Scholarships

Hena Inc. Scholarship

Award Description:

The Hena Inc. Scholarship is awarded each Fall to an outstanding Honors College continuing student majoring in any field. This scholarship is intended for students entering the Honors College as new continuing students in the fall semester, and who plan to be enrolled full-time in the following Spring term as a UIC Honors College student. The scholarship shall be awarded to a student who displays unmet financial need and shall be selected based upon academic merit.

Award Amount:

Typically one award of $1,000

Opportunity Specific Eligibility requirements:

• Be admitted to the Honors College as a Continuing student in the fall semester (ex. your first semester in the Honors College is Fall 2026, but you have already been a student at UIC in prior semester(s)).
• Have a current FAFSA on file at the time of application.

Drew and Berylle Reynolds Scholarship Fund

Award Description:

The Drew and Berylle Reynolds Scholarship is awarded each Fall to an outstanding Honors College student majoring in a STEM field, with preference given to students in the College of Engineering. This scholarship is intended for students who plan to be enrolled full-time in the following spring term. The scholarship shall be selected based upon academic merit and financial need.

Award Amount:

Typically one award of $1,500

Opportunity Specific Eligibility requirements:

• Majoring in a STEM field, College of Engineering preferred
• Be a current member of the Honors College in good standing
• Intend to enroll as a full-time student in the following spring semester

Darrel W. Cronan Honors Scholarship

Award Description:

The Darrel W. Cronan Honors Scholarship is awarded each fall to an outstanding Honors College student who has a committed track record of engaging in, and learning from, an interdisciplinary academic course of study. Competitive candidates will clearly demonstrate that they are already pursuing a multi-faceted academic program, such as unrelated and distinct major/minor or double major.

Award Amount:

Typically one award of $2,500

Opportunity Specific Eligibility requirements:

• Be a current member of the Honors College in good standing
• Have unrelated and distinct major/minor or double majors (For example, major in Biology and Philosophy or major in Civil Engineering and minor in French)

Sally and Kevin Desouza Family Scholarship

Award Description:

The Sally and Kevin Desouza Family Scholarship is awarded each fall to a full-time student in the Honors College pursuing a degree in the College of Business Administration. The recipient shall demonstrate high academic achievement and shall be actively involved in the campus community in ways that make a contribution to the quality of campus life. International students are encouraged to apply.

Award Amount:

Typically one award of $1,000

Opportunity Specific Eligibility requirements:

•   Majoring within the College of Business Administration
•   Be a current member of the Honors College in good standing

This award is for students who are both current Honors College members and in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The Sybil Sosin Scholarship typically runs September 1 to December 1 and is awarded to the student in the following academic year.

Any questions about this award, please direct to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The scholarship can be found in SnAP.

Gale Sosnick Memorial Award

Award Description:

The Gale Sosnick Memorial Award is awarded each spring to a full-time student in the Honors College. Competitive applicants will show evidence of quality engagement with the Honors College community and explain what they have contributed to the Honors College as well as what they have gained from being a part of the Honors community. To be fully considered for this scholarship, applicants should demonstrate unmet financial need.

Award Amount:

Typically one award of $1,500

Opportunity Specific Eligibility requirements:

•       Be a current member of the Honors College in good standing
•       Plan to be enrolled full-time in the following fall term
•       Have a current FAFSA on file at the time of application.

Mark A. Wyatt Memorial Scholarship

Award Description:

The Mark A. Wyatt Memorial Scholarship is awarded each Spring to an outstanding Honors College student with at least junior standing majoring in Biological Sciences, Biochemistry or Neuroscience and planning to go to medical school. This award is based on academic excellence, research, and leadership. Preference is given to students who intend to be enrolled full time in the following fall semester. The Wyatt Scholarship is a memorial to Mark Wyatt, a pre-med Biological Sciences and Honors College junior who exemplified academic excellence and leadership. After his death in 1990, his fellow students led the effort to establish this scholarship in his name.

