At the Dean of Studies Office at Bard, we believe the experience of applying for prestigious scholarships and fellowships can be as personally and professionally transformational as the outcome.
“Prestigious scholarships and fellowships” is a broad category of opportunities that support a range of experiences, including providing funding to pursue graduate study, to teach English abroad, to travel, or to undertake an independent research or artistic project. The Dean of Studies Office recruits students to apply for scholarships and fellowships, then guides them through every stage of the application process, from choosing opportunities to drafting personal statements and project proposals and finalizing applications.
The benefits of applying for these opportunities are myriad, but include the ability to articulate your personal story, to communicate that story to an external audience, to improve your writing, critical thinking, and public speaking skills, to define your career path and choice of graduate education, and to deepen your relationships with mentors and advisors.
To get started, please explore the opportunities listed below and make an appointment with Molly Freitas, associate dean of studies, at [email protected].
“Prestigious scholarships and fellowships” is a broad category of opportunities that support a range of experiences, including providing funding to pursue graduate study, to teach English abroad, to travel, or to undertake an independent research or artistic project. The Dean of Studies Office recruits students to apply for scholarships and fellowships, then guides them through every stage of the application process, from choosing opportunities to drafting personal statements and project proposals and finalizing applications.
The benefits of applying for these opportunities are myriad, but include the ability to articulate your personal story, to communicate that story to an external audience, to improve your writing, critical thinking, and public speaking skills, to define your career path and choice of graduate education, and to deepen your relationships with mentors and advisors.
To get started, please explore the opportunities listed below and make an appointment with Molly Freitas, associate dean of studies, at [email protected].
Two Bard College Graduates Win 2024 Fulbright Awards
Congratulations to Jonathan Asiedu ’24 and Sara Varde de Nieves ’22, both of whom won 2024–25 Fulbright Awards for individually designed research projects and English teaching assistantships. Varde de Nieves ’22 will travel to Chile for their project “Regresando al Hogar/Returning Home,” while Asiedu ’24 was awarded an English Teaching Assistantship in Spain.
Opportunities for First Years, Sophomores, and Juniors
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DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service)
DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service)
DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service)
About: DAAD provides scholarships and fellowships funded by the German government.
Provides: Funding for study abroad scholarships, graduate degrees, or research fellowships/internships in Germany. Opportunities vary.
Website: https://www.daad.de/en/
Eligibility: Both U.S. citizens and international students are eligible. -
Davis Projects for Peace
Davis Projects for Peace
Davis Projects for Peace
About: “Projects for Peace is a global program that partners with educational institutions to identify and support young peacebuilders. Every year, 125 or more student leaders are each awarded a grant of $10,000 to implement a “Project for Peace,” typically between May and August. Most grantees are undergraduates.”
Provides: $10,000 to implement a “project for peace” anywhere in the world.
Website: https://www.middlebury.edu/projects-for-peace
Eligibility: Applicants can be U.S. citizens or international students in any year of their college career.
Special Notes: Bard will hold an internal competition in December to select the two strongest “projects for peace” proposals. Bard can only put forward one “selected” proposal and one “alternate” proposal, although both proposals can be selected by the foundation. Students can apply as individuals or in groups/teams.
Recent Bard Winners:
2024:
Musical Mentorship Initiative Kenya
Creative Play in Malaysia
2023:
Ariha Shahed '26 -
Humanity in Action
Humanity in Action
Humanity in Action
About: “Humanity in Action’s educational, networking and leadership programs have for over 20 years now focused on human rights violations, social tensions and how to sustainably address and prevent them.”
Provides: Funding for several week summer fellowship programs in Copenhagen, Sarajevo, Amsterdam, or Berlin in issues such as climate change, democracies in crisis, human rights, etc.
Website: https://humanityinaction.org/fellowship-programs/
Eligibility: Both U.S. citizens and international students are eligible to apply.
