Contact Information
Professor Elizabeth Steding
Director of Student Honors and Fellowships
Phone: 563-387-1703
Fellowships and Scholarships
Luther College offers advising for national and regional fellowships such as Rhodes scholarships, Fulbright scholarships, National Science Foundation fellowships, McElroy fellowships, and Goldwater scholarships.
Some fellowships that fund undergraduate or graduate research are available directly from particular institutions, while others are national programs open to any student. The Director of Student Honors and Fellowships is available to help students with all fellowships, whether or not the fellowships require college nomination.
Why apply for a fellowship?
These awards open doors! Many provide funding for undergraduate or graduate studies, opportunities to pursue research, or programs for in-depth language study. Fellowship recipients also become part of a life-long network of award alumni.
The fellowship application process itself is also a very meaningful experience. Applicants think more deeply about their career goals, leadership experience, and community involvement. Students report that learning to express these ideas clearly in writing is valuable – regardless of whether they ultimately receive a fellowship.
Download the Fellowship/Scholarship Quick Reference Guide PDF
Please note, some dates in the downloadable guide are approximate. Check the listed websites or sponsor-provided print material for precise dates.
Opportunities for Current Students
Who can apply?
- First-years
- Sophomores
- Juniors
Description
The NSEP (National Security Education Program) Boren Undergraduate Scholarship provides up to $20,000 to U.S. undergraduate students to study abroad in areas of the world that are critical to U.S. interests and underrepresented in study abroad. Boren Scholars represent a variety of academic backgrounds, but all are interested in studying less commonly taught languages, including but not limited to Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, and Swahili.
Luther’s nomination is required. If interested, please contact Elizabeth Steding, director of student honors and fellowships for more information on applying.
The application deadline is typically in early February.
Who can apply?
- Sophomores
- Juniors
Description
RISE Germany offers undergraduate students from North American, British and Irish universities the opportunity to complete a summer research internship at top German universities and research institutions.
Who can apply?
- All students
Description
Provides funding for student-designed grassroots projects that promote peace.
Who can apply?
- First-years
- Sophomores
- Juniors
Description
Freeman Awards for Study in Asia (Freeman-ASIA) provides scholarships for U.S. undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need to study abroad in East or Southeast Asia.
Who can apply?
- First-years
- Sophomores
Description
The Fulbright UK Summer Institutes are three-to-four week programs for US undergraduate students. Participants can explore the culture, heritage and history of the UK while experiencing higher education at a UK university.
Visit the Fulbright UK Summer Institute website for more information
Who can apply?
- Pell Grant eligible students only
- First-years
- Sophomores
- Juniors
Description
The U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship is a grant program that enables students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad, thereby gaining skills critical to our national security and economic competitiveness.
Visit the Gilman International Scholarships website for more information
Who can apply?
- Sophomores
- Juniors
Description
The Goldwater Scholarship is selected based on academic merit in mathematics, science, computer disciplines, and engineering.
One- and two-year scholarships are awarded to cover the cost of tuition, fees, books, and room and board, with a maximum of $7,500 per year.
Goldwater Scholars have very impressive academic qualifications that have garnered the attention of prestigious post-graduate fellowship programs.
Luther’s nomination is required. If interested, please contact Elizabeth Steding, director of student honors and fellowships for more information on applying.
The national application deadline is the last Friday in January. Luther’s internal deadline for receipt of application materials is two weeks prior to that date.
Visit the Goldwater Scholarship website for more information
Who can apply?
- Sophomores
- Juniors
Description
Seven-week educational summer experience in Oslo and Lillehammer, Norway, designed to deepen students’ understanding of the central issues and theories regarding peace, justice, democracy, and human rights.
Who can apply?
- Sophomores
- Juniors
- Seniors
Description
Sophomores, juniors and seniors who study physics are able to apply for up to three years of undergraduate study. The fund awards scholarships of $10,000 or $5,000 annually.
Scholarships are provided by the ELCA Foundation through the Thomas D. Rossing Fund for Physics Education.
Luther’s nomination is required. If interested, please contact Elizabeth Steding, director of student honors and fellowships for more information on applying.
Internal applications are due in April.
Who can apply?
- Juniors
Description
The Truman Scholarship Foundation seeks to find and recognize college juniors with exceptional leadership potential who are committed to careers in government, the nonprofit or advocacy sectors, education or elsewhere in the public service. Also, they seek to provide them with financial support for graduate study, leadership training, and fellowship with other students who are committed to making a difference through public service.