Award Amount:

Typically one award of $500

Opportunity Specific Eligibility requirements:

• Be a current member of the Honors College in good standing
• Majoring in Biology, Biochemistry, or Neuroscience
• Be on the pre-med educational track
• Junior standing or equivalent
• Show research engagement experience

Sally and Kevin Desouza Family Scholarship for Civic Leadership

Award Description:

The Sally and Kevin Desouza Family Scholarship for Civic Leadership is awarded each Spring to a full-time student in the Honors College. The recipient shall demonstrate high academic achievement and shall be actively involved in the campus community. Competitive applicants will reflect the best the Honors College has to offer by being engaged in making UIC a better place for future generations and serve as a role model based on their academic aspirations and positive contributions made to the UIC community. International students are encouraged to apply.

Award Amount:

Typically one award of $1,000

Opportunity Specific Eligibility requirements:

•   Be a current member of the Honors College in good standing

Sister Dorothy Drobis Award

Award Description:

The Sister Dorothy Drobis Award is awarded each spring semester to an outstanding Honors College student who intends to teach in an urban environment after graduation. Strong applicants will demonstrate academic excellence, strong leadership and a commitment to becoming an educator. The Drobis Award is made each year in recognition of Sister Dorothy Drobis and her long career in elementary education in Chicago.

Award Amount:

Typically one award of $1,000

Opportunity Specific Eligibility requirements:

• Be a current member of the Honors College in good standing
• Majoring within the College of Education, or a Teaching Of major
• Junior or senior standing, or equivalent
• Intend to teach in an urban education environment after graduation (i.e. CPS)

Honors Council Awards

The Honors Council, the College executive committee, recognizes outstanding students each year. These awards of $500 are made to students nominated by faculty on the basis of their excellence in Honors Activities from that academic year.

*Awardee is nominated by Faculty. No application in SnAP.

John Curtis Johnson Award

The John Curtis Johnson award is named for former Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Curt Johnson, a longtime friend and supporter of the Honors College. The award of $500 is given each Spring to one Honors College freshman who has excelled in his or her Honors College core. Students are nominated by the Honors Core faculty.

*Awardee is nominated by Faculty. No application in SnAP.

Donald and Leah Riddle Prize

This award is open to all UIC graduating students regardless of Honors College membership.

The Donald and Leah Riddle Prize is awarded each year at Commencement to an outstanding graduating senior regardless of major field. The award is based on academic excellence and leadership. The winner receives a medallion and a $1,000 prize. The Riddle Prize is made each year in recognition of the former UIC Chancellor Donald Riddle and his wife Leah and honors the Riddles’ contribution to the campus. The application deadline is typically late March/early April each year.

The application is available through UIC SnAP at uic.academicworks.com and the specific deadline can be found there.

Kabbes Study Abroad Scholarship

The Honors College Kabbes Study Abroad Scholarship supports students studying abroad in amounts ranging from $250 for shorter programs to $1,750 for longer programs.

To be eligible to apply for the scholarship, students must apply to a study abroad program endorsed by the UIC Study Abroad Office and be a member of the Honors College in good standing. A cumulative UIC grade point average of 3.40 upon application for the scholarships is required, as is a completed application.

Students in programs traveling in the Summer or Fall semester apply for the scholarship in the Spring semester prior to their travels, and students in programs traveling in the Spring semester apply for the scholarship in the Fall semester prior to their travels.

Deadlines and Application

The deadline to apply for a Spring award is typically in mid-October in the semester before you will be studying abroad. See SnAP for exact application dates.

The deadline to apply for a Fall award is typically in early March in the semester before you will be studying abroad. See SnAP for exact application dates.

Students are typically notified if they received a scholarship before the Study Abroad Office’s deadline to commit to study abroad programs.

Priority consideration is given to students who have not previously received this award and who have not previously studied abroad.

The application is available through UIC SnAP at uic.academicworks.com and the specific deadline can be found there.

Learn more about Study Abroad opportunities!

