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 ASU financial aid or merit scholarships, these awards are funded by external organizations—such as government agencies, foundations, or international institutions—and are designed to advance specific societal goals.

Each scholarship seeks applicants whose academic, professional, and personal goals align with its purpose. For example, the Goldwater Scholarship supports future researchers in STEM fields, the Truman Scholarship funds students committed to public service or policy, and the Fulbright U.S. Student Program promotes cultural exchange through opportunities to teach, research, or study abroad.

These programs are competitive, but the application process itself is transformative—helping you clarify your goals, deepen your values, and grow as a scholar, leader, and global citizen.

🔍 Start here: Use our Scholarships Database to explore opportunities by interest area, eligibility, and experience type. You’ll find both well-known and lesser-known awards, all offering meaningful pathways to impact.

Is a National Scholarship Right for Me?

Yes! if you're curious, driven, and care about making a difference, these opportunities are worth exploring. National scholarships aren’t just for students with perfect GPAs or polished résumés. Strong candidates typically...

Ask thoughtful questions and pursue purposeful work
Show sustained commitment to causes, communities, or disciplines
Reflect on their experiences and articulate clear goals
Seek feedback and welcome growth through challenge

Undergraduate and graduate students and alumni from all campuses and disciplines can pursue national scholarships. While some have eligibility constraints (e.g., year in school, field, citizenship), there’s no single formula for success.

✨ Whether you win or not, applying builds valuable skills:
Clarity about your purpose and goals
Stronger storytelling in writing and interviews
Mentorship from faculty and advisors
Experience that boosts applications for grad school, jobs, and future awards

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: Schedule an Intake Meeting

Once you’re ready to talk options, meet one-on-one with an advisor. Not sure where to start? Just book a "General Advising" session - we'll help you navigate the landscape.

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.

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.