Fellowships
IS majors and minors have many opportunities to pursue fellowships and scholarships that can help to fund and facilitate research, travel, study, or teaching while a student or after graduation. The BC Fellowships Office is the most important site for students to visit and make use of when searching for opportunities. We duplicate some of that information on our web site here as a service to IS majors and minors, but we are not able to stay as up-to-date as the Fellowships Office about all the details.
On this page we offer an IS-focused set of resources about fellowships and scholarships, as well as lists of IS students who have won these fellowships. Most of these fellowships are very competitive, but IS students have been successful in earning them; on average, IS majors earn post-graduate fellowships at 4x the rate of other BC graduates.
If you are interested in fellowship opportunities for undergraduate research, check out our research page.
Video Recording: Fellowships and Scholarships Information for IS majors/minors with Jason Cavallari.
Video Recording: 2020 Fulbright Scholars Alumni Panel
OIP Scholarships: includes information about the Fung scholarship, Mizna fellowship, and other fellowships related to study abroad
External Fellowships
Fulbright Scholarship (U.S. Student Program)
Funding for: Teaching or resarch abroad
Who can apply: Seniors and graduates (U.S. citizens only)
Deadline: BC's deadline is in September; but contact Prof. Christensen early spring of your junior year for more details.
Description: The J. William Fulbright Scholars Program provides grants for individually designed study/research projects or for English Teaching Assistant Programs in over 90 countries. One of the nation's most prestigious fellowships, Fulbrights are awarded on the basis of applicants’ academic merit and leadership potential, and support a post-baccalaureate year abroad (in over 140 countries) to study, teach English, or conduct research.
Advisor: Prof. Paul Christensen (Political Science/International Studioes) is BC's Fulbright Director.
Thanks in part to Prof. Christensen's leadership, BC consistently produces a high number of Fulbright winners.
IS alumni recipients: More than sixty IS majors have received Fulbright Scholarships, including:
Mary Harrison '23 (Germany)
Maeve Ronan '21 (Spain)
Mariana Ferreira '21 (Spain, grad study)
Brianna Stonick '21 (Côte d'Ivoire)
Grace Cavanagh '21 (Spain)
Catherine Passarello '21 (Spain)
Sophie Frusell '21 (Dominican Rep.)
Michael Zuppone ‘20 (Spain)
Luke Tannenbaum ‘20 (Spain)
Bjorn Carlson ‘20 (Bulgaria)
Audrey Hersman ‘19
Nina Nadirashvili '19 (Georgia, rsrch)
Anna Ringheiser ‘18
Lauren Lin ‘18
Solina Jean-Louis ‘18
Caroline Patterson ‘17
Lucas Allen ‘16
Eleanor Vorys ‘16
Alexis Fessatidis ‘16
Ricardo Alberto ‘16
Mabel Lee ‘15
Maria Ireland ‘15
Eleanor Hildebrandt ‘15 (Nepal)
Narintohn Luangrath ‘14
Patrick Vale '13
Margaret O’Neill '13
Rockwell Ludden '13
Robert Balint '13
Claire Kairys '13
Caroline Ceriello '13
Maggie O'Neill '13
Kevin Savage '13
Kelsey Swift '13
Katherine Ruddy '12
Sarah Joo '12
Sabrina Caldwell '12
Caitlin Rowe '11
Elizabeth Muller '11
Emily McCormick '11
Mark Buttweiler '10
John Choi '10
Meghan Michael '10
Erin Lytwin '10
Dorothy Rimmelin '09
Alexander Prounis '09
Christopher Maroshegyi '09
Maryclair Abowd '08
Jenevieve Doerr '08
Atlas Anagnos '07
Cody Canyon '07
Allison Ramirez '07
Shannon Reece '06
Mara Medina '06
Kelly McClure '06
Jenevieve Doerr '05
Stephen Cottle '05
Melanie Getreuer '04
Sarah A. Kuchinos '03
Anna Chernova '00
Theodore Kalmback '99
If you've received a Fulbright and are not listed here, please let us know!