Kerr Scholarship

• Full In-State tuition, plus differentials and fees
• Renewable up to four years

Honors College Distinction Scholarship

• $10,000 yearly
• Renewable up to four years
• Only applicable to tuition

President’s Award Program Honors Scholarship

• In-State Tuition plus differentials, room and board
• Renewable up to four years

Link to PAP-H

Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship

Each fall and spring the Honors College awards the Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship, a one-time, one-semester tuition waiver, to new Honors College transfer students. New transfer students to the college who are members of Phi Theta Kappa, the community college honor society and have a minimum of a 3.5 transfer GPA are eligible to apply. This scholarship is competitive and not all eligible students will receive an award. Students must be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours at UIC. The deadline to apply is typically in November for Spring applicants, and June for Fall applicants. Students must be enrolled in an on campus undergraduate program.

Applications are available through UIC SnAP at uic.academicworks.com and the specific deadline can be found there.

Transfer Merit Tuition Award

The UIC Transfer Merit Tuition Awards are given on a competitive basis to new transfer students each fall and spring. Applicants must be enrolled in a baccalaureate degree program, have a minimum transfer GPA of 3.25 on a minimum of 45 transfer credits, and be enrolled for at least 12 credit hours in the semester for which the student applied. This scholarship is competitive and not all eligible students will receive an award. The deadline to apply is typically in November for Spring applicants, and June for Fall applicants. Students must be enrolled in an on campus undergraduate program.

Applications are available through UIC SnAP at uic.academicworks.com and the specific deadline can be found there.

Gloria Flaherty Research Scholarship

The Honors College Gloria Flaherty Research Scholarships are awarded every Spring semester to support excellent undergraduate research by Honors College students, including, but not limited to, Honors Capstone projects. Applications typically open at the start of the Spring semester and the deadline to apply is generally the Friday of Week 5 at 5:00pm. Please consult the Honors College Announcements for the specific deadline.

Fundable Activities/Expenses:

• Students may submit applications for current or planned research projects, whether scientific or humanities studies. Completed projects will only be considered if they were completed in the Fall semester of the same academic year in which the student applies. These scholarships are especially appropriate for recognizing hard work on Honors Capstone projects or other types of undergraduate research as well.
• Up to twenty students will receive a $500 scholarship.  Scholarship recipients will be notified by Week 10 of the Spring term.
• Each research proposal will be evaluated on the following criteria: (a) significance and importance of the project; (b) demonstrated understanding of research protocol; and (c) the bibliography conveys adequate preparation.

Eligibility:

• The Honors College Gloria Flaherty Research Scholarship funds can only be distributed to the students account as part of their financial aid package. This may impact or be impacted by other sources of aid. Please note that it is best to consult with the financial aid office before applying.
• Applicants must be current UIC Honors College students in good standing with the Honors College
• Funds are only awarded for ongoing work. Completed projects will only be considered if they were completed in the Fall semester of the same academic year in which the student applies. Students may not apply for reimbursements towards research conducted in prior years.
• Applicants must remain current students for the duration of the funding period (i.e., applicants may not apply for funding for a project they will undertake after they graduate from UIC/the Honors College).
• Selected students are asked to submit a 2-page report at the end of Spring semester in which they receive funding documenting the progress of their research and its impact on their professional development.

Application:

Please carefully review the proposal guidelines while preparing the application.

A completed application includes:

(1) an application (will be available in January of the Spring Semester, and will also be sent via the Honors Announcements at the beginning of Spring term)

(2) a letter of recommendation from the faculty member supervising your research project (which must be submitted by the deadline) you can submit this letter using Honors College Support

If you have applied in the past and are reapplying, your application MUST be updated to reflect the progress made in your research. Duplicate or near-identical applications will be declined.

Applications are accepted at the start of Spring  semester via an online form. Please watch the Honors College Announcements in the first week of the Spring semester for a link to the application form.

Priority consideration is given to students who have not previously received this award. Applications must be complete–including letters of recommendation–by the stated deadline in order to be considered.

Gloria Flaherty Conference Travel Award

The Honors College Gloria Flaherty Conference Travel Award offers undergraduates travel support to professional meetings for presentations including, but not limited to, Honors Capstone projects. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis each academic year until funding is no longer available for that year. Decisions will generally be made at minimum 2 weeks after the applications are received. Duplicate and near-identical applications are not accepted. Please see below for more detailed information.

