Students listening to poster presentation

Interested in graduate school?

There are many scholarships and graduate fellowships to help fund your graduate education. Explore the different opportunities below considering the best fit for your academic and professional goals. 

Graduate Fellowship Opportunities

Goldwater Scholarship

Overview: The Barry Goldwater Scholarship aims to fund undergraduate sophomores and juniors planning to pursue graduate studies and careers in research in STEM or social science fields. Students apply at the campus level and must be nominated to participate in the national competition. Universities may nominate up to 4 traditional students, 1 additional transfer student. and 1 additional U.S. veteran student.

Eligibility: undergraduate sophomores and juniors; US citizen, national, or permanent resident; students pursuing graduate education with a research focus in eligible STEM and social science fields; 

Benefits: up to $7,500 per full academic year for a maximum of 4 semesters (sophomore awardees) or 2 semesters (junior awardees)

Best Fit: students studying STEM or social sciences and interested in research career; students interested in earning a graduate degree.; students with research and leadership experience; motivation to create social impacts through research 

Timeline: apply fall of sophomore or junior year; campus deadline early October; nominees 

IDEA Resources: info sessions, 1:1 advising

More information about the Goldwater Scholarship

headshot of Dillon Gee, 2025 TXST Goldwater Awardee

Dillon Gee, 2025 TXST Goldwater Awardee

NSF GRFP

National Science Foundation logo

Overview: The National Science Foundation's Graduate Research Fellowship Program (NSF GRFP) seeks to fund future leaders in science research. The fellowship funds students pursuing graduate education with a research focus in STEM and social science fields for up to three years.

Eligibility: undergraduate senior or first semester graduate student; US citizen, national, or permanent resident; students pursuing graduate education with a research focus in eligible STEM and social science fields

Benefits: stipend of $37,000, cost of education allowance of $16,000; no federal service requirement; five year fellowship period w/three years of support

Best Fit: students studying STEM or social sciences and interested in research career; students interested in earning a Ph.D.; students with research and leadership experience; motivation to create social impacts through research 

Timeline: apply fall of senior year; deadline early October to early November

IDEA Resources: info sessions, group advising; 1:1 advising

More about the NSF GRFP

SMART Scholarship

Overview: Funded by the Department of War, the Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship-for-Service Program is an education and workforce development opportunity for aspiring STEM leaders. While pursuing their degrees, SMART scholars receive full-tuition and an annual stipend that enables them to focus on their studies. Scholars participate in summer internships and receive mentoring from top scientists and engineers in the DoW. After graduation, scholars begin a civilian career with the DoW matching one year of service for each year of funding received.

Eligibility: Citizen of the U.S., Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or U.K.; have and maintain GPA of 3.0; able to obtain and maintain a security clearance; be requesting between 1-5 years of degree funding; complete summer internships; and accept a one-for-one post-graduation service commitment as a civilian employee of the DoW

Benefits: full tuition, annual stipends, mentorship, health and book allowances, and summer internships at DoW facilities

Best Fit: undergraduate and graduate students of any classification pursuing STEM degree in qualifying major; student interested in civilian career in Department of War

Timeline: applications are accepted from August to December; deadline first Friday of December

IDEA Resources: Info sessions and 1:1 meetings

More about the SMART Scholarship

SMART logo with United States of America Department of Defense Logo. SMART logo contains the text "Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation. Part of National Defense Education Program. DoD Seal includes Eagle and star details.

Truman Scholarship

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Overview: The Truman Scholarship Foundation identifies and supports student leaders planning to attend graduate school in pursuit of a career in public service.  Focusing on undergraduate juniors, the Truman Foundation aims to fund aspiring leaders at an important inflection point in their development and recognize and reward their commitments to careers in public service. Awardees receive up to $30,000 in funding for graduate school and other benefits through partner institutions. Universities may nominate up to 4 candidates. Applicants must first apply through their campus to receiver a nomination. 

Eligibility: U.S. citizen or national; undergraduate students in their next to last year of school; campus nominee; plans to attend graduate school in pursuit of a career in public service

Benefits: Up to $30,000 of funding to be applied to graduate or professional school; priority admission and funding at partnered graduate schools, mentoring, leadership training and non-competitive eligibility

Best Fit: Students interested in attending graduate school and pursuing a career in public service. Competitive applicants will have significant leadership experience.

Timeline: Campus deadline in November and national deadline in January

IDEA Resources: Info sessions and 1:1 meetings

More about the Truman Scholarship

Fulbright U.S. Student Program

Overview: Established by the U.S. Congress in 1946, the Fulbright Program is the flagship international academic exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government. In partnership with more than 140 countries worldwide, the program offers outstanding graduating seniors, graduate students, and young professionals in all academic disciplines opportunities to pursue graduate study, conduct research, or teach English abroad.

Eligibility: U.S. citizen or national; must have completed bachelor's degree before start of program; must meet language requirements for host country; preference for veterans of U.S. Armed Forces

Benefits: cost of living stipend; 12 months of non-competitive eligibility; health benefits during program; cultural exchanges and experiences

Best Fit: undergraduate seniors and alumni seeking cultural experiences post graduation; students interested in gaining teaching, research, or service experience abroad

Timeline: attend an info session and declare interest in May of junior year; prepare application during summer and apply by campus deadline in September of senior year

Resources: support for Fulbright applicants is available through the Department of World Languages and Literatures. Dr. Lisa Haegele, Fulbright Program Advisor, is the point of contact for TXST undergraduate applicants. 

TXST Fulbright Information

More information about Fulbright U.S. Student Program

students posed in front of Machu Picchu in Peru

Graduate Study in the United Kingdom

Rhodes Scholarship

Overview: The Rhodes Scholarship is a fully-funded postgraduate award which enables talented young people from around the world to study full-time at the University of Oxford. The scholarship aims to develop public-spirited leaders and to promote international understanding and peace through an international community of Scholars.

Eligibility: eligibility varies based on applicant's country of origin. Eligibility for U.S. students: U.S. citizen or permanent resident; aged 18-23 or 27 (for nontraditional students) by time of application; GPA of 3.7 or higher

Benefits: course fees and annual stipend for living expenses; reimbursement of application fees; student visa fees; travel fees to and from the UK

Best Fit: significant academic skill and achievement; demonstrated outstanding achievement outside of the classroom; strong character and motivation to lead and support others; desire for international experiences

Timeline: applications open early July; due early October

IDEA Resources: 1:1 advising

More about the Rhodes Scholarship

Marshall Scholarship

Overview: The Marshall Scholarship funds post-graduate education at UK university partners other than Oxford, Cambridge, and greater London universities. Up to fifty Scholars are selected each year to study at graduate level at an UK institution in any field of study. The program seeks to advance US student leaders and enhance relations between the US and UK.

Eligibility: US citizen; completed undergraduate degree by the time scholarship is awarded; GPA of at least 3.7; cannot hold a degree from a British University

Benefits: funds a one-year pathway for one-year programs and two-year funding pathway for Master's and Doctoral students. 

Best Fit: students with potential as a leader and scholar; goal of contributing to international understanding and relations between the US and UK 

Timeline: Applications open in May; due in late September

IDEA Resources: 1:1 advising

More about the Marshall Scholarship