Prestigious fellowships Overview

Prestige Scholarships Prestigious fellowships are nationally competitive scholarships and include the Marshall, Rhodes, Truman, Udall, and Goldwater. Most of these awards include scholarships that support graduate study in the U.S. or abroad and several require applicants to be nominated by their university. In order to help FAU students learn about and apply for these lucrative awards, FAU has established a number of recources including faculty advisors that will actively encourage faculty to identify and recruit potentially competitive candidates, cultivate prospective applicants, and organize the institutional screening of candidates when the rules of competition require this.

 

If you are interested in applying for a Prestigious Fellowship, please complete this form: 

 https://ouri-fau.smapply.io/prog/fellowships/

 

WHC Prestigious Fellowship Recipients:

2023 NSF Graduate Research Fellowship:  Kate Maier, Wilkes Honors College
2022 Goldwater Scholars: Kate Maier and Samatha Zaninelli, Wilkes Honors College

2017 Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship: Samantha Iliff, Wilkes Honors College
2013 NSEP - Boren: Andrea Bailey, Wilkes Honors College
2011 - 2012 Fulbright for study in Macedonia: Cassidy Henry, Wilkes Honors College
2010 NSEP - Boren for study in Tanzania: Stephen Jones, Wilkes Honors College
2006 NSEP - Boren for study in Russia: Daniel Gopman, Wilkes Honors College
2007 NSEP - Boren for study in Morocco: Heather Chase, Wilkes Honors College
Jack Kent Cooke Graduate Award: Sarah Wiggill, Wilkes Honors College

You can also visit U.C. Berkeley's Scholarship Connection and searchable scholarship database.

 

Prestigious Fellowships

There are a variety of prestigious fellowships: some require applicants to be nominated by their university through an internal selection process; but for others, students apply directly to the fellowship program. The table below lists the major fellowships and indicates which require institutional nomination. Click the link for further information, including a link to the fellowship's homepage, where complete information and application materials can be found.

Fellowship Target Applicant Scholarship Funds FAU Nomination? University Contact Deadline
Frost Seniors Funds one year of graduate study at Oxford University in a STEM program No N/A Currently on hold to see if this opportunity will be continued.
Ford Foundation Pre-doctoral Minority Seniors Doctoral Study No N/A December 13
Fulbright Recent Graduates Graduate Study Abroad Yes See FAU Fulbright webpage Early September - Please refer to Fulbright Student Program website
Gates Cambridge Seniors or Graduates Graduate or Post-Graduate study at Cambridge University No N/A Oct 10
Goldwater Sophomores or Juniors committed to research in sciences, math, or engineering.
Minimum GPA is 3.5
  Yes Donna Chamely-Wiik Dec 15
Hertz Foundation Seniors or Graduates Graduate work in Physical Sciences No N/A Oct 24
James Madison Seniors or Recent Graduates Graduate Study to teach History or Political Science No N/A Mar 1
Marshall Seniors
Minimum GPA: 3.7
Graduate Study in England Yes William O'Brien,
Honors College
Sept 5
George F. Mitchell Seniors One year of Graduate Study in Ireland or Northern Ireland in any discipline Yes* N/A Sept 27
NOAA Hollings Scholarship Sophomores Undergraduate scholarship (up to $9500) and paid summer internship at NOAA (National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration) No N/A January
NSF Seniors or 1st-year Graduate Students Graduate study in a STEM field No N/A Nov., based on discipline
NSEP/Boren Undergraduates (any level) Study Abroad and work in National Security Yes Madison McShane, Director of Education Abroad Jan 30
Rhodes Seniors Graduate study at Oxford Yes Dr. Chris Ely,
Honors College 
Sept 5
           
Soros New American Seniors or Graduate Students Up to 2 years of Graduate Study No N/A Nov 1
Truman Juniors Graduate or Professional School leading to a career in Government or Public Service Yes Dr. Christopher Ely,
Honors College
Jan 5
Morris and Stewart Udall

