Scholarships and Competitive Programs

**Please note that many of these scholarships have early SDSU deadlines. Please contact the Scholarships Office for more information and deadlines.

PPIA-Public Policy and International Affairs Fellowship

Apply and Application Materials

The PPIA Program is open to college juniors from diverse backgrounds who are interested in being prepared for graduate studies and ultimately careers in public policy, international affairs and law. The program is an intensive seven-week summer program of classes and co-curricular activities promoting the professional and personal development of emerging leaders in public service.

ISCOR Scholars Scholarship

• Scholarship value $1,000
• Undergraduate
• Full-time enrollment required
• Minimum 2.50 overall cumulative GPA

For more information about this scholarship, please visit the page for this scholarship at the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.

Associated Students Study Abroad Scholarship

• Number of awards determined by scholarship committee
• Two Awards: Fall and Spring
• Minimum 2.50 overall cumulative GPA
• No class level specified
• Full-time enrollment NOT required
• Study abroad student
• Minimum $400 scholarship value
• Recipients must participate in a study abroad program outside the United States during the academic term in which scholarship funds are disbursed

For more information about this scholarship, please visit the page for this scholarship at the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.

SDSU Scholars Without Borders

Scholars Without Borders is an honorary society dedicated to promoting international exchange and service and recognizing scholarly achievement in an international context.

The Scholars Without Borders Study Abroad Scholarship program has awarded approximately $28,500 since its inception in April 2009. Scholarship recipients have participated in diverse study and research opportunities in 21 different countries, from Thailand to Switzerland, Ghana to the Marquesas Islands. Funds for these awards come mainly from membership dues, along with generous donations from the SDSU Office of International Programs, the Charles Wei-Hsun Fu Foundation, and individual members who support this program.

For more information, please visit Scholars Without Borders.

Fulbright

The U.S. Student Fulbright grants send 1,500 students to one of 150 different countries  for an academic year.  They may apply to be English Teaching Assistants, or to do study/research projects. Undergraduates must finish that degree prior to August 2013 to be eligible.  Graduate students at any level may apply.  (see http://www.us.fulbrightonline.org)

We are excited to have 15 finalists in this year's competition, and hope to have an even larger number this next cycle.  The success of the SDSU Fulbright program lies directly with supportive faculty. Obviously, I hope you will encourage your strong students (must be US citizens) to attend one of the Information Sessions listed on the attached flyer.  They may also contact Dr. Patricia Huckle, SDSU Fulbright Adviser at huckle@mail.sdsu.edu.

Freeman-ASIA Applications

Freeman-ASIA provides scholarships for U.S. undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need to study abroad in East or Southeast Asia. Applicants should have a minimum 2.8 GPA. The program's goal is to increase the number of Americans with first-hand exposure to and understanding of Asia and its peoples and cultures. Awards of up to $5,000 are available for spring programs. Award recipients are required to share their experiences with their home campuses or communities to encourage study abroad by others.

For more information, eligibility requirements, and the online application, please visit: http://www.iie.org/freeman-asia

H.J. Heinz Company Foundation Fellowship

H.J. Heinz Company Foundation Fellowship, U of Pittsburgh, for individuals from developing countries who demonstrate potential as future leaders in the public, government, non-profit, private sectors

More Information: http://www.ucis.pitt.edu/global/heinz.html

NSEP David L. Boren Fellowships for Graduate Students

The National Security Education Program (NSEP) David L. Boren Undergraduate Scholarships supports study abroad opportunities for study of cultures, languages and world regions that are critical to U.S. interests including Africa, Asia, Central & Eastern Europe, Eurasia, Latin America, the Caribbean and the Middle East. NSEP Boren Fellowships are intended to provide or add to the international component of U.S. graduate student’s education, providing support for overseas study, domestic study, or a combination of both. Applicants design their own programs either conducting research, participating in an internship or formally studying the language and culture of the area in which they are located.

