Return to: U of M Home

Home > Scholarships: National / International
A list of national and international scholarship opportunities for outstanding undergraduates and recent graduates.
For more information on any of these scholarships, contact Sally Lieberman or the campus contact person mentioned under a specific award.
This page lists scholarships for which students may apply during sophomore year.
Sort by:
Award Name | Application Deadline
For SOPHOMORES, JUNIORS, SENIORS, OR GRADUATE STUDENTS in engineering or the natural or applied sciences. No special consideration is given to students in astronautical engineering. Applicants must be U.S. citizens with excellent academic records and research experience who have shown initiative, creativity, and excellence in their chosen field. The scholarship is for $10,000 with the possibility of renewal beyond the first year. Applicants must be nominated by a faculty member. The U may nominate up to two candidates. 18-20 awards nationwide to candidates from select institutions, including the U of M-Twin Cities. Campus contact: Sally Lieberman, liebe001@umn.edu. For further information, visit the Astronaut Scholarships website. Click here for recent winners.
°Supports a term or year of study abroad, for the purpose of equipping Americans with an understanding of less commonly studied languages and cultures in regions critical to U.S. interests. NSEP emphasizes the importance of language study as a major component of the study abroad program. Study of a foreign language appropriate to the identified country must be an integral part of the proposal. Applicants must be U.S. citizens with strong academic records, language and international interests. FRESHMAN through SENIORS may apply for the undergraduate scholarships. (Boren Fellowships are also offered for GRADUATE STUDENTS, who should visit the Office of International Programs website for further information.) Carries a one-year service requirement. Approximately 150 are awarded nationwide. An institutional review and interview process is conducted on campus for undergraduate applicants. Campus contact: Meaka Henningsen, Office of International Programs, 645 Heller Hall, 626-9123, meaka@umn.edu. A campus application packet for U of M undergraduates will be available at OIP's website. Further information is available at the Boren website. Click here for recent winners.
°Supports students with demonstrated financial need who have shown exceptional civic leadership potential through public and community service and scholastic achievement. Extremely competitive; one $5000 award nationwide to a student at a four-year institution. SOPHOMORES AND JUNIORS may apply. Citizenship is open. Campus nomination is required; the U may nominate one candidate. Campus contact: Laurel Hirt, Career and Community Learning Center (CCLC), 345 Fraser Hall, 612-626-2044, hirtx002@umn.edu. Further information is available at the Campus Compact website.
°Honors high school seniors and college students for outstanding achievements, leadership, and commitment to community service. Applicants may be high school seniors or college students currently in their FRESHMAN, SOPHOMORE, or JUNIOR year. Must be a U.S. citizen attending a U.S. accredited educational institution. Selection criteria include demonstrated character, outstanding achievements, exceptional leadership ability, a serious commitment to community service, academics, and potential to improve the quality of human life. Some priority is given to candidates whose parents are employed in education, government, or other areas of public service. 12-24 grants will be awarded for $2500-$5000 per year and are usable for tuition, room and board, books or other academic expenses. There is an application fee. Campus contact: Sally Lieberman, liebe001@umn.edu. Further information and application forms are available at the Carpe Diem Foundation website.
Year-long program beginning in July provides opportunities for young adults to gain cultural understanding, education, and professional experience in Germany. Applicant must be U.S. citizen or permanent resident, age 18-24 at the start of the program; high school, college (FRESHMAN through SENIOR), or GRADUATE STUDENT. Includes classroom instruction and an internship experience. Award covers international and in-country travel, seminars, and accommodations with a host family. Preferred fields include business, technology, engineering, and agriculture. All fields may apply. German language proficiency is strongly recommended but not required. 75 awards nationwide. Campus contact: Sally Lieberman, liebe001@umn.edu. Further information is available at the CBYEYP website. Click here for recent winner.
°U.S. government-sponsored scholarships support intensive summer language study in the critical need languages; Azerbaijani, Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, Hindi, Korean, Persian, Punjabi, Russian, Turkish, or Urdu, at approved language institutes abroad. Applicants must be U.S. citizens; may be FRESHMAN, SOPHOMORES, JUNIORS, SENIORS, or GRADUATE STUDENTS. (Persian institute is available to graduate students only.) All fields of study are eligible. Some institutes have language prerequisites, but many are open to beginners. All program costs are covered, including travel, room and board, instruction, visa fees, and entrance fees for program activities. Campus contact: Sally Lieberman, liebe001@umn.edu. For further information and access to the online application, visit the Critical Language Scholarships website.
°Supports one semester of study abroad at one of Germany's applied sciences universities, followed by a one-semester professional internship. Applicants must be SOPHOMORES or JUNIORS in engineering, science, life sciences, business, management, economics, architecture, art, design, journalism, or social work; U.S. or Canadian citizen or permanent resident, or foreign national meeting certain conditions. Must have a well-defined study proposal and an interest in contemporary German and European affairs. Must be age 32 or younger at the start of the grant period. German language proficiency is helpful but not required. Includes a one-semester scholarship, monthly internship stipend and travel grant. Campus contact: Sally Lieberman, liebe001@umn.edu. Further information is available at DAAD.
