Scholarship Opportunities

Nationally competitive postgraduate scholarships coordinated by the faculty Postgraduate Scholarship Committee are listed below. Applicants must be prepared to submit completed application dossiers to the Rhodes faculty Postgraduate Scholarship Committee on or before the deadlines. See Deadlines & Contacts for information on faculty representatives for these foundations.

Fulbright Grants
International study or teaching grants, normally for one year.

  • Eligibility: US citizen; BA or equivalent by beginning of grant period, language proficiency
  • Institutional nomination: YES, application must be coordinated with faculty contact
  • Awards: number varies
  • Internal Deadline: September 19
  • Notes: Fulbright Grants are awarded to graduating seniors who propose a clear program of study to be carried out at a university in another country (over 70 countries participate) in one academic year. The location must be essential to the research project. Fluency in the host language is preferred, and a strong background in American culture and the host country current events are of particular consideration. The Statement of Proposed Study is reviewed very carefully. Considerations include the nature of the project, its originality, academic preparation for completing the project, and any additional investigation undertaken to ensure that resources to accomplish the project are available in the proposed host country. The screening committee also takes into account factors such as academic and professional achievement, demonstrated leadership potential, and community involvement. Successful grantees are expected to exhibit these and other related qualities that demonstrate their flexibility and aptitude for success in an unfamiliar environment abroad.

Jacob K. Javits Fellowships         
Support for graduate study in selected fields in the humanities, arts, and social sciences.

  • Eligibility: U.S. citizens or nationals, permanent residents of the U.S., or citizens of any one of the Freely Associated States, entering graduate school to pursue a doctoral degree (or master′s degree, if the master′s degree is the terminal or highest degree awarded in an approved field), with demonstrated financial need
  • Institutional nomination: NO, but consultation with faculty advisors recommended
  • Awards: 48; all tuition and fees, plus stipend up to $30,000 per year (based on financial need) for up to a total of four years of graduate study
  • Internal Deadline: September 19
  • Notes: The U. S. Department of Education awards Jacob K. Javits Fellowships to provide financial assistance for students who have demonstrated superior academic ability and achievement; exceptional promise; and financial need. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required as part of the application for a Javits fellowship in order to complete the financial need calculation. Applicants must be eligible to be accepted to or currently attending a graduate program leading to a doctorate or a terminal master′s degree in an eligible field of study. Applicants attending a foreign institution are ineligible. Twenty percent of Javits Fellowships are awarded to students in the social sciences, twenty percent to students in the arts, and sixty percent to students in the humanities.

Luce Scholars Program
Year long internships in Asia with stipend.

  • Eligibility: US citizen; BA or equivalent; under 29 years of age; no significant exposure to Asian culture or Asian studies
  • Institutional nomination: Yes, application must be coordinated with faculty contact
  • Awards: 15 annually
  • Internal Deadline: September 19
  • Notes: The Luce Scholars Program, supported by the Henry Luce Foundation, is aimed at college graduates from a broad range of disciplines who might not otherwise have the opportunity to experience and come to know Asia. Successful candidates will have a record of high achievement and excellent leadership abilities. The Foundation seeks to develop a better cultural exchange between Asia and the U.S.

Madison Fellowships
Support for future teachers of US History applying to MA programs

  • Eligibility: US citizen or US national enrolled or applying to an MA program in a related field; must teach for at least one year following completion of degree
  • Institutional nomination: NO
  • Awards: at least one per state; up to $24,000
  • Approximate External Deadlines: Normally mid-February to March 1.
  • Notes: Applicants are evaluated on their demonstrated commitment to a career teaching American history, American government, or social studies at the secondary school level; demonstrated intent to pursue and complete a program of graduate study that emphasizes the Constitution and offers instruction in that subject; demonstrated devotion to civic responsibility; demonstrated capacity for study and performance as classroom teachers, and their proposed courses of graduate study. 

Marshall Scholarships
For 2 years of study in any field at a United Kingdom university

  • Eligibility: US citizens who (by the time they take up their Scholarship) hold a first degree from an accredited four-year college or university in the United States with a minimum GPA of 3.7; candidates must have at least senior standing and be no older than 25 years of age in October of the year of application
  • Institutional nomination: YES
  • Awards: Up to 40; about £20,000/year for two years
  • Internal Deadline: September 19
  • Notes: Candidates must possess a keen intellect and broad outlook as evidenced both by scholastic attainments and a strong record of service and leadership plus the capacity to make a significant contribution to their own society. Selectors will also look for strong motivation and seriousness of purpose, including the presentation of a specific and realistic academic program.

