Center for Undergraduate Research & Fellowships

Please review our updated step-by-step guide and timeline for the 2021 Schwarzman application process!

Schwarzman Scholarship 

• The Application Deadline for citizens of mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macao for Fall 2022 entry is May 19, 2021 (May 20, Beijing Time)
• For US Citizens and citizens of all countries not listed above: September 21, 2021 (11:59pm US Eastern Time)

The Schwarzman Scholars Program is a highly selective international scholarship program designed to prepare future leaders for success in a world where China plays a key global role. The program will give selected scholars the opportunity to develop their leadership skills through a fully-funded one-year Master's degree in Global Affairs at Schwarzman College at Tsinghua University in Beijing – one of China's most prestigious universities. Chinese language proficiency is NOT required.

In addition to demonstrating wide-ranging academic excellence, the successful candidate will have demonstrated initiative and leadership and a commitment to understanding and engaging with China professionally. In the application it is crucial to demonstrate your "leadership in action." Candidates should provide a clearly articulated reason for studying in China and a solid understanding of the role they hope to play as China continues to expand its influence in the world. Although there is no minimum GPA requirement for applicants, most successful candidates have had a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or above.

http://schwarzmanscholars.org/

Learn more about Penn experiences in the Schwarzman Scholars Program:

• Watch Penn's 2021 Info Session with a Schwarzman representative and 3 Penn Schwarzman Scholars (enter passcode Penn-2021)
• 3-minute video from three Penn Schwarzman Scholars describing their Schwarzman experience
• 4-minute video from 2020 Schwarzman Scholar Adedotun Adejare (United States)
• 5-minute video from 2020 Schwarzman Scholar Zhongyuan Zheng (China)
• 9-minute podcast with former Schwarzman Scholars Program's Global Director of Admissions

Deadlines:

• For citizens of mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macao: May 19, 2021 (May 20, Beijing Time)
• For US Citizens and citizens of all countries not listed above: September 21, 2021 (11:59pm US Eastern Time)
• Application and deadline information on the Schwarzman application page

Penn’s Application Process

• While the Schwarzman Scholars Program does not require Penn’s nomination, CURF will be happy to provide advice, guidance, and application assistance to you. As permitted by the program, this can include:
  • Discussion of an applicant's preparation for the Schwarzman Scholars Program
  • Feedback on the content and organization of your resume
  • Feedback on your choice of recommenders
  • Draft review for your Schwarzman Scholars Program essays
  • Practice interviews for applicants selected as Finalists by the Schwarzman Scholars Program
• Candidates must apply directly on the Schwarzman Scholarship website and ensure that their application and recommendations are uploaded to the Schwarzman Scholarship website by the Schwarzman application deadline.
  • The Application Deadline for citizens of mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macao for Fall 2022 entry is May 19, 2021 (May 20, Beijing Time)
  • For US Citizens and citizens of all countries not listed above: September 21, 2021 (11:59pm US Eastern Time)

Please review our updated step-by-step guide and timeline for Penn's 2021 Rhodes application process!

Rhodes Scholarship

The Rhodes Scholarship offers scholarships to citizens of any country. Applicants who are not eligible to apply through a specific Rhodes constituency must follow the procedure below under "Special Note for Global, Multi-jurisdictional, or Inter-jurisdictional candidates." Information on eligibility and the specific application process and requirements for Rhodes jurisdictions can be found on the Rhodes Trust website. Potential Penn applicants are invited to learn more about the application process by enrolling in the CURF Fellowship Resources canvas site, attending a Fellowships Explained virtual session, and scheduling an appointment with Dr. Wallace Genser.

Rhodes Scholarships are awarded for two or more years of study at Oxford University (two years is the minimum, and recipients may apply for a third year of funding to support doctoral studies). The Rhodes Scholarship pays all tuition and fees, in addition to a personal allowance for living expenses. Potential applicants should consult with CURF and their mentors to identify appropriate graduate programs at Oxford that meet the Rhodes Scholarship's Terms and Conditions.

