National and International Scholarships and Fellowships

The CMU Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholar Development (OURSD) team works directly with students, providing continued support and advising as they engage in research and apply for scholarships. This article focuses on scholarship opportunities. A separate article expands on research funding opportunities.

OURSD staff are dedicated to helping students develop a thorough, comprehensive and competitive application for a variety of scholarship opportunities that span an array of educational experiences. The team holds scholarship and fellowship information sessions throughout the academic year that are advertised on the OURSD website and in the OURSD monthly newsletter.

Study abroad programs

Study abroad programs offer students a chance to explore new cultures, learn new languages and be exposed to new customs. The CMU OURSD team can assist students with applying for many funded study abroad opportunities such as:

• The Critical Language Scholarship, a U.S. State Department program for undergraduate and graduate students that funds educational and cultural exchange in 15 critical need languages.
• The Boren Undergraduate Scholarship, which provides students with a stipend ($8,000–$20,000) to study less commonly taught languages in regions critical to U.S. interests. In exchange for funding, Boren Scholars commit to working in the federal government for at least one year after graduation.
• The Boren Fellowship is an opportunity for graduate level students to study languages in world regions critical to U.S. interest. The program covers expenses associated with overseas study, including tuition, travel, living and research expenses.
• The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program, funded through the U.S. State Department, provides grants to students of limited financial means to pursue an opportunity to study or intern abroad and gain skills critical to our national security and economic competitiveness.

Career development scholarships

Career development scholarships offer students experience to build professional skills and help secure a job after graduation. Some of these include:

• The SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program is the largest education and workforce development initiative under the Department of Defense STEM Program that offers scholarships for undergraduates, graduates and doctoral students pursing a STEM degree.
• The Voyager Scholarship is designed to help rising juniors aspiring to work in public service (e.g., government, education, law, uniformed service, nonprofit and more) with $50,000 tuition assistance during their final two years of undergraduate studies, in addition to providing $10,000 for a Summer Voyage service-based internship abroad between the junior and senior year.
• Humanity in Action Fellowships bring together international groups of fellows to study minority rights and produce original research on tolerance and democratic values. The award funds five-week summer programs in six different cities in the U.S. and Europe for students and recent graduates from (or studying in) the U.S. and other select countries.
• The Udall Scholarship supports students committed to environmentally focused careers or Native American students interested in tribal policy or Native health care. The program provides $7,000 in scholarship funds in addition to access to the prestigious Udall Alumni Network and attendance at a multiday scholar orientation experience in the summer.
• The Gaither Junior Fellows Program is a one-year fellowship for uniquely qualified graduating seniors or individuals who have graduated during the past academic year. The fellowship provides a fully funded professional experience at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington, DC to conduct research, contribute to publications, participate in meetings with high-level officials, contribute to congressional testimony and organize briefings attended by scholars, activists, journalists and government officials.
• The Jennings Family Brave Companions Fund provides students with a stipend to travel to developing countries during the summer to study, explore, conduct research or participate in service-oriented work. The fund annually provides four to 10 sophomores and juniors up to $6,000. The fund website contains information on how to apply.
• The Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship supports students pursuing careers in mathematics, the natural sciences and engineering.The scholarship covers eligible expenses for tuition, fees, books and room and board to a maximum of $7,500 per academic year.

Research and/or graduate study awards

Research and/or graduate study awards provide funding to support further education. These opportunities include, but are not limited to:

• The Fulbright U.S. Student Program provides a year of funding for English teaching assistantships, independent research and creative inquiry and/or graduate studies in any field in over 150 countries abroad.
• The United Kingdom awards consists of the Rhodes, Marshall, Churchill and Gates Cambridge scholarships. These scholarships are among the most prestigious and sought-after awards for U.S. students. Recipients pursue funded graduate studies at world-renowned institutions. The OURSD website contains information about each scholarship opportunity, including criteria for acceptance and deadlines.
• The Beinecke Scholarship is a need- and merit-based award to fund graduate studies up to $34,000 for students pursuing their education in the arts, humanities and social sciences. The scholarship website provides information about the application process and deadlines.
• The Harry S. Truman Scholarship was created by Congress in 1975 and provides students with up to $30,000 for two to three years of graduate study. The scholarship is awarded to students with strong leadership and service experiences who plan to pursue a career in public service (e.g., government, education, law, uniformed service, nonprofit and more).
• The National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship supports graduate students pursuing research-based degreesin science, technology, engineering and  This fellowship provides up to three years of support for graduate education in science and engineering research.

See the Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholar Development webpage for many more competitive scholarship opportunities. OURSD provides invaluable guidance and continued support for students interested in these transformative scholarship opportunities.