Competitive Fellowships & Awards

TU supports academically strong students seeking to advance their educational and career goals through highly competitive fellowships and awards available in the United States and abroad. 

Fellowships and awards are available to support undergraduate and graduate study, research and public service. Competitive candidates demonstrate international experience, participation in research, record of accomplishment, community service, and outstanding leadership roles.

Information sessions are held each fall and spring and are open to all TU students and alumni, regardless of major, year or enrollment at Towson University.

How to Apply

Students interested in applying for competitive fellowships and awards are encouraged to contact Dr. Mary Sajini Devadas, director of competitive fellowships and awards, at .

Successful applications typically include:

  • a personal statement that is clear, succinct, and focused
  • a distinguished academic resume
  • strong letters of recommendation from faculty
  • a well-planned proposal for future research

Faculty Nominations

Faculty who wish to nominate a student should complete the Competitive Fellowship & Awards Nomination Form.

Recent Award Winners

Competitive Fellowships and Awards

There are many fellowships, awards, internships and opportunities available to undergraduate and graduate students.

National Scholarships and Fellowships

The Rangel Graduate Fellowship aims to attract and prepare outstanding young people for careers in the Foreign Service of the U.S. Department of State in which they can help formulate, represent and implement U.S. foreign policy. This program encourages the application of members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the Foreign Service, women, and those with financial need. Fellows who successfully complete the program and Foreign Service entry requirements will receive appointments as Foreign Service Officers, in accordance with applicable law and State Department policy. Students will receive $95,000 in financial benefits over the two years of the program, including up to $37,500 per year toward graduate school. Eligible students must be U.S. citizens, have a GPA of at least 3.2, and an intention to start a two-year graduate school in fall of the year for which they are applying. 

The Charles B. Rangel Summer Enrichment Program is 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. The program usually selects participants (known as “Rangel Scholars”) each year from universities throughout the United States. This program encourages application from members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the Foreign Service, women, and those with financial need. Students live at Howard University, attend classes, and participate in a variety of programs with foreign affairs professionals at Howard and at diverse locations around Washington, D.C.

  • Deadline: Early February
  • Eligibility: All majors
  • Class Standing: Juniors and Seniors
  • Contact: Dr. Mary Sajini Devadas,  

The Coro Fellows Program develops emerging leaders to work and lead across different sectors by equipping them with knowledge, skills, and networks to accelerate positive change in a cohort structure. This award is open to non-U.S. citizens as well.

  • Deadline: Early January
  • Eligibility: All majors
  • Class Standing: Seniors, Graduate students, Alumni
  • Contact: Dr. Mary Sajini Devadas,

The Point Flagship Scholarship empowers LGBTQ students who are earning their undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees at accredited colleges in the United States. This scholarship is open to even non-U.S. citizens and undocumented students. Students can renew this scholarship multiple years.   Students will typically begin working with the Office of Competitive Fellowships and Awards in the fall to submit application material.

  • Deadline: Early February
  • Eligibility: All majors
  • Class Standing: Freshman onward and graduate students
  • Contact: Dr. Mary Sajini Devadas,   

The Foreign Affairs IT Fellowship is an opportunity to use your IT based skills to make a difference, see the world, and experience different cultures. Funded by the U.S. Department of State, this two-year Fellowship program is a path to a career in the Foreign Service by providing academic funding for an IT-related degree, internships, professional development, and mentorship – culminating in an appointment in the Foreign Service as an Information Management Specialist (IMS). 

  • Deadline: Early February 
  • Eligibility: IT related majors 
  • Class Standing: Sophomores and seniors entering 2 yr. masters programs
  • Contact: Dr. Mary Sajini Devadas,  

By providing Goldwater Scholarships to college sophomores and juniors who intend to pursue research careers in the natural sciences, mathematics and engineering, the Goldwater Foundation is helping ensure that the U.S. is producing the number of highly-qualified professionals the nation needs in these critical fields. Apply as college sophomores and juniors. There is a $7,500 scholarship opportunity for undergraduates. Applicants must be U.S. citizens. Students will typically begin working with the campus committee in early fall to receive a nomination.

