via the Office of External Fellowships:
Hello from OEF! We hope that spring semester ended well and you're gearing up for an excellent summer. Warmer weather has us feeling optimistic, and we hope you are too.
We're writing today to remind you that now is the perfect time for rising seniors (and alumni, in many cases) to begin planning your application(s) for a bunch of fellowship opportunities whose applications are due in the early fall. Yes, we know it sounds super early to be talking about fall deadlines when summer is just starting, but trust us and start now. Students who begin a conversation with OEF now will be better prepared to navigate these fellowship applications and better able to develop concrete plans and compelling essays over the summer months.
See below for more information about many fantastic awards with final deadlines in the early fall - as well as a couple of new opportunities with deadlines next week and next month. Unless the description says otherwise, each opportunity listed below is open to students in any academic or creative discipline, and fund opportunities in the 2023-2024 academic year.
Interested students and alumni should make initial, exploratory appointments with OEF as soon as possible. Seriously, reach out right now while you're reading this. OEF is here to guide you all the way through the process, and we are available to meet now and throughout the summer - we are on campus and also doing virtual appointments.
Fulbright US Student Program - DEADLINE: September 8, 2022
The Fulbright US Student Program application for 2023-2024 has been open since March 31. If you're interested in spending an academic year abroad after graduation, this may be the perfect opportunity for you.
The Fulbright US Student Program provides academic-year grants in 140+ countries around the globe for individually designed study/research projects or for English Teaching Assistant programs. During their federally funded grants, Fulbrighters will meet, work, live with, and learn from the people of their host country, sharing daily experiences. The program facilitates cultural exchange through direct interaction on an individual basis in the classroom, field, home, and everyday tasks, allowing the grantees to gain an appreciation of others’ viewpoints and beliefs, the way they do things, and the way they think. Through engagement in the community, Fulbrighters will interact with their hosts on a one-to-one basis in an atmosphere of openness, academic integrity, and intellectual freedom, thereby promoting mutual understanding.
To be eligible for this program, you must be a US citizen and have your bachelor's degree in hand before September 2023; this means that rising seniors who want to do a Fulbright starting in the fall after they graduate should begin their applications now. (Folks can apply later, as well; you're eligible until you have your PhD in hand.)
Now is the ideal time to start! UIC's campus deadline is September 8, 2022! You should expect to work with your Fulbright advisor on campus through multiple drafts during the summer. UIC has two Fulbright Program Advisors: Dr. Kim Germain in OEF works with undergraduates, undergraduate alumni, and some grad/professional school students who do not fall under the purview of the Graduate College. Mr. Benn Williams works with graduate students and alumni of the Graduate College. Both advisors work closely with applicants, and we're here to help you put together the best application possible!
UK/Ireland Awards
There are multiple opportunities which provide full funding for graduate study in the United Kingdom or Ireland, and OEF advises on these opportunities collectively, at least as far as initial steps. All of these seek a combination of academic excellence, leadership, and community engagement. All have early fall deadlines for matriculation in the subsequent fall, and all but one require UIC to nominate you; therefore, it is very important that you get in contact with OEF sooner rather than later in order to begin seeking UIC nomination for these opportunities.
The Rhodes Scholarship funds graduate study (or a second bachelor's degree) at the University of Oxford in the UK. There are many jurisdictions aside from the US which have their own Rhodes competitions, and there is a new Rhodes Global competition such that everyone, regardless of citizenship, is eligible to pursue the Rhodes. Deadlines vary, but you must contact OEF soon to declare your interest in seeking UIC's nomination, because nomination decisions are made during July and August. See Rhodes website for further information.
The Marshall Scholarship funds graduate study in nearly any British university for two years, with a one-year option available for particular circumstances. This award is open only to US citizens, and it is required that you be nominated by UIC, so contact OEF as soon as possible about getting nominated, because nomination decisions are made during July and August. The final deadline will fall in late September, but OEF works with potential nominees through the summer on things like finding graduate degree programs in the UK that are the best fit for you given your interests and goals. See the Marshall website for more information. The 2023 application will be open in early June, though OEF is taking, and encouraging, advising meetings before then.
The Churchill Scholarship funds one year of graduate study at the University of Cambridge for students in STEM fields. Students may pursue research-only degrees or a combination of research and taught courses; click here to see eligible programs of study. To be eligible, you must be in your final year of undergraduate study during fall 2022, or have graduated with your bachelor's degree from UIC within the past 12 months; you must also be a US citizen. Contact OEF soon to declare your interest in receiving UIC's nomination for the Churchill. See the Churchill website for more information, including access to the application, which is already open.
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship funds graduate study in the program of your choice at the University of Cambridge in the UK. There is one competition for US citizens and another for citizens of other nations; these have different deadlines. This award does not require UIC nomination, but given the similar competitiveness between this award and the others in this category, OEF strongly recommends getting our advice early. More info at their website.
The Mitchell Scholarship funds one year of graduate study or research at one of the universities in Ireland. Requires nomination by UIC if you are a current student; alumni may apply directly, without nomination. For US citizens. Candidates who seek nomination should be in touch with OEF early. Final deadline: September 30. More info at the Mitchell website.
