Funding Opportunities
There are numerous funding opportunities (scholarships, grants and fellowships) available to Global Studies students. These opportunities are available for undergraduate and graduate study, research, and internships, and can play an important role in helping you reach your academic and professional goals.
A great place to begin your funding search is on the University’s Grants and Scholarships pages. The Learning Abroad Center provides an excellent International Scholarship and Funding database for study, research, service learning and internships abroad. CLA Honors also has an excellent scholarship information page.
Top funding opportunities
Undergraduate
General Funding Opportunities
Research and Internships Funding
International Research and Internships Funding (Overseas)
Study Abroad Funding
Contests and Awards
Graduate
International Masters Programs, Research, and Internships Funding
Domestic Masters Programs, Research and Internships Funding
General Funding Opportunities
Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship
- Undergraduates
- Transfer Students
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship Program each year awards approximately 35 scholarships to students attending community colleges or two-year institutions in the US and planning to transfer to four-year institutions.
Josephine DeKarman Fellowship Trust
- Students Entering Senior Undergraduate year
The purpose of this Fellowship program is to recognize and assist students whose scholastic achievements reflect Professor von Kármán's high standards. Eligibility: students in any discipline entering Senior Undergraduate year.
Undergraduate Research and Internships Funding
CLA Undergraduate Internship Grant
- Undergraduates
- Participants in non-paid internships
Internships are great way to enhance your academic experience. The CLA Undergraduate Internship Grant Program is designed to provide some financial assistance to students participating in unpaid internships.
- Undergraduate
- Participants in for-profit internships
This award is granted to a student doing an internship in a for-profit setting (one $1200 grant awarded per year).
- Undergraduate
- Researchers with Faculty Sponsorship
The University of Minnesota's Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program offers financial awards twice yearly to full time undergraduates for research, scholarly, or creative projects undertaken in partnership with a faculty member. It encourages students to conduct research and pursue academic interests outside of their regular courses by employing them to work on special research projects. UROP applications are judged on both the quality of the proposed project and the educational benefit to the student; awards are not based on financial need.
Undergraduate International Research and Internships Funding (Overseas)*
*Visit the Learning Abroad Center’s International Scholarship and Funding database for more opportunities.
DAAD EMGIP-Bundestag Internship
- Advanced Undergrads
- Graduates
EMGIP offers internship opportunities for US and Canadian students in the German parliament, the Bundestag. The internships are two months long in positions matching the student’s interest and experience. Interns will be placed with their preferred Fraktion, Ausschuss, with individual members of the Bundestag and their offices. In addition to contributing to the respective offices, interns have the opportunity to study legislative and administrative procedures in the German parliament.
Paulo Freire Grant Program (Abroad)
- Undergraduates
- International Service Learning
This program emphasizes how human oppression and liberation overlap with community service and international work. You will travel abroad a minimum of nine weeks of participation in an international community service project. You will design or select your program, including the international site, project, living arrangements, and travel. Alternate timelines may be considered. We invite proposals that create meaningful experiential learning opportunities around the themes of social justice, human rights, and community development.
Scholarship for Volunteering and Interning Abroad (PDF)
- Undergraduates
- Participants in international internships or volunteer opportunities
This partnership LAC and Cross-Cultural Solutions) qualifies University of Minnesota students to be eligible for the 2005 International Volunteer Scholarship—partial scholarship of $455 applicable towards an Intern Abroad or Volunteer Abroad program through Cross-Cultural Solutions. All applicants who meet with Learning Abroad Center staff to apply for a Cross-Cultural Solutions program will receive the scholarship. It is not need or merit based.
Undergraduate Study Abroad Funding*
*Visit the Learning Abroad Center’s International Scholarship and Funding database for more opportunities.
Denmark’s International Study (Learning Abroad Center)
- Open to juniors and seniors
- 3.0 GPA or higher
All University of Minnesota students receive an automatic scholarship of $4000 for academic year study and $2000 for semester study. Enroll in a wide variety of courses taught in English—from architecture and business to pre-med and social sciences—and enjoy exciting study tours to other sites in Europe. Study tour sites include Sweden, Russia, Germany, and the Czech Republic.