Fellowship awards are made for a minimum of one semester and a maximum of two years. The maximum award is $30,000; $12,000 per semester for up to two semesters for overseas study, and $12,000 maximum for domestic only study. Students must be enrolled at an accredited U.S. institution and pursuing a graduate degree; graduating seniors must provide proof of acceptance into a graduate program to receive the award.

The NSEP service requirement stipulates that a recipient must work a minimum of one year in the Departments of Defense, Homeland Security, State, or the Intelligence Community, or in exceptional cases, may work in any U.S. federal department or agency with national security responsibilities.

Link: www.borenawards.org/boren_fellowship

NSEP David L. Boren Scholarships for Undergraduate Students

The National Security Education Program (NSEP) David L. Boren Undergraduate Scholarships supports study abroad opportunities for study of cultures, languages and world regions that are critical to U.S. interests including Africa, Asia, Central & Eastern Europe, Eurasia, Latin America, the Caribbean and the Middle East. NSEP Boren Scholarships are intended to provide support to U.S. undergraduates who will pursue the study of languages and cultures currently underrepresented in study abroad and critical to U.S. national security. Scholarship is open to all majors. Preference is given to students participating in a year long program.
Prospective applicants must participate in an on-campus interview. Boren

Scholarships are merit based and award amounts are based on the study abroad costs and financial aid information provided by the applicant. The maximum award is $20,000 for a full academic year. The NSEP service requirement stipulates that a recipient must work for a minimum of one year in the Departments of Defense, Homeland Security, State, or the Intelligence Community, or in exceptional cases, may work in any U.S. federal department or agency with national security responsibilities.

Link: www.borenawards.org/boren_scholarship

The William Jefferson Clinton Scholars at American University in Dubai

The William Jefferson Clinton Scholars Program, in partnership with the American University in Dubai, seeks to strengthen the capacity of people in the United States and throughout the world to meet the challenges of global interdependence.  Each year, the program provides funding for 20 students to expand their educational and cultural horizons by studying at the American University in Dubai for one semester.  Preference is given to students who show interest in the Middle Eastern and Islamic culture for the first time.

Applicants must be enrolled full time in an undergraduate degree program and demonstrate an exemplary academic record.  Student must have completed one full year of study. Clinton Scholars will receive a full waiver of tuition for one term and dormitory housing at the American University in Dubai on a shared-room basis

Link: http://www.aud.edu/admissions/clinton.asp

Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship

The Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship Program is sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State.  The Gilman Scholarship program aims to broaden the student population that studies abroad by supporting undergraduates who have been traditionally underrepresented. This includes, but is not limited to, students with high financial need; students in underrepresented fields such as the sciences and engineering; students with diverse ethnic backgrounds; and students with disabilities.  The program encourages students to choose nontraditional study abroad destinations, especially those outside of Western Europe and Australia.

The Gilman Scholarship provides awards of up to $5,000 for U.S. citizen undergraduate students to pursue country-based undergraduate opportunities abroad that are a minimum of four weeks and up to one academic year in length. To be eligible, students must be receiving a Federal Pell Grant at the time of application and cannot be studying abroad in a country currently under a U.S. Department of State Travel Warning or in Cuba.

Link: www.iie.org/gilman

Killam Fellowship Program

The Killam Fellowship Program supports exceptional American and Canadian undergraduate students in educational exchange.  Students from any field of study may apply.  The Killam Fellowship awards $10,000 for the full academic year, health insurance allowance, in-country travel allowance and includes a fall Killam orientation in Ottawa and a spring seminar in Washington, D.C.  Applicants must be U.S. citizens and full-time undergraduates, have superior academic achievement, and proficiency in English.

Link: www.killamfellowships.com

British Marshall Scholarship

Marshall Scholarships finance approximately 40 young Americans of high ability to study for a degree in the United Kingdom each year. The Scholarships are tenable at any British university and cover two years of study in any discipline, at the undergraduate or graduate level, leading to the award of a British University degree. Scholars must hold a first degree from an accredited four-year college or university.The Scholarships were founded by an Act of Parliament in 1953 and commemorate the humane ideals of the European Recovery Programme (Marshall Plan). They are funded by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office and administered by the Marshall Aid Commemoration Commission in the UK and in the US by the British Embassy in Washington DC and seven regional Consulates-General.