1. Sophomores or Juniors in Environmental Studies

- or -

2. Native American / Alaskan Sophomores or Juniors who have demonstrated commitment to careers related to tribal public policy or Native health care

GPA is 3.0 - 3.5

Up to $5,000 Yes Dr. William O'Brien,
Honors College
Jan 31

*Institutional Endorsement for Full-Time Students

 

 

FROST SCHOLARSHIP

Scholarship Web Site: http://www.ox.ac.uk/freesandfunding/prospectivegrad/scholarships/university/frost [Note: currently on hold while Oxford evaluates if this program will be continued]
Description: The Frost Scholarship Program funds current students from the State University System of Florida (SUSF) to study one-year, full-time Master's courses in science, technology, engineering and mathematics ('STEM' subjects) at the University of Oxford. Applicants should also be applying to start a new, one-year, full-time Master's course at Oxford. The program aims to have one graduate from each of the SUSF universities represented in each annual cohort of scholars and preference shall be given to applicants in order to achieve this aim.
TOP


 

FORD FOUNDATION PREDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIPS FOR MINORITIES

Scholarship Web Site: http://sites.nationalacademies.org/pga/fordfellowships
Description: To increase the presence of underrepresented minorities on the nation's college and university faculties, to enhance diversity on campuses, and to address the persisting effects of past discrimination, the Ford Foundation offers predoctoral fellowships to members of six minority groups – Alaska Natives (Eskimo or Aleut); Black/African Americans; Mexican Americans/Chicanas/Chicanos; Native American Indians; Native Pacific Islanders; and Puerto Ricans – whose underrepresentation in the professoriate has been severe and long-standing. The fellowship program identifies individuals with demonstrated ability and provides them the opportunity to engage in graduate study leading to a (Ph.D.) or Doctor of Science (Sc.D.) degree. Seniors may apply directly without being nominated by the Institution. Deadline in December.
TOP


 

FULBRIGHT

Scholarship Web Site: https://www.iie.org/Programs/Fulbright-US-Student-Program
Description: The U.S. Student Program is designed to give recent B.S./B.A. graduates, master's and doctoral candidates opportunities for personal development and international experience. Most grantees plan their own programs. Students apply through the Fulbright Program Adviser at the University. Fulbright's deadline for applications is in mid-October. FAU's internal deadline is typically in September. For further information about FAU's selection process contact Madison McShane.
TOP


 

GATES CAMBRIDGE

Scholarship Web Site: https://www.gatescambridge.org/
Description: Gates Cambridge Scholars are expected to become leaders in helping to address global problems related to health, equity, technology, and learning. The selectors seek 'great leaders who will change the world' and not someone simply wishing to round out their education. The program offers a substantial number of scholarships for study as an affiliated student or to pursue courses of postgraduate study at the University of Cambridge. Students must have or expect to attain an honors bachelor degree or its equivalent and apply and must be independently accepted to Cambridge. Deadline October 11. No university nomination is required.
TOP


 

GOLDWATER

Scholarship Web Site: https://goldwater.scholarsapply.org/
Description: The Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship is for exceptional college students who intend to pursue careers in science, mathematics, or engineering. Students intending to study medicine are eligible only if they plan a research career rather than a career as a medical doctor in private practice. Applicants must be a full-time matriculated sophomore or junior with a gpa of at least a B, and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Each scholarship covers eligible expenses for tuition, fees, books, and room and board, up to a maximum of $7,500 annually. For the 2010-2011 Academic Year, there were 1,111 nominees and 278 awards; winners had average gpa of 3.95. Applications must be through a faculty representative appointed by the University. The representative may nominate up to 4 students. Nomination material are generally available in early September. FAU's internal deadline is Dec. 15, and FAU forwards applications near the end of January.
TOP


 