Freeman Awards for Study Abroad in Asia
- Undergraduates
- Studying Abroad in Asia
Freeman-ASIA (Freeman Awards for Study in Asia) is designed to support American undergraduates with demonstrated financial need who are planning on studying overseas in East or Southeast Asia. Freeman-ASIA Award recipients are expected to share their experiences with their home campuses to encourage study abroad in Asia by others, and to spread greater understanding of Asian peoples and cultures within their home communities.
International Reciprocal Student Exchange Program-IRSEP (Learning Abroad Center)
- Undergraduates
- Early Application
Full Scholarship Program (Germany, Iceland, Malaysia, China, Senegal, Tanzania) open to University of Minnesota–Twin Cities students enrolled as degree-seeking undergraduates. Students must have completed at least one year of study at the University of Minnesota prior to participation. Students must be willing to make a three year commitment which includes returning to the Twin Cities the year after the study abroad experience in order to recruit, select and orient the next year's nominee.
Judee Kleffman Memorial Scholarship (Learning Abroad Center)
- MSID program students
Open to all University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus undergraduate, degree-seeking students participating on a Minnesota Studies in International Development (MSID) program.
Katherine E. Sullivan Scholarship
- Undergraduates
- 5th year of study
The Katherine E. Sullivan Scholarship provides an opportunity for seniors at any campus of the University of Minnesota to enrich their academic experience with a fifth year of undergraduate study in another country. The Office of International Programs grants these awards, and Honors-College of Liberal Arts, Twin Cities Campus, is responsible for the selection of recipients. The Sullivan Scholarship will cover all or a portion of in-country educational expenses (tuition, fees, books, and research costs), room and board, essential daily expenses, and round-trip transportation between the Twin Cities and the study site.
NSEP David L. Boren Undergraduate Scholarship
- Undergraduates
The National Security Education Program (NSEP) David L. Boren Undergraduate Scholarships offer a unique opportunity for U.S. undergraduates to study abroad. NSEP awards scholarships to American students for study of world regions critical to U.S. interests (including Africa, Asia, Central & Eastern Europe, Eurasia, Latin America & the Caribbean, and the Middle East). The countries of Western Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand are excluded.
Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarships (Semester/Year/Multi-Year)
- Undergraduates and Graduate Students
The purpose of the Ambassadorial Scholarships program is to further international understanding and friendly relations among people of different countries and geographical areas. The program sponsors several types of scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students as well as for qualified professionals pursuing vocational studies. While abroad, scholars serve as goodwill ambassadors to the host country and give presentations about their homelands to Rotary clubs and other groups. Upon returning home, scholars share with Rotarians and others the experiences that led to a greater understanding of their host country.
UNESCO Laura W. Bush Traveling Fellowship
- Undergarduate and Graduate Students
- International collaborations relating to the mandate of UNESCO
The fellowship will help fund a proposal designed by the applicant to conduct brief work in a foreign country related to the mandate of UNESCO – using education, natural sciences, social and human sciences, culture, and/or communication and information to build strong ties among nations. The fellowship is intended for American college/university students who express an interest in international collaboration but as of yet had not been afforded many opportunities to travel abroad. The length of time for the travel is expected to be between 4 and 6 weeks and should include interaction with individuals from other nations. During his/her travel, the recipient should be willing to participate in public diplomacy events arranged with the pertinent U.S. State Department Consulate, Mission, and/or Embassy. Following the travel, the recipient agrees to submit a report describing experiences and analyzing objectives achieved; share his/her experiences with others; and be available to make a presentation at the Annual Meeting of the U.S. National Commission for UNESCO.
US Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Critical Language Scholarhips (Summer)
- Intensive Summer Language Abroad
The United States Department of State and the Council of American Overseas Research Centers (CAORC) are pleased to announce the availability of scholarships for intensive overseas study in the critical need foreign languages of Arabic, Bangla/Bengali, Chinese, Hindi, Korean, Persian, Punjabi, Russian, Turkish, and Urdu for Summer 2007.
As part of the National Security Language Initiative (NSLI), a U.S. government interagency effort to expand dramatically the number of Americans studying and mastering critical need foreign languages, the Department of State Critical Language Scholarships will provide funding for U.S. citizen undergraduate, Master's and Ph.D. students to participate in beginning, intermediate and/or advanced level summer language programs at American Overseas Research Centers and affiliated partners.
Recipients of these scholarships will be expected to continue their language study beyond the scholarship period and later apply their critical language skills in their professional careers
Contests & Awards
The Nation Student Writing Contest
We're looking for original, thoughtful, provocative student voices to tell us what issue is of most concern to their generation. Essays should not exceed 800 words and should be original, unpublished work that demonstrates fresh, clear thinking and superior quality of expression and craftsmanship. We'll select five finalists and one winner, who will be awarded a $500 cash prize and a Nation subscription. The winning essay will be published in the magazine and featured on our website. The five finalists will be awarded $100 each and subscriptions, and their entries will be published online. The contest is open to students at American high schools and to undergraduates at American colleges and universities.
Whatever the answer to essential questions of society and individual human beings may be, education is surely its major component. But what would education be without its ethical dimension? Many of us believe them to be inseparable. That is why this Prize in Ethics Essay Contest was established in 1989 by our Foundation. Thousands of students from hundreds of colleges and universities across the nation have participated. Through their writing, they explored their concerns and beliefs, their fears and their hopes. While we suggest relevant topics each year, applicants are encouraged to choose any subject they feel strongly about, provided it is related to the domain of ethics. The quality of the essays we have received over the years has been remarkable. It is with great difficulty that winners are chosen by a special committee of teachers and scholars. We appeal to college students to send us their essays. We promise you they will not be ignored. In fact, we shall be proud to be your first readers and perhaps your first critics and publishers.
International Masters Programs, Research, and Internships Funding
- International Graduate Study, Research and Teaching
Is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and is the largest U.S. international exchange program offering opportunities for students, scholars, and professionals to undertake international graduate study, advanced research, university teaching, and teaching in elementary and secondary schools worldwide.
- Graduate Study at Cambridge (UK)
- 1st or 2nd class Honors Degree
- Normally under 30 years of age
This international scholarship programme enables outstanding graduate students from outside the United Kingdom to study at the University of Cambridge. The Trustees are required to award scholarships on the basis of a person's intellectual ability, leadership capacity and desire to use their knowledge to contribute to society throughout the world by providing service to their communities and applying their talents and knowledge to improve the lives of others.
- Graduating Undergrads
- Graduate Study in UK
- 3.7 GPA or higher maintained throughout career
Every year, Marshall Scholarships allow up to 40 young Americans to study in the United Kingdom for two, and occasionally three, years. The scholarships have strengthened the bonds between our two countries since 1953 when they were first established by the British government to celebrate the implementation of the European Recovery Program (Marshall Plan).
- Graduating Undergrads/Graduate Students
- One Year Graduate Study in Ireland or Northern ireland
The George J. Mitchell Scholarship is a national competitive fellowship sponsored by the US-Ireland Alliance. The Mitchell Scholarship 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 public service and community. Twelve Mitchell Scholars between the ages of 18 and 30 are chosen annually for one year of postgraduate study in any discipline offered by institutions of higher learning in Ireland and Northern Ireland. Applicants are judged on three criteria: academic excellence, leadership, and a sustained commitment to service and community. The Mitchell Scholarship provides tuition, housing, a living expenses stipend, and an international travel stipend.
