Listed below are prestigious scholarships that Montana State University actively supports. If, after reviewing these scholarships, you are interested in applying, please see our Major Scholarship Application Process page for more instructions.

You can also check out the former Dean Lee's Major Scholarships Info Session on the Honors Presents Youtube page.

The Schwarzman Scholarship

The Schwarzman Scholarship Program is designed to help future leaders meet the challenges of the 21st century and beyond by preparing them to better understand China's culture, economy, governance and evolving role in the world. Scholars will study for a one-year Masters degree, with options to focus on public policy, international relations, or economics and business at Tsinghua University. Successful candidates will demonstrate extraordinary leadership potential, the ability to anticipate paradigm changes, strong intellectual capacity and exemplary character. 

Deadlines

  • Internal submission: August 15, 2024
  • External submission: September 12, 2024

Institutional nomination required.

For more information: http://schwarzmanscholars.org

The Marshall Scholarship

The Marshall Scholarship finances young Americans of high ability to study for a degree in the United Kingdom in a system of higher education recognized for its excellence.  Selectors seek candidates who have the potential to excel as scholars, as leaders and contributors to improved UK-US understanding. Assessment will be based on academic merit, leadership and ambassadorial potential.  

Deadlines

  • Internal submission: August 15, 2024
  • External submission: September 24, 2024

Institutional nomination required.

For more information: http://www.marshallscholarship.org

The Rhodes Scholarship

The Rhodes Scholarships are the oldest and most celebrated international fellowship awards in the world. Each year 32 students from the United States are selected as Rhodes Scholars, through a decentralized process representing the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. territories. Rhodes Scholars are chosen not only for their outstanding scholarly achievements, but for their character, commitment to others and to the common good, and for their potential for leadership in whatever domains their careers may lead. This scholarship covers all college and university fees at the University of Oxford, including a stipend for living expenses, transportation to and from England.

Deadlines

  • Internal submission: August 15, 2024
  • External submission: October 2, 2024

Institutional nomination required.

For more information: http://www.rhodesscholar.org

The Gates-Cambridge Scholarship

The Gates-Cambridge Scholarships are awarded to outstanding applicants from countries outside the UK to pursue a full-time post-graduate degree in any subject available at the University of Cambridge. The selection criteria are outstanding intellectual ability, leadership potential, a commitment to improving the lives of others, a good fit between the applicant’s qualifications and aspirations, and a good fit between the post graduate program at Cambridge for which they are applying.

Deadlines

  • Internal submission: August 15, 2024
  • External submission: October 16, 2024

For more information: https://www.gatescambridge.org

Fulbright US Student Program

The Fulbright US Student Program provides grants for individually designed study/research projects or for English Teaching Assistant Programs. A candidate will submit a Statement of Grant Purpose defining activities to take place during one academic year in a participating country outside the US. Key characteristics include the quality and feasibility of the proposal as described in the Statement of Grant Purpose, academic or professional record, and language preparation if applicable.

Deadlines

  • Internal submission: August 15, 2024
  • External submission: October 8, 2024

For more information: https://us.fulbrightonline.org/fulbright-us-student-program

Contact: Toby Blake (toby.blake@montana.edu), Office of International Programs

National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship

The purpose of the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) is to help ensure the quality, vitality, and diversity of the scientific and engineering workforce of the United States. The program recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students who are pursuing full-time research-based master's and doctoral degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) or in STEM education. The GRFP provides three years of support over a five-year fellowship period for the graduate education of individuals who have demonstrated their potential for significant research achievements in STEM or STEM education.  NSF actively encourages submission of applications from the full spectrum of diverse talent in STEM.

NSF GRFP was established to recruit and support individuals who demonstrate the potential to make significant contributions in STEM.  Thus, NSF especially encourages applications from undergraduate seniors and Bachelor's degree-holders interested in pursuing research-based graduate study in STEM.  First- and second-year graduate students in eligible STEM fields and degree programs are also encouraged to apply.

Deadline

  • External submission: Early October

For more information: https://www.montana.edu/research/ord/nsf_grfp.html 

Contact: Helaina Stergas (helaina.stergas@montana.edu), Office of Research Development 

Barry M. Goldwater Math and Science Scholarship

The Goldwater Scholarship is open to sophomores and juniors (students with one or two years remaining until graduation) who intend to pursue research careers in mathematics, the natural sciences, engineering, or computer science and who have demonstrated potential, focused research interests, and a GPA of 3.8 or higher.  Transfer students may also apply. Goldwater Scholars are eligible to receive up to $7,500/year for tuition, fees, books and room and board.   Institutional nomination required.  (For MSU endorsement: 3.8 GPA or higher; publication submitted or near submission)

Deadlines

  • Internal submission:  December 6, 2024
  • External submission:  January 31, 2025

Institutional nomination required.

For more information: 

https://goldwater.scholarsapply.org

Harry S. Truman Scholarship

The Truman Scholarship is open to full-time junior-level students, i.e., a student who expects to receive a baccalaureate degree between December 2024 and August 2025. Candidates must have demonstrable leadership abilities and potential for influencing public policy, a record of public service, potential to perform well in a premier graduate or law school and intent to pursue a career in public service.  Truman Scholars are eligible to receive up to $30,000 in funding to pursue advanced studies.  Scholars also receive priority admission to premier graduate or professional schools, and internship opportunities with federal agencies. Approximately 65 are awarded annually.   

Deadlines

  • Internal submission: December 6, 2024
  • External submission: February 4, 2025 

Institutional nomination required.

For more information: http://www.truman.gov/

Morris K. Udall Scholarship

The Udall Scholarship is open to sophomores or juniors.  Awards are offered to two groups of students: those who demonstrate a commitment to pursue a career in environmental public policy and/or outstanding Native American and Alaska Native students who intend to pursue a career related to health care or tribal public policy.  The scholarship covers tuition, fees, books, and room and board, up to a maximum of $5,000 for one year.  

Deadlines

  • Internal submission: February 1, 2024
  • External submission: March 4, 2025  

Institutional nomination required.

For more information: http://www.udall.gov/

Astronaut Scholarship Foundation

The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation was created to ensure that the United States would maintain its leadership in science and technology by supporting some of the very best science, technology, engineering and math college students.

The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation awarded its first seven scholarships in 1986. Each founding Mercury 7 astronaut sponsored a $1,000 scholarship and they then began to fundraise to support future scholarships. Each astronaut would donate proceeds from their speaking engagements and shared the ASF mission wherever they went to raise awareness of both the mission and the scholarship program.

Today, the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation awards more than 60 scholarships valued up to $15,000 to each selected scholar. The ASF scholarship award is just the beginning for our Astronaut Scholars, and their selection is the beginning of a life-long relationship with astronauts, alumni, and great leaders who span academia, technical research, and corporate leadership.

Deadlines

  • Internal submission: March 1, 2025
  • External submission: March 29, 2025  

Institutional nomination required.

For more information: https://astronautscholarship.org/scholarshipprogram.html

The George Mitchell Scholarship

The George Mitchell Scholarship enables American graduates to pursue a year of post-graduate study at institutions of higher learning in Ireland and Northern Ireland. They characteristics sought by the review committee include academic excellence, leadership, and a commitment to community or Public Service.

Closed for 2024 

For more information: https://www.us-irelandalliance.org/mitchellscholarship