall deadline, prior to submitting the official application for campus review.
- Programs preceded by a dagger (†) accept applications from first-year students.
When University nomination or endorsement is required, campus application deadlines are much earlier than the national application due dates; checkwith the appropriate office at least a semester in advanceif you are interested in applying for any of these awards. In most cases, a faculty committee selects nominees based on a complete draft of the official fellowship application; the campus nomination process may also include an interview.
Please note that the campus application process begins in the junior spring for some senior year competitions with early fall deadlines, e.g., Fulbright, Rhodes, Marshall, and Mitchell.
- Jump to a Fellowship Opportunity:
- * Beinecke Memorial Scholarship
- * † David L. Boren/NSEP (National Security Education Program) Undergraduate Scholarship
- DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst/German Academic Exchange Service
- * † Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
- † Glamour's Top Ten College Women Competition
- * † Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship
- † Hispanic Scholarship Fund Institute
- Humanity in Action Foundation Fellowship
- † The Institute for Humane Studies Fellowship
- † Josephine de Karman Fellowship
- † McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program
- † National Institutes of Health Undergraduate Scholarship Program
- † New York Women in Communications, Inc. (NYWICI) Foundation Scholarship
- Public Policy & International Affairs (PPIA) Fellowship
- Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarships
- * † Harry S. Truman Scholarship
- † Tylenol Scholarship Program
- * † Morris K. Udall Scholarship
- * † UNCF-Merck Undergraduate Science Research Scholarship
- † All-USA Today College Academic Team
* Beinecke Memorial Scholarship
- For juniors who have demonstrated superior ability ( minimum 3.75 GPA ) in the arts, humanities, or social sciences and who wish to pursue graduate study in one of these areas. Open to U.S. citizens and nationals.
- $32,000 award.
- UR nomination required; we may select one junior for the national competition.
- Selection based on academic achievement, intellectual promise, a 1000-word personal essay, financial-need profile, and recommendation letters.
- Prospective candidates should complete the Fellowships Preliminary Application by the specified fall deadline in the junior year. A complete, polished draft of the official application is due in early January for the campus nomination process. It is strongly recommended that a first draft be submitted for feedback prior to the January deadline.
- 18-20 Beinecke Scholars are selected each year.
* † David L. Boren/NSEP (National Security Education Program) Undergraduate Scholarship
- For undergraduates who are U.S. citizens and wish to study abroad in Africa, Asia, Central & Eastern Europe, Latin America, Central America, the Caribbean, or the Middle East.
- Provides up to $8,000/term for a summer, semester, or full academic year.
- Academic program must include formal study of a modern language other than English and the study of an area and culture considered critical to U.S. national security.
- Selection based on academic achievement and potential to succeed in the proposed study abroad experience; commitment to international education to fulfill academic and career goals; and the quality and appropriateness of the proposed program.
- Undergraduate application process coordinated through the Center for Study Abroad , Lattimore 206, abroad@mail.rochester.edu. Application usually due in early December.
DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst / German Academic Exchange Service
- Programs below open to U.S. and Canadian citizens. Students who are citizens of countries outside North America may also apply for certain programs; see website for details.
- RISE-Research Internships in Science and Engineering : juniors and seniors majoring in a science or engineering field may apply for summer internships of 6 weeks to 3 months; placements provided by Germany university research groups. Knowledge of German not required for most positions but would be helpful for life outside the laboratory. Application deadline: usually March 1st.
- University Summer Course Grant : students of at least junior standing and who have completed a minimum of four semesters of college German ( or have attained an equivalent proficiency level) may apply for this grant to fund 3-4 weeks of summer courses at a German university studying literary, cultural, political, and economic aspects of modern and contemporary Germany. Program includes extensive extracurricular activities. Application deadline: January 31st.
- High Tech in Germany : sophomores through seniors majoring in an engineering or natural sciences field may apply to participate in this summer program that includes language study, specialized seminars and workshops, group projects, and lectures on German and European history and culture. No previous knowledge of German required. Partial scholarships available for highly qualified applicants . Application deadline: March 15th.
