What Are Fellowships and Scholarships?

Fellowships and scholarships are awards for students based on academic and personal achievement.  They usually provide financial support for one of the following purposes:

• Graduate Education
• International Travel (for purposes of Education, Research or Teaching)
• Research Projects at either the Undergraduate or Graduate Level

Who Should Apply for Fellowships and Scholarships?

Typically, the strongest candidates have outstanding academic records.  However, the most prestigious awards attract candidates who are well-rounded and have interests beyond the classroom, particularly in the areas of leadership and service.
UD’s Office of Fellowship Advising is committed to helping you assess your potential in applying for various awards.  In meeting with you, we hope to match your particular skills and interests to a number of awards that you might consider.
 

A Brief Description of National Fellowship and Scholarship Opportunities

The following are among the most prestigious national scholarships.  For each, there is an extensive application process, so students with interest should begin to prepare far in advance of the application due dates.
At the end of each brief description, a link provides additional information about these awards.  However, keep in mind that UD students should not limit themselves to these scholarships, as many other sources of funding exist and may be found through further research.

Boren Scholarship/National Security Education Program (NSEP)

For undergraduate students interested in studying selected languages or fields in many international locations, with an emphasis placed on regions critical to U.S. interests.
www.iie.org/nsep

Jack Kent Cooke Graduate Scholarship

For seniors or recent graduates interested in pursuing graduate study in any field, with a strong emphasis on financial need.  No more than two UD students may be nominated.
www.jackkentcookefoundation.org

Fulbright Grants

For seniors or recent graduates interested in pursuing graduate study or teaching English in one of over 140 foreign countries.
www.fulbrightonline.com

Gates Cambridge Scholarship

For seniors or recent graduates interested in pursuing graduate study at the University of Cambridge in Great Britain.
www.gatesscholar.org

Barry Goldwater Scholarship

For sophomores and juniors preparing for careers in mathematics, natural sciences or engineering.
www.act.org/goldwater

Hertz Graduate Fellowship

For seniors or recent graduates interested pursuing a doctoral degree in physical science at a number of prestigious institutions.
www.hertzfoundation.org

Jacob Javits Fellowship

For seniors interested in pursuing a doctoral degree in the social sciences, the arts and humanities.
www.ed.gov/programs/jacobjavits

James Madison Fellowship

For seniors or recent graduates interested in pursuing a master’s degree to prepare for secondary school teaching in American History, American Government or Social Studies, with a particular emphasis on the teaching of the U.S. Constitution.
www.jamesmadison.com

Marshall Scholarship

For seniors or recent graduates interested in pursuing graduate study in the United Kingdom.
www.marshallscholarship.org

(back to top)

George Mitchell Scholarship

For seniors or recent graduates interested in pursuing graduate study in Ireland.
www.us-irelandalliance.org/scholarships.html

National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Fellowship

For seniors or recent graduates interested in pursuing graduate degrees in the fields of math, natural science, computer science and social science.
www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=6201&org=NSF

Rhodes Scholarship

For seniors who desire to pursue a graduate degree at Oxford University in the United Kingdom.  Leadership, scholarship, and outstanding character are emphasized in the application process.
www.rhodesscholar.org

Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship

For sophomores or juniors interested in studying abroad.  This scholarship provides one academic year of study at a country in which Rotary International has local clubs. http://www.rotary.org/en/StudentsAndYouth/EducationalPrograms/AmbassadorialScholarships/Pages/ridefault.aspx
 

Soros Scholarship

For seniors or graduates who are either naturalized U.S. citizens or the children of naturalized U.S. citizens.  The students must be currently living and studying in the United States and interested in pursuing graduate study.
www.pdsoros.org

Truman Scholarship

For juniors who desire to pursue a career in government or public service at any level (national, state or local) following graduate study.
www.truman.gov

Udall Scholarship

For sophomores and juniors in environment-related natural science fields preparing for careers in environmental science or environmental law.  In addition, students with a particular interest in issues related to Native American culture may apply.
www.udall.gov