Nationally Competitive Fellowships & Scholarships

If you have a strong academic record and a deep interest in a particular area of study or career path, you may be eligible to apply for one or more nationally competitive fellowships. In addition to high academic achievement, applicants for nationally competitive fellowships and scholarships should be prepared to showcase the many other aspects that make them a great candidate for a competitive scholarship or fellowship. Substantial experience with research or creative projects, evidence of strong leadership in and out of the classroom, involvement in public service opportunities, and strong, detailed letters of recommendation are all essential components to building a strong application for a prestigious award.


Many national fellowships require official endorsement from WPI, which entails an on-campus selection process.  For more information, please contact academic-advising@wpi.edu for referral to the appropriate resources and nomination procedures.

Undergraduate Nationally Competitive Scholarships

American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Undergraduate Scholarships and Graduate Awards

The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Foundation provides undergraduate scholarships and graduate awards annually to undergraduate and graduate students in science or engineering programs to help support future aerospace professionals. Applicants must be AIAA Student Members. 

Field(s) of Study
STEM
Application Deadline
January
Amgen Scholars Program

The Amgen Scholars Program provides exciting hands-on scientific research opportunities at some of the world's leading educational institutions. There are currently 13 educational institutions in the United States that host the summer research program and each institution has its own application process. Amgen Scholars will have the opportunity to take part in important research projects, gain hands-on lab experience, and contribute to the advancement of science while receiving guidance from faculty mentors, including some of the worlds leading academic scientists. Amgen Scholars learn how to collaborate effectively in research settings while investigating areas of research interest within a specific discipline and gaining practical skills and knowledge for both graduate study and post-graduate careers. Review each institution’s Amgen Scholars Program website for more information regarding deadlines and financial support. 

Field(s) of Study
STEM
Medicine
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship

The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program enables students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad. A Gilman Scholarship enables students to gain proficiency in diverse languages and cultures, skills that are critically important to their academic and career development. The Gilman Scholarship Program broadens the student population that studies and interns abroad by supporting undergraduates who have been historically underrepresented in study abroad and who may not have otherwise participated due to financial constraints. To be eligible for this opportunity, students must be receiving a Federal Pell Grant at the time of application or provide proof that they will be receiving a Pell Grant during the term of their study abroad program or internship.

Boren Awards

The Boren Awards are sponsored by the National Security Education Program (NSEP), an initiative of the Defense Language and National Security Education Office (DLNSEO).The Boren Awards provide funding for U.S. undergraduate (Boren Scholars) and graduate (Boren Fellows) students to acquire language skills and experiences through studying less commonly taught languages in world regions underrepresented in study abroad that are critical to the future security and stability of the United States. Boren Awards require rigorous language study and most recipients study overseas for 6 months or longer, though some go for a semester. A limited number of undergraduate students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields may be funded for summer programs of at least 8 weeks.

Field(s) of Study
Humanities
Language Studies
Social Sciences
Application Deadline
February
CyberCorps Scholarship For Service (SFS)

CyberCorps Scholarship for Service (SFS) is funded by the National Science Foundation.  The scholarship pays the full cost of your education (all tuition and fees) plus a $25,000 stipend per year for undergraduates students and a $34,000 stipend per year for graduate students. In return, recipients work for the government after graduation in a paid cybersecurity position for the same number of years for which their education was funded. Following that period of service, recipients are free to leave or remain in the public sector. If students receive multiple years of funding, they will also serve the government in a paid summer internship between academic years.

Field(s) of Study
STEM
Application Deadline
February
ExxonMobil - Latino's on Fast Track (LOFT) Fellowship

ExxonMobil and the Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF) have created the ExxonMobil LOFT Fellowship. This nationally competitive fellowship is looking for Hispanic/Latino/a/x students who are interested in pursuing a career in the STEM field. If awarded, students could receive the opportunity to interview for ExxonMobil positions (internships/full-time) upon completing the fellowship. 