- German Studies Research Grant: juniors and seniors majoring or minoring in German may be nominated by their department/program chairs for one- to two-month grants for research work in North America or Germany. Applicants must have completed at least two years of college German and at least three German Studies courses. Application deadlines: November 1st and May 1st.
- EMGIP (Émigré Memorial German Internship Program)-Bundestag Internship: advanced undergraduates or graduate students with outstanding academic records and fluency in German may apply for this two-month internship program in the German parliament. International students may also apply. Application deadline: January 31st.
- See program website for more detailed information, application forms, and exact filing deadlines.
* † Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
- For undergraduates in any field to pursue full-time international study worldwide but especially in countries outside of Western Europe and Australia. Open to U.S. citizens and nationals receiving a Federal Pell Grant at the time of application.
- Study periods may be from four weeks up to an academic year but summer-only programs are not eligible.
- Study abroad program must be approved by the University for academic credit.
- Awards of up to $5,000; average award is $4,000.
- Application available online and must be officially endorsed by the Center for Study Abroad.
- Apply in the academic term prior to the start date of the study abroad program: early April or mid-September.
† Glamour's Top Ten College Women Competition
- For junior women in any field.
- $2000 cash prize plus trip to NYC, opportunities to meet top female professionals, and recognition in the October issue of Glamour.
- Applicants evaluated on academic excellence, leadership experiences, and personal involvement in community and campus affairs.
- Applications are available from Academic Support and are usually due in late January. For more information, call 1-800-244-4526 or e-mail TTCW@GLAMOUR.com.
* † Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship
- For outstanding sophomore and junior students (top 25% of class and minimum 3.75 cumulative GPA) in mathematics, natural sciences, or engineering who are preparing for graduate study (usually Ph.D. ) and research-oriented careers in their field. Open to U.S. citizens, resident aliens, or nationals.
- Worth up to $7500/year for the remaining year(s) of undergraduate study.
- * UR nomination required; we may select four nominees.
- Selection made on the basis of superior academic achievement, research experience and scholarly potential, a research essay, and three letters of recommendation.
- Prospective candidates should complete the Fellowships Preliminary Application by the specified fall deadline. Complete, polished draft of the official application due in early November for the campus nomination process. It is strongly recommended that a first draft be submitted for feedback prior to the November deadline. Nominees usually selected by early December.
- Approximately 300 Goldwater Scholars are selected each spring.
† Hispanic Scholarship Fund Institute
- Offers several award programs to Mexican-American, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Caribbean, and Central or South American students. Programs include Next Generation of Public Servants.
- See program website for further details and specific application deadlines. Also see Office of Minority Student Affairs, Morey 310.
Humanity in Action Foundation Fellowship
- International human rights education and internship program sponsored by foundation "devoted to the study and betterment of human rights and specifically the relationship between majority and minority populations." Students from any national background of sophomore through senior standing may apply.
- Students chosen from the U.S. travel to Washington, D.C. for orientation and then to a participating European country for 4-week European core program of seminars, workshops, site visits, and meetings with figures from various fields, such as academia, government, journalism, and human rights organizations. Fellows engage in outreach programs to their peers and local communities during the academic year following the summer program in Europe.
- Selection based on leadership potential, academic achievement, interest in minority issues, concern for human rights, willingness to engage in intellectually and socially rigorous work in group settings, maturity, and self-reliance.
- Foundation pays expenses for European travel and accommodations.
- Application deadline: early February. See program website for more detailed information, application forms, and exact filing deadline.
† The Institute for Humane Studies Fellowship
- For juniors, seniors, and graduate students of any nationality who have a clearly demonstrated interest in the classical liberal/libertarian tradition of individual rights and free-market economies.
- Awards of up to $12,000; may be used at any degree-granting institution in the U.S. or abroad.
- Selection based on academic performance, relevant admission test scores (GRE, LSAT, SAT, etc.), demonstrated interest in classical liberal ideas, and potential to contribute to the advancement of a free society.