THE HERTZ FOUNDATION

Scholarship Web Site: http://hertzfoundation.org/default.aspx
Description: The Hertz Foundation is a private foundation which provides fellowships tenable at three dozen of the nation's finest universities for graduate work leading to a Ph.D. degree in applications of the physical sciences. Each year the Foundation conducts a national competition for new Hertz Fellows. Of those who apply, only about one quarter will be interviewed. Of those who are interviewed, approximately one in ten will be awarded a Hertz Fellowship. The foundation looks to support the graduate education of America's most promising technical talent, the Ph.D.-directed effort of the young men and women who can be expected to have the greatest impact on the application of the physical sciences to human problems during the next half-century. College seniors and graduate students may apply. Application materials typically available in August.
TOP


 

JAMES MADISON

Scholarship Web Site: http://www.jamesmadison.com
Description: Junior Fellowships are awarded to students who are about to complete, or have recently completed, their undergraduate course of study and plan to begin graduate work on a full-time basis with the goal of teaching history or political science. Junior Fellows have two years to complete their degree. The Fellowships are intended exclusively for graduate study leading to a master's degree. James Madison Fellows can attend any accredited institution of higher education in the United States. Each individual entering the James Madison Fellowship Program will be expected to pursue and complete a master's degree in one of the following (listed in order of preference): Master of Arts degree (MA) in American history or in political science (also referred to as "government and politics" or as "government"); Master of Arts in Teaching degree (MAT) concentrating on either American Constitutional history (in a history department) or American government, political institutions and political theory (in a political science department); Master of Education degree (MEd) or the Master of Arts or Master of Science in Education, with a concentration in American history or American government, political institutions and political theory. The maximum amount of each award is $24,000, prorated over the period of study. 1 fellow is selected per state. Deadline March 1.
TOP


 

MARSHALL

Scholarship Web Site: http://www.marshallscholarship.org
Description: Marshall Scholarships finance young Americans of high ability to study for a degree in the United Kingdom. The Scholarships are tenable at any British university and cover two years of study in any discipline, at either undergraduate or graduate level, leading to the award of a British University degree. At least 40 scholars are selected each year. Each candidate must submit his/her application on the online form provided. Applications must have at least a 3.7 gpa and be endorsed by the University; in exceptional circumstances candidates may be nominated by their Graduate School or their employer, however, special permission must be sought from the Marshall Commission. The online application must be submitted and authorised by a designated member of staff at the applicant's educational insitution (or employer). All items including four letters of recommendation must be submitted online and received at the regional centre no later than October 1. The FAU internal deadline is Sept. 5 for institutional selection.
TOP


 

GEORGE F. MITCHELL

Scholarship Web Site: www.us-irelandalliance.org/mitchellscholarship 
Description: Honoring former U.S. Senator George J. Mitchell, this scholarship supports one year of graduate study in any discipline offered by an institution of higher learning in Ireland or Northern Ireland. The purpose is to introduce students to Ireland. The selection committee looks for academic excellence, leadership, and community service. Last year there were over 220 applicants and 12 awards. Tuition, housing, living expenses stipend, international travel, are provided to 12 scholars annually. Full time students must have, in addition to at least 4 recommenders, an institutional endorsement from the Director of FAU's Prestige Scholarship Committee. Online application has Sept. 30 deadline. Internal deadline of Sept. 1.
TOP


 

 

NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION GRADUATE RESEARCH FELLOWSHIPS

Scholarship Web Site: http://www.nsfgrfp.org
Description: Among the NSF programs of interest to graduate students is the Graduate Research Fellowship Awards. Through this program the National Science Foundation (NSF) seeks to ensure the vitality of the human resource base of science, mathematics, and engineering in the United States and to reinforce its diversity. The NSF awards approximately 1,000 new three-year Graduate Research Fellowships in March of each year and receives over 9,000 applications. NSF Fellows are expected to contribute significantly to research, teaching, and industrial applications in science, mathematics, and engineering. Applicants must be United States citizens or nationals, or permanent resident aliens of the United States. Those eligible to apply are college seniors, first-year graduate students, and others who have completed a limited amount of graduate study in science, mathematics, or engineering. Women who intend to pursue graduate degrees in engineering or in computer and information science and engineering and who meet the eligibility requirements above can apply for the additional WENG or WICS awards. Deadlines vary, November to December.
TOP


