The Office of Scholar Development (OSD) at Indiana University Indianapolis supports students who are interested in competitive national scholarships and grants. OSD works with faculty and campus offices to identify students whose academic accomplishments meet scholarship and grant guidelines, and coordinates, supports, and mentors students and their faculty as they develop their applications. The Office of Scholar Development is open to all IU Indianapolis students and strives to help them demonstrate their excellence to external stakeholders.
Schedule a meeting with our scholar support specialist, Shay Mays, to discuss the process and your application.
Complete OSD application training in Canvas.
Students will draft materials via Canvas training modules.
Finalize your award submission with OSD and submit application.
For awards that are limited in the number of applications per campus, students may be asked to complete an interview with staff and award representatives prior to training and submission of the award.
The Harry S. Truman Scholarship is a prestigious award designed to support and develop the next generation of public service leaders.
The Truman Scholarship aims to identify and support college juniors who exhibit exceptional leadership potential and are committed to careers in public service sectors, including government, nonprofit organizations, education, and advocacy.
The award provides up to $30,000 for graduate studies in fields that prepare students for public service careers. Additionally, scholars gain access to leadership development programs, mentorship opportunities, and preferential hiring within the federal government.
Campus deadline: October
Application deadline: Early February
More information, including eligibility criteria and application process, are available at: truman.gov.
If you are interested in applying, please email the Office of Scholar Development at sdevelop@iu.edu.
IU Indianapolis campus representative: Kristina Horn Sheeler Dean, Honors College
The Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship supports undergraduate sophomores and juniors who plan to pursue research careers in the natural sciences, mathematics, and engineering. The award provides up to $7,500 per academic year for eligible undergraduate tuition, fees, books, and room and board. Juniors are eligible for one year of funding, while sophomores can receive support for up to two years.
Students cannot apply directly for the Goldwater Scholarship. To begin, complete the pre-application at goldwaterscholarship.gov by early October. After submission, the campus representative will contact applicants for an interview. The final application submission is due the last Friday in January.
Campus deadline: Early October
Application deadline: Last Friday in January
More information, including eligibility criteria and application process, are available at goldwaterscholarship.gov.
If you are interested in applying, please email the Office of Scholar Development at sdevelop@iu.edu.
IU Indianapolis campus representative: Kristina Horn Sheeler Dean, Honors College
The Gilman Scholarship Program provides financial awards for U.S. undergraduate students receiving Federal Pell Grants to participate in study and internship programs abroad. The scholarship supports diverse students and encourages study in underrepresented countries and regions.
The Gilman Scholarship is open to U.S. citizen undergraduates attending two-year or four-year colleges and universities. It aims to make international experiences accessible to students who might otherwise face financial barriers.
The award provides up to $8,000 to cover study abroad expenses, including airfare, tuition, room and board, and other program-related costs.
Application deadline: Early March
More information, including eligibility criteria and application process, are available at gilmanscholarship.org.
If you are interested in applying, please email the Office of Scholar Development at sdevelop@iu.edu.
IU Indianapolis campus representative: Stephanie Leslie Director of Study Abroad
The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program is a fully funded overseas language and cultural immersion program for U.S. undergraduate and graduate students. Funded by the U.S. Department of State, the program offers intensive summer study of 13 critical languages for 8–10 weeks.
This award provides funding for tuition, travel, housing, meals, and cultural activities, enabling students from diverse backgrounds and academic disciplines to participate. CLS aims to expand the number of Americans mastering critical languages and to foster global relationships. Participants are encouraged to continue language study and apply their skills in their professional careers.
Campus deadline: October
Application deadline: Mid-November
More information, including eligibility criteria and application process, are available at clscholarship.org.
If you are interested in applying, please email the Office of Scholar Development at sdevelop@iu.edu.
IU Indianapolis campus representative: Kristina Horn Sheeler Dean, Honors College
The Douglass-O’Connell Global Internship provides a comprehensive eight-week summer internship in Dublin, Ireland, combining practical work experience with academic coursework. Participants explore Irish history and culture, emphasizing the contributions of Frederick Douglass and Daniel O’Connell to social justice and economic mobility.
