Getting started

What is a "National Scholarship?"

National scholarships and fellowships are prestigious, mission-driven awards that support students and recent graduates in pursuing advanced study, research, public service, or global experiences. Unlike financial aid or merit scholarships offered by ASU, these awards are typically funded by external organizations—such as government agencies, foundations, or international institutions—with the goal of advancing specific values or societal missions.

Each award seeks applicants whose academic, professional, and personal goals align with its purpose. For example:

The Goldwater Scholarship supports students who plan to pursue research careers in science, engineering, or math.
The Truman Scholarship is designed for students committed to careers in public service, policy, or government.
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program enables recent graduates to study, research, or teach abroad in partnership with communities around the world.

These programs are highly competitive, but the process of applying can be deeply rewarding. Whether or not you receive an award, engaging in the process helps you clarify your goals, reflect on your values, and grow as a scholar, leader, and citizen.

There are hundreds of national scholarships available, each with its own focus and eligibility criteria. Many of these are featured in our Scholarships Database, which is the best place to start exploring your options. While programs like Fulbright and Truman are well-known, many lesser-known awards offer equally valuable opportunities for research, leadership, service, or graduate study.

Is a National Scholarship Right for Me?

Yes—if you’re curious, motivated, and committed to making an impact, national scholarships are worth exploring. These awards aren’t reserved for students with perfect GPAs or polished résumés. What they do look for are students who:

Ask big questions and pursue meaningful work
Show commitment to a cause, discipline, or community
Are willing to reflect on their experiences and articulate their goals
Seek to grow through challenge, feedback, and purposeful effort

National scholarships are open to students and recent graduates from all ASU campuses and academic disciplines, at both the undergraduate and graduate level. Some awards have specific eligibility requirements—such as class standing, citizenship, or field of study—but there’s no single profile for a strong candidate.

Even if you don’t win, the process of applying is transformative. You’ll gain:

Clarity about your values, interests, and aspirations
Experience telling your story through compelling written and spoken communication
Mentorship from faculty and advisors
Feedback and skills that strengthen applications for graduate school, jobs, and future awards

Whether you’re a first-year undergraduate just beginning to explore or a graduating senior with a clear plan, ONSA is here to support you in discovering what’s possible.

How the process works

Applying for a national scholarship doesn’t happen overnight—but we’ll guide you every step of the way. Here’s how to get started:

🗺️ Step 1: Attend an Info Session

Learn how national scholarships work and which ones might fit your goals. You can attend a live session or watch a recorded version on our YouTube channel.

🔍 Step 2: Explore the Scholarships Database

Browse our Scholarships Database to discover programs based on your interests, field of study, and eligibility. Take note of deadlines and requirements.

📅 Step 3: Complete the ONSA Intake Worksheet

Now that you're reading to ask some questions and explore your options, you can schedule a one-on-one advising appointment via our online scheduling system. Not sure which national scholarship is for you? Just schedule a 'general' advising meeting, and we’ll help you map out your next steps and narrow your focus.

Each scholarship is different, but most applications take time to develop. That’s why we recommend starting early—even if you’re not sure what you want to apply for yet.

Not ready for an advising appointment just yet? No problem. Just start with Step 1 and explore at your own pace.

What ONSA Offers

We’re here to support you through every stage of the application process—from exploration to final submission. Here’s what you can expect when you work with ONSA:

💬 One-on-One Advising

Personalized guidance to help you identify the best opportunities and develop a competitive application strategy.

📝 Writing Feedback

In-depth support on personal statements, research proposals, and other application essays—including brainstorming, structure, and revision.

🎤 Interview Preparation

Mock interviews and coaching to help you prepare for finalist stages and present your story with confidence.

📚 Workshops & Info Sessions

Regular programming on major fellowships, writing strategies, and application best practices.

🌐 Online Resources

Step-by-step guides, video tutorials, and sample materials available 24/7 via Canvas and our YouTube channel.

🤝 Alumni Connections

Access to past ASU applicants and recipients who can offer insight, encouragement, and mentorship.

✈️ Travel & Pre-Departure Support

Assistance with travel logistics and pre-departure resources for finalists and awardees heading abroad.

Whether you’re just starting to explore or deep into the application process, our job is to help you succeed—and grow along the way.

Types of national scholarships

National scholarships generally fall into two categories: nominated awards and open awards. Understanding the difference will help you plan your timeline and prepare your application effectively.