Harry S. Truman Scholarship
Who can apply: Sophomores, Juniors (US Citizens only). Candidates must first be nominated by the Truman Faculty Representative at their institution; a maximum of four non-transfer students per university may be nominated.
Deadline: early February
Description: Truman scholarships are for students of any academic discipline who have a strong record of academic accomplishment, demonstrated leadership ability, and commitment to public service. A stated interest in pursuing graduate study and careers in public service are central to the Truman Foundation.The Truman Scholarship, is the premier graduate fellowship in the United States for those pursuing careers as public service leaders.
Advisor: Prof. Kenji Hayao, Political Science Dept.
IS alumni recipients:
Narintohn Luangrath ‘14
Lisa (Langdon) Koch ‘01
George C. Marshall Scholarship
Funding for: Graduate Study
Eligibility: Seniors (US Citizens only)
Deadline: Late September/early October
Descripton: The Marshall Scholarship provides tuition, fees, travel allowance, and stipend to enable graduates of American colleges and universities to study for a degree at a university in the United Kingdom for a period of at least two years. These scholarships were initiated to encourage future intellectual and political leaders of the United States to study at any university in the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland) and thereby expand their understanding of British culture and policies.
Advisor: Prof. Rein Uritam, Chemistry Dept.
IS alumni recipients: not known
Churchill Scholarship
Funding for: Graduate school at the Univ. of Cambridge
Who can apply: Seniors (US Citizens only)
Deadline: early November
Description: The Churchill Scholarship provides funding to American students for a year of Master’s study in science, mathematics, and engineering at the University of Cambridge, based at Churchill College. Its selection critara are outstanding academic achievement in a STEM field; proven talent in research; and outstanding personal qualities (what they call "interesting jagged edges" rather than a "well-rounded" person).
Advisor: Dr. Jason Cavallari, University Fellowships Office
IS alumni recipients: not known
Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship
Funding for: Graduate school
Who can apply? Seniors (US Citizens only)
Description: The Pickering program provides funding to participants as they are preparing academically and professionally to enter the United States Department of State Foreign Service. Women, members of minority groups historically under-represented in the Foreign Service, and students with financial need are especially encouraged to apply.
Advisor: Prof. Hiroshi Nakazato, International Studies
IS alumni winners:
Nazifa Subah '17 (IS minor, CSOM major), 2023 Pickering award
Jennifer Shin ‘13 (IS major), 2017 Pickering award
Rebecca Kinyon Lora '01 (IS major), 2002 Pickering award
Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Fellowship
Funding for: Graduate School
Who can apply? Seniors (US Citizens only) who are members of minority groups historically under-represented in the Foreign Service and those with financial need
Description: The Charles B. Rangel Graduate Fellowship program aims to attract and prepare outstanding young people for careers in the Foreign Service in which they can help formulate, represent, and implement U.S. foreign policy. This program encourages the application of members of minority groups historically under-represented in the Foreign Service and those with financial need.
Advisor: Prof. Hiroshi Nakazato, International Studies Program
IS Alumni winners: not known; list to come
David L. Boren NSEP Scholarship Study Abroad
Funding for: undergraduate study
Who can apply: Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors (US Citizens only)
Deadline: Awards for undergraduate study abroad are due February 2, 2022 and provide up to $25,000. Awards for graduate study are due January 26, 2022 and provide up to $30,000.