The award is fully sponsored, covering program costs, airfare, housing, field trips, and a six-credit academic course. Participants receive a stipend for meals and recreational activities.
Application deadline: November
More information, including eligibility criteria and application process, are available at ciee.org.
The Douglass-O’Connell Global Internship does not require a nomination by Indiana University. If you are interested in applying and would like assistance, please email the Office of Scholar Development at sdevelop@iu.edu.
The Udall Scholarship honors the legacies of Morris and Stewart Udall, emphasizing leadership and public service in areas such as environmental conservation, tribal public policy, and Native American health care.
This award provides up to $7,000 for tuition, room and board, or other educational expenses to college sophomores and juniors committed to careers in the environment, tribal public policy, or Native American health care.
Campus deadline: October
Application deadline: January
More information, including eligibility criteria and application process, are available at udall.gov.
If you are interested in applying, please email the Office of Scholar Development at sdevelop@iu.edu.
IU Indianapolis campus representative: Jennifer Guiliano Professor of History Adjunct Associate Professor of American Indian Programs
Boren Undergraduate Scholarships are designed to promote U.S. national security by funding undergraduate study of less commonly taught languages in critical regions.
Boren Scholars are highly motivated individuals committed to national security careers. In exchange for funding, scholars agree to work in the federal government for at least one year after graduation. This program fosters expertise in languages and cultures vital to U.S. security interests.
This award provides funding based on the program's cost and the duration of the recipient's overseas study. Undergraduate Boren Scholars can receive up to $25,000 for language-focused study abroad, while graduate Boren Fellows may receive up to $30,000 to support a combination of domestic and international language study.
Campus deadline: Early December
Application deadline: January
More information, including eligibility criteria and application process, are available at borenawards.org.
If you are interested in applying, please email the Office of Scholar Development at sdevelop@iu.edu.
IU Indianapolis campus representative: Stephanie Leslie Director of Study Abroad
Graduate & post-baccalaureate
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program offers opportunities for graduate study, research, university teaching, and English teaching assistantships in over 140 countries. Approximately 1,900 grants are awarded annually across various fields.
This award provides round-trip transportation, living expenses, limited health benefits, and, for study/research grants, additional funding for books, tuition, and research. Applicants must have an undergraduate degree by the start of the grant period.
Grants are available in most disciplines, including sciences, arts, and professional fields. For details and application tips, visit the Fulbright U.S. Student Program website.
Campus deadline: Early September
Application deadline: Early October
More information, including eligibility criteria, the list of countries, and application process, are available at us.fulbrightonline.org.
If you are interested in applying, please email the Office of Scholar Development at sdevelop@iu.edu.
IU Indianapolis campus representative: Stephanie Leslie Director of Study Abroad
The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program is a fully funded overseas language and cultural immersion program for U.S. undergraduate and graduate students. Funded by the U.S. Department of State, the program offers intensive summer study of 13 critical languages for 8–10 weeks.
This award provides funding for tuition, travel, housing, meals, and cultural activities, enabling students from diverse backgrounds and academic disciplines to participate. CLS aims to expand the number of Americans mastering critical languages and foster global relationships. Participants are encouraged to continue language study and apply their skills in their professional careers.
Campus deadline: October
Application deadline: Mid-November
More information, including eligibility criteria and application process, are available at clscholarship.org.
If you are interested in applying, please email the Office of Scholar Development at sdevelop@iu.edu.
IU Indianapolis campus representative: Kristina Horn Sheeler Dean, Honors College
The Gates Cambridge Scholarships are prestigious and highly competitive full-cost awards granted to exceptional applicants from outside the U.K. to pursue full-time postgraduate degrees in any subject at the University of Cambridge. The program seeks to create a global network of future leaders dedicated to improving the lives of others. Prospective Cambridge students may also explore the Marshall Scholarship and the Churchill Scholarship.