Potential applicants must receive the endorsement of their institution. The Marshall award covers University fees, cost of living expenses, an annual book grant, a thesis grant, research and daily travel grants, fares to and from the United States and, where applicable, a contribution towards the support of a dependent spouse.

Link: http://www.marshallscholarship.org

George J. Mitchell Postgraduate Scholarship

Sponsored by the US-Ireland Alliance, the George J. Mitchell Scholarship is designed to introduce and connect generations of future American leaders to the island of Ireland, while recognizing and fostering intellectual achievement, leadership, and a commitment to public service and community.  The Mitchell scholarship supports one year of postgraduate work in any discipline offered by institutions of higher learning in Ireland or Northern Ireland.  Scholars are selected based on academic excellence and intellectual distinction, an outstanding record of leadership, and a sustained commitment to service and community.

Prospective applicants must receive a letter of endorsement from their institution.  Twelve Mitchell Scholars between the ages of 18 and 30 are chosen annually for one year of postgraduate study.  The scholarship provides tuition, housing, a living expense stipend, and an international travel stipend.

Link: http://www.us-irelandalliance.org/scholarships.html

The National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship

The Department of Defense (DoD) is committed to increasing the number and quality of our nation's scientists and engineers. Toward that end, the DoD annually supports approximately 8,000 graduate students in fields important to national defense needs. The DoD offers fellowships to individuals who have demonstrated ability and special aptitude for advanced training in science and engineering, including (but not limited to) aeronautical and astronautical engineering, biosciences, chemistry, civil engineering, computer science, geosciences, mathematics, mechanical engineering, oceanography, and physics.  Applicants must be a US citizen or national, be pursuing a doctoral degree, and may be a senior, first year graduate student, or one who already received their bachelor’s degree but has not started graduate school. Fellowship award consists of full tuition, required fees, and a stipend of $30,500 the first year, $31,000 the second year, and $31,500 the third year.

Link: http://ndseg.asee.org/

Thomas R. Pickering Graduate Foreign Affairs Fellowship 

The Thomas R. Pickering Graduate Foreign Affairs Fellowship is funded by the U.S. Department of State and administered by the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation.  This scholarship serves to attract outstanding students who enroll in two-year master’s degree programs in public policy, international affairs, public administration or academic fields such as business, economics, political science, sociology, or foreign languages, who represent all ethnic, racial and social backgrounds and who have an interest in pursing a career with the Foreign Service in the US State Department. Women, members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the Foreign Service, and students with financial need are encouraged to apply.

The fellowship award includes tuition, room, board and mandatory fees for the first and second year of graduate study, with reimbursement for books and travel.  Successful candidates are obligated to a minimum of three years of service in an appointment as a Foreign Service Officer.

Link: http://www.woodrow.org/

Thomas Pickering Undergraduate Foreign Affairs Fellowship

The Thomas R. Pickering Undergraduate Foreign Affairs Fellowship is funded by the U.S. Department of State and administered by the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation.  The scholarship is open to undergraduate students in their sophomore year.  This scholarship serves to recruit talented students in academic programs relevant to international affairs, political and economic analysis, administration, management and science policy who have an interest in pursing a career with the Foreign Service in the US State Department.

The fellowship award includes tuition, room, board and mandatory fees during the junior and senior years of college and during the first year of graduate study.  The Fellow must commit to pursuing a master’s degree in international studies at one of the graduate schools participating in the program.  Participating graduate schools provide financial support in the second year of graduate study based on need.  Successful candidates are obligated to a minimum of four and one-half years’ service in an appointment as a Foreign Service Officer.

Link: http://www.woodrow.org/

Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Fellowship Program

The Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Fellowship seeks students who wish to pursue a career in the Foreign Service.  Directed by the Ralph J. Bunche Center at Howard University in Washington, D.C., this award may be used at most accredited graduate or professional schools toward a degree in international affairs or a related focus.  The Rangel Program promotes the participation of members of minority groups and those with financial need. 

