Office of National Fellowships and Scholarships

Success Stories

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Prepare and Apply

Applying for nationally competitive fellowships and scholarships requires advance planning and preparation. GET STARTED

Find Your Opportunity

There are fellowship and scholarship opportunities available around the world. Find the one that fits your academic passion. READ MORE

ONFS Services

We offer advising and support through the process of choosing and applying to national fellowships and scholarships. READ MORE

From Fulbright grants to Watson Fellowships, Colgate students and alumni have been awarded many of the most competitive national and international fellowships and scholarships.

Advisement & Resources

Need help getting started? You don't have to navigate the application process alone! Get advice and information on the entire application process, from matching your interests and goals with the right opportunities to writing the personal statement. Dean Germain has extensive knowledge of what makes a strong application, and she is here to help you put your best foot forward in these competitions. LEARN MORE

Fellowship Listing

See a listing of the major scholarships available. Many awards require nomination by Colgate; these are highlighted, including details about how to secure Colgate's nomination. Other great opportunities that do not require nomination are also available. Browse these amazing opportunities, including eligibility criteria and any relevant upcoming deadlines, to find out which ones are a good match for you. LEARN MORE

Examples:

Truman Scholarship

Provides up to $30,000 in support for graduate or professional studies toward a public service-related degree, plus leadership training and networking.

Campus deadline: December 1. Final deadline: early February

Candidates must:

Be a college junior at the time of application
Be a US citizen, permanent resident, or US national
Demonstrate significant leadership and a commitment to public service
Plan to build a career in public service
Have a highly competitive GPA

Truman website

Goldwater Scholarship

For undergraduate study leading to research careers in mathematics or natural science or engineering. Awards up to $7,500 for the remaining undergraduate year(s) of study.

Campus deadline: December 1. Final deadline: late January.

Candidates must:

Be a sophomore or junior at the time of application
Be a US citizen, national, or resident alien
Have a highly competitive GPA
Have at least one significant research experience to date
Be nominated by Colgate. Nomination decisions will be made by our Goldwater Committee after review of application materials submitted for the campus deadline.

Goldwater website

Udall Scholarship

Provides up to $5,000 towards tuition and other college expenses. Scholars also attend a Udall Orientation in August in Tucson, AZ, and will gain access to a nationwide network of environmental, Native American health, and tribal policy professionals.

Campus deadline: February 2. Final deadline: early March.

Candidates must:

Be a college sophomore or junior at the time of application
Have a college GPA of at least "B"
Be a US citizen, permanent resident, or US national
Demonstrate commitment to the environment and plan to pursue careers related to the environment; or
be Native American or Alaska Native students who demonstrate commitment to careers related to tribal public policy; or
be Native American or Alaska Native students who demonstrate commitment to careers related to Native health care.
Be nominated by Colgate. Nomination decisions will be made by our Udall Committee after review of application materials submitted for the campus deadline.

Udall website

Watson Fellowship

Provides $30,000 for 12 months of independent exploration and travel outside of the US following graduation.

Campus deadline: October 5

Candidates must:

Be in their senior year at the time of application
Receive your degree prior to Aug. 1 of that year
Create a project for a year of independent, purposeful exploration and travel
Be nominated by Colgate. Nomination decisions will be made by our Watson Committee after review of application materials and campus interviews, which will take place soon after the campus deadline above.

NB: Download the Watson campus application form, which contains complete instructions, and download the recommendation form that your references must complete.

Watson website

Fulbright US Student Program Grant

Provides full funding for one academic year abroad for research/study or teaching English.

Preliminary deadline: June 15 (for initial drafts). Final Colgate deadline: September 15.

Candidates must:

Be a U.S. citizen
Hold a bachelor's degree before the beginning date of the grant
Present a plan or project which can be completed in one academic year
Be available for an interview with Colgate's Fulbright Committee soon after September 15

Fulbright website

Rhodes Scholarship

Provides full funding (tuition & stipend) for graduate study (or a second bachelor's degree) at the University of Oxford in the UK.

Preliminary deadline: June 1. Final Colgate deadline: September 15.

Candidates must:

Be at least 18 and not yet 24 years of age
Be a US citizen or a lawful permanent resident (see note below)
Complete the bachelor's degree prior to beginning studies at Oxford
Demonstrate academic achievement, leadership, community service, concern for and protection of the weak, and vigor in extracurricular activities, which may or may not include sports
Be nominated by Colgate. Nomination decisions will be made by our UK/Ireland Committee after review of application materials and campus interviews.

NB: Citizens of other nations may be able to compete in their home country's Rhodes competition, if one exists and they meet that country's eligibility criteria. Contact ONFS as soon as possible if you wish to inquire about Rhodes outside the US.

Rhodes website: US
Rhodes website: Other nations

Marshall Scholarship

For graduate study in a British college or university for one or two years. Awards include full tuition, living allowance, book grant, thesis grant, research grant, and travel allowance.

Preliminary deadline: June 1. Final Colgate deadline: September 15.

Candidates must:

Be a US citizen
Be a current or rising senior or have received the BA after the April two years prior to the year of application
Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.7
Have an outstanding academic record, creative and original leadership experience, extensive community service, and ambassadorial potential
Be nominated by Colgate. Nomination decisions will be made by our UK/Ireland Committee after review of application materials and campus interviews.

Marshall website

View comprehensive list

News

Past Recipients

Each year, we have a number of students receiving a variety of national fellowships, scholarships, and grants. If you are considering applying, you may find it helpful to explore their examples. LEARN MORE