Each year, through the James C. Gaither Junior Fellows Program, the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace offers approximately 11-13 one-year fellowships to uniquely qualified graduating seniors and individuals who have graduated during the past academic year. They are selected from a pool of nominees nominated by several hundred participating universities and colleges. James C. Gaither Junior Fellows work as research assistants to Carnegie’s senior scholars in the areas of democracy, conflict and governance; U.S. foreign policy and diplomacy; nuclear policy; and other topics in international affairs. Graduating seniors or alumni within one year of graduation are eligible. Applicants must be U.S. citizens. Students will typically begin working with the campus committee in fall to receive a nomination.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Undergraduate Scholarship Program (UGSP) offers competitive scholarships to students from disadvantaged backgrounds who are committed to careers in biomedical, behavioral, and social science health-related research. The program provides up to $20,000 per academic year in tuition, educational expenses, and reasonable living expenses to scholarship recipients. Scholarships are awarded for one year and can be renewed for up to four years. In return, scholars must commit to two NIH service obligations for every year of scholarship support.

  • Deadline: Early April
  • Eligibility: Biology, MB3, Behavioral, and Social Sciences majors
  • Class Standing: Freshman onwards 
  • Contact: Dr. Mary Sajini Devadas,   

The purpose of the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship  is to ensure the quality, vitality and diversity of the scientific and engineering workforce of the United States. The Graduate Research Fellowship Program seeks to broaden participation in science and engineering of underrepresented groups, including women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and veterans. The five-year fellowship provides three years of financial support inclusive of an annual stipend of $37,000. Applicants must be U.S. citizens. Students will typically begin working with the Office of Competitive Fellowships and Awards in the summer on their application material.

The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans, is a $90,000 fellowship for immigrants and children of immigrants going to graduate school in the United States. If you are an immigrant or child of immigrants who will be a college senior this fall, a college graduate who is applying to graduate school this fall, or someone in the first or second year of a graduate program you’ll be in during the 2024-2025 academic year, consider applying. You can be pursuing any type of professional or graduate degree—including master’s degrees, MFAs, JDs, PhDs, MDs, MBAs, MPPs, and the list goes on! They are looking for students who are hard-working, creative, willing to ask big questions, and looking to make a significant contribution to American society or their academic field. Students willing to apply should work with the Office of Competitive Fellowships and Awards From May.

  • Deadline: Late October 
  • Eligibility: All majors
  • Class Standing: Seniors, Graduate students
  • Contact: Dr. Mary Sajini Devadas,

 

The Samvid Scholarship program empowers future leaders and changemakers through leadership development programming and community-building events. Scholars receive up to $50K for tuition and fees each year for two years of study in an eligible graduate program. 

  • Deadline: Early April
  • Eligibility: All majors
  • Class Standing: Juniors, Seniors
  • Contact: Dr. Mary Sajini Devadas,   

The Department of Defense (DoD) Scholarship-for-Service Program (SMART) is a combined educational and workforce development opportunity for STEM students. SMART offers scholarships for undergraduate, master's, and doctoral students pursuing a STEM degree. Scholarship recipients receive full tuition, annual stipends, internships, and guaranteed employment with the Department of Defense after graduation. 

  • Deadline: Early December
  • Eligibility: STEM majors
  • Class Standing: Sophomore onwards, Graduate students 
  • Contact: Dr. Mary Sajini Devadas,

 

The Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Graduate Fellowship Program, funded by the U.S. Department of State and administered by Howard University, attracts and prepares outstanding young people for Foreign Service careers in the U.S. Department of State. Upon successful completion of a two-year master's degree program and fulfillment of Foreign Service entry requirements, fellows can work as Foreign Service Officers, serving in Washington, D.C., and at a U.S. embassy, consulate or diplomatic mission around the globe. Students will receive up to $42,000 annually for a two-year period for tuition, room, board, books, and mandatory fees for completion of two-year master’s degrees. This includes up to $24,000 per year for tuition and mandatory fees and an academic year stipend of $18,000.

  • Deadline: Late September
  • Eligibility: International affairs or a related subject including business
  • Class Standing: Juniors
  • Contact: Dr. Mary Sajini Devadas,  

The Pat Tillman Foundation unites and empowers remarkable military veterans and spouses as the next generation of private and public sector leaders committed to service beyond self. The Tillman Scholar program supports Tillman Scholars with academic scholarships, a national network, and professional development opportunities in all different fields. 
Students typically begin working with the Office of Competitive Fellowships and Awards in fall to submit their materials.