🏛️ Nominated Scholarships

Some scholarships require an institutional endorsement—meaning you must first apply through ASU and be selected as an official nominee before submitting your application to the national organization.

These awards often include a campus-level review process with an earlier internal deadline.
ONSA will coordinate this process, which may involve submitting draft materials and participating in a campus interview.
Examples include Rhodes, Marshall, Truman, and Goldwater. For a full list of awards that require nomination, visit our Apply page.

🔔 Important: Campus deadlines are often weeks or months earlier than the national deadlines. You must meet the campus deadline to be considered for nomination. These deadlines are listed in our Scholarships Database and on the Apply page.

🌍 Open Scholarships

Other awards are considered “open,” meaning you apply directly to the national organization without a nomination from ASU.

ONSA can still support you fully with advising, writing feedback, and interview prep.
Examples include the Gilman Scholarship, NSF Graduate Research Fellowship, DAAD RISE, and many more.

Whether the scholarship is open or nominated, we recommend beginning your preparation early to ensure time for reflection, revision, and support.

How to search for national scholarships

Finding the right scholarship starts with asking the right questions:
What do you care about? Where do you want to go? What impact do you want to make?
Once you begin exploring, you’ll find that national scholarships are as diverse as the students who apply for them.

Here’s how to start your search:

🔎 1. Use Our Scholarships Database

Our Scholarships Database is your go-to resource. You can filter by eligibility, field of study, type of experience (research, service, study abroad), and more. Each listing includes deadlines, requirements, and links to learn more.

🎓 2. Attend an ONSA Info Session

Join one of our live or recorded information sessions to get an overview of major programs and tips on how to strategically search for awards that match your background and interets.

📰 3. Subscribe to the ONSA Bulletin

Our weekly newsletter features upcoming deadlines, new opportunities, and application tips. It’s the best way to stay informed throughout the year.

🧭 4. Schedule an Advising Appointment

Once you’ve identified one or more awards that interest you, meet with an ONSA advisor to map out your next steps and get personalized feedback. You can schedule appointments via our website!

Pro tip: Don’t limit yourself to the biggest or most well-known awards. Many smaller or specialized fellowships may be a better fit—and just as valuable.

There’s no single formula for winning a national scholarship—but there are qualities and habits that many successful applicants share. Whether you’re preparing to apply this year or still building your experience for a future application, here are some key ways to strengthen your profile:

🎓 Academic Excellence

Maintain a strong GPA in your field of study.
Challenge yourself with research, honors courses, or independent projects.
Stay intellectually curious—pursue questions that matter to you.
Look for opportunities to bridge different areas of study and create new knowledge.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Faculty Relationships

Build authentic connections with professors, mentors, and supervisors. Take an interest in their work and seek guidance on your own development.
Be curious: ask questions, seek feedback, and engage in meaningful conversations.
Well-curated relationships can often lead to strong letters of recommendation.

🌍 Purposeful Engagement

Get involved in clubs, organizations, internships, or volunteer work that reflects your values. Look both for professional development opportunities and for community engagement.
Make an impact: look for ways to take initiative, lead projects, or solve problems.
Aim for depth and alignment over quantity—don’t do it all, do what matters. Avoid adding "fluff" to your resume.

🌐 Global & Civic Awareness

Stay informed about current events and global issues related to your interests. Read a variety of media sources and stay up to date on what's happening in your field of study.
Consider study abroad, language learning, or community engagement opportunities to broaden your cultural awareness.
Many scholarships seek applicants committed to service and cross-cultural understanding - this can be done at home just as well as abroad.

✍️ Articulate Your “Why”

Be ready to explain what drives you—your goals, your values, and the change you want to create.
Start keeping notes, journaling, or reflecting on key experiences. Look for aspirational examples of the work that you want to do for the world.
Your story is your strength—learn how to tell it clearly and with purpose. You can work with ONSA over your entire college career (and beyond) to learn how to effectively articulate your values, mission, and vision!

No matter where you are in your academic journey, you can start taking steps now to grow into the kind of candidate these awards are looking for.

You don’t have to have it all figured out—we’ll help you take the first steps.

Start by exploring our Scholarships Database or watching an Info Session. Once you have a sense of what interests you, schedule some time to meet with an advisor to map out your next steps.

Wherever you are in your journey, ONSA is here to support your goals, your growth, and your potential.

Have questions? Email us at [email protected] or stop by during business hours.