Description: The David Boren National Security Education Program offers more than 300 merit-based scholarships each year for the study of languages, cultures, and world regions not commonly represented in American international education, specifically those outside of Western Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Advisor: Ms. Christina Hatzipetros, Office of International Programs
IS Alumni winners:
David Kim '23
James Sauro ‘16
Rhodes Scholarship
Funding for: Graduate school at Oxford University
Who can apply? Seniors (US Citizens only)
Deadline:
Description: The Rhodes Scholarship Program is among the most elite and distinguished academic scholarships in the world. It was established through a bequest of the Cecil Rhodes to give promising young leaders and scholars the opportunity to study for two to three years at Oxford University, UK in any academic field. BC students interested in applying for a Rhodes Scholarship shoulld be in touch with the Rhodes Fellowship advisor as soon as possible, even in freshman year, in order to understand the course of study, research opportunites, and service needed to be a viable candidate. (Athletic achievement is no longer a component of the Rhodes Scholarship program.)
Advisor: Prof. Jason Cavallari
IS alumni winners: none yet!
Other fellowships of note:
Beinecke Memorial Scholarship
Funding for: Graduate school
Who can apply: Juniors
Deadline: Second Wednesday of February
Description: Awarded to students wishing to pursue a graduate degree in the arts, humanities, or social sciences. Financial need is a considerable factor in evaluation of applications.
Advisor: Prof. Zachary Matus, History Dept.
IS alumni recipients: not known
Michel David-Weill Scholarship
Funding for: Graduate School
Who can apply: Seniors (US citizens only)
Deadline: Early October
Description: The Michel David-Weill Scholarship covers tuition and living expenses for a two-year Master's program at Sciences Po in Paris, France.
Advisor: Dr. Jason Cavallari, University Fellowships
IS alumni recipients: not known
Ford Foundation Fellowships
Funding for: Graduate School
Who can apply: Seniors (US Citizens only)
Deadline: Early December
Description: The Ford Foundation Fellowships seek to increase the diversity of the nation’s college and university faculties by increasing their ethnic and racial diversity, to maximize the educational benefits of diversity, and to increase the number of professors who can and will use diversity as a resource for enriching the education of all students.
Advisor: Prof. Karen Miller, History Dept.
IS alumni recipients: not known
James C. Gaither Junior Fellows Program
Funding for: Postgraduate Research Fellowship
Who can apply: Seniors (US Citizens only)
Deadline: Deadline varies; contact faculty rep for more information
Description: The Junior Fellows program at the Carnegie Endowment is designed to provide a substantive work experience for students who have a serious career interest in the area of international affairs. Ten Fellows are appointed each year to work at the Endowment on a full-time basis for a period of one year.
Advisor: Dr. Jason Cavallari, University Fellowships
IS alumni recipients: not known
German Chancellor Fellowship
Funding for: Postgraduate Research/Professional Development
Who can apply: Seniors (US, Brazil, China, Russia, India Citizens only)
Deadline: September 15
Description: The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation awards up to ten German Chancellor Scholarships each year to young U.S. citizens from any profession or field of study who show outstanding potential for future leadership. Selected scholars represent the private, public, not-for-profit, cultural, and academic sectors. The program, designed to strengthen U.S.–German ties, provides for a stay of one year in Germany for professional development, study, or research.
Advisor: Dr. Jason Cavallari, University Fellowships
IS alumni recipients: not known
Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship
Funding for: Study Abroad
Who can apply: Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors (US Citizens only)
Deadline: October or March, depending on study abroad time frame
Description: The Gilman Scholarship Program awards funds to U.S. citizen undergraduate students who are receiving Federal Pell Grant funding at a two-year or four-year college or university to participate in study and intern abroad programs worldwide.
Advisor: Christina Hatzipetros, Office of International Programs
IS alumni recipients:
Liam Madden ‘19
Pamela Harriman Foreign Service Fellowship
Funding for: Internships
Who can apply: Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors (US Citizens only)
Deadline: September / March
Description: The Pamela Harriman Foreign Service Fellowship was established by the College of William and Mary to inspire the best of a new generation to pursue careers in public service. The Awards are offered annually to three outstanding undergraduates from across the nation. Each Fellowship winner will spend a summer in an internship position with the U.S. Department of State in London, Paris, or Washington, DC.
