Major Awards, Programs & Scholars

Maverick M.A.P.S.

The Office of Major Awards, Programs, and Scholars (M.A.P.S.), as part of the Honors College, is here to serve all UTA students as the university hub for highly competitive and selective national and international awards, most of which require a university nomination or endorsement. 

Our Mission

Our mission is to build a community within UTA through cross-campus collaboration and commitment with the goal of engaging Mavericks at the undergraduate and graduate level in an effort to produce nationally and internationally competitive scholars and graduates. 

As part of our mission, our commitment is to: 

  • Inform students, faculty, and staff about available national and international competitive scholarships, fellowships, awards, programs, and other opportunities
  • Help students find those opportunities which match their goals and interests 
  • Guide students through the application process with information sessions, writing workshops, one-on-one advising sessions, and committee meetings
  • Work with faculty and staff across campus to promote opportunities and awards, recommend and refer potential scholars, form evaluation committees, and prep applicants

Campus Partners

Our office works within a campus ecosystem to develop high achieving students into nationally and internationally competitive scholars and graduates of UTA. We would like to recognize and thank our partners for their continued to support in these efforts. 

  • The Office of the President
  • The Office of the Provost
  • UTA Graduate School
  • Division of Student Success
  • Office of International Education
  • Office of Undergraduate Research
  • Honors College Faculty Fellows
  • McNair Scholars Program
  • Follett Student Leadership Center
  • Goolsby Leadership Academy

Major Awards & Programs

Our office coordinates - in partnership and consultation with select offices, departments, and committees - the application, campus evaluation, and nomination processes for the following awards and programs: 

What? 

Generally considered the world's most prestigious scholarship. Covers graduate study at Oxford University (UK). 

Who?

Students of all majors with a 3.7+ GPA and strong records of academic achievement outside the classroom, outcome-oriented service, international experience, leadership, and a strong record of personal achievement (i.e. sports, music, dance, competitions, or other activities requiring teamwork). 

Where?

Oxford University, UK. 

Amount: 

Course fees and annual stipend, up to three years. 

Eligibility:

International and different eligibility requirements for different countries. Use the eligibility search function on their website. 

Deadline: 

Early October. Requires UTA institutional endorsement.

Additional Notes: 

Visit the Rhodes website to learn more. The application is quite rigorous, but rewarding. Students interested in this award should began working with our office as early as possible, even their first year. 

 

What?

Funds study abroad for US undergraduate students in world regions critical to US interests. 

Who?

Undergraduates of most any major with a strong interest in national security and public service. Boren does list preferred majors on website. 

Where?

Various locations, depending upon field of study. 

Amount: 

8-11 summer program (STEM only): $8,000; 12-24 weeks: $12,500; 25-52 weeks: $25,000

Eligibility: 

US citizen at time of application deadline. High school graduate and at least 18 years or older by application deadline. Planning to study outside of Western Europe, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand. Matriculated for the duration of the award in an undergraduate or graduate degree program within the US. 

Deadline: 

Generally, late January

Additional Notes: 

Visit the Boren Awards website to learn more. 

What? 

8-10 weeks of instruction abroad focused upon learning a language deemed critical by the US Department of State. 

Who?

Students of all majors enrolled at an accredited US institution of higher education who meet eligibility requirements. 

Where? 

Select international language sites (visit webpage for details); CLS Spark offers virtual language experience

Amount: 

Room, board, travel within host country; international travel from US and home; academic credit; non-competitive eligibility for US government employment for up to three years after program. 

Eligibility:

US Citizen or national at time of application and at least 18 years old. Enrolled at a US degree-granting institution in a degree program. Undergraduates must have completed at least one full year of study before CLS program. Minimum language proficiencies required by the host country. Must have only applied to one country. 

Deadline: 

Generally, mid-November

Additional Notes: 

Visit the CLS website to learn more. 

What?

Scholarship to support students who would like to carry out research and learn German while studying in Germany. 

Who?

Undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate students who are studying at a US institution of higher education. 

Where?

Various sites in Germany. 

Amount:

Varies by program. 

Eligibility: 

Varies by program. 

Deadline:

Varies by program.

Additional Notes: 

Visit the DAAD website to learn more and explore program options. 

What?

Funding for undergraduate or graduate study at Oxford University (UK) who wish to use technology and innovation to solve global challenges. Internships available. 