°Supports 6-12-week summer internships working on scientific research projects at top research institutions in Germany. Applicants must be SOPHOMORES or JUNIORS studying biology, chemistry, physics, earth sciences, or engineering. German language skills are helpful but not required; most projects may be carried out in English. Monthly stipend of EUR 615, health insurance, assistance arranging housing. Approximately 250 awards; awardees may choose from among 500+ research projects. Campus contact: Sally Lieberman, liebe001@umn.edu. Further information and the online application are available at DAAD. Click here for recent winners.
For 4-10 months of undergraduate study, senior thesis research, and/or internship in Germany. Applicants must be SOPHOMORES or JUNIORS in any field of study; must have outstanding academic record and personal integrity; must be U.S. or Canadian citizen or permanent resident, or foreign national meeting certain conditions; must possess outstanding academic records and personal integrity; demonstrate an interest in contemporary German and European affairs; have well-defined plans for their time in Germany. Must be younger than age 32 at the start of the grant period. German language proficiency is helpful but not required. Approximately 50 are awarded per year. Campus contact: Sally Lieberman, liebe001@umn.edu. Further information is available at DAAD.
°Supports undergraduate or graduate study in science, social science, engineering, and technology fields essential to homeland security. Undergraduate Scholarship applicants must be SOPHOMORES; Graduate Fellowship applicants must be SENIORS, GRADUATES, or GRADUATE STUDENTS in their first year of study toward a Masters or Ph.D. Must be US citizen with GPA of 3.30 or higher and pursuing a degree in an eligible field. Carries a summer internship commitment. Must indicate a willingness to work for a DHS agency or affiliate after completing education. Award covers tuition, fees, and a monthly stipend. Approximately 40 Undergraduate Scholarships and 60 Graduate Fellowships nationwide. Campus contact: Sally Lieberman, liebe001@umn.edu. Further information and online applications are available at Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education website.
°For undergraduate study abroad in East or Southeast Asia. Awards are for up to $3000 for a summer, $5000 for a semester, or $7000 for an academic year. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, FRESHMAN through SENIOR with at least one term remaining at the U upon completion of the study abroad; have financial need; be applying to or accepted by a study abroad program through the U or another U.S. accredited university in an eligible country; have little or no prior experience in the proposed country. Carries a service commitment. Campus contact: Thuy Doan, Learning Abroad Center, 230 Heller Hall, 612.626.8686, thuydoan@umn.edu. Further information is available at IIE. Deadlines vary by term. Applicants should request endorsement by a study abroad advisor and obtain financial aid verification well before the deadline.
°For a semester or academic year of study abroad worldwide, for undergraduates with significant financial need. FRESHMAN through SENIORS may apply. Awards are for up to $5000, with the amount varying depending on the length of study and student need. Gilman Scholars studying certain languages may also apply for an additional Critical Need Language Supplement of up to $3000. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, Pell Grant recipients, must be applying to or accepted by a study abroad program of at least 4 weeks in length for which the U will award academic credit. Carries a small service commitment. Over 800 Gilman Scholarships are awarded nationwide. Campus contact: Thuy Doan, Learning Abroad Center, 230 Heller Hall, 612.626.8686, thuydoan@umn.edu. Further information and online application available at IIE. Deadlines vary depending on the term. Applicants should request study abroad advisor approval and obtain financial need verification well before the deadline.
°For undergraduates who plan to pursue graduate degrees and research-based careers in mathematics, the natural sciences, or engineering. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, nationals, or resident aliens and must be SOPHOMORES or JUNIORS in the upper quarter of their class. Selection criteria include outstanding academic performance and demonstrated potential for and commitment to a career in mathematics, the natural sciences, or engineering. Undergraduate research experience is highly valued. Pays up to $7,500 per year for up to two years. Approximately 300 scholarships are awarded nationwide. Campus nomination is required; the U may nominate up to four candidates. Campus contact: Sally Lieberman, liebe001@umn.edu. Further information and applications are available at Goldwater website.
Click here for recent winners.
For undergraduate or graduate study in any field. Applicants must be of Hispanic heritage as defined by the Scholarship Fund, U.S. Citizen or legal permanent resident, with GPA of 3.0 or higher. FRESHMAN through SENIORS and GRADUATE STUDENTS may apply. Must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Scholarships range from $1,000 to $3,000. Campus contact: Sally Lieberman, liebe001@umn.edu. Further information and applications are available at Hispanic Scholarship Fund website.
°For a semester or year of undergraduate study in Canada. The program encourages exchange between Canada and the U.S. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, full-time undergraduates (in most cases SOPHOMORE or JUNIOR) with outstanding academic records. Fellowships are $10,000 for a year or $5000 for a semester. Fellows also participate in two exchange events, for which expenses are covered. Approximately 10 fellowships nationwide. Campus contact: Sally Lieberman, liebe001@umn.edu. Further information at Killiam Fellowships website.