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The Goldwater Scholarship
The Goldwater Scholarship
The Goldwater Scholarship
About: “The Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation was established by Congress in 1986 to serve as a living memorial to honor the lifetime work of Senator Barry Goldwater, who served his country for 56 years as a soldier and statesman, including 30 years in the U.S. Senate. By providing scholarships to college sophomores and juniors who intend to pursue research careers in the natural sciences, mathematics and engineering, the Goldwater Foundation is helping ensure that the U.S. is producing the number of highly-qualified professionals the Nation needs in these critical fields.”
Provides: $7,500 toward one’s college tuition for the following year.
Website: https://goldwaterscholarship.gov/
Eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen with plans to pursue a research career in science, mathematics, engineering, or psychology. Must be in one’s sophomore or junior year of college coursework.
Special Notes: Students must apply through Bard (“institutional endorsement”). Bard will hold an internal competition with students in the Science, Mathematics, and Computing Division. A committee will then select the strongest four applicants (Bard can only nominate four). For more information, please contact Molly Freitas, Associate Dean of Studies at [email protected]
Recent Bard Winners:
2024
Emma Derrick '25
Reed Campbell '25 -
The Truman Scholarship
The Truman Scholarship
The Truman Scholarship
About: “The Truman [Scholarship] is the nation’s official living memorial to our thirty-third president and the presidential monument to public service. Our vision is of a country that deeply values public servants. In pursuit of this mission and vision, we award the Truman Scholarship, the premier graduate fellowship in the United States for those pursuing careers as public service leaders, in addition to programs across the course of Truman Scholars' careers.”
Provides: $30,000 toward a graduate or law degree (no MBAs).
Website: https://www.truman.gov/
Eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen with a strong record of public service (on-campus or in one’s home community). Students also must be in their junior (third) year, unless they are in a five-year program (like the Conservatory), in which case they can be in their fourth year of college coursework.
Special Notes: Students must apply through Bard (“institutional endorsement”). Bard will hold an internal competition in October to select the four Bard nominees for Truman (we cannot nominate more than four). For more information, please contact Molly Freitas, Associate Dean of Studies at [email protected]
Recent Bard Winners:
Karimah Shabazz ‘14 -
The Udall Scholarship
The Udall Scholarship
The Udall Scholarship
About: “The Udall Undergraduate Scholarship honors the legacies of Morris K. Udall and Stewart L. Udall, whose careers had a significant impact on Native American self-governance, health care, and the stewardship of public lands and natural resources. The Scholarship Program identifies future leaders in environmental, Tribal public policy, and health care fields.”
Provides: $7,000 toward one’s college tuition the following year.
Website: The Udall Scholarship
Eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident who is a college sophomore or junior. Must be interested in and working toward positive change in the fields of environmental or Native American policy.
Special Notes: Students must apply through Bard (“institutional endorsement”). For more information, please contact Molly Freitas, Associate Dean of Studies at [email protected]
Opportunities for Graduating Seniors and Alumni/ae
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The Fulbright Scholarship
The Fulbright Scholarship
About: “The Fulbright U.S. Student Program expands perspectives through academic and professional advancement and cross-cultural dialogue. Fulbright creates connections in a complex and changing world. In partnership with more than 140 countries worldwide, the Fulbright U.S. Student Program offers unparalleled opportunities in all academic disciplines to passionate and accomplished graduating college seniors, graduate students, and young professionals from all backgrounds. Program participants pursue graduate study, conduct research, or teach English abroad.”
Provides: Three options: 1) stipend to teach English abroad (English Teaching Assistant, ETA) 2) funding to conduct independent research abroad (self-designed project) 3) funding to pursue graduate study abroad.
Website: https://us.fulbrightonline.org/
Eligibility: Open only to U.S. citizens.
