Pursue Opportunities Beyond the Classroom
Exceptional students have opportunities to compete for some of the world's most prestigious scholarships and fellowships. These awards support graduate study, public service, research, language study, international exchange, scientific innovation, and leadership development.
Whether you're just beginning to explore your options or already have a particular award in mind, this page can help you identify fellowships that fit your interests, learn about application timelines and eligibility requirements, and connect with our campus advising office.
Not sure where to begin? Start below.
| If you are interested in... | Start Here |
|---|---|
| Graduate study at Oxford | Rhodes Scholarship |
| Graduate study anywhere in the United Kingdom | Marshall Scholarship |
| Public service, government, or nonprofit leadership | Truman Scholarship |
| International graduate study and cultural exchange | Fulbright U.S. Student Program |
| Graduate study in Ireland | Mitchell Scholarship |
| Graduate study in any field with exceptional leadership | Churchill, Gates Cambridge, Schwarzman, Knight-Hennessy |
| Scientific or biomedical research | Goldwater Scholarship (undergraduates), Churchill Scholarship |
| Language study or overseas research | Boren Awards, Critical Language Scholarship |
| STEM graduate education | NSF Graduate Research Fellowship |
| Teaching English abroad | Fulbright ETA |
Featured Fellowships
Ideal for students who:
- Demonstrate exceptional academic achievement
- Have a strong record of leadership
- Show commitment to service
- Plan to pursue graduate study at Oxford University
Award: Graduate study at Oxford University
Eligibility: Typically graduating seniors or recent graduates.
Campus nomination required? - Yes.
Application timeline
- Spring: begin preparing
- Summer: draft application
- Early fall: campus review
- Fall: national deadline
Ideal for students who:
- Have outstanding academic records
- Wish to pursue graduate study in the United Kingdom
- Demonstrate leadership potential and ambassadorial qualities
Award: Up to three years of graduate study at a UK university.
Eligibility: Senior or recent graduate.
Application timeline: Spring–Fall.
Learn more »
Ideal for students who:
- Plan careers in public service
- Have demonstrated campus or community leadership
- Are interested in government, nonprofit, education, advocacy, or public policy
Award: Funding toward graduate or professional school.
Eligibility: Juniors planning public service careers.
Application timeline: Sophomore and junior year preparation; spring national competition.
Learn more »
Ideal for students who:
- Want to conduct research abroad
- Want to pursue graduate study overseas
- Wish to teach English internationally
- Value intercultural exchange
Award: Research, study, or English Teaching Assistantships in over 140 countries.
Application timeline: Preparation begins in spring; applications due in early fall.
Learn more »
| Fellowship | Best For | Class Year | Graduate Study | Research | Public Service | International Experience |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rhodes | Oxford | Senior | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Marshall | UK universities | Senior | Yes | Yes | N/A | Yes |
| Truman | Public leadership | Junior | Yes | N/A | Yes | N/A |
| Fulbright | Research/Teaching Abroad | Senior/Alumni | Yes | Yes | N/A | Yes |
| Goldwater | STEM Research | Sophomore/Junior | N/A | Yes | N/A | N/A |
| Boren | Language & National Security | Sophomore and above | N/A | Yes | N/A | Yes |
Other Prestigious Awards
These are only a few of the many nationally competitive opportunities available to students. Depending on your interests and career goals, you may also wish to explore:
- Barry Goldwater Scholarship
- Boren Awards
- Critical Language Scholarship
- Churchill Scholarship
- Gates Cambridge Scholarship
- Mitchell Scholarship
- NSF Graduate Research Fellowship
- Schwarzman Scholars
- Knight-Hennessy Scholars
- Udall Scholarship
- Beinecke Scholarship
- Hertz Fellowship
- Astronaut Scholarship
- DAAD Study Scholarships
- Pickering Fellowship
- Rangel Fellowship
- Payne International Development Fellowship
If you're unsure which opportunities fit your interests, we'd be happy to help you explore them.
Ready to Learn More?
The strongest applications often begin one to two years before the national deadline. Early advising gives you time to build a competitive profile, identify the fellowships that best align with your goals, and develop a thoughtful application strategy.
Whether you're a first-year student beginning to explore possibilities or a senior preparing an application, we encourage you to schedule an advising meeting.
Schedule an advising meeting to discuss your interests, eligibility, and application timeline.
Contact
Dr. Travis Alexander
Fellowships Advisor
Perry Honors College
ttalexan@odu.edu