Luther’s nomination is required. If interested, please contact Elizabeth Steding, director of student honors and fellowships for more information on applying.
The national application deadline is typically mid-January. Luther’s internal deadline for receipt of all application materials is two weeks prior to that date.
Who can apply?
- Sophomores
- Juniors
Description
The Udall Foundation awards approximately 80 scholarships of up to $5000 and 50 honorable mentions of $350 to sophomore and junior level college students for one or two years of undergraduate study.
Udall Scholarships are awarded to students who have demonstrated commitment to careers related to the environment including policy, engineering, science, education, urban planning and renewal, business, health, justice, economics, tribal public policy Native American health care, and other related fields.
Luther’s nomination is required. If interested, please contact Elizabeth Steding, director of student honors and fellowships for more information on applying.
The national application deadline is typically mid-February. Luther’s internal deadline for receipt of all application materials is two weeks prior to that date.
Who can apply?
- Sophomores
- Juniors
Description
The Wigeland/American-Scandinavian Foundation Scholarship provides the opportunity for current students to spend one semester or year of study in Scandinavia. Students must have completed at least one full year of full-time study at Luther College, have demonstrated interest in concentrated study in Scandinavia, and present an outstanding academic record. Application is open to students in any major provided they meet the eligibility requirements.
If interested, please contact Elizabeth Steding, director of student honors and fellowships, or faculty in Nordic Studies, for more information on applying.
The application deadline is typically around November 1.
Download the Wigeland Scholarship application PDF
Visit the American-Scandinavian Foundation website for more information
Opportunities for Seniors and Recent Graduates
Who can apply?
- Graduating seniors
- Those who have graduated during the past academic year
Description
Each year, the Endowment offers 8–10 one-year fellowships to uniquely qualified graduating seniors and individuals who have graduated during the past academic year. Carnegie Junior Fellows work as research assistants to the Endowment’s senior associates. Those who have begun graduate studies are not eligible for consideration.
Luther is a participant in the Junior Fellows Program, allowing Luther students to apply.
Applications are due to Luther’s nominating officials the first week in December. Applicants then go through a screening process at Luther, followed by another with the Endowment in February or March. Awards are announced at the end of March. If interested, please contact Elizabeth Steding, director of student honors and fellowships for more information on applying.
Description
The Davies-Jackson Scholarship presents a unique opportunity for students with exceptional academic records, who are first in their families to graduate from college, to participate in a course of study at St. John’s College, Cambridge University. Graduating seniors may apply as an Affiliated Student for the two-year B.A. Degree Program.
Supported by an anonymous benefactor, the Davies-Jackson Scholarship covers all fees, room, and board during term-time for up to two academic years (beginning in September), and living expenses during summer vacation. Travel to and from England is also covered. The award is valued at $50,000, depending on prevailing exchange rates.
Luther College is one of the institutions from which students are eligible to apply for the scholarship. Luther’s nomination is required. If interested, please contact Elizabeth Steding, director of student honors and fellowships for more information on applying.
The deadline is typically in late October.
Who can apply?
- Graduating seniors
- Recent graduates
Description
The Fulbright US Student program offers several types of grants in over 140 countries, the most common of which are English Teaching Assistantships (ETA) and study/research grants. All Fulbright awards emphasize cultural exchange through direct interpersonal interaction in the host community.
English Teaching Assistantship (ETA)Â grants place recipients in classrooms abroad to provide assistance to local English teachers – as native speakers and as cultural ambassadors for the US. Requirements vary by country, but teaching experience (broadly defined) is preferred.
Study/Research grants are designed to support ongoing academic interests of applicants through graduate study and/or research projects. Recipients generally work with an advisor at their host university for an academic year. Requirements vary by country, but a well-defined research project or study plan is a central element of the application.
The national application deadline is in early October. Luther’s internal deadline is in mid-September.
Description
Gates Cambridge Scholarships are awarded to outstanding applicants from outside the UK to pursue a postgraduate degree in any subject at the University of Cambridge.
Scholarships are awarded based on intellectual ability, leadership capacity, the individual’s desire to use their knowledge to contribute to society, and a good fit between the abilities and aspirations of the applicant and what the University of Cambridge can offer in its graduate programs.
There are 90 new scholarships awarded each year, 40 of which are awarded to U.S. citizens. The award itself is for one year of study, but an individual may apply up to four years.
Luther’s nomination is required. If interested, please contact Elizabeth Steding, director of student honors and fellowships for more information on applying.