Field(s) of Study
STEM
Application Deadline
April
Goldwater Scholarship

The Barry Goldwater Scholarship provides scholarship support to outstanding sophomores and juniors who intend to pursue research careers in the natural sciences, mathematics, and engineering. The Goldwater Scholarship is the premier undergraduate award of its type in these fields. The Goldwater Foundation seeks scholars who demonstrate a strong commitment and passion for doing research and who exhibit the creative spark that will make them leaders in their fields. Involvement in research as an undergraduate is highly desirable. 

Field(s) of Study
STEM
Application Deadline
January
National Institutes of Health (NIH) Undergraduate Scholarship Program

The program is sponsored by the NIH, one of the world's foremost centers for medical/health research and research training. 

For each full or partial scholarship year, recipients are committed to two NIH service obligations: a 10-week Summer Laboratory Experience after each year of scholarship support, and employment at the NIH after graduation, serving 1 year of full-time employment for each year of scholarship. In addition to financial assistance, the scholarship program offers invaluable training and mentoring, as well as practical experience in a state-of-the-art research setting.

Field(s) of Study
Social Sciences
Medicine
Application Deadline
March
National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Program

The National Science Foundation (NSF) funds a large number of research opportunities offered in the summer for undergraduate students through its REU Sites program. An REU Site consists of a group of approximately 10 undergraduates who work in the research programs at a host institution. Each student is associated with a specific research project, where they work closely with the faculty and other researchers. This allows students to experience first-hand how basic research is carried out, and to contribute and gain valuable experience in research.

Field(s) of Study
Humanities
STEM
Social Sciences
Business
Education
NOAA Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship

The Hollings Scholarship Program provides selected undergraduate awardees with a scholarship award for two academic years of full-time study and a 10-week, full-time paid internship at a NOAA or partner facility during the summer (conducted the summer between the first and second years of the award). Awards also include a mandatory NOAA orientation in the first year of the scholarship award; a housing allowance for student scholars who do not reside at home during the summer internship; round-trip travel to the internship site including reimbursement for incidentals; travel expenses for attendance and participation at the NOAA Science and Education Symposium (Final Week presentations) in Silver Spring, MD; and conference travel to attend up to two professional conferences and present the results of the NOAA internship project.

Field(s) of Study
STEM
Application Deadline
January
Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) STEM Internships and Fellowships

The Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) administers a variety of STEM internship and fellowship programs for undergraduate students at national laboratories and federal research facilities across the United States. ORISE provides opportunities for a summer, fall, or spring STEM internship, or a longer-term research opportunity to provide hands-on laboratory experience. ORISE also provides graduate-level STEM internships and fellowships for graduate students who may be interested in exploring options for thesis research, preparing to pursue a doctorate degree, or looking to participate in laboratory experiences to expand their expertise beyond the traditional university setting. These STEM internship and fellowship programs are key to the recruitment and preparation of the next generation of our nation’s scientific workforce.

Field(s) of Study
STEM
SMART Scholarship Program

The Science, Mathematics And Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship-for-Service Program is funded by the Department of Defense (DoD) and is a combined educational and workforce development opportunity for bachelors, masters, and PhD students to gain technical skills in critical STEM fields and support the national security mission of the DoD. The SMART scholarship provides funding for students pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines to receive full tuition for up to five years, summer internships, annual stipends, an experienced DoD mentor at one of the Sponsoring Facilities, and full time employment with the Department of Defense upon degree completion.

Field(s) of Study
STEM
Application Deadline
December
Society of Women Engineers Scholarship Program

The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to those who identify as a woman and are studying community college, baccalaureate, or graduate programs in preparation for careers in engineering, engineering technology, and computer science. All SWE Scholarship applicants must be planning to attend a school with ABET-accredited programs. Undergraduate and community college applicants must be planning to study an ABET-accredited program in engineering, technology, or computing in the upcoming academic year. Masters and PhD candidates must be enrolled or accepted at a school with ABET-accredited programs in engineering, computing, or technology. SWE evaluate applications based on four main criteria - academic preparation, leadership and activities, work experience, and interest in engineering.

