Priority Awards
This is a list of the Priority Awards the NCA office assists with, however this list is not exhaustive. All the awards are for U.S. Citizens unless otherwise stated. Though you are not required to work with NCA in order to complete an application for a Priority Award, we strongly encourage you to do so.
To learn more about what awards might be a good fit for you, email nca@uc.edu to schedule an Intro to Fellowships session.
Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students
Deadline: Campus Deadline: January 2025
Boren Fellowships: January 22, 2025
Boren Scholarships: January 29, 2025
Funds US undergraduate and graduate students to study less commonly taught languages in world regions critical to US interests and underrepresented in study abroad programs.
Eligibility: U.S. Citizen college seniors or recent graduates seeking admission to a two-year graduate program in an academic field relevant to the work of the Foreign Service at a U.S. university with a GPA of 3.2 or higher.
Deadline: September 19, 2024
The Rangel Program seeks to attract and prepare outstanding young people for careers as diplomats in the Foreign Service of the U.S. Department of State. The Program seeks individuals interested in helping to shape a freer, more secure and prosperous world through formulating, representing, and implementing U.S. foreign policy.
Eligibility: Undergraduates & graduates
Deadline: November 19, 2024 @ 8PM ET
Funds intensive summer language institutes in critical foreign languages. Does not require university endorsement.
Eligibility: U.S. Citizen college seniors or recent graduates seeking admission to a two-year graduate program at a U.S. university with a GPA of 3.2 or higher.
Deadline: October 24, 2024
The USAID Donald M. Payne International Development Graduate Fellowship Program seeks to attract outstanding individuals who are interested in pursuing careers in the Foreign Service of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
Eligibility: Fourth year undergraduate students with the eligibility to work in the U.S. for the duration of the fellowship.
Deadline: February 1, 2025
The FAO Schwarz Fellowship is an intensive, transformative two-year experience in the world of social impact that includes focused professional development. Fellows work at high-impact nonprofit organizations in Boston, New York City, and Philadelphia.
Eligibility: Undergraduates
Deadline: January 21, 2025 @ 11:59PM ET
A two-year Fellowship program that funds an IT-related degree, internships, professional development and mentorship – culminating in an appointment in the Foreign Service as an Information Management Specialist (IMS). Does not require university endorsement.
Eligibility: 1st and 2nd year students
Deadline: February 3, 2025
Funds 3-4 week academic and cultural summer programs on a variety of topics at prestigious universities throughout the UK. Does not require university endorsement.
Eligibility: A citizen of any country outside the United Kingdom & Applying to pursue one of the designated full-time residential courses of study at the University of Cambridge.
- Available for Non-U.S. Citizens
Deadline: October 16, 2024
Funds outstanding applicants from countries outside the UK to pursue a full-time postgraduate degree in any subject available at the University of Cambridge.
Eligibility: Currently enrolled undergraduate students from the US or at US-based colleges and universities or recent graduates
- Available for Non-U.S. Citizens
Deadline: February 14, 2023
In several cities across Europe and the United States, Fellows gather to study past, present, and future challenges to local communities.
Eligibility: US citizen holding a bachelor's degree
Deadline: November 15, 2024
Sends participants from around the globe to work in schools, boards of education, and government offices throughout Japan.
Eligibility: Graduate students
Deadline: October 9, 2024 @1PM Pacific Time
Provides full funding to 100 exceptional students from around the world, making it the largest fully endowed graduate fellowship in existence.
Eligibility: College seniors, graduate students, and young professionals
Deadline: October 1, 2024 @5PM ET
Provides stipends, language training, and individualized professional placement in Asia forging stronger relationships across geographic borders by creating opportunities for young Americans to deepen their ties and understanding of the countries, cultures, and people of Asia.
Eligibility: Graduating seniors & recent alumni
Deadline: October 2024 (determined by discipline)
Funds graduate education in STEM fields at any U.S. university; based on potential for significant achievements in science and engineering research. Does not require university endorsement.
Eligibility: Graduating seniors & recent alumni whose birth parents were born outside of the US as non-US citizens.
Deadline: October 31, 2024 @2PM ET
Provides funding of one to two years of graduate study in any field and in any advanced degree-granting program in the United States for immigrants and the children of immigrants. Each award is for up to a total of $90,000.
Eligibility: College juniors committed to pursuing a Master’s Degree in public policy and/or international affairs at one of the PPIA Consortium graduate schools.
Deadline: November 1, 2024
A rigorous academic graduate-level preparation program for undergraduate juniors committed to public service careers.
Eligibility: US citizen full-time undergraduate students, with at least sophomore status
Deadline: February 5, 2025
A six-week summer program designed to provide undergraduate students with a deeper appreciation of current issues and trends in international affairs, a greater understanding of career opportunities in international affairs, and the enhanced knowledge and skills to pursue such careers.
Eligibility: Graduating seniors & recent alumni
- Available for Non-U.S. Citizens
Deadline: September 12, 2024 @ 11:59PM EDT
First scholarship created to respond to the geopolitical landscape of the 21st Century. Concentration gives students an opportunity to focus on aspects of global affairs they may not have previously studied.
Eligibility: U.S. Citizen college seniors or recent graduates seeking admission to a two-year graduate program in an academic field relevant to the work of the Foreign Service at a U.S. university with a GPA of 3.2 or higher.
Deadline: September 26, 2024
The Pickering Graduate Fellowship Program attracts and prepares outstanding young people for Foreign Service careers in the U.S. Department of State. It welcomes the application of members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the State Department, women, and those with a demonstrated financial need for graduate school.