Fundable Activities/Expenses:

• Students may request money to fund travel to present their research at professional meetings (e.g., registration, flight) and presentation materials (e.g., poster preparation costs). Lodging and food/per diem are not funded under these awards.
• No individual award will exceed $500 and most will be less. Decisions regarding the number and dollar amount of individual awards shall be guided by the principle of encouraging the largest number of undergraduates to benefit from such participation.
• Applications from students attending conferences, meetings or events without presenting a paper, will not be considered.
• Each proposal will be evaluated according to the following criteria:
  1. the merit of the proposal’s likely impact on the student’s scholarly and/or professional development; and
  2. reasonableness of the proposed budget.

Eligibility:

• The Honors College Gloria Flaherty Conference Travel Award funds can only be distributed to the students account as part of their financial aid package. This may impact or be impacted by other sources of aid. Please note that it is best to consult with the financial aid office before applying.
• Applicants must be current UIC Honors College students in good standing for the duration of the conference/travel period funded by this award.
  • Graduating seniors may apply for funding to attend conferences during the summer (Mid-May through August) after their graduation. They are only eligible to apply for conference registration fees and poster printing costs, not airfare or housing expenses.
  • Graduating seniors must apply no later than the first week of April for summer conference travel, as we are unable to award funding to graduated students.
• Funds are only awarded for conference travel that occurs after the application is submitted; the award will not refund students for past conference travel.
• Students may only win the award once in their Academic Career.
• Selected students are asked to submit a 2-page report and photo at the end of the semester in which they receive funding documenting their use of the funds, and include a photo of themselves at the conference.

Application:

To apply, click here to fill out the application form.

A completed application includes:

(1) a confirmation of presenting at conferences or professional meetings, such as an invitation from conference OR a screen shot of the conference program listing your participation as a pdf document.

(2) a copy of your Budget Form, which must include supporting documentation (e.g., receipts, screenshots, price quotes). Indicate the total funding requested through this award. If your total budget exceeds $500, explain how the proposed project can still be carried out with only $500 in Honors College funding.

(3) an application.

Incomplete applications will not be considered. 

Questions? You may contact the Office of External Fellowships in person, via phone, or e-mail. To stay in contact to find out about more upcoming opportunities, follow and like OEF on social media and join their mailing list.

• Phone: (312) 355-3380
• Email: oef@uic.edu
• Website: https://oef.uic.edu/
• Location: 601 S. Morgan St., 800 UH, Chicago IL 60607-7128
• Social Media: Facebook, Twitter
• Mailing List: Subscribe

Interested? Tell OEF you are! Students who are interested in being a potential applicant for a certain opportunity and/or may have already started an application process towards an opportunity, can reach out to OEF by filling out a Student Information Form by visiting here.

Charles B. Rangle International Affairs Summer Enrichment Programs

A 6-week summer program for students considering careers in International Affairs. Providing summer learning experiences at Howard University in Washington, DC. The Program covers the costs for tuition, travel, housing, and two meals per day. It also provides a stipend of $3,300.

• Eligibility: U.S. citizens; full-time undergraduate student, sophomore status by the application deadline.
• Deadline: Early-February
• Website: https://rangelprogram.org/summer-enrichment-program/overview-eligibility/

Critical Languages Scholarship

For overseas summer intensive study of critical languages abroad, such as Arabic, Chinese, and Russian, among others. Funding includes airfare and housing, if traveling abroad. Locations of summer programs vary. Virtual options are also available.

• Eligibility: U.S. citizen; undergraduates, professional and graduate students, must have completed a full year of college by the start of the program.
• Deadline: November.
• Website: http://www.clscholarship.org/

Fulbright UK Summer Institute

Three to four-week programs for U.S undergraduate students, who have no or very little travel experience outside North America. Participants can explore the culture, heritage, and history of the UK while experiencing higher education at a UK university.

• Eligibility: Be a US citizen and possess a US passport, have at least two years of undergraduate study remaining after the Institute finishes.
• Deadline: Late November.
• Website: http://www.fulbright.org.uk/going-to-the-uk/uk-summer-institutes

Gilman Scholarship

For Pell Grant recipients who are planning to study abroad, up to $2500-$8000 in support of study abroad for summer, fall, spring or full year.