Who?

Though not exhaustive, EIT is interested in students skilled in fields such as computer science, artificial intelligence, economics, mathematics, robotics, plant services, machine learning, chemistry, biology, engineering, medicine, or microbiology. Undergraduates generally work in the internship program. 

Where?

Oxford University, UK

Amount: 

Full funding for study at Oxford and generous stiped with outstanding mentorship. 

Eligibility: 

EIT has a complex requirement. Students must be aligned with their vision, be team players, have outstanding academic records, demonstrate tenacity, be innovative, show integrity. 

Deadline:

Generally, late July

Additional Notes: 

Highly suggested to review the website for complete details on becoming a competitive EIT Ellison Scholar applicant. 

What?

Scholarship for undergraduate students seeking to study abroad in Asia. 

Who?

Students of any major who seek to study abroad in Asia for 8-12 weeks. 

Where?

Cambodia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Macao, Malaysia, Mongolia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam. 

Amount:

Summer: Up to $3,000; Semester: Up to $5,000; Academic Year: Up to $7,000

Eligibility: 

US citizen or permanent resident at time of application. Must have verified need-based aid or need for financial assistance. Undergraduate with 2.8+ GPA and at least one semester left as an undergraduate upon return from travel abroad. Must have been accepted to the study abroad program and earn credit toward UTA degree. Students must initiate a service project upon return and fill out appropriate reports/surveys. Students cannot have received the Freeman in the past. 

Deadline:

Varies

Additional Notes: 

This award and process is done in partnership with the UTA Office of International Education. Visit the home page to learn more about the Freeman-Asia Awards. To start the process of applying for a Fulbright Award contact UTA's Fulbright Program Advisor and Director of International Education Jason Kouba.

What?

A year-long, paid post assisting an English language instructor abroad. 

Who?

Open to students of all majors. Must have a conferred bachelor's degree prior to beginning the program. Open to recent graduates. 

Where?

Various international locations across the world. See website for details. 

Amount: 

Varies by country and/or region of assignment. 

Eligibility: 

US citizen. Conferred bachelor's degree prior to beginning the program or recent graduate. Must meet language requirements of host country - detailed in application. Other requirements as determined by host country/region. 

Deadline:

October

Additional Notes:

This award and process is done in partnership with the UTA Office of International Education. Learn more by visiting the Fulbright ETA home page. To start the process of applying for a Fulbright Award contact UTA's Fulbright Program Advisor and Director of International Education Jason Kouba.

What?

Funding to pursue self-proposed research projects with advisors at foreign universities or institutions of higher education. 

Who?

Students with strong research interests interested in graduate study or research abroad. Most majors accepted and eligibility varies based on country/region. Generally, for post-undergraduate research. Undergraduate seniors are encouraged to apply in the fall prior to graduation. 

Where?

Various locations around the world. Visit website for a list of host countries/institutions. 

Eligibility: 

US citizen. Completed bachelor's degree (generally) by time program starts. Language abilities necessary to complete research project at host institution. Some awards carry additional requirements based on host country/region or institution. 

Deadline: 

October. Requires UTA institutional endorsement. 

Additional Notes: 

This award and process is done in partnership with the UTA Office of International Education. Visit the home page to learn more about the Fulbright Research awards. To start the process of applying for a Fulbright Award contact UTA's Fulbright Program Advisor and Director of International Education Jason Kouba.

What?

Fully funded graduate studies at Cambridge University. 

Who?

Students seeking graduate study at Cambridge University with exceptional intellectual ability, commitment to improving the lives of others, and demonstrated leadership potential. 

Where?

UK

Amount: 

Full tuition, a generous stipend, and airfare. Additional aid possible. 

Eligibility: 

Citizen of any country outside of the UK. Applying for PhD, MLitt, or one-year postgraduate courses. 

Deadline:

US citizens generally mid-October. Other citizenships generally early-January. 

Webpage: 

Visit the Gates Cambridge website to learn more. 

What?

Scholarship for study abroad programs outside the US. 

Who?

Current undergraduate students of all majors. 

Where?

International destinations with level 1 or 2 security designation. 

Amount:

Up to $5,000. Additional supplemental awards can be applied for critical language or STEM for additional amounts. 

