Cornell University

Office of National Fellowships

Getting Started

What is a Fellowship?

Fellowships are important opportunities to get money to do something you want, and they also make you a stronger candidate for additional education, jobs, and other opportunities.  They are an investment in you.  

Fellowships can include money, recognition, opportunities, and support, and act as gateways to other opportunities and provide access to networks that will allow you to continue to pursue your goals and aspirations.

  • All fellowships include at least one of these elements (money) and many include all of them.  
  • Some of them are called scholarships, but are classified as fellowships because the award recognizes the person first, and the funding for study is a recognition of how well the person fulfills the criteria for selection. The fellowships that are called scholarships usually include very generous funding.
  • Some fellowships are open to US citizens only. Others are open to permanent residents and DACA recipients. Some are open to international students, as well.  
  • Some fellowships are targeted for those with GPAs above a certain number; some fellowships are open more broadly or consider GPA only in relationship to other factors (such as the graduate program you want to apply to, or whether you have done well in the courses relevant to your future goals).

The Office of National Fellowships Advising is happy to help you plan fellowship experiences and identify awards to pursue. Please feel free to email ccs-fellowhips@cornell.edu, attend an information session, sign up for a 30-minute fellowship exploration appointment or a 30-minute application support appointment.  

Why Apply?

Fellowships are important opportunities to get support to do something you want, and they also make you a stronger candidate for additional education, jobs, and other opportunities.  They are an investment in you and your community. Fellowships can include money, recognition, opportunities, and support, and act as gateways to other opportunities and provide access to networks that will allow you to continue to pursue and expand your goals and aspirations. 

Who should apply?

Each fellowship has distinct eligibility requirements. Often these are based on:

  • the type of activity the fellowship supports
  • your class year
  • your academic standing  
  • the location you intend to carry out your project
  • other criteria

Eligibility requirements for specific fellowships can be found on the foundation’s website for the fellowship. Read these carefully before you begin an application and refer back to them as you develop your work. The eligibility requirements of each fellowship competition reflect the mission and goals of the foundations that fund them and thus support activities or experiences which the foundation has identified as important.  

When should I get started? 

Each fellowship is different, but it is a good idea to begin planning applications due in the fall of the next year during the spring of that year. That’s also the time to attend information sessions about fellowships. Some awards have early fall deadlines, so summer is a key time to be productive.  

Fellowship deadlines are firm.  In fairness to all applicants, the Office of National Fellowships Advising at Cornell and the national foundations that support fellowships cannot accept any applications past the deadline.

How to Begin 

Think about your goals, and consider what experiences would be valuable. Then investigate which fellowships speak to your interests. Some fellowships require high GPAs; others do not. Some fellowships require foreign language skills; others do not. Many fellowships value leadership, commitment to service, research experience, and having a bold and exciting vision for your future that would be bolstered by the fellowship experience.  

You are often a good fit for fellowships if you are excited by the possibilities, are willing to commit the time and energy into crafting a compelling application for any awards where you meet the eligibility requirements, and are excited about learning about yourself in the process. There are many fellowship opportunities - take your time and find the experience that would be best for you and your goals.

Each fellowship has an application process that may require things like your transcript, essays, and multiple letters of recommendation. It might also require an endorsement from the Office of National Fellowships Advising at Cornell.