From the Office of Merit Scholarships, Fellowships & Awards:
Scholarship Opportunities
The NextGen Service Summer Policy Academy (SPA) a fully funded three-week program and professional development experience for students interested in exploring impactful public service careers. Open to all majors.
Program participants will start with a week in Washington D.C., attending professional development workshops, network with government leaders and inspirational change-makers, and visit federal departments and agencies. Afterward, they’ll head to Seattle for two weeks at the Evans School to gain exposure to nonprofits and government agencies working on creating and implementing social policies. Students will be awarded a $1,000 stipend; all expenses, including travel, lodging, and meals, are fully covered by the program.
UW Academic Department Scholarships | Deadline: Various
Be sure to check out your academic department's website to see if they offer any departmental scholarships. For many departments, their application cycle opens and closes Winter 2026, so please reach out to your departmental advisor.
Samuel Huntington Public Service Award | Deadline: January 9
Provides $30,000 stipends for graduating college seniors to pursue one year of public service anywhere in the world. The award allows recipients to engage in a meaningful public service activity for one year before proceeding on to graduate school or a career.
Institute for Protein Design Undergraduate Summer Research Program | Deadline: January 11
The Institute for Protein Design at the University of Washington is a world-leading research center focused on creating new proteins that solve modern challenges across medicine, technology, and sustainability. Here, interdisciplinary expertise converges — from computer science and biochemistry to clinical medicine and entrepreneurship. Current projects include the development of novel therapeutics for cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and more, as well as new vaccines, nanomaterials, and enzymes. Students will receive a $3,200 stipend/month.
Bonderman Travel Fellowship | Deadline: January 14
Bonderman Fellows undertake international travel on their own for eight months, to six or more countries in two or more major regions of the world. Through solo travel fellows focus on exploration and discovery, learning about the world and themselves in it. Each Fellowship carries a $26,000 award to be used only for extended solo international travel. Fellows may not conduct research, pursue an academic project, or participate in a formal program or organization. Open to UW undergraduate seniors (graduating winter 2026, spring 2026, summer 2026 or autumn 2026) and Graduate/professional students currently enrolled in a degree program. More information and the application can be found at bonderman.uw.edu - please review the eligibility requirements to see if you may apply. In person and online information session information can be seen here.
A $7,000 scholarship for sophomores and juniors who are committed to making a difference in either the environment or Native American/Alaska Native Tribal Policy or Native Healthcare. US citizenship or permanent residency required. Four nominations are available for students committed to environmental careers and four for students interested in Tribal Policy/Native Healthcare.
UW Nomination required, apply here.
Provides U.S. undergraduate students to study abroad in areas of the world that are critical to U.S. interests and underrepresented in study abroad. 1 year of federal service requirement (must start within 3 years of graduation).
Award Amounts:
$8,000 for summer program (STEM students only; 8 weeks min.)
$12,500 for a semester
$25,000 for a full academic year
These are funded three-to-four-week programs for US undergraduate students, who have no or very little travel experience outside North America. Each Summer Institute focuses on a different topic, allowing you to expand your knowledge of your particular area of interest. Outside of the classroom, there will be opportunities to explore the UK cultural sites and make new friends along the way. Open to first- and second-year students.
University of Bristol: Arts, Activism and Social Justice
Queen's University: Belfast Understanding Northern Ireland
University of St Andrews: Scotland's History: Kingdom, Nation, People
Lancaster University: Film
King’s College London: Making Modern Britain: Institutions, Power, & People
The Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP) is a free summer program for students to explore their interests in medicine, dentistry, nursing, optometry, pharmacy, physical therapy, public health, and more. The program takes place at our partner institutions and offers students a chance to develop competencies for becoming successful applicants to health profession programs, plan academic journeys, get clinical exposure, and network. Must be enrolled as a first-year, sophomore, or junior in college.
More eligibility requirements here.
A 5-week summer enrichment program specifically designed for college-aged American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) students or students interested in working in Indigenous Communities who are interested in pursuing health professions training. Tilikum is a partnership with the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), Portland State University (PSU), the Northwest Native American Center of Excellence (NNACoE), and Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU).
Through a combination of virtual learning and in-person experiences, students will receive academic training, mentorship, and hands-on exposure to the health professions.
Academic enrichment: Participants will take core science courses to strengthen their understanding of biology, chemistry, and microbiology, experience skill-building workshops, and learn about the healthcare challenges facing Indigenous communities and how policy can address these disparities.
Indigenous Health & Wellness: Tilikum will include cultural wellness activities, visits to local Indigenous sites, and build strong connections with AI/AN healthcare professionals.
Professional Development: Get hands-on practice in PSU’s Cadaver Lab and OHSU’s Simulation Center, and participate in a Tribal Opioid Response Training led by the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board.
Financial Support: Receive a $1,000/week stipend for your participation in addition to provided meals/meal allowance, housing, and up to $500 in need-based travel support to attend the in-person portion of Tilikum.
PSA-PBK offers up to three undergraduate scholarships of $3,000 each, as well as the Myra Lupton scholarship in the amount of $3,500 for a first-generation college student. Applicants do not have to be members of Phi Beta Kappa. Undergraduate Scholarship GPA minimum requirement: 3.8. Myra Lupton Scholarship GPA minimum requirement: 3.4.
The JLYL program is a year-long fellowship that prepares college students for a future in community organizing and civic engagement. Throughout the course of the year, fellows engage their campus and local communities in human rights work through a robust capstone project. Fellows receive resources and support to ensure their success in the program, including access to comprehensive grassroots organizing workshops, 1:1 mentorship from RFK Human Rights staff, financial support, and access to an extensive network of human rights professionals, peers, and program alumni.
The Going Abroad Scholarship is open to any citizen and/or resident of the United States (and its territories and possessions) enrolled full-time at an accredited institution of higher learning. Open to undergraduate and graduate students. Award amount: $1,500.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master programs are offered by multiple higher education institutions across various EU countries. Review the Erasmus Mundus Catalogue, which is updated annually. Most master’s program applications are due between October and January for courses commencing the following academic year.
Other Opportunities
Provides food to students, staff, and faculty who may be experiencing short-term food insecurity. It could be the result of a short-term disruption in finances, a food desert in the local community, or a lack of access to other financial assistance.
Location: Poplar Hall, 210 | Check website for updated hours.
LiveWell provides low-income UW students with resources and information about local services and programs that address basic needs.
These services are provided at no charge to currently-enrolled, degree-seeking UW students.
Counseling (individual, group, career and crisis)
Drop-in support with a mental health counselor through Let’s Talk
Consultation for faculty, staff and parents who have concerns about a student
Workshops and presentations
UW Courses offered Winter Quarter:
All the best,
Office of Merit Scholarships, Fellowships & Awards
Undergraduate Academic Affairs