What Are National and International Fellowships? The Office of National and International Fellowships (NIF) at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln encourages undergraduate students and alumni to compete annually for a number of high-profile, nationally competitive, external merit scholarships and fellowships.
A fellowship is a supportive community of scholar-leaders with similar values and interests, sponsored by a university or off-campus organization (such as a government agency or nonprofit foundation) in order to provide fellows with the necessary resources for educational and professional success.
While most fellowships support graduate or undergraduate study in specific degree programs, other fellowships are designed as internship programs, with learning objectives that are met through (usually full-time) work experience. Some of the most popular fellowships allow U.S. students to study, conduct research, or perform work abroad to gain practical experience in your field and strengthen cross-cultural engagement skills after graduation.
These external awards provide funding and life-changing opportunities across a range of disciplines and interests. For the ambitious student, applying for these national fellowships, in which you compete with the best and brightest in the United States, is a perfect culmination of your time at the University. Students who engage in the process of applying for a fellowship typically gain:
- a stronger sense of their professional interests, strengths and talents, career goals, and graduate school options.
- more confidence in the interview process.
- experience in presenting and defending ideas both in writing and before review panels.
- stronger guidance and relationships with faculty mentors.
- deeper involvement in research, creative, and leadership activities.
Plan ahead. Most fellowships require students to submit applications one full year in advance of receiving funding and are quite competitive. NIF staff also advise students on applications for approximately 2 to 6 months prior to external deadlines. If you are seeking financial assistance for the current or upcoming term, please contact the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships in the Husker Hub.
Upcoming Events: Check out our Gilman Scholarship (Aug. 31 – Oct. 6) and NSF Graduate Research Fellowship (Sept. 13 – Oct. 14) events!