Field(s) of Study
STEM
Application Deadline
February
Truman Scholarship

Must express interest in applying and email academic-advising@wpi.edu no later than October 31, 2023. Institutional nomination required.

The Harry S. Truman Scholarship was established to celebrate and prepare the nation's next generation of public service leaders. The Truman Scholarship Foundation awards merit-based scholarships of up to $30,000 to support a public service-related graduate degree for college juniors who plan to pursue careers in government or other sectors of public service. Truman Scholars also participate in leadership development activities, internships, mentoring opportunities, and have preferential hiring with the federal government.

Field(s) of Study
Humanities
STEM
Art and Architecture
Social Sciences
Medicine
Law and Diplomacy
Education
Application Deadline
February
Tylenol Future Care Scholarship

Each year, the makers of TYLENOL® award annual scholarships to students pursuing careers in healthcare for the purpose of supporting those dedicated to a lifetime of caring for others. Applicant must be a graduate student or a college senior who will be enrolling in graduate school as a full-time graduate student in the fall of the year in which the scholarships are awarded, and have one or more years of school remaining. Applicants will be asked to provide proof of enrollment to a graduate program in medical school, nursing, and/or pharmacy. The selection committee evaluates an applicant's college GPA, academic records in medical school, nursing and/or pharmacy, community involvement/volunteer service and essay content. 

Field(s) of Study
Medicine
Application Deadline
July
Udall Scholarship

Must express interest in applying and email academic-advising@wpi.edu no later than December 1, 2023. Institutional nomination required.

The Udall Foundation awards scholarships to current college sophomores and juniors who have strong interests and are committed to careers related to the environment, tribal public policy, or Native health care (applicants in the tribal public policy or Native health care categories must also identify as Native American or Alaska Native). How does the Udall Foundation define Native American?

Field(s) of Study
Humanities
STEM
Art and Architecture
Social Sciences
Medicine
Education
Application Deadline
February

Graduate Nationally Competitive Scholarships

American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Undergraduate Scholarships and Graduate Awards

The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Foundation provides undergraduate scholarships and graduate awards annually to undergraduate and graduate students in science or engineering programs to help support future aerospace professionals. Applicants must be AIAA Student Members. 

Field(s) of Study
STEM
Application Deadline
January
Boren Awards

The Boren Awards are sponsored by the National Security Education Program (NSEP), an initiative of the Defense Language and National Security Education Office (DLNSEO).The Boren Awards provide funding for U.S. undergraduate (Boren Scholars) and graduate (Boren Fellows) students to acquire language skills and experiences through studying less commonly taught languages in world regions underrepresented in study abroad that are critical to the future security and stability of the United States. Boren Awards require rigorous language study and most recipients study overseas for 6 months or longer, though some go for a semester. A limited number of undergraduate students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields may be funded for summer programs of at least 8 weeks.

Field(s) of Study
Humanities
Language Studies
Social Sciences
Application Deadline
February
CyberCorps Scholarship For Service (SFS)

CyberCorps Scholarship for Service (SFS) is funded by the National Science Foundation.  The scholarship pays the full cost of your education (all tuition and fees) plus a $25,000 stipend per year for undergraduates students and a $34,000 stipend per year for graduate students. In return, recipients work for the government after graduation in a paid cybersecurity position for the same number of years for which their education was funded. Following that period of service, recipients are free to leave or remain in the public sector. If students receive multiple years of funding, they will also serve the government in a paid summer internship between academic years.

Field(s) of Study
STEM
Application Deadline
February
ExxonMobil - Latino's on Fast Track (LOFT) Fellowship

ExxonMobil and the Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF) have created the ExxonMobil LOFT Fellowship. This nationally competitive fellowship is looking for Hispanic/Latino/a/x students who are interested in pursuing a career in the STEM field. If awarded, students could receive the opportunity to interview for ExxonMobil positions (internships/full-time) upon completing the fellowship. 

