What are National Fellowships?
National fellowships are competitive scholarships funded by the federal government or major foundations. They are available in a variety of fields, including international and foreign language opportunities, public service and social justice, STEM research, and graduate studies fellowships.
The National Fellowships Office assists Loyola undergraduate students, graduate students, and alumni in finding and applying for competitive fellowships, scholarships, summer programs, and awards, such as the opportunities listed below. We support students' success through:
- Timely and targeted information
- Guidance and tips
- Feedback throughout your application process and committee interview
- Institutional endorsement and submission services for most selective scholarships
- Celebration and recognition of award winners
How to be a Competitive Scholarship/Fellowship Applicant:
Some fellowships require US citizenship, but others don’t. Some require a high GPA, while others don’t. A strong academic record is important, but high grades alone are seldom enough to secure a fellowship. The best way to make yourself a competitive applicant is to:
Engage in public service. Nearly every funding organization prefers applicants who actively engage in community service. Look for volunteer opportunities on campus and in Baltimore. Loyola’s Center for Community, Service, and Justice (CCSJ) is a great resource for local service opportunities. Volunteer in your hometown. If you’re studying abroad, look for volunteer opportunities from your host university and in your host community.
Seek leadership opportunities on campus or in your communities. Whether you lead quietly behind the scenes or in front of a crowd, get involved.
Start early. We help Greyhounds at all stages of their academic and professional careers, but you can get a head start by planning early. (You can even begin planning for senior year and graduate school while still a first-year student.)
For additional information about these and other opportunities, or to discuss which fellowships best match your interests and academic plans, contact Dr. Terre Ryan, Loyola's Director of National Fellowships, at tmryan@loyola.edu.
Undergraduate Fellowships
For students interested in international or language study:
- Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program (junior year): Offers grants for U.S. citizen undergraduate students of limited financial means who are receiving Pell Grants to study or intern abroad
- Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program (All class years): A fully-funded overseas summer language and cultural immersion program for American undergraduate and graduate students who are interested in studying languages critical to U.S. interests, including Chinese and Arabic
- DAAD-RISE/German Academy of Sciences (sophomore/junior year): Offers summer research internships in science and engineering for undergraduate students who want to work with research groups at universities and top research institutions across Germany.
- David L. Boren Scholarship (All class years): An initiative of the National Security Education Program, provides funding opportunities for U.S. undergraduate students to study less commonly taught languages in world regions critical to U.S. interests. Options for semester abroad or STEM summer study. Requires a one-year commitment to federal government employment after graduation.
- Jennings Family International Summer Research Scholarship for Undergraduates (sophomore or junior year): This award is a gift from Larry E. Jennings Jr. and Katherine Jennings to fund student travel abroad in the summer, and is available only to Loyola students. In making this donation, the Jennings Family have joined their commitment to the challenges and opportunities in developing countries with their belief that study, research, and service abroad is a primary factor in how students will engage the world after they graduate.
- UK Fulbright Summer Institute (first-year/sophomore year): Three- to four-week summer academic and cultural programs in the UK for first-year and sophomore students. Topics include technology and innovation; arts, activism and social justice; understanding Ireland; and contemporary issues in farming and agriculture.
- William Jefferson Clinton Scholarship (junior year): Study abroad at the American University in Dubai (Loyola's program in Dubai is open to nearly all majors. Visit the International Programs website for more information on studying at this university).
For STEM students:
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): The CDC offers paid, full-time summer internships in a variety of fields to students (undergraduate or graduate) who plan a career in the health care fields. Full-time internships are also available during the fall and spring semesters. (Part-time internships are unavailable.) Preferred majors include (but are not limited to) biostatistics, epidemiology, health communication, and public health.
- DAAD-RISE/German Academy of Sciences (sophomore/junior year): Offers summer research internships in science and engineering for undergraduate students who want to work with research groups at universities and top research institutions across Germany.
- Foreign Affairs Information Technology Fellowship (FAIT): Sponsored by the State Department, the FAIT fellowship provides substantial funding for two years of full-time undergraduate or graduate study in an IT-related discipline. The program also provides two paid summer internships—one in Washington, DC, and another at a US embassy or consulate—significant mentoring, and a job as an Information Management Specialist after graduation.
- Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship: Offered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Hollings scholarship is open to sophomores majoring in STEM fields and teacher education—any discipline “that support[s] NOAA’s programs and mission.” Successful applicants receive up to $9,500 of tuition assistance for two years AND a paid summer internship at a NOAA facility.
- Barry Goldwater Scholarship (sophomore/junior year): For students with strong research records who intend to pursue a STEM field research career.
- Udall Scholarship (sophomore/junior year): The Udall Foundation awards scholarships to college sophomores and juniors for leadership, public service, and commitment to issues related to Native American nations or to the environment.
- National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Experience for Undergraduates Program (REU): Supports active research participation by undergraduate students in any of the areas of research funded by the National Science Foundation. Visit their site to explore opportunities available by subject area.
- US Department of Defense (DoD): The DoD’s SMART Scholarship provides STEM majors with substantial financial support for tuition and books, summer internships, and a job at graduation.
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Summer Student Fellowship: Paid summer research program for STEM majors. "Project topics span the vast spectrum of research in ocean sciences and engineering conducted in WHOI’s science departments and the Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center of the U. S. Geological Survey (USGS)." Housing is provided. Apply in junior year.
For students interested in government, policy, public service, or international affairs:
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Central Intelligence Agency (CIA): The CIA offers substantial scholarships to undergraduates with financial need. In addition to tuition support, the scholarship includes full-time summer employment, reimbursement for transportation between school and Washington, DC, and a full-time job after graduation. The agency recruits in advance, so plan accordingly.
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Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI): The FBI offers paid summer internships to college students and entry-level jobs to recent graduates. They recruit well in advance, so plan accordingly.
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Foreign Affairs Information Technology Fellowship (FAIT): Sponsored by the State Department, the FAIT fellowship provides substantial funding for two years of full-time undergraduate or graduate study in an IT-related discipline. The program also provides two paid summer internships—one in Washington, DC, and another at a US embassy or consulate—significant mentoring, and a job as an Information Management Specialist after graduation.
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National Security Administration (NSA): The National Security Administration offers multiple internships and scholarships for college students majoring in nearly any subject. Scholarships include full-time summer jobs with the NSA and a full-time job after graduation. They recruit well in advance, so plan your application accordingly.
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Public Policy and International Affairs (PPIA): PPIA works to cultivate the next generation of diverse public service and international affairs professionals. Minority students interested in careers in public service, nonprofit management, and/or international affairs may apply to PPIA’s Junior Summer Institute (JSI), a fully funded, academically rigorous summer program. The JSI helps prepare undergrads to earn a Master’s degree in public policy, public administration, international affairs, or a related field. JSI participants are eligible for a $5,000 graduate school scholarship.
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Charles B. Rangel Summer Enrichment Program: This fully funded, six-week summer program prepares students for careers in international affairs. Students take two courses and a seminar. The program takes place at Howard University in Washington, DC, and includes tuition, on-campus housing with two meals per day, and travel expenses to DC. It also provides a $3,300 stipend. Open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a GPA of at least 3.2 who are registered as full-time undergraduate students during the spring 2024 semester.
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Service Year: While not a fellowship program, Service Year provides college students, recent graduates, and young professionals with paid opportunities to gain professional experience in their chosen field while making the world a better place. You can choose to work in any field, anywhere in the United States.
- Harry S. Truman Scholarship (junior year): For undergraduate students who want to be "change agents" -- students who want to work in government, education, the nonprofit sector, or the public interest/advocacy sector in order to better society, and who are interested in pursuing a master's degree, doctorate, or a professional degree such as a law degree or a Master of Public Administration, Master of Public Health, Master of Social Work, Master of Education, Master of Public Policy, or Master of International Affairs.
- US Department of Defense (DoD): The DoD’s SMART Scholarship provides STEM majors with substantial financial support for tuition and books, summer internships, and a job at graduation.
- Voyager Scholarship: Also known as the Obama-Chesky Scholarship for Public Service, the Voyager Scholarship for rising juniors provides significant financial support to students from any major interested in making the world a better place. The foundation defines public service broadly: “A career in public service includes a range of occupations—from community organizing to social work and from entrepreneurship to the arts—all committed to solving our biggest challenges together.” Applicants must have a record of public service activities. Interested? Contact Dr. Ryan in fall of your sophomore year.