Ten Rangel Fellows are selected each year and each receives up to $32,500 annually for the expenses at a two-year master’s degree program.  Additionally, fellows are funded to participate in a six-week Summer Enrichment Program followed by a six-week Congressional Internship on Capitol Hill.  The following summer Fellows participate in a 10-week internship at a U.S. Embassy overseas.  Each Fellow is obligated to a minimum of three years of service in an appointment as a Foreign Service Officer. 

Link: http://rangelprogram.org/

Rhodes Scholarships

The Rhodes Scholarship, the oldest international fellowships, awards outstanding students from around the world to study at the University of Oxford.  Each year, 32 American Rhodes Scholars are selected. Rhodes Scholars are elected for two years of graduate study at Oxford, with a possible renewal for a third year for Ph.D. students. 

Scholars are selected based on the qualities designated by Cecil B. Rhodes, proven intellectual and academic achievement of a high standard (gpa of 3.8 or above), ability to show integrity of character, interest in and respect for their fellow beings, the ability to lead, and the energy to use their talents to the full, as exemplified by fondness for and success in sports.  Rhodes Scholars are chosen with the expectation that they will make an effective contribution to the world around them.
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. 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.

The Rhodes requires an internal application process; please contact the Director of the Office of Academic Scholarships if you are interested in applying for this award.

Link: http://www.rhodesscholar.org/

Rotary International Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarships

The Rotary Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation that supports the efforts of Rotary International to increase awareness of and respect for cultural differences by sending ambassadors of goodwill to study in another country.  There are three different types of scholarships offered by the Rotary each with their own requirements and monetary amounts.  Students may apply through the Rotary organization in their home-town, or can apply through the San Diego Rotary District.  Currently the San Diego Rotary District offers two Academic Year Scholarships for undergraduate juniors wishing to study in a low income developing country in a field that will address humanitarian needs in the world community.
The Academic-Year Ambassadorial Scholarships provide funding of $23,000 for one academic year of study in another country.  This scholarship is the most common type of scholarship offered. 

Link: http://www.rotary.org

The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans

The purpose of the Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans is to provide opportunities for continuing generations of able and accomplished New Americans to achieve leadership in their chosen fields.  Applicant must be a resident alien, or has been naturalized as a US citizen, or a child of two parents who are both naturalized citizens.  Applicant must be in their final year of undergraduate study, or have a bachelor’s degree, or currently pursuing graduate study.  A Fellow may pursue a graduate degree in any professional field or scholarly discipline.

Each year the Soros Fellow receives a maintenance grant of $20,000 and a tuition grant of one-half the tuition cost of the US Graduate program attended by the Fellow.

Link: www.pdsoros.org

Harry S. Truman Scholarship 

The Truman Foundation awards 75-80 scholarships annually to students who want to Make a Difference.  The scholarship is open to juniors who plan to pursue careers in government or elsewhere in public service.  Scholar selection is based on record of public and community service, leadership potential, communication skills, academic strength and commitment to careers in public service.

Prospective applicants must be nominated by their institution.  Each Truman scholar receives up to $30,000 in support for graduate studies toward a public service-related degree, participates in leadership development activities and is extended opportunities for internships and employment with the federal government. 

All candidates should be aware that the Truman Scholarship has a newly instituted service requirement. 

Link: www.truman.gov

Morris K. Udall Undergraduate Scholarships

The Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National Environmental Policy Foundation awards approximately 75 scholarships on the basis of academic merit and leadership potential to two groups of students:

Those who are college sophomores or juniors in the current academic year, have outstanding potential, and who are committed to careers related to the environment.
Native American and Alaska Native students who are college sophomores or juniors in the current academic year, have outstanding potential, and are committed to careers in fields related to health care or tribal public policy.

Prospective applicants must be nominated by their institution.  Each scholar receives up to $5,000, or the cost of tuition, fees, books, and room and board, whichever is less. Scholarship recipients are eligible for one year of scholarship support per application year.

Link: www.udall.gov

For more information about other scholarships, please visit Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.