In addition to demonstrating wide-ranging academic excellence and a cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.70, the most successful candidates have demonstrated initiative and commitment to larger issues such as service, research, and engagement in efforts to serve humanity both on and beyond campus. During the spring and summer before applying applicants explore Oxford graduate degree programs so that at the time of application they have a clearly articulated reason for studying at Oxford. The key Rhodes qualities are:

• academic excellence through a cumulative GPA of at least 3.70
• mastery in a skill or area that normally involves teamwork (such as sports, music, debate, dance, theatre, artistic pursuits, or other endeavors)
• unselfishness and a demonstrated commitment to helping the less fortunate
• the moral character required to become a leader in your field

To learn more from Penn's recent Rhodes Scholars:

• Watch these 5-minute videos of 2019 Rhodes Scholar Anea Moore, and 2018 Rhodes Scholars Christopher D'Urso and Adnan Zikri Jaafar
• Learn about A Day in the Life of a Rhodes Scholar from 2016 Rhodes Scholar Jenna Hebert
• Read the Top 5 Reasons You Should Apply for a Fellowship from 2016 Rhodes Scholar Debi Ogunrinde
• Check out the list of Penn's Rhodes Scholars.

Rhodes Trust website

2021 applicants who wish to commence graduate study in Fall 2022 should enroll in the CURF Fellowship Resources canvas site and complete Penn's Request for Endorsement form as soon as possible to get the most out of the application process. See details at Endorsement Process for the Rhodes and Marshall Scholarships

Penn Application Deadline for applicants eligible to apply from Canada and the US (including US Permanent Residents): August 1, 2021, 4:00pm. (All other applicants must meet their home country's deadline available on the Rhodes Trust website.

Penn’s Application Process for applicants OTHER than Global Rhodes applicants, including applicants from the US or Canada

The Rhodes Scholarship accepts nominations from institutions – students and alumni may not apply independently. To apply for Penn’s endorsement, you must complete the following steps by Penn’s Internal Deadline of August 1, 2021, 4:00pm.

• Candidates should indicate their intent to apply for endorsement for the Rhodes Scholarship (as well as the Marshall Scholarship and/or Mitchell Scholarship, if relevant) as soon as possible by completing the Request for University of Pennsylvania Endorsement Form.  Candidates will then be assigned a Fellowship Advisor who will help the candidate clarify goals, values, and purposes, assist with application details, and draft the university's endorsement letter. Candidates requesting endorsement after July 1 must contact Dr. Wallace Genser at genser@upenn.edu to request consideration for University of Pennsylvania endorsement
• As soon as you have arranged for letters of recommendation for the Rhodes Scholarship, complete a CURF Recommendation Request Form for each recommender.  If you are also applying for the Marshall Scholarship (which US applicants are strongly encouraged to do), separate requests must be submitted for each award.  At this point, DO NOT request letters of recommendation through the Rhodes application system. Letters of recommendations must be submitted to CURF via the webform no later than 4:00pm on August 1, 2021
• Complete Penn's Internal Rhodes application form, including the upload of a single PDF which combines your personal statement, list of principal activities and honors in college, unofficial transcript from Penn InTouch (and other institutions, if relevant), a high quality digital photograph of yourself (one that would be appropriate for a passport), and evidence of nationality.  If you do not receive an email confirming your submission within 4 hours, please IMMEDIATELY email aolson@upenn.edu to make sure CURF has received your submission. Submission is due by 4:00pm on August 1, 2021
• Following Penn’s internal deadline, candidate materials are reviewed by the University of Pennsylvania’s Faculty Review Committee, which is comprised of Penn faculty who have been awarded prestigious scholarships and are actively engaged in promoting Penn’s academic mission.  The Committee will select candidates to interview for consideration for Penn endorsement
• Candidates selected for endorsement for the Rhodes Scholarship will receive further instructions

Special Note to 2021 Global Rhodes Scholarship applicants (or applicants who may qualify as "Multi-jurisdictional" or "Inter-jurisdictional" candidates) who are not eligible to apply through the US, Canada, or other existing Rhodes constituencies:

1. Please submit Penn's Request for Endorsement form as soon as possible.
2. Global, multi-jurisdictional, and inter-jurisdictional applicants should log on to the Rhodes Global application, complete the preliminary eligibility page, identify your Penn nominator as Dr. Wallace Genser, genser@upenn.edu, and click the "INVITE NOMINATOR" button within the Global Rhodes application system. At this point you should NOT complete the application and you should NOT register your referees on the Global Rhodes application system (you will need to both later if you are nominated by Penn)
3. INSTEAD, Global, multi-jurisdictional, and inter-jurisdictional applicants must submit their entire Rhodes application (including recommendations) via Penn's Internal Rhodes application form no later than June 30, 2021 (to commence study at Oxford in Fall 2022) in order to be considered as one of Penn's nominees

Check out this step-by-step guide and timeline for Penn's 2021 Mitchell application process!

Mitchell Scholarship

The Mitchell Scholarship funds one year of graduate study at institutions of higher learning in Ireland or Northern Ireland, providing tuition, accommodation, and a stipend for living expenses and travel. 

In addition to demonstrating wide-ranging academic excellence and a cumulative GPA of at least 3.70, most successful candidates have demonstrated initiative and commitment to larger issues such as service, research, and engagement in efforts to serve humanity both on and beyond their campus.  Additionally, candidates should have a clearly articulated reason for studying in Ireland or Northern Ireland and a solid understanding of the research they will conduct in a specific graduate program.

http://www.us-irelandalliance.org/

2021 applicants who wish to commence graduate study in Fall 2022 should enroll in the CURF Fellowship Resources canvas site and complete Penn's Request for Endorsement form as soon as possible, ideally no later than March 31, 2021.

Penn Application Deadline: August 1, 2021, 4:00pm

mitchell_2016_recip_img

Penn’s Application Process

The Mitchell Scholarship accepts nominations from institutions – undergraduate students may not apply independently. To apply for Penn’s endorsement, you must complete the following steps by Penn’s Internal Deadline of August 1, 2021, 4:00pm.  Alumni and graduate students do not require Penn’s endorsement, but are strongly encouraged to participate in the process outlined below.

• Candidates should indicate their intent to apply for endorsement for the Mitchell Scholarship (as well as the Rhodes Scholarship and/or Marshall Scholarship, if relevant) as soon as possible by completing the Request for University of Pennsylvania Endorsement Form.  Candidates will then be assigned a Fellowship Advisor who will help the candidate clarify goals, values, and purposes, assist with application details, and draft the letter of endorsement on behalf of the University.  Candidates requesting endorsement after June 1 must contact Dr. Wallace Genser at genser@upenn.edu to request consideration for University of Pennsylvania endorsement.   
• As soon as you have arranged for letters of recommendation for the Mitchell Scholarship, complete a CURF Recommendation Request Form for each recommender.  If you are also applying for the Rhodes and/or Marshall, separate requests must be submitted for each award.  DO NOT request letters of recommendation through the Mitchell application system. Letters of recommendations must be submitted to CURF via the webform no later than 4:00pm on August 1, 2021.
• Complete Penn’s Internal Mitchell Application form, including the upload of a single PDF which combines your personal essay , a categorized list of awards or activities, your unofficial transcript from Penn InTouch, a high quality digital photograph of yourself (one that would be appropriate for a passport), and any other post-secondary transcripts.  If you do not receive an email confirming your submission within 4 hours, please IMMEDIATELY email aolson@upenn.edu to make sure CURF has received your submission. Submission is due by 4:00pm on August 1, 2021.
• Following Penn’s internal deadline, candidate materials are reviewed by the University of Pennsylvania’s Faculty Review Committee, which is comprised of Penn faculty who have been awarded prestigious scholarships and are actively engaged in promoting Penn’s academic mission.  The Committee will select candidates to interview for consideration for Penn endorsement.
• Candidates selected for endorsement for the Mitchell Scholarship will receive further instructions. 

Please review our updated step-by-step guide and timeline for Penn's 2021 Marshall application process!

Watch this video to learn more about building a strong Marshall application featuring 4 recent Marshall Scholars sharing their advice on applying.

Marshall Scholarship

The Marshall Scholarship is tenable at any university in the United Kingdom, and provides overseas transportation, all tuition and fees, and a personal living allowance for (typically) two years of graduate study. Applicants are also encouraged to apply for a three- or four-year PhD, for which supplemental Marshall funding is typically available. The Marshall's goal is to support strong academic students and promote US students' engagement throughout the UK. While the Marshall is happy to support students to attend Oxford, Cambridge, and the major London universities, the Scholarship particularly welcomes candidates interested in studying at universities other than Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, UCL, King's College London, and Imperial College, especially the Marshall’s UK partner institutions. The UK's faculty-driven Research Excellence Framework 2014 ranking of UK graduate programs can help you identify the strongest UK academic departments in your field.

In addition to demonstrating wide-ranging academic excellence and a cumulative undergraduate GPA at the institution where you will receive or have received your Bachelor's degree of at least 3.70, the most successful candidates have demonstrated initiative and commitment to larger issues such as service, research, and engagement in efforts to serve humanity both on and beyond campus.  Additionally, candidates should have a clearly articulated reason for studying in the UK, a solid understanding of the research they will conduct in a specific graduate program, and a plan for how they will use their studies in the UK as a springboard for their future career and an opportunity to promote ongoing professional connections between the US and the UK.

http://www.marshallscholarship.org

2021 applicants who wish to commence graduate study in Fall 2022 should enroll in the CURF Fellowship Resources canvas site and complete Penn's Request for Endorsement form as soon as possible, ideally no later than March 31, 2021. See details at Endorsement Process for Rhodes and Marshall Scholarships

Penn Application Deadline: August 1, 2021, 4:00pm

Penn’s Application Process

The Marshall Scholarship accepts nominations from institutions – students may not apply independently. To apply for Penn’s endorsement, you must complete the following steps by Penn’s Internal Deadline of August 1, 2021, 4:00pm.

• Candidates should indicate their intent to apply for endorsement for the Marshall Scholarship (as well as the Rhodes Scholarship, if relevant) as soon as possible by completing the Request for University of Pennsylvania Endorsement Form.  Candidates will then be assigned a Fellowship Advisor who will help the candidate clarify goals, values, and purposes, assist with application details, and draft the letter of endorsement on behalf of the University.  Candidates requesting endorsement after July 1 must contact Dr. Wallace Genser at genser@upenn.edu to request consideration for University of Pennsylvania endorsement.   
• As soon as you have arranged for letters of recommendation for the Marshall Scholarship, complete a CURF Recommendation Request Form for each recommender.  If you are also applying for the Rhodes and/or Mitchell, separate requests must be submitted for each award.  DO NOT request letters of recommendation through the Marshall application system. Letters of recommendations must be submitted to CURF via the webform no later than 4:00pm on August 1, 2021.
• Complete Penn’s Internal Marshall application form, including the upload of a single PDF which combines your four Marshall statements and your unofficial transcript from Penn InTouch (and other institutions, if relevant).  If you do not receive an email confirming your submission within 4 hours, please IMMEDIATELY email aolson@upenn.edu to make sure CURF has received your submission. Submission is due by 4:00pm on August 1, 2021.
• Following Penn’s internal deadline, candidate materials are reviewed by the University of Pennsylvania’s Faculty Review Committee, which is comprised of Penn faculty who have been awarded prestigious scholarships and are actively engaged in promoting Penn’s academic mission.  The Committee will select candidates to interview for consideration for Penn endorsement.
• Candidates selected for endorsement for the Marshall Scholarship will receive further instructions.

Please review our updated step-by-step guide and timeline for the 2021 Gates Cambridge application process!

Gates Cambridge Scholarship

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship in any subject area for students to pursue a graduate degree at the University of Cambridge. The scholarships are for one, two, or three years, with a possible extension to a fourth year.

In addition to demonstrating wide-ranging academic excellence sufficient to be considered a top candidate in the Cambridge department to which they apply (which normally requires a cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.80 or above by Summer 2020), the most successful Gates candidates have demonstrated the capacity to lead and "take others with them" to make the world a better place, a commitment to working for the greater good, and a good academic fit with the Cambridge graduate program to which they apply. Candidates with cumulative undergraduate GPAs below 3.80 at the time of application need to demonstrate sustained ongoing commitment to producing positive change in their chosen field. 

https://www.gatescambridge.org/

Deadlines:

• For US Citizens living in the US - October 13, 2021 (US) (11:59pm UK time) (TENTATIVE)
• For all other eligible candidates (including US citizens who are living outside the US) –  based on the student’s course, either 2 December 2021 OR 6 January 2022 (TENTATIVE)

NOTE:  If a Cambridge course deadline is earlier than the relevant funding deadline above, you must apply by the earlier course deadline.

Penn’s Application Process

• There is no Gates application separate from the Cambridge graduate application (GRADSAF). That application includes a supplemental personal essay for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship (and another for the Cambridge Commonwealth Trust and the Cambridge Overseas Research Trusts).
• While the Gates Cambridge Scholarship does not require Penn’s nomination, CURF will be happy to provide advice, guidance, and application assistance to you.  CURF requests that Gates applicants create a single PDF of the required application materials (with the exception of recommendations) and submit a pdf of their complete Gates Cambridge application to CURF using this form after they have submitted their Gates Cambridge application to the Cambridge website.

Check out this step-by-step guide to the Fulbright process for potential applicants! 

Fulbright U.S. Student Program

Fulbright Grants fund 8-12 months of international experience in over 140 countries. With a long-standing mission of promoting mutual understanding through educational and cultural exchange, Fulbright opportunities can be categorized into two main grant types:

• Study/Research grants offer the opportunity to carry out your own international research project in any discipline (or in some countries, to pursue a graduate degree)
• English Teaching Assistantships (ETA) grants place Fulbrighters in classrooms abroad to teach English and share American culture

http://us.fulbrightonline.org/

Penn Campus Deadline: August 30, 2021

National Deadline: October 12, 2021 (5pm EST)

Penn’s Application Process

• Interested candidates should submit this brief webform to request access to CURF's Canvas site for Fulbright applicants. 
• Applicants must submit complete applications through Fulbright’s online application system by August 30, 2021 in order to meet Penn’s Internal Deadline. Penn undergraduate and graduate students should apply through Penn, and utilize CURF advising and Penn’s Fulbright Faculty Committee (FFC).  Alumni are strongly encouraged to apply through Penn to access to CURF and FFC support, but have the option to apply At-Large. 
• In September, applicants are matched with members of Penn’s Fulbright Faculty Committee, who provide feedback about application materials, conduct an interview, and draft a campus committee evaluation to be appended to the final application. This process is designed to be supportive and educational, and applicants will have an opportunity to revise some elements of their application before final submission. 
• If an applicant is unable to submit a complete application by August but still wants to apply through Penn, they may do so by meeting Fulbright's National Deadline in October. While an applicant who does not meet Penn’s Internal Deadline cannot participate in the campus process outlined above, qualified candidates who submit complete applications through Penn by the National Deadline will still be forwarded to Fulbright’s National Screening Committee with the rest of Penn’s applicants.
• By the end of January, the Institute for International Education (IIE) will notify candidates of their status after a preliminary national screening.  Candidates recommended by the national screening panels have their applications forwarded abroad for further review. Ultimately, Fulbright recipients will be selected jointly by the US State Department and National Commissions, and are notified on a rolling basis by country, typically in March and April.