Special Notes: Students are encouraged to apply through Bard (“institutional endorsement”). The internal Bard deadline is September 1st, which is usually about a month before the national deadline. For more information, please contact Molly Freitas, Associate Dean of Studies, at [email protected]
Recent Bard Winners:
2024:
Sara Varde de Nieves '22 (independent research, Chile)
Jonathan Asiedu '24 (ETA, Spain)
2023:
Elias Ephron '23 (ETA, Spain)
Eleanor Tappen '23 (ETA, Mexico)
Macy Jenks '23 (ETA, Taiwan)
Getazmany Correa '21 (ETA, Spain)
Avery Morris '18 (independent study, Czech Republic)
Evan Tims '19 (independent study, India)
Juliana Maitenaz '22 (independent study, Brazil)
2022:
Mercer Greenwald '22 (ETA/research combined award, Austria)
Maya Friedan '22 (grad program, the Netherlands)
Paola Luchsinger '20 (ETA, Greece)
Lance Sum '21 (ETA, Taiwan)
Jordan Donohue '22 (ETA, Brazil)
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Gaither Junior Fellows Program
Gaither Junior Fellows Program
Gaither Junior Fellows Program
About: “Each year, through the James C. Gaither Junior Fellows program, the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace offers approximately 15 one-year fellowships to uniquely qualified graduating seniors and individuals who have graduated during the past academic year. They are selected from a pool of nominees nominated by several hundred participating universities and colleges.”
Provides: Research stipend to spend one year (beginning September 1st) at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington, DC working with Carnegie’s senior scholars in the following fields: democracy, conflict, and governance; American statecraft; nuclear policy; technology and international affairs; the Middle East; international security and political economy; Asia; Russia and Eurasia; Africa; global order and institutions; sustainability, clime, and geopolitics; Europe.
Website: James C. Gaither Junior Fellows Program
Eligibility: Students do not need to be U.S. citizens if they attend a university in the U.S. However, all applicants must be eligible to work in the United States for 10-12 months from September 1 through at least June 30 following graduation. Students on F-1 visas who are eligible to work in the United States for the full year may apply for the program. If a student attends a participating school outside of the United States, they must be a U.S. citizen.
Special Notes: Students must apply through Bard (“institutional endorsement”). For more information, please contact Molly Freitas, Associate Dean of Studies at [email protected] -
Gates-Cambridge Scholarship
Gates-Cambridge Scholarship
Gates-Cambridge Scholarship
About: “Postgraduate scholarships at the University of Cambridge for Scholars with a commitment to changing the world for the better. Each year Gates Cambridge offers 80 full-cost scholarships to outstanding applicants from countries outside the UK to pursue a postgraduate degree in any subject available at the University of Cambridge. Approximately two-thirds of these awards will be offered to PhD students, with approximately 25 awards available in the US round and 55 available in the International round.”
Provides: Full tuition funding to select Cambridge graduate programs (preference given to students pursuing a DPhil or PhD).
Website: https://www.gatescambridge.org/
Eligibility: Open to both U.S. citizens and international students.
Special Notes: In order to become a Gates-Cambridge Scholar, students must first get into their chosen Cambridge graduate program. -
Knight-Hennessy Scholars
Knight-Hennessy Scholars
Knight-Hennessy Scholars
About: “Knight-Hennessy Scholars cultivates and supports a multidisciplinary and multicultural community of graduate students from across Stanford University, and delivers engaging experiences that prepare graduates to be visionary, courageous, and collaborative leaders who address complex challenges facing the world.”
Provides: Full tuition funding to any Stanford graduate or professional program for three years; stipend for living expenses; leadership training.
Website: Knight-Hennessy Scholars
Eligibility: Open to both U.S. citizens and international students.
Special Notes: In order to become a Knight-Hennessy Scholar, applicants must first get into their chosen Stanford graduate program.
Recent Bard Winners:
Hannah Park-Kaufmann '24 -
Luce Scholars
Luce Scholars
Luce Scholars
About: “Luce Scholars is a leadership development fellowship that provides emerging leaders with immersive professional experiences in Asia. We aim to strengthen relationships across borders by offering Scholars opportunities to deepen their understanding of Asia's countries, cultures, and people. Through this year-long immersion, the Program equips scholars with knowledge and skills to address global leadership challenges and build a more interconnected world.”
Provides: Job/internship placement (with a stipend) and language training.
Website: https://lucescholars.org/
Eligibility: Open only to U.S. citizens. Must be 32 years or younger; if older than 32, students must have completed their bachelor’s degrees in the last three years. Students will not be placed in a country in which they have significant experience (defined as 18 weeks or more).