  • Deadline: First Tuesday in February
  • Eligibility: Veterans, active-duty service members and/or their spouses
  • Class Standing: Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors, graduate students
  • Contact: Dr. Mary Sajini Devadas,  

The Truman Scholarship is a premier graduate fellowship in the United States for those pursuing careers as public service leaders. It identifies young people at an important inflection point in their development — when they are college juniors — and recognizes and rewards their commitments to devote themselves to public service. Scholars receive $30,000 for graduate or professional school. Applicants must be U.S. citizens. Students will typically begin working with the campus committee in the summer to receive a nomination.

The Udall Foundation awards scholarships to college sophomores and juniors for leadership, public service, and commitment to issues related to Native American nations or to the environment. Students will receive up to $7,000 for eligible academic expenses.

  • Deadline: Early March
  • Eligibility: All majors
  • Class Standing: Juniors
  • Contact: Dr. Chris Salice, ; Dr. Mary Sajini Devadas,  

The Voyager Scholarship was created by the Obamas and Brian Chesky, Airbnb Co-founder and CEO, to help shape young leaders who can bridge divides and help solve our globalized world needs together. This scholarship gives college students financial aid to alleviate the burden of college debt, meaningful travel experiences to expand their horizons, and a network of mentors and leaders to support them.

  • Deadline: March
  • Eligibility: All majors
  • Class Standing: Sophomores
  • Contact: Dr. Mary Sajini Devadas,  

Through the William D. Clarke, Sr. Diplomatic Security (Clarke DS) Fellowship, students will embark on a career path that will take them around the world, providing protection to U.S. personnel, facilities, and information, while supporting diplomacy. Funded by the U.S. Department of State, the Clarke DS Fellowship is a two-year graduate fellowship program designed for individuals who want to pursue a master’s degree and a career as a Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Special Agent in the Foreign Service. This fellowship requires a five-year commitment with the Foreign Service as a DSS Special Agent upon successful completion of the program and the State Department’s requirements.

  • Deadline: Early October to Late November
  • Eligibility: All majors
  • Class Standing: Seniors
  • Contact: Dr. Mary Sajini Devadas,

International Scholarships and Fellowships

The American-Scandinavian Foundation (ASF) promotes firsthand exchange of intellectual and creative influence between the United States and the Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden engaged in study, research, or creative arts projects. ASF offers both year-long fellowships of up to $23,000 and short-term (1-3 month) grants of up to $5,000 to graduate students (preferably dissertation-related) and academic professionals interested in pursuing research or creative arts projects. 

  • Deadline: Varies by program
  • Contact: Dr. Mary Sajini Devadas,
  • Eligibility: All majors
  • Class Standing: Graduate Students

 

 

Boren Scholarships and Fellowships provide up to $24,000 to U.S. undergraduate and graduate students to study abroad in areas of the world that are critical to U.S. interests and underrepresented in study abroad. Although this program has a language component, it is open to all majors.

  • Deadline: Late January (fellowships); early February (scholarships)
  • Eligibility: All majors
  • Class Standing: Seniors and students within one year of graduation
  • Contact: Christopher Powers, ; Dr. Mary Sajini Devadas, tucfa@towson.edu

 

The DAAD German Academic Exchange offers several scholarship opportunities to study or research in Germany. Opportunities are available for all academic fields and on all academic levels. Grants typically cover the cost of living and often include a travel stipend. Eligibility varies by program.

 

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program is a prestigious grant program awarded to graduating seniors and graduate students that supports study/research projects or English teaching projects for students to conduct outside of the U.S. Applicants must be U.S. citizens. Students will typically begin working with the campus advisers in the spring on their application material.

 

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship program funds approximately 80 full-cost scholarships to outstanding applicants from countries outside the U.K. to pursue a postgraduate degree in any subject available at the University of Cambridge. Twenty-five awards are available in the U.S. round and 55 are  available in the international round. The selection criteria are based on outstanding intellectual ability, reasons for choice of course, a commitment to improving the lives of others and leadership potential. Students will typically begin working with the campus committee in January.