- Graduating Undergrads
- Graduate Study/Research in Norway
The Norwegian Marshall Fund was established in 1977 as a gesture of appreciation of the fundamental importance of the Marshall Plan for Norway during the reconstruction of Europe after World War II. The purpose of the Fund is to provide financial support for Americans invited to come to Norway to conduct post-graduate study or research in areas of mutual importance to Norway and the United States.
- Graduate Study at Oxford (UK)
American Rhodes Scholars are selected through a decentralized process by which regional selection committees choose 32 Scholars each year from among those nominated by selection committees in each of the fifty states. Intellectual distinction is a necessary but not a sufficient condition for election to a Rhodes Scholarship. Through the years, Rhodes Scholars have pursued studies in all of the varied fields available at the University of Oxford. Rhodes Scholars are elected for two years of study at the University of Oxford, with the possibility of renewal for a third year. All educational costs, such as matriculation, tuition, laboratory and certain other fees, are paid on the Scholar's behalf by the Rhodes Trustees.
Domestic Masters Programs, Research and Internships Funding
Herbert Scoville Jr. Peace Fellowship
- Graduating Seniors
- Graduate Study
The Herbert Scoville Jr. Peace Fellowship was established in 1987 to provide college graduates with the opportunity to gain a Washington perspective on key issues of peace and security. Twice yearly, the Fellowship's Board of Directors selects a group of outstanding individuals to spend six to nine months in Washington. Supported by a monthly stipend, the Fellows serve as full-time junior staff members at the participating organization of their choice.
Jacob K. Javits Fellowship Program
- Graduate Study
The Department of Education awards fellowships in selected fields of study of the arts, humanities and social sciences. Students must demonstrate financial need by filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Subject to the availability of funds, a fellow receives the Javits fellowship annually for up to the lesser of 48 months or the completion of their degree. The fellowship consists of an institutional payment (accepted by the institution of higher education in lieu of all tuition and fees for the fellow) and a stipend (based on the fellow's financial need as determined by the measurements of the Federal Student Assistance Processing System.
Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans
- Resident Aliens, Green Card holders, Naturalized Citizens, Children of two naturalized citizens.
- Graduating Seniors
- Graduate Study
- 30 years of age or younger
The purpose of The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans is to provide opportunities for continuing generations of able and accomplished New Americans to achieve leadership in their chosen fields. The Program is established in recognition of the contributions New Americans have made to American life and in gratitude for the opportunities the United States has afforded the donors and their family.
Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship Program
- Undergraduates-Sophomore Application
- Graduate Study
- 3 Years service in US Foreign Service required after completion of Program
- 3.2 GPA or higher
The Pickering Graduate Foreign Affairs Fellowship is funded by the U.S. Department of State and administered by the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation. The program seeks to recruit talented students in academic programs relevant to international affairs, political and economic analysis, administration, management, and science policy. The goal is to attract outstanding students from all ethnic, racial and social backgrounds who have an interest in pursuing a Foreign Service career in the U.S. Department of State.
- Graduate Study
- Junior year application
The Truman Scholarship provides up to $30,000 in funding to students pursuing graduate degrees in public service fields. Students must be college juniors at the time of selection.
University of Minnesota Human Rights Center Fellowship
- Undergraduate
- Graduate
The Human Rights Center encourages residents of the Upper Midwest—including students, teachers, lawyers, health professionals, community leaders and others—to undertake practical experiences/internships in human rights organizations. The Fellowship Program is designed to promote social justice by providing practical training in the varied aspects of human rights work worldwide. The fellowship placement should provide both training for the individual and assistance to the host organization.
- College degree holders
- Minorities
The Wellstone fellowship is designed to increase the number of Black/African American, Latino, and American Indian social justice leaders. Candidates seeking consideration for the Wellstone fellowship must demonstrate an interest in health care policy and a commitment to contributing to social justice work following their year of hands-on experience as a fellow. Preference will be given to applicants who have experience with, or demonstrate a keen interest in, working with communities of color. While there is no bias in favor of any specific academic discipline, a college degree is preferred. There is no minimum GPA to qualify for consideration.