• Eligibility: U.S. citizen; undergraduates.
• Deadlines: Varies; typically one semester before travel.
• Website: https://www.iie.org/gilman

Goldwater Scholarship

For students with research experience and intent on research careers in math, science or engineering, $7500 toward remaining undergraduate years.

• Requires UIC nomination
• Eligibility: U.S. citizen, permanent resident; sophomores & juniors.
• Deadline for UIC nomination: Mid-November.
• Website: https://goldwater.scholarsapply.org/

Hispanic Scholarship Fund

For Hispanic students; one main award and several smaller ones.

• Eligibility: U.S. citizen, permanent resident; undergraduate and graduate students.
• Deadline for general scholarship:  Early February.
• Website: https://www.hsf.net/scholarship

Rangel International Affairs Graduate Fellowship Summer Enrichment Program

Provides undergraduates with the opportunity to enhance their skills, knowledge, and understanding of U.S. foreign policy during a six-week summer program at Howard University.

• Eligibility: U.S. citizen, must be full-time undergraduate students with at least sophomore status on the date of the application deadline.
• Deadline: Early February.
• Website: https://www.rangelprogram.org/summer-enrichment-program/

Truman Scholarship

For juniors intent on careers in public service at a leadership level, $30,000 toward graduate or professional school study.

• Requires UIC nomination
• Eligibility: U.S. citizens; juniors in their third year.
• Deadline for UIC nomination: Mid-November.
• Website: https://www.truman.gov/

Udall Scholarship

For students planning careers related to tribal policy, Native health care, or environmental issues, $7000 toward remaining undergraduate years.

• Requires UIC nomination
• Eligibility: U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident, (enrollment as a member of one or more Federally Recognized Indian Tribes required for tribal policy and Native health care awards); sophomores, or juniors.
• Deadline for UIC nomination: Early February.
• Website: https://www.udall.gov/ourprograms/scholarship/scholarship.aspx

Interested in finding out more? Contact OEF: https://oef.uic.edu/about/contact-us/

Carnegie Endowment Junior Fellows Program

For students interested in a global affairs research internship at the Carnegie Institute.

• Requires UIC nomination
• Eligibility: Must be eligible to work in U.S.; seniors or recent graduates.
• Deadline for UIC nomination: Early December.
• Website: https://carnegieendowment.org/james-c-gaither-junior-fellows-program?lang=en

Charels B. Rangle Graduate Fellowship Program

For students looking to seek a graduate degree in International Affairs or fields. Up to $42,000/year for two years of graduate school expenses. Fellows then complete 5 years of employment in the State Department Foreign Service.

• Eligibility: U.S. citizen, seeking admission to 2-year graduate program in the U.S., GPA of 3.2 or higher
• Deadline: Early-September
• Website: https://rangelprogram.org/graduate-fellowship-program/overview-eligibility/

Fulbright Student Award

For students in all majors, the opportunity to teach English or do research abroad after receiving your bachelor’s degree. Research or study in over 140 countries; Teaching English in over 65 countries. Applying through UIC requires an evaluation process. A stipend is provided and varies by country.

• Eligibility: U.S. citizen; senior, graduate or alumni.
• UIC deadline: Early September.
• Website: https://us.fulbrightonline.org/

National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship

For students planning graduate study in the sciences, math, engineering and most social sciences. Funding for 3 years of graduate study.

• Eligibility: U.S. citizens,  U.S. nationals, or permanent residents; seniors or not beyond 1st year of graduate study.
• Deadline: Early November.
• Website: http://www.nsfgrfp.org/

Pickering Graduate Foreign Affairs Program 

Supports students through 2-years of graduate school for foreign affairs, up to $42,000/year. Program prepares students for careers in the Foreign Service of the U.S. Department of State. Awardees must fulfill a 5-year contract with the State Department Foreign Service after their graduate school graduation. 