  • Deadline: Early October
  • Eligibility: Any major
  • Class Standing: Juniors and Seniors
  • Contact: Dr. Mary Sajini Devadas,  

 

  • The Luce Scholars Program is a nationally competitive fellowship that offers early career leaders immersive, professional experiences in Asia. The program aims to forge stronger, more informed, more compassionate relationships across geographic borders by creating opportunities for young Americans across diverse sectors and interests to deepen their ties and understanding of the countries, cultures, and people of Asia.  This award is open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents, the Luce Scholars Program provides stipends, language training, and individualized professional placement in Asia 
  •  Deadline: Mid October
  •  Eligibility: All majors
  •  Class Standing: Seniors, Graduate students, Alumni 
  •  Contact: Dr. Mary Sajini Devadas,

 

 

 

Marshall Scholarship finances young Americans of high ability to study for a degree in the United Kingdom through a scholarship to pursue a postgraduate degree at any U.K. institution in any field of study. Applicants must be U.S. citizens. Students will typically begin working with the Office of Competitive Fellowships and Awards in early spring on their application material to receive a nomination.

 

The McCall MacBain Scholarship at McGill University is Canada’s first comprehensive, leadership-driven scholarships for master’s and professional degree studies. Students who aspire to lead with a purpose, those who have demonstrated leadership potential and community engagement to make a positive impact in other peoples’ lives is who they are looking for. Academic credentials with an entrepreneurial spirit should be reflected in the application. Funding will be provided for masters programs at McGill University. Eligible students must be currently enrolled undergraduate students and those who have completed their first bachelor's degree more than five years ago and are under 30 years of age. Students will typically begin working with the Office of Competitive Fellowships and Awards in early spring on their application material to receive a nomination.

 

  • Deadline: Last week in September
  • Eligibility: All majors
  • Class Standing: Juniors, Seniors and Alumni below 30 years, International UG students
  • Contact: Mary Sajini Devadas, 

 

The George J. Mitchell Scholarship Program, named to honor former U.S. Senator George Mitchell's pivotal contribution to the Northern Ireland peace process, is designed to introduce and connect generations of future American leaders to the island of Ireland, while recognizing and fostering intellectual achievement, leadership, and a commitment to community and public service. Students re provided funding for one academic year (September through May) of postgraduate study in any discipline offered by institutions of higher learning in Ireland and Northern Ireland. Applicants are selected based on scholarship, leadership, and a sustained commitment to community and public service. Applicants must be U.S. citizens. Students will typically begin working with the Office of Competitive Fellowships and Awards in spring on their application material to receive a nomination.

  • Deadline: Late September
  • Eligibility: All majors
  • Class Standing: Juniors, Seniors and Alumni below 30 years of age
  • Contact: Dr. Mary Sajini Devadas,  

 

Rhodes Scholarships are the oldest and most celebrated international fellowship awards in the world. Rhodes Scholars are chosen not only for their outstanding scholarly achievements, but for their character, commitment to others and to the common good, and for their potential for leadership in whatever domains their careers may lead. Rhodes scholars receive a scholarship to pursue a full-time postgraduate degree at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom. Eligible students must be currently enrolled, undergraduate students and those who have completed a bachelor's degree with at least a 3.7. Students will typically begin working with the Office of Competitive Fellowships and Awards in early spring on their application material to receive a nomination.

International students can apply for the Global Rhodes competition. For more information contact the director of the Office of Competitive Fellowships and Awards.

 

Office of Competitive Fellowships and Awards: Summer Fellowship

The Office of Competitive Fellowships and Awards at Towson University offers a summer fellowship each year that supports two students engaged in efforts to effect positive change in communities on- and off- campus, and that fosters TU student leaders working for the public good. Activities include community engagement, internships or research occurring over a 10-week period in the summer. Collaboration or partnership with an external organization is encouraged. Students are required to identify a faculty mentor for their project. The stipend for 10 weeks is $5,000. Faculty mentors will receive a stipend of $1,000. 