This award provides comprehensive financial support for studying at Cambridge, covering the University Composition Fee and a maintenance allowance for a single student (£21,000 for 12 months in 2024–25, adjusted for shorter courses). It also includes one economy airfare at the beginning and end of the course, inbound visa costs, and the Immigration Health Surcharge. Additional discretionary funding is available for academic development, family allowances, fieldwork, and other needs.
Application deadline: Mid-October for U.S. citizens living in the U.S.A., and December or January for all other eligible applicants depending on the course.
More information, including eligibility criteria and application process, are available at gatescambridge.org.
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship does not require a nomination by Indiana University. If you are interested in applying and would like assistance, please email the Office of Scholar Development at sdevelop@iu.edu.
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program offers full funding to outstanding students from around the globe who demonstrate exceptional leadership and a commitment to civic engagement. Scholars pursue diverse graduate programs at Stanford University, with the aim of cultivating a new generation of global leaders. As the largest fully endowed scholars program in the world, Knight-Hennessy provides unparalleled opportunities for academic and personal growth.
This award provides full funding for up to three years of graduate study at Stanford. This includes tuition, associated fees, and a stipend for living and academic expenses. Additional support is available for specific needs, such as travel and conferences.
Campus deadline: July
Application deadline: Early October
More information, including eligibility criteria and application process, are available at knight-hennessy.stanford.edu.
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program does not require a nomination by Indiana University. If you are interested in applying and would like assistance, please email the Office of Scholar Development at sdevelop@iu.edu.
IU Indianapolis campus representative: Kristina Horn Sheeler Dean, Honors College
The Boren Graduate Fellowship provides funding for U.S. undergraduate seniors entering their first year of graduate school to study in regions critical to U.S. interests, such as Africa, Asia, Central and Eastern Europe, Eurasia, Latin America, and the Middle East. Western Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand are excluded.
To be eligible, applicants must be enrolled in or applying to a graduate program at a U.S. institution accredited by the U.S. Department of Education. Fellows must remain enrolled for the duration of the fellowship and cannot graduate before completing the program.
This award offers up to $30,000 for a combination of domestic and international language study. In exchange for funding, fellows commit to working in the federal government for at least one year after graduation, contributing to national security efforts. For more details, visit the Boren Awards website.
Campus deadline: Early December
Application deadline: January
More information, including eligibility criteria and application process, are available at borenawards.org.
If you are interested in applying, please email the Office of Scholar Development at sdevelop@iu.edu.
IU Indianapolis campus representative: Stephanie Leslie Director of Study Abroad
The National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) supports outstanding graduate students pursuing research-based M.S. or Ph.D. degrees in STEM fields and social sciences. Administered by the National Science Foundation, the program recognizes scholars with strong potential for significant research contributions in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and STEM education.
This award provides a $37,000 annual stipend for up to three years of graduate study at any accredited U.S. academic institution. Field-specific application deadlines occur in the fall.
Application deadline: Mid-October
For more details, visit the scholarship program’s website at nsfgrfp.org.
The NSF GRFP does not require a nomination by Indiana University. Faculty letters of recommendation are needed. If you are interested in applying and would like assistance, please email the Office of Scholar Development at sdevelop@iu.edu.
IU Indianapolis campus representative: Keith Avin, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Physical Therapy
Faculty and staff information
Faculty interested in working with the Office for Scholar Development are encouraged to:
Serve as internal evaluators for limited submission scholarships and grants
If you have been a recipient of a nationally competitive scholarship or grant at any point in your academic career, we want to know! Contact us by emailing sdevelop@iu.edu.
OSD was founded in August 2024 by Honors College Dean Kristy Sheeler, with support from the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education Christina Downey and Executive Associate Dean of the Institute for Engaged Learning Jerry Daday. Kristy Sheeler is joined by professor Kathy Marrs of the School of Science and professor Jennifer Guiliano of the School of Liberal Arts, who both serve as inaugural faculty fellows.
