Information on National Fellowships

To learn more, go to each fellowship’s Web site. If you find one that you are especially suited for, please contact Dr. Janet Myers (278-5729 or jmyers@elon.edu). 

Jack Kent Cooke Foundation

• Pays for tuition and most expenses for up to six years of graduate study.
• Is intended for students in any area who have already been accepted into a graduate program but have not yet begun it; students must be nominated by Elon.
• Candidates must have demonstrated academic excellence and substantial leadership and public service, appreciation in or participation in the arts and humanities; and can prove financial need.
• Usual deadline: late April.
• Visit the Web site for more information.

Ford Foundation Predoctoral Fellowships for Minorities

• Provides funds toward tuition plus a stipend for up to three years.
• Intended for U.S. citizens who are enrolling in a research-based Ph.D. program in one of certain specified fields and are members of certain racial and ethnic minorities.
• Awarded to individuals who have demonstrated superior scholarship and show great promise for future achievement as scholars, researchers, and teachers in institutions of higher education.
• Usual deadline: mid-November.
• Visit the Web site for more information.

Fulbright U.S. Student Program

• Opportunities for graduate study, advanced research or teaching abroad.
• Sponsored by U.S. Department of State to promote cross-cultural understanding.
• Students’ overall record important; some areas of the world may be targeted; often language skills or a specific project are necessary.
• Usual deadline: late October (campus deadline mid-September).
• Visit the Web site for more information. 

Gates-Cambridge Scholarship

• Awards non-U.K. residents funds to pursue a graduate degree from Cambridge, covering tuition and many expenses.
• Seeks scholars in all areas of study who are interested in pursuing research and have excellent problem-solving abilities; must have good reason to study at Cambridge.
• Based on intellectual ability, leadership capacity and the desire to use one’s knowledge and talents to contribute to society.
• Usual deadline: early November.
• Visit the Web site for more information. 

Hertz Foundation

• Pays for costs of education plus a generous personal stipend for graduate study in the applied physical sciences at about 36 select universities.
• Students must be pursuing a Ph.D. in an area of applied physical sciences (e.g. applied chemistry, physics, mathematics, biology, engineering).
• Candidates must show evidence of exceptional intellect and creativity, problem-solving ability, technical training, potential for innovative research and ethical values.
• Usual deadline: late October.
• Visit the Web site for more information. 

Jacob K. Javits Fellowship

• Pays up to $10,000 for tuition plus a generous stipend to students pursuing a Ph.D. or M.F.A. in the humanities (60%), arts (20%) or social sciences (20%)
• Intended for students demonstrating superior academic ability, exceptional promise and financial need.
• Usual deadline: December.
• Visit the Web site for more information. 

James Madison Graduate Fellowship

• Provides up to $12,000 toward tuition and expenses for 1 or 2 years of graduate study in accredited universities.
• Intended to support future secondary school teachers for one or two years who are working on a master's in American history or political science (government), or a M.A.T. concentrating in history or political science.
• Applicants must have an interest in the Constitution and teaching after receiving the master's degree.
• Usual Deadline: early March.
• Visit the Web site for more information. 

Marshall Scholarship

• Pays for tuition and other expenses for selected American students to study at any university in the U.K. for two years.
• Covers any discipline; must have good reason to study at the university in the U.K.
• Applicants should have keen intellect, broad outlook and outstanding character, achievements and activities (minimum 3.7 GPA).
• Usual Deadline: mid-October.
• Visit the Web site for more information.

Andrew W. Mellon Fellowship in Humanistic Studies

• Pays for one year of graduate school fees plus a generous stipend.
• Applicants must be college seniors, wishing to pursue a Ph.D. in the humanities (English, art history, history, religious studies, philosophy and many more).
• For exceptionally promising students preparing for advanced study and careers in scholarship or college teaching.
• Usual deadline: mid-November.
• Visit the Web site for more information.

George J. Mitchell Scholarship

• Provides scholars between the ages of 18-30 with tuition, housing, and other expenses for in Ireland for one year (usually in a master’s degree program, any field).
• Named in honor of Senator Mitchell’s contribution to the peace process in Northern Ireland, the scholarship is intended to link future U.S. leaders with the island of Ireland.
• Candidates must persuasively exhibit superior academic achievement, leadership, community service and strong preparation for the proposed field of study.
• Usual deadline: late October.
• Visit the Web site for more information. 

National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship

• Provides three-year scholarships (more than $25,000 annually) for students seeking a research-based master's or doctoral degree in science, or engineering.
• Applicants are judged on their academic record, research experiences and plan for research.
• Many types of science allowed; special opportunities for women in engineering, and computer and information science.
• Usual deadline: early November.
• Visit the Web site for more information.

Phi Kappa Phi

• Awards fellowships of $2,000 or $5,000 for graduate study in any area.
• Applicants must be members of the National Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi.
• Criteria are scholastic achievement and test scores, promise of success and leadership experience.
• Usual deadline: early February.
• Visit the Web site for more information.

Rhodes Scholarship

• Pays for 2 or more years of graduate study at Oxford (England).
• Applicants must have displayed extraordinary intellectual distinction, outstanding character and the promise of service to the world.
• May be used for any appropriate program of study at Oxford.
• Usual deadline: early October.
• Visit the Web site for more information.

Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship

• Provides scholarship money for study in a foreign country to further international understanding.
• Applicants must have completed two years of college, be good students with some appropriate language experience.
• Students must apply through their local Rotary Chapter.
• Usual deadline: mid-March (varies).
• Visit the Web site for more information.

Truman Scholarship

• Provides recipients with more than $20,000 for graduate study in the U.S. or abroad in a field related to future public service (government, non-profit sector, etc.).
• Intended for students who are leaders with a commitment to public service and have potential to be agents of change.
• Applicants must have a GPA over 3.5, a very strong record of public service and ability to articulate public policy issues well.
• Usual deadline: early February.
• Visit the Web site for more information.