- Application can be downloaded and must be postmarked no later than December 31st.
- Approximately 100 IHS Fellowships awarded each year.
† Josephine de Kármán Fellowship
- For juniors of any national origin pursuing studies in any discipline. Special consideration given to qualified applicants in the humanities.
- $16,000 fellowship to fund the senior year of undergraduate study in the U.S.
- Selection criteria include evidence of exceptional ability and seriousness of purpose.
- Application requires a 250-300-word statement of intellectual interest and two letters of recommendation.
- Application is available online and usually must be postmarked by January 31st.
- Approximately 10 fellowships are awarded each spring.
† McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program
www.rochester.edu/College/McNair-Program/
- For sophomores and juniors to pursue academic research projects under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are (1) members of an underrepresented minority group (African American, Hispanic, or Native American) or (2) low-income, first-generation college students . Aim is to encourage these students to pursue doctoral degrees.
- Must have a minimum cumulative and major GPA of 2.80.
- Program offers academic-year option ($800 stipend ) or full-time summer option ($2400 stipend, room & board, and travel expenses). Participants gain experience presenting their research and receive guidance on graduate-school application process.
- Contact Beth Olivares ( beth.olivares@rochester.edu ) or John Barker ( brkr@mail.rochester.edu ) in the McNair Program Office, Hylan 717, 5-7512 or 5-1402.
- Application deadlines: mid-December for academic-year program; early February for summer program.
† National Institutes of Health Undergraduate Scholarship Program
- For juniors from disadvantaged backgrounds who are also committed to pursuing careers in biomedical, behavioral, or social science health-related research. Open to U.S. citizens, nationals, or qualified permanent residents.
- Scholarship worth up to $20,000 per year. Other benefits include 10-week paid summer internship at NIH , professional mentoring, scientific seminars, and employment after completion of graduate school.
- Minimum 3.50 GPA required.
- Application available online or from Academic Support. National deadline usually in late February.
† New York Women in Communications, Inc. (NYWICI) Foundation Scholarship
- For undergraduates and graduate students majoring in a communications-related field and aspiring to a career in this area.
- Worth up to $10,000.
- Selection criteria include academic excellence (minimum 3.50 GPA in major and 3.0 overall), financial need, leadership, campus and community service, honors, involvement in communications-related activities, personal essay, and statement of goals and aspirations. Two reference letters are also required.
- Application available online and usually due in late January.
Public Policy & International Affairs (PPIA) Fellowship
- For juniors in any academic field with strong interest in public and/or international affairs and desire to prepare for professonal roles in the field by pursuing master's degree. Program targets students from historically under-represented groups . Must be U.S. citizen or permanent resident to apply.
- Program includes full tuition and stipend for Junior Summer Institute (JSI) at a participating university, GRE preparation, partial funding for graduate school, internships, and other professional development opportunities.
- Application available online.
- Filing deadlines: usually November 1 st for JSI at Berkeley; March 1 st for other institutions.
Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarships
www.rotary.org/en/studentsandyouth/educationalprograms/Ambassadorialscholarships/
For undergraduates and graduate students in any field interested in international study for periods ranging from three months to three years . U.S. citizenship is not required; however, applicants must be citizens of and complete study in a country where Rotary exists.
- Some level of proficiency in the language of the proposed country is necessary.
- Covers tuition, books, international travel, room, and board.
- Application is made through a Rotary Club in the area of applicant's permanent address or in the area where the applicant attends school.
- Application deadlines set by local districts and typically range from February to June of the calendar year preceding the proposed international study , or approximately 12-16 months in advance. Apply in junior winter/spring for international study in the year after graduation.
- Application available online as well as from Academic Support and Study Abroad (Lattimore 206).
* † Harry S. Truman Scholarship
- For outstanding juniors (top 25% of class and minimum 3.60 cumulative GPA) in any field who are change agents , plan to pursue a career in government or elsewhere in public service, and wish to attend graduate or professional school to help prepare for career. Open to U.S. citizens and nationals.