°Scholarships of $1000 are awarded annually to ten or more lesbians and gay men of African descent who are enrolled in undergraduate or graduate programs and are making significant contributions to their communities. FRESHMAN through SENIORS, GRADUATES, and GRADUATE STUDENTS may apply. Campus contact: Sally Lieberman, liebe001@umn.edu. For further information and deadlines, visit the ZAMI website.
°Administered by the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis, this scholarship provides up to $10,000 for up to a year of study or research in Sweden. FRESHMAN through SENIORS and GRADUATE STUDENTS who are U.S. citizens or residents may apply. Must have a working knowledge of Swedish language. The scholarship will not be awarded for language study alone, although language study may be part of the proposal. Must establish an institutional contact in Sweden who/which can provide a letter of affiliation or invitation. Campus contact: Sally Lieberman, liebe001@umn.edu. For further information and application materials, visit the American Swedish Institute.
°Supports outstanding undergraduates from economically disadvantaged backgrounds who are committed to careers in biomedical, behavioral, and social science health-related research, for one to four years. Applicants may be full-time FRESHMAN, SOPHOMORES, or JUNIORS. Must have a GPA of 3.5 or higher and be certified by the Office of Student Finance as having “exceptional financial need. In general, applicants must be U.S. citizens or nationals, but foreign nationals may apply under certain conditions. Carries a service requirement. Approximately 15 scholarships of up to $20,000 are awarded per year; scholarship may be renewed for up to four years. Also includes paid research training at NIH during the summer. Carries a commitment to take up paid employment and training at NIH for one or more years after graduation. Campus contact: Sally Lieberman, liebe001@umn.edu. Further information is available at The National Institutes of Health.
°Provides generous support at the undergraduate and/or graduate level for students representing all ethnic and social backgrounds who are interested in becoming Foreign Service Officers. Applicants must be U.S. citizens with GPA of 3.2 or higher. Consideration is given to financial need and to significant leadership and service activities. Applicants for the Foreign Affairs Fellowships must be current SOPHOMORES; applicants for the Graduate Foreign Affairs Fellowships must be SENIORS or GRADUATES seeking admission to an appropriate graduate program for the following fall. The Fellowships carry a service obligation. Campus contact: Sally Lieberman, liebe001@umn.edu. Materials may be requested online at the Woodrow Wilson Foundation website when the competition opens.
°The world's largest privately funded scholarship program for international education: hundreds of scholarships are awarded each year for students from nearly 100 host countries, including the U.S., to study abroad in other host countries. The purpose of the program is to further international understanding and friendly relations. Several types of scholarships are offered, including academic year scholarships, multi-year scholarships, and scholarships for 3-6 months of intensive language study and cultural immersion. Awards range from $10,000 to $23,000, depending on the type and length of the program. Some of the scholarships have language proficiency requirements. SOPHOMORES, JUNIORS, SENIORS, AND GRADUATES may apply. Must be citizen of a country with Rotary Clubs. Initial application is made through a Rotary Club in the applicant's hometown or place of current full-time study. Interested students should contact Sally Lieberman, liebe001@umn.edu or a local Rotary Club and begin working on the application by early February. For further information, visit the Rotary International website.
°Supports a 2-3-month research stay at a Swiss university. Applicants must be currently enrolled SOPHOMORES, JUNIORS, SENIORS, or GRADUATE STUDENTS and must provide written confirmation from a professor at a Swiss university that she/he will accept you for a research stay in his/her group. Knowledge of German, French, or Italian is helpful but not required. $700 per month scholarship is paid upon completion of the research stay. Participants are expected to participate in limited outreach activities student ambassadors. Campus contact: Sally Lieberman, liebe001@umn.edu. For further information and application instructions, visit the ThinkSwiss website.
°For undergraduates who are preparing for careers related to the environment and who have demonstrated a commitment to environmental issues. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents; currently enrolled SOPHOMORES or JUNIORS with GPA of 3.0 or higher. Provides up to $5000 towards undergraduate education. Approximately 80 Udall Scholarships (including Environment, Tribal Public Policy and Native Health Care) are awarded nationwide. Institutional nomination is required; the U may nominate up to six Udall Scholarship candidates. Campus contact: Sally Lieberman, liebe001@umn.edu. Further information and applications are available at the Udall Foundation website.
Click here for recent winners.
For Native American or Alaska Native undergraduates who are committed to pursuing careers related to tribal public policy or native health care. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents; currently enrolled SOPHOMORES or JUNIORS with GPA of 3.0 or higher; must meet the Udall Foundation’s definition of Native American or Alaska Native. Approximately 80 Udall Scholarships (including Environment, Tribal Public Policy and Native Health Care) are awarded nationwide. Institutional nomination is required; the U may nominate up to six Udall Scholarship candidates. Campus contact: Sally Lieberman, liebe001@umn.edu. Further information and applications are available at the Udall Foundation website.
°