The deadline for application is typically around October 15
Description
The James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation offers $24,000 James Madison Graduate Fellowships to individuals desiring to become outstanding teachers of the American Constitution at the secondary school level.
Fellowship applicants compete only against other applicants from the states of their legal residence. Generally, one Fellowship per state is awarded each year.
Luther’s nomination is required. If interested, please contact Elizabeth Steding, director of student honors and fellowships for more information on applying.
The application deadline is typically around March 1.
Visit the James Madison Fellowship website for more information
Description
Knight-Hennessy Scholars develops a community of future global leaders to address complex challenges through collaboration and innovation. Every year, up to 100 high-achieving students from around the world will receive full funding to pursue any graduate degree at Stanford, including the DMA, JD, MA, MBA, MD, MFA, MS, and PhD programs, as well as joint- and dual-degrees. Knight-Hennessy Scholars is the largest fully endowed scholars program in the world.
Visit the Knight-Hennessy Scholars website for more information
Description
The Lilly Graduate Fellows Program supports exceptionally well-qualified students who have bachelor degrees and who are interested in becoming teacher-scholars at church-related colleges and universities in the United States.
Each year, there are 16 fellowships awarded to students from all academic backgrounds.
Luther’s nomination is required. If interested, please contact Elizabeth Steding, director of student honors and fellowships for more information on applying.
The application deadline for application is typically around November 15.
Visit the Lilly Fellows Program website for more information
Description
Marshall Scholarships provide young Americans of high ability the opportunity to study for a degree in the United Kingdom in a system of higher education recognized for its excellence. Named after General George C. Marshall, Marshall Scholarships express the continuing gratitude of the British people to their American counterparts. The total value of the scholarship averages 23,000 British pounds a year (typically for two years); details regarding the Scholarship and its goals and financial support are described in the scholarship website.
The selectors will look for candidates who have the potential to excel as scholars, as leaders and as contributors to improved UK-US understanding. Assessment will be based on academic merit, leadership potential and ambassadorial potential. The annual selection of 40 scholars is based on a range of factors, including a candidate’s choice of course, choice of university, and academic and personal aptitude.
Luther’s nomination and a minimum GPA of 3.7 are required. If interested, please contact Elizabeth Steding, director of student honors and fellowships for more information on applying.
The national application deadline is typically around October 1. Luther’s internal deadline for receipt of all application materials is two weeks prior to that date.
Who can apply?
- Graduating seniors
Description
The McElroy Fellowship is intended for graduating seniors or recent graduates who intend to pursue Ph.D. study. Its purpose is to provide financial assistance to candidates with outstanding graduate school potential, specifically to encourage interest in the pursuit of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D). Please note that the fellowship is not available to students who plan to pursue a professional doctorate such as M.D., J.D. Ed.D. and Pharm.D.
Applicants must be enrolled in or graduated from one of the disciplines in the liberal arts curriculum. This may include but is not limited to: area studies, biological sciences, communications, fine and applied arts, foreign languages, letters, mathematics, physical sciences, psychology, social sciences, interdisciplinary studies, arts and science or general programs. In evaluating candidates, consideration also is given to a candidate’s character, leadership, and general interests as expressed by extra-curricular activities that give evidence of initiative, commitment and discipline.
The McElroy Fellowship provides a $12,000 stipend for the first year of graduate study, which may be renewed for two additional years (total of $36,000).
Luther’s nomination is required. If interested, please contact Elizabeth Steding, director of student honors and fellowships for more information on applying.
The application deadline is typically around January 31.
Description
The Mitchell Scholarship is designed to introduce and connect generations of future American leaders to the island of Ireland, while recognizing and fostering intellectual achievement, leadership, and a commitment to community and public service.
Up to twelve Mitchell Scholars between the ages of 18 and 30 are chosen annually for one year of postgraduate study in any discipline offered by institutions of higher learning in Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Applicants are judged on three criteria: scholarship, leadership, and a sustained commitment to community and public service. The Mitchell Scholars Program provides tuition, accommodations, a living expenses stipend, and an international travel stipend.
Luther’s nomination is required. If interested, please contact Elizabeth Steding, director of student honors and fellowships for more information on applying.
The national application deadline is typically around October 1. Luther’s internal deadline for receipt of all application materials is two weeks prior to that date.
Description
The National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowships are awarded to applicants who will pursue a doctoral degree in, or closely related to, an area of Department of Defense (DoD) interest within engineering, biosciences, computer sciences, mathematics, and physics.
