Office of Undergraduate Research & Fellowships
A fellowship is a supportive community of scholar-leaders with similar values and interests, sponsored by a university or off-campus organization (such as a government agency or nonprofit foundation) in order to provide fellows with the necessary resources for educational and professional success.
Fellowships have highly specific eligibility criteria and may support graduate or undergraduate study in specific degree programs.
Most fellowships fall into one of the following categories: research, public service, or cross-cultural engagement. Some fall into two or three of these categories.
These high-profile, competitive external awards provide funding and life-changing opportunities across a range of disciplines and interests, including leadership development programs and highly engaged alumni communities. The applications themselves are challenging and competitive, typically involving multiple essays, but they serve a developmental purpose for students interested in becoming agents of positive change in the world.
Students who engage in the process of applying for a fellowship typically gain:
- a stronger sense of their professional interests, strengths and talents, career goals, and graduate school options.
- more confidence in the interview process.
- experience in presenting and defending ideas both in writing and before review panels.
- stronger guidance and relationships with faculty mentors.
- deeper involvement in research, creative, and leadership activities
Most fellowships require students to submit applications one full year in advance of receiving funding and are quite competitive.
Undergraduate Research & Fellowships staff advise students on applications for approximately 2 to 6 months prior to external deadlines. In particular, students planning to apply for Fulbright or graduate fellowships due in September-October should connect with our office in April-May, 6 months ahead of the external deadlines.
There are no fellowships that provide immediate financial support. If you are seeking financial assistance for the current or upcoming term, please contact the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships in the Husker Hub.
Popular National & International Fellowships
Recent graduates or graduate students can spend a full academic year abroad building mutual understanding with other nations, while teaching English, conducting research or arts projects, or earning a graduate degree.
Pell-eligible undergraduate students can receive up to $5,000 to study or intern abroad, plus an additional $3,000 for critical language study.
Undergraduate and graduate students can learn one of fourteen critical languages and participate in cultural exchange through fully-funded summer study abroad or virtual programs.
Undergraduate seniors and graduate students with research experience may be competitive candidates. Supports research-based master’s and doctoral (Ph.D.) study in scientific and social sciences fields.
Meet with an advisor for personalized guidance on selecting undergraduate research or fellowships experiences that match your unique needs. Create a customized plan for future years of involvement!
Faculty, staff, and teaching assistant mentors play critical roles in identifying and recruiting students for many opportunities, especially the nationally competitive scholarships. As you work with undergraudates, you may be the person who first introduces them to the various fellowship and scholarship opportunities available.
