Nationally Competitive Fellowships for Students
Nationally competitive fellowships provide funding, travel opportunities, professional prestige, and valuable networking for students pursuing graduate study, research, or teaching. At West Chester University, the Honors College supports students through every step of the application process, helping you maximize your chances for success.
All West Chester University students are eligible to apply and inquire about these fellowships.
STEM Research
Goldwater Scholarship
What it is / Who it's for: Prestigious award for sophomores and juniors pursuing research careers in natural sciences, mathematics, or engineering.
Award: $7,500 annually for tuition, fees, room and board, and other expenses.
Eligibility: U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents who are sophomores or juniors at an accredited 2- or 4-year U.S. institution with a strong academic record.
Application Process: Students must be nominated by their campus Goldwater Representative; direct applications are not accepted. The application includes a student questionnaire, research essay, three letters of recommendation, transcript(s), and an institutional nomination form.
Deadline: Pre-applications are due in September; national deadline is in late January.
Fulbright Open Study/ Research Award
What it is / Who it's for: Provides funding for U.S. students, recent graduates, and early-career professionals to conduct independent study or research abroad in over 140 countries.
Eligibility: U.S. citizens; applicants must hold a bachelor's degree by the award start date and have no more than 7 years of professional experience in their field.
Application Process: Requires submission of a statement of grant purpose, affiliation letter, three letters of recommendation, transcripts, and short answer responses. Applicants must apply through their institution and meet campus deadlines prior to the national deadline.
Deadline: Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.
National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program
What it is / Who it's for: Provides funding to outstanding U.S. students pursuing research-based master’s or doctoral degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) or STEM education fields. Fellows receive financial support for three years of graduate study at accredited U.S. institutions.
Award: Yearly stipend and a cost-of-education allowance paid to the institution.
Eligibility: U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents who are early in their graduate studies or applying to begin a research-based graduate program in an NSF-supported field.
Application Process: Submit a personal statement, research statement, transcripts, and three letters of recommendation
Deadline: October 2025 (exact date varies by field).
Study Abroad /
Language Study /
English Teaching
Fulbright U.S. Student Program
What it is / Who it's for: Places U.S. students in classrooms abroad to assist local English teachers while serving as cultural ambassadors. Students teach a variety of age groups, from kindergarten to university level.
Award: totals vary by country, but includes living stipend, round trip travel, tuition costs, and language study costs.
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or nationals with a bachelor’s degree by the start of the program. Applicants may apply to only one country.
Application Process: Submit Statement of Grant Purpose, Letters of Recommendation, Transcripts, and Short Answer responses through the Fulbright portal; meet institutional and national deadlines.
Deadline: October 7, 2025
Boren Scholarship
What it is / Who it's for: Provides fellowships for U.S. graduate students committed to long-term overseas study and public service. Recipients receive funding to study languages critical to U.S. national security. Awardees commit to working for at least one year in the federal government.
Award: Up to $25,000 for academic year programs; funding covers tuition, travel, living expenses, and language study.
Eligibility: U.S. citizens enrolled in an undergraduate degree program at an accredited U.S. institution; applicants must plan to study abroad in a country outside Western Europe, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand.
Application Process: Submit online application with study abroad plan, essays, budget, language self-assessment, and two letters of recommendation through the Boren Awards portal; campus deadlines may precede the national deadline.
Deadline: January 21, 2026
Rhodes Scholarship
What it is / Who it's for: Funds students from around the world to pursue graduate study at the University of Oxford. It recognizes individuals with strong academics, leadership skills, character, and a commitment to making a positive impact.
Award: Covers full tuition at the University of Oxford, a living stipend, and travel expenses to and from the United Kingdom.
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents between the ages of 18 and 23, who will have earned a bachelor’s degree by the time of entry to Oxford and show academic excellence.
Application Process: Submit online application including personal statement, academic transcripts, list of activities, proof of citizenship, and 5–8 letters of recommendation.
Deadline: October 1st
Gates Cambridge Scholarship
What it is / Who it's for: Supports outstanding applicants from outside the United Kingdom to pursue a full-time postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge. Looks for students with strong academic ability, leadership potential, and a commitment to improving the lives of others.
Award: Covers full tuition at the University of Cambridge, a living stipend, travel costs, and additional discretionary funding.
Eligibility: Citizens of any country outside the United Kingdom applying to a full-time master’s or Ph.D. program at the University of Cambridge.
Application Process: Apply for admission and funding through the University of Cambridge’s graduate application portal; include a personal statement, transcripts, and three references.
Deadline: October 15th
Community Engagement /
Public Service
Truman Scholarship
What it is / Who it's for: Supports U.S. college juniors who show leadership potential and a strong commitment to careers in public service, government, or nonprofit work.
Award: Provides up to $30,000 for graduate studies
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or nationals who are full-time college juniors, demonstrate academic excellence, leadership experience, and a record of public service.
Application Process: Submit online application including policy proposal, essays, transcripts, and three letters of recommendation; institutional nomination is required before the national deadline.
Deadline: February 3rd, 2026
Udall Scholarship
What it is / Who it's for: For U.S. college sophomores and juniors committed to leadership and careers related to the environment, tribal public policy, or Native American health care. It recognizes students who are making a positive impact through sustainability or service to Native communities.
Award: Up to $7,000 for academic expenses
Eligibility: College sophomores or juniors with a history of community leadership experience relating to public service, Native American Nations, or the environment
Application Process: Submit online application including essays, transcripts, and three letters of recommendation
Deadline: Early March 2026
Contact Us
Dr. Timothy Jussaume
Honors College
Email:
TJUSSAUME@WCUPA.EDU
Address:
703 S. High Street
West Chester, PA
19382