Field(s) of Study
STEM
Application Deadline
April
Ford Foundation Diversity Fellowships: Dissertation Fellowships

The dissertation fellowships provide one year of support for individuals working to complete a dissertation leading to a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) or Doctor of Science (Sc.D.) degree. The Ford Foundation Dissertation Fellowship is intended to support the final year of writing and defense of the dissertation. Dissertation fellowships will be awarded in a national competition administered by the National Research Council (NRC) of the National Academies on behalf of the Ford Foundation. The awards will be made to individuals who, in the judgment of the review panels, have demonstrated superior academic achievement, are committed to a career in teaching and research at the college or university level, show promise of future achievement as scholars and teachers, and are well prepared to use diversity as a resource for enriching the education of all students. The program will award approximately 36 dissertation fellowships. 

Field(s) of Study
Humanities
Language Studies
STEM
Art and Architecture
Social Sciences
Education
Application Deadline
December
Ford Foundation Diversity Fellowships: Postdoctoral Fellowships

This competition year the program will award approximately 24 postdoctoral fellowships. The postdoctoral fellowships provide one year of support for individuals engaged in postdoctoral study after the attainment of the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) or Doctor of Science (Sc.D.) degree. Postdoctoral fellowships will be awarded in a national competition administered by the National Research Council (NRC) of the National Academies on behalf of the Ford Foundation. 

Field(s) of Study
Humanities
Language Studies
STEM
Art and Architecture
Social Sciences
Education
Application Deadline
December
Ford Foundation Diversity Fellowships: Predoctoral Fellowship

The predoctoral fellowships provide three years of support for individuals engaged in graduate study leading to a Ph.D. The Ford Foundation offers predoctoral fellowships to members of groups whose underrepresentation in the professoriate has been severe and long-standing.  Awards will be made for study in research-based doctoral programs in selected academic disciplines. A comprehensive list of eligible fields of study is listed on the program website. Individuals enrolled in practice-oriented programs will not be supported. The program will award approximately 75 predoctoral fellowships annually.

Field(s) of Study
Humanities
Language Studies
STEM
Art and Architecture
Social Sciences
Education
Application Deadline
November
Fulbright US Student Program

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program provides funded grant opportunities for U.S. citizens to design individual study/research projects or to teach English abroad. In partnership with more than 140 countries worldwide, the Fulbright U.S. Student Program offers unparalleled opportunities in all academic disciplines to passionate and accomplished graduating college seniors, graduate students, and young professionals from all backgrounds. 

Field(s) of Study
Humanities
Social Sciences
Law and Diplomacy
Application Deadline
October
Gates Cambridge Scholarship

Gates Cambridge Scholarships enable the brightest of the world's young leaders and scholars to undertake graduate study at the University of Cambridge. Gates Cambridge Scholars are expected to have outstanding academic records with leadership potential and a commitment to serve their communities as well as reasons for choice of course. The scholarships support one- to four-years of graduate study, from one-year master's programs to PhD degrees. The Gates Cambridge Trust offers approximately 80 full cost scholarships annually.

Field(s) of Study
Humanities
Language Studies
STEM
Art and Architecture
Social Sciences
Law and Diplomacy
Education
Application Deadline
October
Hertz Fellowship

The Hertz Fellowship provides financial and lifelong professional support for the nation’s most promising graduate students in science and technology. The fellowship includes up to five years of funding, and the freedom to pursue innovative ideas with real-world impact. Hertz Fellows also participate in ongoing mentoring, symposia, and workshops with the community of more than 1200 fellows, a set of peers who span disciplines, generations, and geography. 

