Scholarship Information

National Scholarship Programs – select the links for additional information and program deadlines. The Dean of Honors serves as the VSU Campus Representative. For further information, please contact the Dean at honors@valdosta.edu

National prestigious scholarships open opportunities for the world’s best graduate study, network building, and international experience. Each year thousands of America’s best university students craft personal statements, seek excellent reference letters, and draft research proposals as they apply for a major scholarship award. Each student who does so learns how to think deeply about their abilities and the uses they can put them to, and finds their horizons broadened by the experience of applying. Scholarships are available to students from all majors, although some have special requirements and emphases (see individual descriptions below). Valdosta State University’s best students should explore national scholarship opportunities, such as those listed below, knowing that the process of applying in itself is a valuable experience which builds self- knowledge and wisdom. Faculty advisors and mentors are available to discuss particular scholarships with students, and to offer help with personal statements and research proposals. For more information, please contact the Honors College at honors@valdosta.edu

Marshall Scholarships - http://www.marshallscholarship.org
Marshall Scholarships finance young Americans of high ability to study for a degree in theUnited Kingdom. At least forty Scholars are selected each year to study either at graduate or occasionally undergraduate level at an UK institution in any field of study. Each scholarship is held for two years. The minimum GPA requirement is 3.7. To qualify for awards candidates must have graduated from their under graduate institution after April 2007. The scholarship covers university fees, cost of living expenses, an annual book grant, thesis grant, research and daily travel grants, fares to and from the United States and, where applicable, a contribution towards the support of a dependent spouse.

Rhodes Scholarship - http://www.rhodesscholar.org
Rhodes Scholars from all disciplines are elected for two years of study at the University of Oxford, with the possibility of renewal for a third year. No minimum GPA, but candidates are expected to be in the top 10% of their class and exhibit exemplary academic performance. The scholarship provides for all educational costs, such as matriculation, travel to and from Oxford, tuition, laboratory and certain other fees. Each Scholar receives in addition a maintenance allowance adequate to meet necessary expenses for term-time and vacations.

Truman Scholarship - https://www.truman.gov
The Truman Scholarship provides up to $30,000 in funding to students pursuing graduate degrees in public service fields. 60-65 candidates are awarded annually Applicants should have a strong background in campus and community service. There is no GPA requirement, but most candidates hold a 3.8 GPA or higher.

George J. Mitchell Scholarship - http://www.us-irelandalliance.org
The US-Ireland Alliance sponsors a competitive, national scholarship for graduate study by American citizens between the ages of 18 and 30 at institutions of higher learning on the island of Ireland. Named to honor the former U.S. Senator's pivotal contribution to the Northern Ireland peace process, the George J. Mitchell Scholarships are intended to familiarize and connect the next generation of American leadership with Ireland. There is no minimum GPA, but students are expected to exhibit academic excellence and preparation for graduate study in their chosen field. These Scholarships support one year of graduate study in any discipline offered at an institution of higher learning in Ireland or Northern Ireland. Scholars must be enrolled in a degree or certificate program offered at the institution. The Mitchell Scholarship provides tuition, housing, a living expenses stipend, and international travel.

Fulbright - https://us.fulbrightonline.org
The Fulbright Program aims to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and other countries, through the exchange of persons, knowledge, and skills. The Fulbright Program offers a variety of grant opportunities, including comprehensive Fulbright grants and Fulbright travel grants. Additional grants are available on a country-by-country basis, including opportunities in teaching and business. Most of the grants will be awarded for programs of study or research that will require one academic year.  

James Madison Fellowships - http://www.jamesmadison.gov
These fellowships seek to encourage history students to become high school teachers of American history and social studies. These fellowships provide support for obtaining a master's degree concentrating in the history of the U.S. Constitution. Each year the Fellowship Foundation awards at least one fellowship in each state to outstanding college seniors and recent graduates who intend to pursue full-time study for a master's degree. Fellows are eligible for up to $24,000 in support for no more than two years of study in any accredited graduate program which emphasizes "the origins, principles, and development of the Constitution of the United States." In return, Madison Fellows must agree to teach full time in a secondary school for at least two years following tenure of the fellowship.

David L. Boren Undergraduate Scholarships (NSEP) - https://www.borenawards.org
NSEP scholarships are intended to provide support to U.S. undergraduates who will pursue the study of languages and cultures currently underrepresented in study abroad and critical to U.S. national security. Awards are for a minimum of one academic term, including a summer term of six (6) weeks or longer. Preference is given to applicants pursuing study abroad for a full academic year. All recipients of NSEP awards must seek employment with a federal agency or office involved in national security affairs.

Jack Kent Cooke Scholarships - http://www.jkcf.org/scholarship-programs/
The mission of the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation is to help young people of exceptional promise reach their full potential through education. The foundation focuses in particular on scholarships for outstanding individuals with financial need. These scholarships take various forms, including awards of up to $30,000 for students and recent alumni from community colleges who will pursue a bachelor’s degree at a four-year institution and up to $50,000 for undergraduates or recent graduates pursuing a master’s or professional degree. Applicants must have a minimum 3.5 GPA and be nominated by her/his institution. 

Benjamin Gilman Scholarships - http://www.iie.org/programs/gilman-scholarship-program#.WEnDMneZO3A
Gilman Scholarships of up to $5,000 are made for U.S. citizen undergraduates to study abroad for a semester or year. Award amounts will vary depending on the length of study and student need with the average award being $4,000. Students who are receiving federal Pell Grant funding at 2-year or 4-year undergraduate colleges or universities are eligible to apply.

Goldwater Scholarships - https://goldwater.scholarsapply.org
Barry M. Goldwater Scholarships are given to sophomores and juniors who have outstanding potential and intend to pursue careers in mathematics, the natural sciences, or engineering. A student must be nominated by his or her college or university. Each scholarship covers eligible expenses for tuition, fees, books and room and board up to a maximum of $7500 annually.