Eligibility: 

US citizen or national. Current Pell Grant recipient or Pell Grant eligible at time of award. Currently enrolled at a US institution of higher education. Accepted into or in the process of applying to a credit bearing study abroad program with a current level 1 or 2 security designation. 

Deadline: 

October and/or March - two deadlines per cycle. Consult with our office or study abroad. 

Additional Notes:

This award and process is done in partnership with UTA Office of International Education. Applications must be certified by financial aid and study abroad. Visit the Gilman Scholars website to learn more about the application and process. 

What?

Prestigious award recognizing sophomore and junior undergraduate students interested in STEM research careers for their promise and excellence within their field of study. 

Who? 

Undergraduate UTA students in STEM fields intent in pursuing a career in research. 

Where?

UTA

Amount:

Up to $7,500 per year for up to two years of undergraduate study. 

Eligibility: 

Be a US citizen, national, or permanent resident. Be a matriculated sophomore or junior pursuing a degree at a US institution of higher education and be a full-time matriculated student throughout the established award period. Intend to pursue a career in a natural science, mathematics, or engineering. A cumulative GPA of 3.0+ (3.5+ is generally expected). 

Deadline: 

Third week of January. This award requires UTA institutional endorsement and nomination. UTA has limited slot to endorse and thus has an institutional deadline to draft your materials for the Goldwater Committee by December 1st each year. 

Additional Notes: 

Visit the Goldwater Scholars website to learn more or start your application by completing the interest form on their web page. 

What?

10-week summer research internship program at various research sites and lab across the US. Students will work under a lead faculty/mentor along with other undergraduate students. 

Who?

Freshmen and sophomore students interested in research in CISE, Engineering, Chemistry, Astronomy, and/or Physics. 

Where?

Various project sites around the United States. 

Amount:

Each intern selected will receive a $10,500 award to cover the internship and internship-related costs. 

Eligibility: 

US citizen or permanent resident and a current freshmen or sophomore at the undergraduate level. 

Deadline:

November

Additional Notes:

Learn more about this opportunity by visiting the Goldwater Summer Research Internship website. 

What?

Selective six-week, summer program for students who wish to influence the intellectual, civic or political life of the US. 

Who?

Undergraduate and recent graduates. 

Where?

Washington, DC and online

Amount:

Residential accommodations and $3,000 stipend 

Eligibility: 

Studying or studied in the US with a 3.5+ GPA and high proficiency in English. 

Deadline: 

Generally, January or February. 

Additional Notes: 

Learn more at the Hertog Foundation website. 

What?

Advanced leadership training for global problem solvers pursuing graduate work at Stanford University. 

Who?

Undergraduate seniors thinking about attending Stanford University for graduate school. 

Where?

Stanford University 

Amount:

Funding for up to three years for any graduate degree(s) at Stanford. This funding applies to the degree(s) to which scholars are preparing to enroll at the time of scholar selection. During each of the first three years of graduate study, Knight-Hennessy scholars receive several types of funding: A fellowship applied directly to cover tuition and associated fees; a stipend for living and academic expenses such as room and board, books, academic supplies, instructional materials, local transportation, and personal expenses; a travel stipend intended to cover an economy-class ticket for one annual trip to and from Stanford. 

Eligibility: 

No restrictions or quotas on citizenship, age, major, ethnicity. Must gain admission to a Stanford University graduate program working with the program. 

Deadline: 

October

Additional Notes: 

Visit the Knight-Hennesy Scholar site to learn more. 

What?

Fellowship funding one year of master's study in France. 

Who?

Students seeking a one-year program in France. Humanities, social sciences, arts, and STEM students interested in study global challenge in a French-American context. 

Where?

One of several French universities. 

Amount:

Tuition, living expenses, travel, program activities, and administrative costs. 

Eligibility:

US citizenship. Graduating (or recent graduate) of a US institution of higher education with a 3.7+ GPA. Knowledge of French language is not a requirement. 

Deadline:

Varies. 

Additional Notes: 

Learn more at the Lafayette Fellowship website. 

What?

Scholarship to pay for a MA, MAT, or MEd in a field preparing them to teach American history, American government or civics. 

Who?

Especially good for History and Education majors. Veterans receive special consideration. 

Where?

Host institution 

Amount: 

Up to $24,000 over two years. 

Eligibility:

US citizen holding a bachelor's degree by August 31st of the year in which you are applying. Be a teacher, or plan to become a teacher, of American history, American government, social studies, or political science at the secondary school level (grades 7-12). 