 

NSEP / DAVID BOREN UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPS

Scholarship Web Site: http://www.borenawards.org
Description: Designed to provide American undergraduates with resources and skills in areas of the world critical to national security. See website for geographic areas that are recommended. Recipients must seek employment with a federal agency or office involved in national security affairs for at least one year. Undergraduates at any level are eligible, and the scholarship may be used for a study abroad experience. In 2004 there were 730 applicants and 140 awards. National deadline is late January/early February. FAU's internal deadline is typically in mid-January.
Contact Madison McShane , Education Abroad Office.
TOP


 

RHODES

Scholarship Web Site: http://www.rhodesscholar.org
Description: The Rhodes Scholarships, the oldest international fellowships, were initiated after the death of Cecil Rhodes in 1902, and bring outstanding students from many countries around the world to the University of Oxford. The first American Scholars were elected in 1904. 32 U.S. Rhodes Scholars are elected for one or two years of study at Oxford, with the possibility of renewal for a third year. There is no longer a presumption that applicants participate in sports. 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. Up to 8 letters of recommendation are invited; College or University endorsement of applications is required. Must be 18-24 years old. FAU internal deadline Sep. 5.
TOP


SOROS

Scholarship Web Site: http://www.pdsoros.org
Description: 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 and to partake of the American dream. Fellows must have shown potential in the fields for which they seek further education; the capacity for creativity, persistence and work; and the commitment to the values of the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights. The Program is established in recognition of the contributions New Americans have made to American life and in gratitude for the opportunities the United States has afforded the donors and their family. Each year the Fellow receives a maintenance grant of $20,000 (paid in two installments) and a tuition grant of one-half the tuition cost of the U.S. graduate program attended by the Fellow. In the past 9 years there have been 8000 applicants and 350 awards. 55% of recipients study law or medicine. Average age of recipient is 24. Apply directly--no institutional representative needed. Applicants must be under 30 as of Nov. 1, and either a green-card holder, naturalized citizen, or have 2 parents who are naturalized citizens. Deadline Nov. 1.
TOP


 

TRUMAN

Scholarship Web Site: http://www.truman.gov
Description: The Truman Scholarship is a $30,000 merit-based grant awarded to undergraduate juniors who wish financial support to attend graduate or professional school in preparation for careers in government, the non-profit sector or elsewhere in public service. The Foundation 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. Students need not major only in political science: applicants majoring in pre-med, arts, engineering, math, economics etc. are welcome as well. Financial need is not a consideration. Beginning with the class of 2005, the Foundation has instituted a new service requirement. All Scholars are required to work in public service for three of the seven years following completion of a Foundation funded graduate degree program as a condition of receiving Truman funds. Must be nominated by faculty representative. The Truman Application consists of an Institutional Nomination form and letter, three additional letters of recommendation, a recent transcript, a 15 question application, and a policy proposal. Applications typically available in August. Deadline is typically early February, with an FAU internal deadline of Jan. 5.
TOP


 

MORRIS AND STEWART UDALL

Scholarship Web Site: http://www.udall.gov
Description: In 2014, the Foundation expects to award 50 scholarships of up to $5,000 and 50 honorable mentions to sophomore and junior level college students committed to careers related to the environment, tribal public policy, or Native American health care.  Scholarships are offered in any of three categories:
1. To students who have demonstrated commitment to careers related to the environment including policy, engineering, science, education, urban planning and renewal, business, health, justice, economics, and other related fields.
2. To Native American and Alaska Native students who have demonstrated commitment to careers related to tribal public policy, including fields related to tribal sovereignty, tribal governance, tribal law, Native American education, Native American justice, natural resource management, cultural preservation and revitalization, Native American economic development, and other areas affecting Native American communities.
3. To Native American and Alaska Native students who have demonstrated commitment to careers related to Native health care, including health care administration, social work, medicine, dentistry, counseling, and research into health conditions affecting Native American communities, and other related fields.