Mitchell
One year of study in any discipline at institutions of higher learning in Ireland and Northern Ireland

  • Eligibility: 18-30 years old
  • Institutional nomination: YES
  • Awards: about 12; tuition and housing for one year along with international travel and a living expenses stipend
  • Internal Deadline: September 19
  • Notes: “We look for persuasive, documented evidence of achievement in three areas: academic, leadership, and community service.”

National Science Foundation
Three years of support for graduate study leading to research-based master’s or doctoral degrees in the fields of science, mathematics, and engineering

  • Eligibility: US citizens, nationals, or resident aliens enrolled in or applying to research-based graduate programs
  • Institutional nomination: NO
  • Awards: about 1000; $30,000 stipend for 12-month tenure plus $10,500 cost-of-education allowance per tenure year; a $1,000 International Research Travel Allowance is also available
  • Internal Deadline: September 19
  • Notes: “In considering applications, reviewers are asked to address two questions that are the basis of NSF′s merit review criteria: (1) What is the intellectual merit of the applicant? and (2) What are the broader impacts of supporting the individual′s graduate study?”

National Security Education Program
Supports study of languages and regions vital to US security but less frequently studied by US graduate students

  • Eligibility: Must be enrolled in or applying for enrollment to a graduate program
  • Institutional nomination: NO, but consultation with institutional coordinator strongly encouraged
  • Awards: up to $28,000
  • Approximate External Deadline: Normally end of January
  • Notes: “The primary factors in the selection of Fellows are demonstrated academic excellence; a comprehensive, clear, and feasible proposal; a plan to develop, maintain, or advance language competence; evidence of ability to adapt to a different cultural environment; and the integration of the proposed program into the applicant′s academic field and career goals.”

Rhodes Scholarships
For two years of study at the University of Oxford

  • Eligibility: 18-24 years old (no older than 24 years of age in October of the year of application); at least senior standing; strong GPA
  • Institutional nomination: YES
  • Awards: 32; all educational costs, such as matriculation, tuition, laboratory and certain other fees, are paid on the Scholar′s behalf by the Rhodes Trustees; each Scholar receives in addition a maintenance allowance adequate to meet necessary expenses for term-time and vacations and the Rhodes Trustees cover the necessary costs of travel to and from Oxford, and upon application, may approve additional grants for research purposes or study-related travel
  • Internal Deadline: September 19
  • Notes: The prestigious Rhodes Scholarship is the oldest international fellowship. It recognizes superior scholastic attainment, a history of service and leadership, knowledge of current global issues, fondness and success in sports, and altruism. Selection committees are charged to seek excellence in qualities of mind and in qualities of person which, in combination, offer the promise of effective service to the world in the decades ahead.

Rotary
Ambassadorial Scholarships provide funding for one year of international study

  • Eligibility: citizen of country with Rotary clubs; language proficiency
  • Institutional nomination: NO, application made through Memphis or home Rotary club, consultation with campus coordinator recommended
  • Approximate External Deadline: set by individual clubs
  • Notes: “While abroad, scholars serve as ambassadors of goodwill to the people of the host country and give presentations about their homelands to Rotary clubs and other groups. Upon returning home, scholars share with local Rotarians and others the experiences that led to greater understanding of their host countries.”

Truman Scholarships
Provides support to college juniors preparing for leadership in public service

  • Eligibility: juniors in upper quarter of class
  • Institutional nomination: YES
  • Awards: 75-80 awards from 600 applications; $26,000
  • Internal Deadline: September 19
  • Notes: Truman seeks candidates who have extensive records of public and community service, are committed to careers in government or elsewhere in public service, and have outstanding leadership potential and communication skills.

Watson
One year grant for independent study and travel outside the United States

  • Eligibility: Must be graduating senior to apply
  • Institutional nomination: YES
  • Awards: up to 50; $22,000
  • Internal Deadline: September 19
  • Notes: “A Watson project is something that you have wanted to do and dreamed about doing for a considerable period of time. You must want to do this so badly that when it is cold and rainy, and you have lost your passport, and your camera has been stolen, and you’re sick, and your best friend is getting married back home, you will still want to stay abroad and pursue your project.”

More Links to Postgraduate Scholarship Information:
Many other scholarships are available that might better suit your needs, preparations, and career plans. Please contact Career Services and/or the Buckman Center for International Education for more information and additional resources.

• FastWeb Scholarship Search
• FinAid: The Financial Aid Information Page
• SallieMae′s Online Scholarship Service
• Yahoo: Financial Aid and Scholarship Resources
• Nationally Coveted Scholarships, Fellowships & Postdoctoral Awards


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