Deadline:

March

Additional Notes: 

Learn more by visiting the James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation website. 

 

What? 

Extremely competitive scholarship covering the expense of up to two years of graduate study at a UK institution of higher education. 

Who? 

Students of any major with exemplary records of service, research, global engagement, leadership and professionalism. Must have a strong academic record (3.7+ GPA) and significant experiences and accomplishments outside of the classroom. Candidates are assessed on academic merit, leadership potential, and ambassadorial potential - as laid out by the Marshall Commission. 

Where? 

150+ institutions across the UK

Amount:

Amount varies by grant in covering tuition, books, living expenses, etc. for 1-2 years of graduate study. 

Eligibility: 

Must be a US Citizen. Candidates must hold their first undergraduate degree by time they take up the scholarship (apply as a senior or recent graduate). A cumulative GPA of 3.7+. Student must not have studied for or held a degree from a UK institution. 

Deadline: 

Late September. Requires UTA institutional endorsement. 

Additional Notes: 

Visit the Marshall website to learn more. The application is quite rigorous, but rewarding. Students interested in this award should began working with our office as early as possible, even their first year. 

 

What?

Leadership development scholarship to complete graduate studies at McGill University. 

Who?

Students interested in a master's or professional program at McGill. 

Where?

Montreal, Canada

Amount: 

Tuition and fees, $2,300 stipend, relocation grant, French language courses. 

Eligibility: 

Open to all students on track to earn a bachelor's degree by August of term entry - or recent graduates. 

Deadline: 

Late September

Additional Notes:

Learn more at McCall MacBain Scholars website. 

What?

A competitive, tuition-free residential summer program that bridges science with spirituality and inner purpose with outer success as intertwined pathways for personal growth and leadership development. 

Who?

Undergraduates of any major seeking leadership development. 

Where?

Nashville, TN

Amount:

Free tuition, room and board for program

Eligibility: 

This program is open to students currently enrolled in a US or Canada undergraduate program and those who graduate in the past year. 

Deadline:

November for early consideration and March for final deadline. 

Additional Notes:

To learn more about this excellent summer leadership academy visit the Mentora Scholars website. 

What?

Funding to pursue graduate-level study or research in STEM fields. 

Who?

Available to STEM students currently enrolled in STEM graduate programs. Undergraduates intending to enroll in graduate programs may apply during their final year of undergraduate study. 

Where?

Varies based on graduate school location. Scholl must be an institution with a campus located in US, its territories, or Puerto Rico. 

Amount: 

Varies. Students will receive three years of funding. NSF provides $37,000 stipend and $16,000 cost of education allowance per-year. 

Eligibilty: 

Must be a US citizen, national, or permanent resident by application deadline. Enrolled in or intend to enroll in a graduate STEM program. Must have not received the award or declined the award previously. Never previously applied to GRFP while enrolled in graduate program. Never earned a doctoral or terminal degree in any field. Have completed no more than one academic year while if enrolled in graduate program. 

Deadline: 

Varies. Generally, second week of October. Letters of recommendation are often due prior to application deadline. 

Additional Notes: 

Learn more at the NSF GRFP website. 

What?

Funded STEM research opportunity for US undergraduate students at research sites across the US - most are housed at major research universities. 

Who?

US undergraduate students with interest in performing research in STEM. Many require no previous research experience. 

Where? 

Locations vary depending on upon research site and project. Most are within in the US, though some are at field research locations. 

Amount:

Varies by program. Most pay for room and board during the program, travel to and from site, and a stipend between $5,000 and $7,000. 

Eligibility: 

US citizens, permanent residents, or US nationals. Individual sites may have additional criteria. 

Deadline:

Varies by program and site. Most programs have deadlines between late fall and early spring semesters. 

Additional Notes:

Check the NSF REU webpage for available programs and details. 

What?

A fellowship for new Americans, immigrants and children of immigrants. 

Who?

Undergraduate seniors or current graduate students of all fields who meet the eligibility requirements. 

Where?

Chosen graduate program location 

Amount:

Generous graduate school support. Varies by program. 

Eligibility: 

30 years of age or younger at the application deadline. You are an immigrant or child of immigrants. Immigrants must be naturalized US citizens, permanent residents, asylees or refugees, or someone who graduated from both high school and college in the US. You must be planning on being enrolled full-time in a US graduate or professional program in the year following application. 