The DoD will offer these fellowships to individuals who have demonstrated the ability and special aptitude for advanced training in science and engineering.
Luther’s nomination is required. If interested, please contact Elizabeth Steding, director of student honors and fellowships for more information on applying.
The application deadline is typically in early December.
Description
Through its Fellowship Programs, the Ford Foundation seeks 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.
Visit the Ford Foundation Fellowship programs website for more information
Description
The National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students who are pursuing research-based master’s and doctoral degrees in fields within NSF’s mission.
The GRFP provides three years of support for the graduate education of individuals who have demonstrated their potential for significant achievements in science and engineering research.
The application deadline is typically around October 20.
Visit the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program website for more information
Description
The NSEP (National Security Education Program) Boren Graduate Fellowship provides up to $24,000 to U.S. graduate students to study less commonly taught languages in world regions critical to U.S. interests and underrepresented in study abroad, including Africa, Asia, Central and Eastern Europe, Eurasia, Latin America, and the Middle East.
Luther’s nomination is required. If interested, please contact Elizabeth Steding, director of student honors and fellowships for more information on applying.
The application deadline is typically in early February.
Description
Provides two years of graduate school funding to New Americans (immigrants and children of immigrants) who are poised to make significant contributions to US society, culture or their academic field. Provides two years of graduate school funding to New Americans (immigrants and children of immigrants) who are poised to make significant contributions to US society, culture or their academic field.
Visit the Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans website for more information
Description
The Rhodes Scholarship is a highly prestigious award that enables a student to study at Oxford University in the United Kingdom for two years with a possibility of a third year. Mr. Cecil Rhodes’ intention was to strengthen ties between the United Kingdom and the rest of the English-speaking world and to advance the careers of those seeking to advance the public good.
There is no specific GPA requirement, but superior academic performance is very important. Equally important, however, are certain personal qualities: a demonstrated ability to lead; a commitment to others and to the common good; physical vigor (as demonstrated in sports or other activities); and, in general, energy, ambition, and success in fields of endeavor other than academic study.
In other words, intellectual distinction is a necessary but not a sufficient condition for selection for a Rhodes Scholarship. Selection committees are charged to seek excellence in qualities of mind and in qualities of person which, in combination, offer the promise of significant service to the world in the decades ahead. The Rhodes Scholarships, in short, are investments in individuals rather than in project proposals. Accordingly, applications are sought from talented students without restriction as to their field of academic specialization or career plans, although the proposed course of study must be available at Oxford, and the applicant’s undergraduate program must provide a sufficient basis for further study in the proposed field.
All educational costs, such as matriculation, tuition, laboratory and certain other fees, are paid on the Scholar’s behalf by the Rhodes Trustees. Each Scholar receives in addition a maintenance allowance adequate to meet necessary expenses for term-time and vacations. The Rhodes Trustees cover the necessary costs of travel to and from Oxford, and upon application, may approve additional grants for research purposes or study-related travel.
Luther’s nomination is required. If interested, please contact Elizabeth Steding, director of student honors and fellowships for more information on applying.
The national application deadline is typically around October 1. Luther’s internal deadline for receipt of all application materials is two weeks prior to that date.
Description
Designed to prepare the next generation of global leaders, Schwarzman Scholars is the first scholarship created to respond to the geopolitical landscape of the 21st Century. Whether in politics, business or science, the success of future leaders around the world will depend upon an understanding of China’s role in global trends.
Description
The Torrison Scholarship provides grants for men and women who intend to pursue careers in medicine and have been accepted in a medical school. The donors had a particular concern to encourage persons whose careers would lead them toward working to alleviate currently incurable diseases.
The Torrison Scholarship provides up to three years of education for graduating seniors with membership in the ELCA who are pursuing careers in medicine.
Luther’s nomination is required. If interested, please contact Elizabeth Steding, director of student honors and fellowships, or the Biology Department head, for more information on applying.
The application deadline is typically around April 30.
Additional Resources
- Michigan State University Libraries’ Grants for Individuals: This well-organized compilation focuses primarily on funding opportunities for individuals, such as financial aid or scholarships for students.
- Funding for US Study Online: An extensive database of scholarships, fellowships and grants for international students organized and maintained by the Institute of International Education (IIE).
- Fellowships & Scholarships that Accept Applications from International Students
Contact Information
Professor Elizabeth Steding
Director of Student Honors and Fellowships
Phone: 563-387-1703