Eligibility: U.S. citizen, seeking admission to 2-year graduate program in the U.S., GPA of 3.2 or higher
Deadline: Mid-September
Website: https://pickeringfellowship.org/overview-eligibility/

Phi Kappa Phi Graduate Fellowship

For an outstanding Phi Kappa Phi member nominated by the UIC chapter; $5000 toward graduate/professional study.

• Requires UIC Phi Kappa Phi nomination
• Eligibility: Member of Phi Kappa Phi; seniors.
• UIC deadline: Mid-March.
• Website: https://www.phikappaphi.org/grants-awards/fellowship

Soros Fellowship

Provides two years of funding for graduate/professional studies. Open to students who qualify as a “New American”: e.g. hold a Green Card, or be a naturalized citizen, or be the child of immigrant parents, immigrants, or children of immigrants, regardless of legal status.

• Eligibility: Seniors, and 1st and 2nd-year graduate/professional students.
• Deadline: Mid-September.
• Website: https://www.pdsoros.org/

Interested in finding out more? Contact OEF: https://oef.uic.edu/about/contact-us/

Churchhill Scholarship

Provides full tuition plus living stipend, travel allowance, and potential additional research funding toward one year of graduate study in the physical or natural sciences, engineering, or mathematics at Churchill College, University of Cambridge.

• Eligibility: Be a U.S citizen. At the final deadline, be a current senior or recent graduate between the ages of 19 and 26.
• Deadline: September.
• Website: https://www.churchillscholarship.org/

Gates Cambridge Scholarships

For outstanding students with a recommended 3.7 GPA or higher, research, service, leadership and vision for making a difference; offers graduate study at Cambridge University for 1-4 years. UIC starts to prepare candidates in the spring for fall deadlines.

• Eligibility: Any country but the United Kingdom (different deadline for non-U.S. citizens; seniors or recent graduates.
• UIC Deadline: Mid-April.
• Website: https://www.gatescambridge.org/apply/

Marshall Scholarships

For outstanding students with a 3.7 GPA or higher, research, service, leadership and vision for making a difference; offers graduate study at any British university for 1-2 years. UIC starts to prepare candidates in the spring for fall deadlines.

• Eligibility: U.S. citizens; seniors or recent graduates.
• UIC Deadline: Mid-April.
• Website: http://www.marshallscholarship.org/

Mitchell Scholarships

For outstanding students with a 3.7 GPA or higher, scholarship, leadership and a sustained commitment to community and public service; offers graduate study at any of the 9 universities in Northern Ireland for one year. UIC starts to prepare candidates in the spring for fall deadlines.

• Eligibility: U.S. citizens; seniors or recent graduates ages 18-20.
• UIC Deadline: Mid-April.
• Website: https://www.us-irelandalliance.org/mitchellscholarship

Rhodes Scholarships (U.S.)

For outstanding students with a 3.7 GPA or higher, research, service, leadership and vision for making a difference; offers graduate study at Oxford University for 1-2 years. UIC starts to prepare candidates in the spring for fall deadlines.

• Eligibility: U.S. citizens; seniors or recent graduates ages 18-27 (*NOTE: As of 2018, citizens of all nations may compete for the Rhodes, as long as they meet the criteria and the eligibility appropriate to their country of citizenship. Other nations have different deadlines).
• UIC Deadline: July 1st.
• Website: http://www.rhodesscholar.org/

Interested in finding out more? Contact OEF: https://oef.uic.edu/about/contact-us/

Lincoln Academy Student Laureate

Recognition of an outstanding graduating senior by the Lincoln Academy of Illinois including $1000 award.

• Students must be nominated and can self-nominate 
• Deadline: Spring semester in the year before graduation (ex. If graduating in Spring 2028, students must be nominated in Spring 2027).
• Website: https://lincolnacademyillinois.org/

S.E.E., TCF Bank and other scholarships

For UIC students with at least 12-40 hours, ranging from $1000 to $5000 toward continued undergraduate study.

• Deadline: Contact OEF
• Website: https://scholarships.uic.edu/

Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship

For sophomores, juniors and graduate students in any major, $2000 for undergraduates, or $5000 for graduates toward continuing studies.

• Deadline: Contact OEF
• Website: http://vcsa.uic.edu/scholarships/dr-martin-scholarship/