Deadline: 

October

Additional Notes: 

Visit the Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowship webpage for more details and information. 

What?

A community health gap year fellowship and internship program. 

Who?

Undergraduates thinking about a gap year experience and health profession students at all levels. 

Where?

Greensboro and Marioun, AL; Pomona, CA

Amount: 

Assistance with living cost $600 (AL) or $750 (CA)/mo. Transportation stipend $280 (AL) or $395 (CA)/mo. and small relocation grant. 

Eligibility:

US citizens and appropriate educational level for program. Mostly for graduating seniors. 

Deadline:

Priority fellowship deadline: October; Secondary deadline: January; Final deadline: March (rolling admissions after mid-January, as space allows)

Additional Notes: 

Visit Project Horseshoe Farm website to learn more about the program. 

 

What?

The Rangel Graduate Fellowship is a merit and need-based program that aims to attract and prepare outstanding individuals for careers in the Foreign Service of the US Department of State. 

Who?

For applicants with an interest in foreign service/affairs who intend on entering a graduate program in that area. All majors accepted, but graduate program must be of relevance to foreign service. 

Where? 

Various and depends on site of graduate study. 

Amount: 

Up to $42,000 annually for a two-year period for completion on a two-year master's degree 

Eligibility: 

Seeking admission to enter graduate school at a US university. May be a graduating senior or college graduate at a time of application. US citizen at a time of application with a 3.2+ GPA. 

Deadline:

Generally, early November

Additional Notes: 

Visit the Rangel website to learn more. 

What?

A six-week summer program for undergraduates interested in working in international affairs. 

Who?

Undergraduate students of any major interested in the field of international affairs or major global issues. 

Where?

Howard University in Washington, DC

Amount: 

Covers tuition, room, travel, two meals per day and a stipend of $3,300. 

Eligibility: 

US citizen with a 3.2+ GPA at time of application. Students must be full-time undergraduate students with at least sophomore status. Seniors registered full-time in their last spring semester are eligible to apply. 

Deadline: 

Generally, early February. 

Additional Notes: 

Visit the Rangel Scholars webpage to learn more. 

What?

Fully funded, one-year master's program in global affairs at Tsinghuar University (China). 

Who?

Students of all majors with extraordinary leadership, who are changemakers. Must demonstrate exemplary character and a strong intellectual capacity. 

Where?

China

Eligibility: 

Undergraduate degree by Aug. 1st for the year they apply. 18-28 years of age and proficient in English. 

Deadline: 

Generally, late September

Additional Notes: 

Visit the Schwarzman Scholars website to discover more. 

What? 

Highly competitive award for civic leaders, servants, and changemakers who demonstrate civic leadership, interests in policy/governance, and a commitment to public service. 

Who?

Undergraduate students in their penultimate year of college - or last year if graduating in three years - who plan to pursue a graduate degree and a career in public service. 

Where?

Graduate school

Amount? 

Up to $30,000 for graduate study 

Eligibility: 

US citizen, national of America Samoa, or expecting citizenship by date of award. Enrolled in a US institution. Have one year remaining of undergraduate study after applying (unless graduating in three years). Planning to attend graduate study and pursue a career in public service. 

Deadline: 

Early February. Requires UTA institutional endorsement and nomination. Applicants should work with our office and supply the Truman Committee a draft of materials by the end of the fall semester for their given application cycle. 

Additional Notes: 

Visit the Truman Scholars website to learn more about eligibility, the application process, and read tips for applying. 

What?

Highly competitive award for students with demonstrated leadership in tribal policy, native health care, conservation, or environmental issues. 

Who?

Sophomore or junior students of all majors with demonstrated public service and intellectual achievements in the area mentioned above. 

Where?

Home institution. Orientation with the foundation in Utah. 

Amount:

$7,500

Eligibility: 

US citizen, national, or permanent resident and currently a sophomore or junior at a US institution of higher education. Students interested in pursuing a career related to the environment. Tribal categories include requirement to be a member of a federally recognized tribe who intend to pursue careers in health care or Tribal policy. Internship has different requirements and the Udall Foundation may have additional requirements. 

Deadline: 

Generally, first week of March. 

Additional Notes: 

Learn more about the program and process by visiting the Udall Foundation website.