NEW: Luce Scholarship - Deadline: October 1
The Luce Scholars Program is a nationally competitive fellowship that offers year-long, immersive, professional experiences in Asia. Luce aims to forge stronger relationships across geographic borders by creating opportunities for young Americans to deepen their ties and understanding of the countries, cultures, and people of Asia. Open to US citizens and permanent residents, the Luce Scholars Program provides stipends, language training, and individualized professional placements in Asia. They welcome applications from college seniors, graduate students, and young professionals in a wide variety of fields (from arts to health sciences to law), with a range of backgrounds and experiences, and who have had limited exposure to Asia.
Luce seeks applicants who demonstrate the following traits and interests: Exploratory curiosity; Interest and embrace of diverse perspectives, beliefs, and modes of living; Adaptability; Open-mindedness; Resilience ; Humility; Commitment to serving and supporting others.
The Luce Scholarship is now open to applicants from any US university, so this is the first time the UIC community is eligible for this great opportunity. Dr. Germain in OEF has history with the Luce Scholars Program, and OEF encourages all interested folks to reach out for advice and guidance. The application is open now, and the deadline is October 1. For more information and access to the application, see the Luce website.
International Affairs and International Development: Multiple opportunities
The Rangel International Affairs Graduate Fellowship application for 2023 is open, with a deadline on September 22. The Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship application is open too, and the Pickering deadline is September 29. Both of these fellowships are for young people interested in careers in international affairs. They each provide up to $84,000 in benefits over a two-year graduate program (so up to $42,000 annually) in fields related to the Foreign Service, such as business, economics, management science, organizational development, public policy, and international relations. This includes two summer internships and professional development activities, all to prepare you for a career in the US Foreign Service. Both fellowships also encourage the application of members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the Foreign Service, women, and those with financial need.
OEF encourages UIC seniors and alumni who want to go into diplomacy and foreign affairs, and who plan to apply to graduate school to begin in Fall 2023 in a field related to international affairs, to apply to both of these wonderful opportunities -- and the programs themselves encourage applications to both, too. They are similar in content and benefits, but they have distinct selection processes and will select different fellows. Why not double your chances of receiving this funding and professional support?
More info and application access here: Rangel Fellowship and here: Pickering Fellowship
Payne International Development Fellowship: This opportunity is similar to the two above, although this one prepares fellows for careers in USAID specifically. For seniors or alumni who are currently seeking admission to graduate school in fall 2023 in an area of study related to international development and international affairs, the Payne Fellowship provides up to $104,000 in benefits over a two-year program for tuition and other graduate school costs, plus two summer internships and professional development activities. The aim of the Payne Fellowship is to attract and prepare outstanding individuals for careers as USAID Foreign Service Officers. Although this year's application is not yet open, you can learn much at their website: https://www.paynefellows.org/ Payne has not yet announced when this year's deadline will be; in prior years it has been November 1.
Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans - Deadline: October 27
Each year, the Soros Fellowship supports 30 "New Americans," i.e. immigrants or the children of immigrants, who are pursuing or plan to pursue graduate or professional school in the United States. The 2023 fellowship application is already open! Deadline: October 27, 2022.
Students may apply at the same time they are applying to graduate/professional school, or as first-year graduate/professional school students. Each Fellowship supports one to two years of graduate study in any field and in any advanced degree-granting program in the US. Each award is for up to a total of $90,000.
Competitive candidates will:
- demonstrate creativity, originality, and initiative;
- show commitment to and capacity for sustained effort in pursuit of your accomplishments;
- demonstrate commitment to the values expressed in the US Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
There is much helpful information, including eligibility requirements and access to the online application itself, on their website: https://www.pdsoros.org/apply
While UIC nomination is not required for the Soros, interested students are encouraged to seek advice and guidance from OEF due to the high level of competition involved. If you seek advice and feedback on your essays, please do so well in advance of the October 27 deadline.
UIC alumnus Anis Barmada was named a 2022 Soros Fellow. Who's next?
Knight-Hennessy Scholarship
Each year, up to 100 high-achieving students from around the world (regardless of citizenship) will receive full funding to pursue any graduate or professional degree at Stanford, as well as joint and dual-degrees. Knight-Hennessy Scholars aims to develop a community of future global leaders to address complex challenges through collaboration and innovation. It is the largest fully endowed scholars program in the world.
Strong seniors and alumni who are already planning to apply this fall for graduate or professional study at Stanford should consider applying for the Knight-Hennessy Scholarship too. But note: this means that you must complete the Knight-Hennessy application by their October 12 deadline and your separate Stanford degree program application earlier than is typical. OEF is here to advise applicants who draft their materials early, so don't wait until the last minute.
The 2023 application is now open, and they're hosting online information sessions for interested students. More info on their website: https://knight-hennessy.stanford.edu/
Schwarzman Scholarship - DEADLINE September 20
Modeled on the Rhodes and designed to prepare young leaders to serve as a bridge between China and the rest of the world, the Schwarzman Scholars Program is a global leadership and academic experience which provides full funding for a one-year Master's degree at Tsinghua University in Beijing. Schwarzman Scholars pursue a Master's in Global Affairs, with a concentration in one of the following areas: public policy, economics and business, or international studies.
It is open to students of all nationalities. No previous study of China or Chinese language is required. For the US/Global application, the deadline is September 20, 2022, for study beginning in summer 2023.
