These opportunities are good fits for undergraduate students with freshman status (0-44 units earned) 


  • Sponsored by the National Security Education Program, the David L. Boren Scholarship provides funding for U.S. undergraduate students to study less commonly taught languages in world regions critical to U.S. interests and underrepresented in study abroad. Applicants select a study abroad program in consultation with their study abroad office and Boren Campus Representative and receive funding up to $20,000 depending on the award and length of program. In exchange for financial support, Boren Scholars commit to working in the federal government for at least one year after graduation. Application materials must be certified by campus officers and as a result the campus deadline is before the national deadline.  For application information, contact the Center for International Education in SF 102.

  • The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program is a fully funded overseas language and cultural immersion program for American undergraduate and graduate students. With the goal of broadening the base of Americans studying and mastering critical languages and building relationships between the people of the United State and other countries, CLS provides study opportunities to a diverse range of students from across the United States at every level of language learning. The CLS Program is part of a U.S. government effort to expand dramatically the number of Americans studying and mastering critical foreign languages.  Applications are typically due in November.

  • The US-UK Fulbright Commission UK Summer Institute offers a collection of opportunities. These summer programs provide the opportunity for US undergraduates (aged over 18), with at least two years of undergraduate study left to complete, to come to the UK on a three, four, five or six week academic and cultural summer program. Participants in these programs will get the opportunity to experience an exciting academic program at a highly regarded UK University, explore the culture, heritage and history of the UK and develop their academic ability by improving presentation, research and communication skills.  Applications are typically due in February.

  • The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program offers scholarships for U.S. citizen undergraduate students receiving a Federal Pell Grant to pursue academic studies abroad and credit-bearing internships abroad. Named after retired Congressman Benjamin A. Gilman from New York, the program’s mission is to diversify the kinds of students who study and intern abroad and the countries and regions where they go. Award recipients receive up to $5,000 to apply toward study abroad or internship program costs, including program fees, tuition, room and board, airfare, books, and local transportation. Application materials must be certified by campus officers and as a result the campus deadline is before the national deadline.  For application information, contact the Center for International Education in SF 102.

  • Google offers several scholarships for outstanding students who show promise in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines. Included in the scholarships are specific opportunities for underrepresented students in technology including but not limited to students with disabilities, veterans, and women in technology. Winners may be required to attend the Google Computer Science Summer Institute. Deadlines and awards for scholarships vary, with applications due in November and December.  Applications are typically due from December to March depending on the scholarship.

Did you read through all of the listings for nationally competitive fellowships and scholarships, but didn't find anything that is the right fit? Consider looking at  , Cal State East Bay's in house portal for scholarship opportunities. These have fewer applicants and are less competitive, but still can provide useful funding for your university education. The portal uses a common application system, which opts you into all the Pioneer Scholarships that you are eligible for. The common application consists of four 500 word essay questions and a letter of recommendation. Application deadlines vary, but the most common deadline is in April for the following academic year.