USGIF's 2026 Scholarships 

As you complete the application, please ensure that you carefully read each section's requirements and complete/upload the requested information. 

Incomplete applications will be automatically rejected without review. 

Application deadline is April 5, 2026*

*Edits to applications and answers to emails will not be available after 3 p.m. ET on April 3, 2025.

Application Requirements Overview 

To complete an application, you will be required to: 

• Provide full contact information and some demographic information
• Compose detailed responses to short-answer questions 
• (OPTIONAL) Craft responses to sponsored scholarship questions
• Secure recommenders and have them supply letters of recommendation
• Submit school transcripts and/or a current resume/CV
• Compose and submit a short essay (undergraduate - Ph.D. candidates only)  

All applicants must complete a general application to be considered for any of USGIF's named scholarship awards. Awards are not combinable, meaning, awardees will only receive one award each. By completing the general application, applicants are automatically considered for USGIF's general awards ($1,000 - $3,000). Named awards ($5,000 - $15,000) are optional. To be considered for them, complete the extra portion of the application for named awards.  

Application Timeline

January 9, 2026 :  Applications open

April 5, 2026:  Applications close

April 13, 2026 : Scholarship review begins

May 17, 2026 : Scholarship review closes

Late June 2026 : All applicants are notified of their award status

USGIF's statement on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

The use of AI is at the applicant’s discretion. USGIF supports the use of AI only as an aid for improving thoughts and ideas, not a shortcut to securing an award. USGIF reserves the right to disqualify applicants or dock points for answers or essays that are clearly AI generated and do not embody the applicant’s perspective, voice, or original ideas.