Advisor: Prof. Hiroshi Nakazato, International Studies
IS alumni recipients: not known
Lilly Graduate Fellowship
Funding for: Graduate School Funding
Who can apply: Seniors (US Citizens only)
Deadline: Early November
Description: The Lilly Graduate Fellows Program supports, during the course of their graduate education, exceptionally well qualified young men and women who have bachelor degrees from LFP Network schools (of which BC is one) and who are interested in becoming teacher-scholars at church-related colleges and universities in the United States.
Advisor: Prof. Patrick Byrne, Philosophy Dept.
IS alumni recipients: not known
George J. Mitchell Scholarship
Funding for: Graduate School
Who can apply: Seniors (US Citizens only)
Deadline: September
Description: Mitchell Scholars are eligible to attend institutions of higher learning in Ireland, including the seven universities in the Republic of Ireland and the two universities in Northern Ireland, for one academic year of graduate study.
Advisor: Prof. Robert Savage, Irish Studies/History Dept.
IS alumni recipients: not known
Schwarzman Scholarship
Funding for: Graduate School
Who can apply: Seniors
Deadline: U.S. and Global Students: September; Students with Chinese Passports: May 2021
Description: A fully-funded one-year Master's program at Tsinghua University in Beijing, China. Designed for students with a particular interest in leadership and recognition of China's place in geopolitical affairs.
Advisor: Dr. Jason Cavallari, University Fellowships
IS alumni recipients: not known
Herbert Scoville Jr. Peace Fellowship
Funding for: Postgraduate Research/Professional Development
Who can apply: Seniors (US Citizens preferred)
Deadline: For Fall 2021 Fellowship: January 19, 2021 (begin between July 15 and October 1, 2021); For Spring 2022 Fellowship: October 1, 2021 (begin between January 15 and April 1, 2022)
Description: 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. Scoville Fellows serve as full-time project assistants at the participating organization of their choice.
Advisor: MCAS Associate Dean Candace Hetzner
IS alumni recipients: not known
Morris K. & Stewart L. Udall Scholarship
Funding for: Undergraduate study
Who can apply: Sophomores, Juniors (US Citizens or permanent residents only)
Deadline: March 2, 2021
Description: The scholarships are for undergraduates who intend to pursue careers related to environmental public policy, and for Native American and Alaskan Native students who intend to pursue careers in health care and tribal public policy.
Advisor: Prof. Noah Snyder, Earth Sciences Dept./Environmental Studies Program
IS alumni recipients: not known
Gates Cambridge Scholarship
Funding for: Graduate School
Who can apply: Seniors
Deadline: Early October
Description: Scholarships are awarded to outstanding applicants from countries outside the UK to pursue a full-time postgraduate degree in any subject available at the University of Cambridge.
Advisor: Dr. Jason Cavallari, University Fellowships
IS alumni recipients: not known
Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program
Funding for: Graduate study at Stanford University (any program)
Who can apply: Anyone who has graduated from college in the past 7 years. (See eligibility requirements here.)
Deadline: mid-October (separate application from the Stanford graudate program to which you also apply)
Description: Considered one of the world’s most coveted and prestigious graduate scholarships, the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program invites exceptional students and promising young leaders from around the globe to study in the discipline of their choice at any of Stanford’s graduate programs. The scholarship was established in 2016 through a gift from Stanford alumnus Phil Knight, co-founder of Nike, Inc., and other benefactors, and is named for Knight and former Stanford President John Hennessy. It is the largest fully endowed graduate fellowship in the world, and provides full tuition, room and board, books and supplies, and a stipend for approximately 100 scholars each year.