- The Washington Center: The Washington Center connects students with career-making internships, fellowships, and academic seminars while providing mentoring and guidance. Their work inspires participants to "become well-informed, public-spirited, and more socially engaged in their communities."
All Undergraduate Fellowships
- Barry Goldwater Scholarship (sophomore/junior year): For students with strong research records who intend to pursue a STEM field research career.
- Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program (junior year): Offers grants for U.S. citizen undergraduate students of limited financial means who are receiving Pell Grants to study or intern abroad
- Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program (All class years): A fully-funded overseas summer language and cultural immersion program for American undergraduate and graduate students who are interested in studying languages critical to U.S. interests, including Chinese and Arabic
- DAAD-RISE/German Academy of Sciences (sophomore/junior year): Offers summer research internships in science and engineering for undergraduate students who want to work with research groups at universities and top research institutions across Germany.
- David L. Boren Scholarship (All class years): an initiative of the National Security Education Program, provides funding opportunities for U.S. undergraduate students to study less commonly taught languages in world regions critical to U.S. interests. Options for semester abroad or STEM summer study. Requires a one-year commitment to federal government employment after graduation.
- Harry S. Truman Scholarship (junior year): For undergraduate students who want to be "change agents" -- students who want to work in government, education, the nonprofit sector, or the public interest/advocacy sector in order to better society, and who are interested in pursuing a master's degree, doctorate, or a professional degree such as a law degree or a Master of Public Administration, Master of Public Health, Master of Social Work, Master of Education, Master of Public Policy, or Master of International Affairs.
- National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Experience for Undergraduates Program (REU): Supports active research participation by undergraduate students in any of the areas of research funded by the National Science Foundation. Visit their site to explore opportunities available by subject area.
- Udall Scholarship (sophomore/junior year): The Udall Foundation awards scholarships to college sophomores and juniors for leadership, public service, and commitment to issues related to Native American nations or to the environment.
- UK Fulbright Summer Institute (first-year/sophomore year): Three- to four-week summer academic and cultural programs in the UK for first-year and sophomore students. Topics include technology and innovation; arts, activism and social justice; understanding Ireland; and contemporary issues in farming and agriculture.
- William Jefferson Clinton Scholarship (junior year): Study abroad at the American University in Dubai (Loyola's program in Dubai is open to nearly all majors. Visit the International Programs website for more information on studying at this university).
Graduate Fellowships
International Graduate Fellowships
- Fulbright Scholarships and Assistantships: Post-graduation opportunities to teach English, conduct research, or pursue graduate study abroad.
- Graduate Fellowships to the U.K. and Ireland -- The following scholarships are for postgraduates positioned to become leaders in their fields to pursue a graduate degree:
- Rhodes Scholarship: The Rhodes Scholarship is the "oldest and perhaps most prestigious international scholarship" program, enabling outstanding young people from around the world to study at the University of Oxford.
- Marshall Scholarship: A one- or two- year scholarship for graduate study in the U.K. This program is open to all areas of study.
- George J. Mitchell Scholarship: The George J. Mitchell Scholarship Program is a national, competitive scholarship sponsored by the US-Ireland Alliance for one academic year of postgraduate study in any discipline offered by institutions of higher learning in Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Other Fellowships for Graduate Study
- Coro Fellows Program: An intensive nine-month, full-time, graduate-level program. Coro helps developing leaders who want to make a difference in their community, organization or industry, and have an interest in civic affairs.
- Harry S. Truman Scholarship: For students who want to be "change agents" -- students who want to work in government, education, the nonprofit sector, or the public interest/advocacy sector in order to better society, and who are interested in pursuing a master's degree, doctorate, or a professional degree such as a law degree or a Master of Public Administration, Master of Public Health, Master of Social Work, Master of Education, Master of Public Policy, or Master of International Affairs.
- Lilly Graduate Fellows Program: Support for three years of graduate education to exceptionally qualified applicants interested in becoming teacher-scholars at church-related colleges and Universities in the United States.