Deadline: March 4

Contact: Dr. Mary Sajini Devadas,  

Award Overview: Office of Competitive Fellowships and Awards Summer Fellowship: Leadership for the Public Good (PDF)

Study Abroad Opportunities

Critical Language Scholarship is an overseas language immersion program supporting the study and master of one of 15 designated critical languages: Arabic, Azerbaijani, Bangla, Chinese, Hindi, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Persian, Portuguese, Punjabi, Russian, Swahili, Turkish and Urdu. Some languages require no prior experience. This program takes place over eight to 10 weeks over the summer. Eligible students must be U.S. citizens, be enrolled into an accredited U.S. degree-granting program at the undergraduate or graduate level and complete at least one full year of university by the beginning of the Critical Language Scholarship program.

The Fulbright U.K. Summer Institutes are three-to-four-week programs for U.S. undergraduate students, who have no or very little travel experience outside North America. Participants can explore the culture, heritage and history of the U.K. while experiencing higher education at a U.K. university. Students will typically begin working in early fall on their application material.

The Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) provides scholarships and ongoing support to students who are underrepresented among the U.S. study abroad population. FEA makes life-changing, international experiences accessible to all, by supporting students of color, community college, and first generation college students, before, during, and after they participate in education abroad programs.

The U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship is a grant program that enables students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad, thereby gaining skills critical to our national security and economic competitiveness. Awards range between $1,500 and $5,000. Students studying a Critical Need Language while abroad may be eligible to receive up to an additional $3,000. Eligible students must be U.S. citizens, an undergraduate student in good academic standing, receiving a Federal Pell Grant at the time of application or be Pell-eligible during their program term, and not a previous Gilman recipient. 

Internships

The General Assembly's Legislative Intern Program offers approximately 100 college and university students the opportunity to provide research and staff assistance to legislators during each session and to have both an educational and practical work experience in the Legislative Branch of State government. Upon acceptance into the program, students interview for placement with legislators, committees, or caucuses of the Maryland General Assembly.

  • Deadline: End of October
  • Eligibility: All majors
  • Class Standing: Freshman, Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors and Alumni within a year of graduation
  • Contact:: jobs@mlis.state.md.us  or internship coordinators in your department

The Native American Congressional Internship Program provides American Indian and Alaska Native students with the opportunity to gain practical experience with the federal legislative process in order to understand first-hand the government-to-government relationship between Tribes and the federal government. The internship is funded by the Native Nations Institute for Leadership, Management and Policy.

  • Deadline: Late January
  • Eligibility: All majors
  • Class Standing: Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors 
  • Contact: Dr. Mary Sajini Devadas,  

The Washington Center Academic Internship Program offers a summer or semester in Washington, D.C. With TWC’s Academic Internship Program, you’ll gain the experience, skills and network you’ll need to launch a career, all while earning academic credit. This opportunity is open to non-US citizens as well.

  • Deadline: Early October, February and March
  • Eligibility: All majors
  • Class Standing: Juniors, Seniors
  • Contact: info@twc.edu; Dr. Mary Sajini Devadas,  

Opportunities with Nonprofit Organizations

Repair the World fellows are emerging professionals who want to take action to pursue a just world, embodying the Jewish value of justice, tzedek. However, students need not be Jewish to become a Repair the World fellow The fellow will work to address the needs of all members of the community. This two-year, full-time salaried position includes hands-on service, Jewish learning, peer-to-peer recruitment, and professional development. Fellows will be placed in one of eight communities (Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Detroit, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, or Pittsburgh.)

  • Deadline: End of March
  • Eligibility: All majors
  • Class Standing: Juniors, Seniors and Alumni 
  • Contact: See website

 

News

Contact Information

Director 

person
Competitive Fellowships and Awards 
Mary Sajini Devadas
Location
Science Complex, Room 3301 B or TM 154E
Hours
Tuesdays, 4 - 5 p.m. or by appointment at calendly.com/tucfa
Phone
410-704-3507
Email
tucfa@towson.edu

Contact Information

Assistant Director

Jennifer Figg
Competitive Fellowships and Awards 
Jennifer Figg
Location
Center for the Arts, Room 3103 A 
Hours
Weekdays by appointment or by hours published on office door.
Phone
410-704-3423
Email
jfigg@towson.edu