Advisor: Dr. Jason Cavallari, University Fellowships
ISP alumni winners:
Lucas Levine '15 (to Stanford Graduate School of Busniess, in 2020)
Advanced Study Grants
Funding for: Summer research
Who can apply? BC Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors as nominated by faculty
[** All IS majors are nominated and can apply for this award **]
Deadline: mid-March for summer funding
These are awarded for summer research or projects that promise to accelerate dramatically the applicant's academic progress. The intent of this program is to encourage undergraduates to acquire skills that will make more sophisticated research and study possible during their junior and senior years. Proposed projects must be independent, student-designed projects.
Advisor: Prof. Alice Behnegar, Political Science Dept.
ISP majors/minors receiving fellowship:
- 2016-2023 ASG recipients names to be noted asap
- 2015: Grace Fucci ’17, Diane Hoffman ’18, Solina Jean-Louis ’18, Elizabeth Magill ’17, Anxhela Mile ’17, Chasen Richter ’17
- 2014: Yolanda Botti-Lodovico ’15, Maria Ireland ’15, Ahnastasia Kielar ’16, Tate Krasner ’16, Anna Link ’16, Laura Maida ’16, Stephen Trudeau ’16, Eleanor Vorys ’16
- 2013: Lucas Allen ’16, Alexander Gaynor ’15, Eleanor Hildebrandt ’15, Min Yeong Ki ’15, Tate Krasner ’16, Shayna Scott ’14, Airen Surzyn, ’15, Gabrielle Tarini ’15, Jessica Zuban, ’15
- 2012: Rostislav Brichko ’14, Sean Keeley ’15, Mabel Lee ’15, Narintohn Luangrath ’14, Kayla Parr ’14, Mary Popeo ’14
- 2011: Kelsey Swift ’12, Megan Jantsch ’13, Thomas Mattera ’13, Kevin Savage ’13, Narintohn Luangrath ’14
- 2010: Shirley Chen ’12, Claire Kairys ’12, Xinyu (Shannon) Pan ’12
McGillycuddy-Logue Travel Grant
The McGillycuddy-Logue Travel Grant is available to BC undergraduate students who plan to study on BC summer or semester and year programs abroad, and are also recipients of BC institutional financial aid at the time of application, as well as for the period they are abroad
Funding for: Travel
Who can apply? BC study abroad applicants
Deadline: Spring funding: Nov 1
Summer funding: Feb 5
Fall/Year-long funding: March 25
Advisor: Christina Hatzipetros, Office of Global Education
ISP majors/minors receiving fellowship: numerous; speak with OGE for more info
Mizna Fellowship
Funding for: Travel
Who can apply? BC study abroad applicants
Deadline: Spring funding: Nov 1
Summer funding: Feb 5
Fall/Year-long funding: March 25
Mizna Fellowships are awarded on a competitive basis to Boston College students including freshmen, for whom travel may be an introduction to the world of Islamic scholarship and to seniors who seek to expand their understandings of Islamic cultures, history, language and societies in order to author a distinguished senior thesis.
Advisor: Christina Hatzipetros, Office of Global Education
ISP majors/minors receiving fellowship: numerous; talk with OGE for details
Omar A. Aggad Travel & Research Fellowship
Funding for: Travel and Research
Who can apply? BC Undergraduates
Deadline: For 2021: March 15
The Omar A. Aggad Travel and Research Fellowship was established through the generous gift of a Boston College family to inspire BC graduate and undergraduate students to expand their understandings of the Arab world, and of the relationships between Arab societies and the West.
Advisor: Prof. Kathy Bailey, Political Science and Islamic Civilization & Societies Program
ISP majors/minors receiving fellowship: not known
Amanda V. Houston Traveling Fellowship
Funding for: Travel
Who can apply? BC Sophomores and Juniors
Deadline: March 25
The Amanda V. Houston Traveling Fellowship provides up to $3,000 toward domestic or international travel for either an Independent Research Project under the supervision of a faculty member or a Research Paper attached to an approved course in a BC recognized study abroad program. Projects must significantly focus on African or African Diaspora communities.
Advisor: Richard Paul, Assistant Director, AADS Progam
ISP majors/minors receiving fellowship: not known