Two-year and four-year institutions are eligible to nominate a total of six students from either or both categories, although it is recommended that the total be equally divided between them. To be considered, a student must be nominated by his or her college or university using the official nomination materials provided to each institution. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. 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. Scholarship monies not used during one academic year are not transferable to the succeeding academic year. Scholars selected during their sophomore year may be renominated during the next year's competition. Junior nominees may not be renominated. Freshmen and seniors are not eligible. There is no minimum gpa, but the average of recipients is 3.7. Some successful applicants had a GPA of 2.9. Applications available early October. Deadline is March 2, with an FAU internal deadline of Jan. 31.
Apply through the FAU faculty representative, Dr. William O'Brien.
TOP

 

How to Apply

First, determine which fellowship may be the best fit given your academic status, your discipline, accomplishments, experience, and goals. Prestigious fellowships are highly competitive and for most awards a strong academic record is essential. Some scholarships are applied for by sophomores or juniors, others by seniors or graduate students. Some are based partly on need; some are limited to certain disciplines. Some involve studying abroad, some involve a commitment upon completion (such as the Truman expectation of three years of public service). For further information consult the fellowships table, contact faculty/staff on the listed Prestigous Fellowship Committee below or email: fellowships@fau.edu 

Second, go to the fellowship's website and gather information about what is required to apply. Consult with faculty who are likely to write recommendations and get their advice. You will typically need to secure at least 2-3 letters of reference, official transcripts, and in some cases data about financial need. It will be your responsibility to gather these items in a timely manner.

If you intend to apply for a Prestigious Scholarship, please complete this form:

https://ouri-fau.smapply.io/prog/fellowships/ 

If an institutional nomination is required, you must have your application materials submitted by FAU's internal deadline for materials, which will be well in advance of the scholarship deadline. FAU's internal deadlines for applications are or will be posted on the scholarship's page. For example, for the Rhodes and Marshall, applicants must submit all materials by September 1 so the FAU selection committee may conducts its internal review. The committee carefully reviews the application and letters of reference and interviews the applicant. If a candidate is recommended, then the final application must be submitted to FAU by September 30 so that FAU may endorse and submit the application by the October scholarship deadline.

Please be advised that the university will forward applications only if they meet the high standards of the scholarship program. Direct applications from the student to the scholarship program are not permitted where an institutional nomination is required.

If an institutional nomination is not required, you are still advised to contact the either David Flanigan, Monica Maldonado or fellowships@fau.edu so that we can provide advice and assistance.

 

Deadline Calendar

2023 Calendar

Date Scholarship
early January Frost Oxford Scholarship (Medical, Philosophy, and Computer Sciences)
mid-January NSEP - Boren (FAU internal deadline)
mid-January Frost Oxford Scholarship (all other subjects)
end of January Udall (FAU internal deadline)
early February Truman
March 1 James Madison deadline

 

2022 Calendar

Date Scholarship
Early September Marshall and Rhodes deadlines (FAU internal deadlines)
Early September Fulbright (FAU internal deadline)
Late September George Mitchell Scholarship deadline
mid-October Gates Cambridge deadline
late-October Hertz Foundation deadline
November 1 Soros deadline
mid-November Ford Foundation Pre-Doctoral Fellowship
mid-December Goldwater (FAU internal deadline)

 

 

For Faculty

Faculty can play a vital role in the prestige scholarship application process in at least 3 ways:

1. Identifying potential applicants.
Please email William O'Brien with the name of any outstanding students who may be competitive for a scholarship. There are scholarships available for sophomores, juniors, seniors, graduate students, and even freshmen. You may use the resources of this website to learn more about the scholarships, but please nominate an outstanding student even if you aren't sure which scholarship would be most appropriate. We will then contact the student.