- Scholarship worth $26,000 ( $2000 prior to applying for graduate-school admission and $24,000 during graduate study. Other benefits include a week of seminars and networking with prominent public servants at the Truman Library, graduate-school and professional mentoring, as well as internship opportunities.
- UR nomination required; we may nominate up to four juniors.
- Scholars selected on basis of academic achievement; exceptional leadership, community service, participation in local or national elective politics, or advocacy work; a policy proposal; letters of recommendation.
- Prospective candidates should complete the Fellowships Preliminary Application by the specified fall deadline of the junior year . Complete, polished draft application for the campus nomination process due in early November. It is strongly recommended that a first draft be submitted for feedback prior to the November deadline.
- 75-80 Truman Scholars are selected each spring.
† Tylenol Scholarship Program
- For students majoring in an area that may lead to a health-related career.
- Ten scholarships worth $10,000 and 150 scholarships worth $1,000.
- Selection based on academic achievement and leadership in community and school activities.
- Application available online and usually due in late April.
* † Morris K. Udall Scholarship
- For sophomores and juniors in any major (1) with a strong demonstrated commitment to environmental issues OR (2) who are Native American/Alaska Native and also committed to healthcare and tribal public policy issues. Open to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and U.S. nationals.
- $5,000 award. Students who win as sophomores may re-apply in the junior year.
- Minimum 3.55 cumulative GPA recommended.
- UR nomination required; we may select up to six nominees.
- Selection based on academic achievement and honors, record of leadership and service, relevant work experience, letters of recommendation, and a critical essay discussing Congressman Udall's public policy work and its relation to the applicant's interests and career goals.
- Prospective candidates should complete the Fellowships Preliminary Application by the specified fall deadline. Complete, polished draft application for the campus nomination process due in early January. It is strongly recommended that a first draft be submitted for feedback prior to the January deadline.
- Approximately 75 Udall Scholars selected each spring.
* † UNCF-Merck Undergraduate Science Research Scholarship
- For African-American juniors who are life science or physical science majors planning graduate study and research-oriented career. Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
- Undergraduate award worth up to $25,000; also includes two paid summer internships at a Merck research facility (summer stipends totaling a minimum of $10,000).
- Scholars selected on basis of academic achievement ( minimum 3.30/4.0 GPA required , minimum 3.55 recommended), demonstrated interest in pursuing advanced study and a career in scientific research, interest in and ability to perform lab work. UR endorsement required.
- Prospective candidates should complete the Fellowships Preliminary Application by the specified fall deadline of the junior year. A complete, polished draft of the official application is due in late October. It is strongly recommended that a first draft be submitted for feedback prior to the November deadline.
- Application available online.
- Approximately 15 scholarships awarded each spring.
† All-USA Today College Academic Team
www.usatoday.com/news/education/default.htm
- For undergraduates in sophomore through senior years who have distinguished themselves through high academic achievement, creativity, unusual service to others, and effective leadership.
- $2500 cash award. See scholar profiles online.
- Application requires an essay on most outstanding intellectual endeavor, which can be in scholarly research, the creative or performing arts, community service, or public affairs.
- Application available online and in Academic Support; deadline usually late November.
- 20 cash awards made each year.
Additional Information
Please check our website periodically for announcements and updates regarding campus application procedures and deadlines. Look ahead to senior-year awards »»
Selected searchable fellowships databases:
Fellowships Office Contact Information:
- Director of Fellowships:
- Belinda Redden
Please review the information online before coming to see the Director of Fellowships. - Administrative Assistant:
- Vicki Mullen
- Location:
- Center for Academic Support
Lattimore 312
Phone: 585-275-2354
E-mail: fellowships@mail.rochester.edu - Walk-ins:
- Tuesday 1:00-3:30 p.m.
Wednesday 10:00-11:30 a.m. - Appointments:
- Call 275-2354 or stop by Lattimore 312
(no email appointment requests)