This site is intended to serve as a reference for students university-wide in their pursuit of prestigious national fellowships and scholarships. Please note that affiliation with the University Honors College, as an Honors Scholar, is not required. These fellowships and scholarships are extremely competitive. Some require nomination by the university, while for others; the application originates directly from the student. Some are for general study abroad such as the Fulbright, or at particular European Universities, such as the Rhodes scholarship for study at Oxford University. Academic credentials of the highest caliber, institutional nomination and letters of recommendation are necessary for all these fellowships. In addition, some require GRE scores. All stress academic performance, but extracurricular activities are also considered.
Nationally competitive fellowships and scholarships provide a variety of support options. Most provide grants which can be used for living costs at a school of the student’s choice. Tuition waivers are often provided by the graduate schools or in conjunction with the fellowship foundation. Others provide funds for travel or expenses related to the accomplishment of a specific project. Requirements in applying for these fellowships may include writing a research proposal, as in the case of National Science Foundation or Department of Defense Fellowship. Please note that previous research experience is essential.
A number of the major national and international fellowships and scholarships are listed on this site. Please visit the administering agency for additional eligibility criteria. Students are invited to contact Elizabeth Colucci in the Honors College (214 Talbert Hall | 645-3020), to discuss their potential as scholarship candidates for any of the listed opportunities. Please be sure to complete the Fellowships & Scholarships Information Request Form (PDF) and bring it with you to the appointment.
Self Nomination Process:
The University at Buffalo self-nomination deadline for Nationally Competitive Fellowships and Scholarships is is either Monday, August 31, 2009 or Thursday, October 1, 2009, depending upon the fellowship or scholarship. Dates are listed by fellowship and scholarship. Students interested in the awards listed should submit the following information to the University Honors College office (214 Talbert Hall) by 4:30p.m. :
1. a resume highlighting career goals, leadership positions, and awards received.
2. a personal statement discussing professional aspirations; outline important skills and insights acquired through studies, research, co-curricular, and non-academic experiences; highlight strengths or most significant accomplishments in academic, creative and extracurricular endeavors; discuss any major challenges encountered and how they were dealt.
From this information, the University Fellowship and Scholarship Nominations Committee will select the UB student nominees by early November.
The following two documents provide students with tools to determine fellowship/scholarship eligibility by academic discipline and UB school or college: