Center for Undergraduate Research & Fellowships

Schwarzman Scholarship 

• For US Citizens and citizens of all countries not listed below: September 22, 2020 (11:59pm US Eastern Daylight Time)
• NOTE: The Application Deadline for citizens of mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macao for Fall 2021 entry was May 20, 2020

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 Tsinghua University – 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/

Please view the 3-minute video from three Schwarzman Scholars from Penn describing their Schwarzman experience.

A useful overview from the Schwarzman Scholars Program's Global Director of Admissions is available here.

Deadlines:

• For citizens of mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macao: May 20, 2020
• For US Citizens and citizens of all countries not listed above: September 22, 2020 (11:59pm US Eastern Daylight Time)
• Application information and deadline at http://www.schwarzmanscholars.org/admissions/application/

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. For US Citizens and citizens of all countries not eligible for Chinese citizenship: September 22, 2020 (11:59pm US Eastern Daylight Time)

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

Rhodes Scholarship

Starting in 2018, 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 at http://www.rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk/about/rhodes-countries. Potential Penn applicants are invited to learn more about the application process by completing this form to request access to Penn's Canvas site for Rhodes applicants, attending Fellowships Explained and Fellowship 201 for Rhodes applicants, and calling 215-746-6488 to schedule 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 to support doctoral studies).  The Rhodes Scholarship pays all tuition and fees, in addition to a personal allowance for living expenses. Information about courses of study at Oxford is available at http://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/graduate/courses. Details about eligible degrees can be found at https://www.rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk/media/42584/conditions-of-tenure-2018-19.pdf

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. At the time of application applicants must have a clearly articulated reason for studying at Oxford including a solid understanding of the specific Oxford graduate degree(s) they seek. 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, and 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.

https://www.rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk/scholarships/apply/

2020 applicants who wish to commence graduate study in Fall 2021 should complete this form to request access to Penn's Canvas site for Rhodes applicants, and complete Penn's Request for Endorsement form as soon as possible. See details at Endorsement Process for Rhodes, Marshall, and Mitchell

Penn Application Deadline for applicants eligible to apply from Canada and the US (including US Permanent Residents): August 1, 2020, 4:00pm. (All other applicants must meet their home country's deadline available at https://www.rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk/scholarships/apply/)

Special Note to 2020 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, 2020 (to commence study at Oxford in Fall 2021) in order to be considered as one of Penn's nominees.

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, 2020, 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 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 Rhodes Scholarship, complete a CURF Recommendation Request Form for each recommender.  If you are also applying for the Marshall and/or Mitchell, 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, 2020.
• 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, 2020.
• 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. 

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

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/

2020 applicants who wish to commence graduate study in Fall 2021 should complete this form to request access to Penn's Canvas site for Mitchell applicants, and complete Penn's Request for Endorsement form as soon as possible. See details at Endorsement Process for Rhodes, Marshall, and Mitchell

Penn Application Deadline: August 1, 2020, 4:00pm

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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, 2020, 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, 2020.
• 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, 2020.
• 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. 

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

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

2020 applicants who wish to commence graduate study in Fall 2021 should complete this form to request access to Penn's Canvas site for the Marshall applicants, and complete Penn's Request for Endorsement form as soon as possible. See details at Endorsement Process for Rhodes, Marshall, and Mitchell

Penn Application Deadline: August 1, 2020, 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, 2020, 4:00pm.

• Candidates should indicate their intent to apply for endorsement for the Marshall Scholarship (as well as the Rhodes 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 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 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, 2020.
• 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, 2020.
• 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.

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 14, 2020 (US) (11:59pm UK time)
• For all other eligible candidates (including US citizens who are living outside the US) –  based on the student’s course, either 3 December 2020 OR 7 January 2021

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 31, 2020

National Deadline: October 13, 2020 (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 31, 2020 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. Additional details are available here. 
• 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 (October 13, 2020 at 5pm EST). 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.