Recent Bard Winners:
Evan Tims ‘19 -
The Marshall Scholarship
The Marshall Scholarship
The Marshall Scholarship
About: “Marshall Scholarships finance young Americans of high ability to study for a degree in the United Kingdom. Up to fifty Scholars are selected each year to study at graduate level at an UK institution in any field of study. As future leaders, with a lasting understanding of British society, Marshall Scholars strengthen the enduring relationship between the British and American peoples, their governments and their institutions.”
Provides: Two years of funding to chosen U.K graduate programs (one two-year program or two one-year programs). Most professional programs are ineligible.
Website: https://www.marshallscholarship.org/
Eligibility: Open only to U.S. citizens.
Special Notes: Students must apply through Bard (“institutional endorsement”). Must also possess a 3.7 minimum GPA and exceptional leadership. For more information, please contact Molly Freitas, Associate Dean of Studies at [email protected] -
McCall MacBain Scholars
McCall MacBain Scholars
McCall MacBain Scholars
About: “The McCall MacBain Scholarships bring together exceptional students who strive to engage in positive change by taking on meaningful leadership roles. McCall MacBain Scholars connect with mentors and participate in an interdisciplinary leadership program while pursuing a fully funded master’s or professional degree at McGill University” in Montreal, Canada.
Provides: Funding for a master’s or professional degree program as well as leadership training.
Website: https://mccallmacbainscholars.org/
Eligibility: Open to both U.S. citizens and international students -
Payne International Development Fellowship
Payne International Development Fellowship
Payne International Development Fellowship
About: “The USAID Donald M. Payne International Development Graduate Fellowship Program seeks to attract outstanding individuals who are interested in pursuing careers in the Foreign Service of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).”
Provides: $104,000 in benefits over two years for graduate school tuition, internships, and professional development activities.
Website: https://www.paynefellows.org/
Eligibility: Open only to U.S. citizens. Must pursue a two-year on-campus master’s degree program in foreign affairs or a related field.
Special Notes: If awarded the Fellowship, must commit to at least five years of work in the U.S. Foreign Service. -
Pickering Foreign Affairs Graduate Fellowship
Pickering Foreign Affairs Graduate Fellowship
Pickering Foreign Affairs Graduate Fellowship
About: “The Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Graduate Fellowship Program is a program funded by the U.S. Department of State, administered by Howard University, that attracts and prepares outstanding young people for Foreign Service careers in the U.S. Department of State. It welcomes the application of members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the State Department, women, and those with a demonstrated financial need for graduate school. Based on the fundamental principle that diversity is a strength in our diplomatic efforts, the program values varied backgrounds, including ethnic, racial, social, and geographic diversity.”
Provides: $24,000 a year toward a two-year master’s degree program in foreign affairs or a related field.
Website: https://pickeringfellowship.org/
Eligibility: Open to U.S. citizens only. Must have at least a 3.2 GPA. Must pursue a two-year on-campus master’s degree program.
Special Notes: If awarded the Fellowship, must commit to at least five years of work in the U.S. Foreign Service. -
Princeton in Latin America/Africa/Asia
Princeton in Latin America/Africa/Asia
Princeton in Latin America/Africa/Asia
About: “Working in every field from public health to conservation to conflict resolution, Princeton in Fellows improve the lives of everyday people in tangible and significant ways.”
Provides: Stipend to pursue an internship or English-teaching experience in Latin America, Asia, or Africa. Opportunities vary.
Website: Princeton in Latin America; Princeton in Asia; Princeton in Africa
Eligibility: Open to both U.S. citizens and international students. -
Rhodes Scholarship
Rhodes Scholarship
Rhodes Scholarship
About: “The world's pre-eminent international scholarship. We fight the world's fights by forming an incredibly diverse lifelong community of exceptional people from across the planet, who share a transformational postgraduate experience at Oxford University.”
Provides: Full-funding for two years to graduate and professional programs at Oxford University (one two-year program or two one-year programs).
Website: The Rhodes Scholarship
Eligibility: Both U.S. and international students are eligible, but apply out of different constituencies. For more information, please visit this page.