Field(s) of Study
STEM
Social Sciences
Application Deadline
October
Knight-Hennessy Scholars at Stanford University

The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program (KHS) is a fully endowed graduate fellowship program at Stanford University. Knight Hennessy Scholars brings together a multidisciplinary, multicultural community of Stanford graduate students, provides leadership development that complements their graduate studies, and delivers engaging experiences that prepare graduates to be visionary, courageous, and collaborative leaders who address complex challenges facing the world. KHS brings together scholars from around the world and from many disciplines.

Field(s) of Study
Humanities
Language Studies
STEM
Art and Architecture
Social Sciences
Medicine
Business
Law and Diplomacy
Education
Application Deadline
October
Marshall Scholarship

Marshall Scholarships finance up to fifty Scholars each year to study at the graduate level at an UK institution in any field of study. Marshall Scholars strengthen the continuing relationship between the British and American people, their governments, and their institutions. Marshall Scholars are talented, independent and wide-ranging, and their time as Scholars enhances their intellectual and personal growth. Their direct engagement with Britain through its best academic programs contributes to their ultimate personal success. 

Field(s) of Study
Humanities
Language Studies
STEM
Art and Architecture
Social Sciences
Education
Application Deadline
September
Mitchell Scholarship

The George J. Mitchell Scholarship Program is a nationally competitive, highly prestigious, post-graduate award which allows future American leaders to pursue one year of graduate study in Ireland and Northern Ireland. The program is designed to introduce and connect generations of future American leaders to the island of Ireland, providing them with an understanding about, an interest in, and an affinity for the island of Ireland. Applicants are judged on academic excellence, a record of outstanding leadership, and a sustained commitment to community and public service. The review committee also seek applicants who demonstrate a strong rationale for studying in Ireland and who have an interest in remaining connected to the US-Ireland Alliance (USIA) and the Mitchell alumni network. The USIA expects Mitchell Scholars to become active members of the non-profit organization, alumni scholar community, and to remain connected to the island of Ireland after their Mitchell Scholarship year. 

Field(s) of Study
Humanities
Language Studies
STEM
Art and Architecture
Social Sciences
Law and Diplomacy
Education
Application Deadline
September
National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate (NDSEG) Fellowship Program

The National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate (NDSEG) Fellowship Program seeks to increase the number of United States citizens receiving doctoral degrees in science and engineering (S&E) disciplines of military importance. The goal of the program is to propel talented individuals to the forefront of discoveries and innovations relevant to the Department of Defense (DoD); promote the growth of scientists/engineers within relevant DoD research disciplines; and support DoD science, engineering, and technology Innovations. This program is designed to encourage Baccalaureate recipients to enter Graduate school and ultimately gain Doctorates which align to the DoD services Broad Agency Announcements (BAAs) in research and development.

Note:  NDSEG Fellows do not incur any military or other service obligation. 

Field(s) of Study
STEM
Social Sciences
Application Deadline
October
Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) STEM Internships and Fellowships

The Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) administers a variety of STEM internship and fellowship programs for undergraduate students at national laboratories and federal research facilities across the United States. ORISE provides opportunities for a summer, fall, or spring STEM internship, or a longer-term research opportunity to provide hands-on laboratory experience. ORISE also provides graduate-level STEM internships and fellowships for graduate students who may be interested in exploring options for thesis research, preparing to pursue a doctorate degree, or looking to participate in laboratory experiences to expand their expertise beyond the traditional university setting. These STEM internship and fellowship programs are key to the recruitment and preparation of the next generation of our nation’s scientific workforce.

Field(s) of Study
STEM
Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans

Every year, The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans (PD Soros) supports thirty New Americans— immigrants or the children of immigrants—who are pursuing graduate or professional school in the United States. Each Fellowship supports one to two years of graduate study in any field and in any advanced degree-granting program in the United States and each award is for up to a total of $90,000. New Fellows join a strong community of current and past Fellows who all share the New American experience. The competition is merit-based and the selection criteria emphasizes creativity, originality, initiative, and sustained accomplishment.

