The University Fellowships Office (UFO) assists qualified Penn State students with the process of competing for prestigious scholarships, fellowships, and awards. Penn State students are encouraged to utilize the many resources and opportunities available through the UFO, including individual meetings, advising and counseling during the initial searches for scholarships and fellowships, as well as assistance with the application process. Penn State students fare very well. Previous years, awards garnered by students included Rhodes, Marshall, Mitchell and Gates Cambridge Scholarships, Fulbright Grants, Astronaut Scholarship and National Science Foundation Fellowships, to name a few.

Major National/International Scholarships and Fellowships

BEINECKE BROTHERS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

Even though Penn State can only nominate one candidate for the Beinecke Scholarship, student applicants who demonstrate superior academic intelligence, are U.S. citizens, have demonstrated financial need, and are college juniors, are invited to apply through the UFO. Twenty scholarships worth $32,000 are awarded annually to students, who plan to attend graduate school and study in the arts, humanities, or social sciences fields. The scholarship is not applicable for law or medical schools.

JACK KENT COOKE GRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP

Penn State can nominate two seniors or recent graduates for renewable graduate scholarships of up to $50,000 annually for a maximum of six years. Interested applicants must be either currently enrolled full-time students or recent graduates, have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or above, have demonstrated financial need base for the scholarship, and have never been previously nominated for the Jack Kent Cooke scholarship.

U.S. STUDENT FULBRIGHT PROGRAM

Fulbright Grants offer year long, funded experiences in a country of choice for study, research, or teaching in any field. Penn State student applying for Fulbright Grants must be graduating seniors, who have completed a minimum of a bachelor's degree at the start of the grant, and graduate students. Approximately 1,100 grants are awarded each year providing opportunities for Fulbright Grantees to study, teach, or conduct research in more than 150 countries.

GATES CAMBRIDGE SCHOLARSHIP

Approximately 40 Gates Cambridge Scholarships are awarded in the United States each year. The scholarship covers the full cost of study at Cambridge (for a maximum of four years).   The award covers all approved university and college tuition fees, a maintenance allowance, and a further discretionary allowance for study-related activities, in addition to airfare. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of an applicant's intellectual ability, their ability to contribute to the world by providing services to their communities and applying their talents and knowledge to improve the lives of others. Those interested must be pursuing graduate research and/or study at Cambridge in their selected academic discipline.

BARRY M. GOLDWATER SCHOLARSHIP

Each year, Penn State can nominate up to four outstanding sophomores and/or juniors majoring in mathematics, the natural sciences, and engineering and who plan to pursue graduate studies that includes research.   Approximately three hundred Goldwater research scholarships are awarded each year. Goldwater scholars' eligible expenses that would be covered include tuition, fees, books, and room and board - the scholarship provides a maximum of $7,500 annually. Those interested in applying must be a sophomore or junior, have a 3.0 GPA, be in the upper quarter of his/her class, and a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident.

MARSHALL SCHOLARSHIP

Marshall Scholarships award two years of graduate study and/or research at any university or business school in the United Kingdom. Forty scholarships are awarded annually to intellectually distinguished Americans providing opportunities to gain appreciation of contemporary Britain and strengthen the relationship between the British and American peoples, their governments, and institutions. The scholarship covers the cost of tuition, books, approved travel (in connection with studies), and living costs. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, graduates under the age of 26 by the start of their stay in the U.K. and have an exemplary academic record. Additionally, applicants should have demonstrated strong academic performance, leadership potential, and have obtained no lower than a 3.7 GPA.

THE GEORGE J. MITCHELL SCHOLARSHIP

The Mitchell Scholarship supports one year of graduate study for twelve U.S. citizens between the ages of 18 and 30 in any discipline offered at an institution of higher learning in Ireland or Northern Ireland. The Mitchell Scholarship provides tuition, housing, a living expense stipend, and international travel support. Mitchell scholarships are awarded annually to students who exhibit superior levels of academic achievement, leadership, and extensive community service.

The NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION (NSF)

NSF Fellowships offer three years of support for graduate study and research to approximately 1,100 outstanding graduate students in the mathematical, physical, biological, engineering, and social sciences. Selected NSF Fellows receive a stipend of approximately $30,000 per year and an annual cost-of-education allowance of $10,500 paid to the NSF Fellow's institution in lieu of full tuition and fees. The fellowship is a three year long grant. Additionally, the fellowship offers a one-time international research travel allowance for fellows who plan to study and conduct research full-time at a foreign site for at least three continuous months.

RHODES SCHOLARSHIP

The Rhodes scholarship is for two years though may be held for one year only; applications for a third year are considered during the course of the 2nd year. graduate study in any academic field at Oxford University. Thirty-two scholarships are awarded annually to student scholars who exhibit character exemplifying a blend of intellectual, moral and physical leadership, integrity, and energy. Applicants must be U.S. citizens graduating with an undergraduate degree prior to the beginning of their Rhodes scholarship and are under age of 24. The scholarship covers tuition and academic expenses, along with an allowance to cover round-trip air fares and personal expenses while at Oxford.

ROTARY AMBASSADORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

Rotary Scholarships awards approximately 1,100 Ambassadorial Scholarships annually to student applicants interested in studying in over 70 different countries. The Ambassadorial Scholarships program supports the mission of The Rotary Foundation to further international understanding and world peace. Candidates are expected to be proficient in the language of the host country and generally this scholarship is not appropriate for study of a foreign language. Applicants should have excellent leadership skills, a proven record of success academically, and be articulate.

THE ST. ANDREWS' SOCIETY of Washington DC, Philadelphia and/or the State of New York

The St. Andrew's Society is established in a number of cities throughout the United States and offers scholarships to applicants who live within 250 miles of the state of New York, Washington DC, or Philadelphia, PA. Senior undergraduate students who will obtain a bachelor's degree from Penn State prior to beginning their studies in Scotland are eligible to apply. Additionally, applicants must be able to demonstrate the significance of studying in Scotland as it relates to their discipline. Proof of application to their selected school will be required for finalists. Candidates should possess the qualifications, which enable them to be good ambassadors for the United States while in Scotland and be of Scottish descent.

HARRY S. TRUMAN SCHOLARSHIP

Seventy-five scholarships are awarded to juniors who have demonstrated an outstanding capacity for public service, including: academics, leadership, and community service. Those interested in applying must be U.S. citizens, intent upon pursuing a graduate degree, and have participated in leadership activities and community service organizations. The scholarships cover expenses for the senior year and the first year of graduate school--up to $30,000.

MORRIS K. UDALL SCHOLARSHIP