Special Notes: Students must apply through Bard (“institutional endorsement”). Must possess a 3.7 minimum GPA and exceptional leadership. For more information, please contact Molly Freitas, Associate Dean of Studies, at [email protected]
Recent Bard Winners:
Sonita Alizada '23 (Global Rhodes constituency)
Nawara Alabond '23 Bard Berlin (Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine Rhodes constituency). Ronan Farrow ‘04 -
Rotary Global Grant
Rotary Global Grant
About: “Global grants support large international activities with sustainable, measurable outcomes in Rotary’s areas of focus which include: basic education and literacy; disease prevention and treatment; community economic development; maternal and child health; peacebuilding and conflict prevention; water, sanitation, and hygiene; the environment. By working together to respond to real community needs, clubs and districts strengthen their global partnerships.”
Provides: Funding for graduate study abroad or funding for humanitarian projects.
Website: Rotary Global Grants
Eligibility: Open to both U.S. citizens and international students.
Special Notes: Students must first contact a local Rotary club (usually in one’s home town, but possibly also near Bard in Red Hook or Rhinebeck). -
Samuel Huntington Public Service Award
Samuel Huntington Public Service Award
Samuel Huntington Public Service Award
About: “The Samuel Huntington Public Service Award 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. Projects that have the potential to be sustainable are favored, and therefore many of the projects initiated by past award recipients continue to benefit people today.”
Provides: $30,000 toward a public service project of the student’s design.
Website: https://www.samuelhuntingtonaward.org/
Eligibility: Open to all graduating seniors from accredited U.S. colleges and universities. No citizenship requirements. -
Schwarzman Scholars
Schwarzman Scholars
Schwarzman Scholars
About: “A one year, fully-funded master’s degree [in Global Affairs] designed to build a global community of future leaders who will serve to deepen understanding between China and the rest of the world.”
Provides: Funding for a one-year master’s program and leadership training at Tsinghua University in Beijing.
Website: https://www.schwarzmanscholars.org/
Eligibility: Open to both U.S. citizens and international students. Must be between 18-28 years of age and possess exceptional leadership.
Recent Bard Winners:
Edris Tajik '23
Michael Nyakundi '23 (Bard Berlin)
Evan Tims '19 (declined scholarship) -
The Watson Fellowship
The Watson Fellowship
The Watson Fellowship
About: “The Thomas J. Watson Fellowship is a one-year grant for purposeful, independent exploration outside the United States, awarded to graduating seniors nominated by one of 41 partner institutions.”
Provides: $40,000 to execute a passion project in at least four countries (which cannot include the United States). Students must remain out of the U.S. for one calendar year.
Website: https://watson.foundation/fellowships/tj
Eligibility: Open to both U.S. citizens and international students. Can only apply when a college senior (first or second semester).
Special Notes: Students must apply through Bard (“institutional endorsement”). Bard will hold an internal competition in late September to select the four Bard nominees for Watson (we cannot nominate more than four). For more information, please contact Molly Freitas, Associate Dean of Studies at [email protected]
Recent Bard Winners:
Nine Reed-Mera '24
Andy Garcia '22
Ashley Eugley '22 -
Yenching Academy at Peking University
Yenching Academy at Peking University
Yenching Academy at Peking University
About: “The Yenching Academy of Peking University aims to build bridges between China and the rest of the world through an interdisciplinary master's program in China Studies. This initiative brings together young people who have demonstrated a talent for leadership and innovation. At Yenching, they are immersed in an intensive learning environment where they can explore China and its role in the world—past, present, and future. The Academy's goal is to shape new generations of global citizens with a nuanced understanding of China.”
Provides: Full funding for a master’s degree in China Studies at Peking University.
Website: https://yenchingacademy.pku.edu.cn/
Eligibility: Both U.S. citizens and international students are eligible to apply.
Questions?
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Molly Freitas
Contact Us
Dean of Studies Office
Bard College
PO Box 5000
Annandale-on-Hudson
New York 12504
[email protected]
845-758-7454
Bard College
PO Box 5000
Annandale-on-Hudson
New York 12504
[email protected]
845-758-7454