Field(s) of Study
Humanities
Language Studies
STEM
Art and Architecture
Social Sciences
Medicine
Business
Law and Diplomacy
Education
Application Deadline
November
Rhodes Scholarship

Rhodes Scholarships are awarded for two years of postgraduate study at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom with the option of third year funding dependent on degree program. The selection committee seeks candidates that exhibit outstanding intellect, character, leadership, and commitment to service. Rhodes Scholars are people who have a vision of how the world could be better and the energy to make a difference and who are motivated to engage with global challenges. The guiding criteria for the selection of Rhodes Scholars include: academic excellence, energy to use one's talents to the fullest, devotion to duty, and instincts to lead and to take an interest in one's fellow beings.

Field(s) of Study
Humanities
STEM
Social Sciences
Business
Law and Diplomacy
Application Deadline
October
Schwarzman Scholars

Schwarzman Scholars is a scholarship that was created to respond to the geopolitical landscape of the 21st century. Schwarzman Scholars supports up to 200 Scholars annually from the U.S., China, and around the world for a one-year master’s degree in Global Affairs at Tsinghua University in Beijing. Scholars chosen for this highly selective program will live in Beijing for a year of study and cultural immersion — attending lectures, traveling around the region, and developing a better understanding of China. Scholars learn from world-class faculty and guest speakers about China’s importance on the global stage through a rigorous and dynamic core curriculum. Schwarzman Scholars prepares young leaders for a globally interconnected future and careers in which they will join a growing alumni network of leaders who are working to build mutual understanding between China and the rest of the world.

Field(s) of Study
Humanities
STEM
Application Deadline
September
SMART Scholarship Program

The Science, Mathematics And Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship-for-Service Program is funded by the Department of Defense (DoD) and is a combined educational and workforce development opportunity for bachelors, masters, and PhD students to gain technical skills in critical STEM fields and support the national security mission of the DoD. The SMART scholarship provides funding for students pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines to receive full tuition for up to five years, summer internships, annual stipends, an experienced DoD mentor at one of the Sponsoring Facilities, and full time employment with the Department of Defense upon degree completion.

Field(s) of Study
STEM
Application Deadline
December
Society of Women Engineers Scholarship Program

The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to those who identify as a woman and are studying community college, baccalaureate, or graduate programs in preparation for careers in engineering, engineering technology, and computer science. All SWE Scholarship applicants must be planning to attend a school with ABET-accredited programs. Undergraduate and community college applicants must be planning to study an ABET-accredited program in engineering, technology, or computing in the upcoming academic year. Masters and PhD candidates must be enrolled or accepted at a school with ABET-accredited programs in engineering, computing, or technology. SWE evaluate applications based on four main criteria - academic preparation, leadership and activities, work experience, and interest in engineering.

Field(s) of Study
STEM
Application Deadline
February
The Rotary World Peace Fellowship

The Rotary Foundation awards up to 130 fully funded fellowships to peace and development leaders from around the world to earn either a master’s degree or a professional development certificate in peace and development studies at one of the Rotary Peace Centers at leading universities around the world. Through academic training, practice, and global networking opportunities, the Rotary Peace Centers program develops the capacity of peace and development professionals or practitioners to become experienced and effective catalysts for peace.

Field(s) of Study
Social Sciences
Application Deadline
May
Tylenol Future Care Scholarship

Each year, the makers of TYLENOL® award annual scholarships to students pursuing careers in healthcare for the purpose of supporting those dedicated to a lifetime of caring for others. Applicant must be a graduate student or a college senior who will be enrolling in graduate school as a full-time graduate student in the fall of the year in which the scholarships are awarded, and have one or more years of school remaining. Applicants will be asked to provide proof of enrollment to a graduate program in medical school, nursing, and/or pharmacy. The selection committee evaluates an applicant's college GPA, academic records in medical school, nursing and/or pharmacy, community involvement/volunteer service and essay content. 

Field(s) of Study
Medicine
Application Deadline
July