2. Providing advice and guidance to applicants.

3. Writing letters of recommendation.
Faculty letters of recommendation are among the most important factors for selection committees in deciding among candidates for a scholarship. Based on information conveyed at the Conference of the National Association of Fellowship Advisors, here are some tips:

For Students

1. Students are advised to waive their right to see the letter. Not waiving the right may be looked on unfavorably by selection committees.

2. Should you write the letter? Some faculty choose to have written policies for when they will write letters, such as that the student must have taken at least 2 classes from them, or received at least B's in the professor's classes. If a student approaches you for whom you could not write a positive letter, it would be best to decline. Note: The Goldwater targets students in the sciences and engineering with a research focus and prefers letters from faculty familiar with the student's research, though additional strong letters from non-science faculty beyond the 3 letters required may be helpful.

3. Meet with the student for 20 minutes, and/or invite the student to email you information about their accomplishments and goals, to help prepare your letter.

4. Be aware of the specific mission and goals of the scholarship the student is applying for. On this point, consider the Rhodes Scholarship "Procedures for Application" (2005), which says "Nor are the 'prepackaged' letters of recommendation filed by faculty members on behalf of students in many institutions suitable... Referees are asked to measure the applicant against the full range of the Rhodes Scholarship criteria and not to speak solely to those attributes which would, for example, be relevant to the evaluation of a student's acceptability to a post-graduate program." You are urged to contact the Prestige Scholarship Committee and go to the scholarship's website (list is online) to learn more about the specific scholarship.

5. Don't just say the student "is among the top 1% of all students I have known": the reviewers need to see convincing examples of WHY you rank the student so highly. Be specific. One example offered by an official of one of the UK Prestige Scholarships is: 'the student helped me to rethink a point and changed my way of understanding a subject' (followed by detailed explanation).

6. Don't just say, this is an 'A' student, or the student 'turns work in on time'; virtually all the applicants for these scholarships will be such students.

7. Letters of recommendation should show that the faculty really knows the person and is excited about them; pro-forma letters will not be helpful.

8. Certain phrases are viewed as codes with hidden meaning. For example, "Please contact me for further information" will likely be viewed as a code for a negative impression.

9. Do not overinflate and risk losing credibility for FAU. As a representative from Marshall put it, 'no one is superman'. If appropriate, you may wish to offer some criticism, perhaps introduced by acknowledging that the selection committee desires honest criticism, and you may limit this to a sentence or paragraph.

10. It is standard practice for the head of the Prestige Scholarships office who submits the application on behalf of the University to review letters and ask letter writers to make revisions if needed. Please do not hesitate to be in touch with the Director (contact information online) and seek feedback early on.

 

Prestigious Fellowships Committee

The WHC Prestige Fellowships Committee was appointed to facilitate student success in applying. Students wanting further information about Prestige fellowships . Students wanting further information about a Prestige scholarship that requires institutional nomination should contact the Prestige Scholarship Committee Faculty Advisor for that scholarship, as listed below.

For information about Prestige scholarships that do not require institutional nomination, please contact either David Flanigan or Monica Maldonado .

Students applying for fellowship that requires institutional nomination will need their application approved by a specific committee and/or faculty; please complete the following form to identify which approval is needed: https://ouri-fau.smapply.io/prog/fellowships/ 

 

Prestigious Fellowship Committee Members

Chris Ely (cely@fau.edu, 561.799.8607)
Professor of History, Honors College 
Advisor for Rhodes and Truman

David Flanigan (flanigan@fau.edu, 561.799.8622)
Director, Academic Support

Monica Maldonado (mmaldonado@fau.edu, 561.799.8647)
Director, Co-curricular Activities and Research
Honors College Advisor for Fulbright and Goldwater

William O'Brien (wobrien@fau.edu, 561.799.8033) 
Professor of Environmental Studies
Advisor for Marshall and Udall

Tim Steigenga (tsteigen@fau.edu, 561.799.8610)
Professor of Political Science
Honors College Advisor for Fulbright and Madison

Miguel Angel Vazquez (mvazquez@fau.edu, 561.799.8654)
Professor of Spanish Literature
Advisor for Ford Foundation