Who we are
UTSA’s Office of Nationally Competitive Awards supports students throughout their undergraduate and graduate university careers, helping students develop not only as strong candidates but as well-rounded people so that they can pursue amazing academic and career opportunities worldwide.
What are National Awards?
National awards are funded independently of UTSA. They are awards that help students fund study abroad, conduct research, do service learning projects, or fund graduate study. Many awards are located internationally, presenting great opportunities for students to explore their place in the world and how they can play a role in our global community.
While many awards are prestigious and require students to demonstrate significant leadership in their community, there are many entr-level awards that anyone can apply to without a letter of recomendation, even in their first year at UTSA. From small international travel grants to fully-funded graduate fellowships, the Office of Nationally Competitive Awards envisions these awards as a series of pathways that guide students toward great achievements.
View different award types and opportunities
How do we help students?
We empower students of all backgrounds to step out into the national arena and apply for prestigious awards such as the Rhodes, Marshall, Mitchell, Fulbright, and NSF awards, which facilitate graduate study across disciplines. We also work with undergraduate students at the earliest stages in their academic careers to secure national scholarships that help fund their undergraduate tuition, study abroad opportunities, and summer research initiatives.
The Office of Nationally Competitive Awards provides services such as:
- Information sessions on different awards
- Workshops on writing compelling application essays
- Application review
- Organizing mock interviews
- Providing an endorsement for awards that require campus nomination
Where are we located?
Housed in the Honors College, we serve all UTSA undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Our office is located on the first floor of the Graduate School and Research Building in the Honors College.
Contact us to set up and appointment
Information Sessions and Workshop Schedules
| Scholarship | Date |
|---|---|
| Goldwater Scholarship for STEM Excellence |
September 28, 2023: Virtual Infosession |
| Gilman Scholarship for Study Abroad |
September 7, 2023: Virtual Workshop September 11, 2023: Virtual Workshop September 22, 2023: Virtual Workshop |
| Fulbright Student Program (2024 competition) | Info sessions have finished or Spring 2023; please contact us for a recording |
Latest News
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June 12, 2023
27 UTSA students named Gilman Scholars to study abroadPublished by UTSA Today
Twenty-seven UTSA students have been named recipients of the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship for the 2022-2023 academic year; Twelve from Honors College.
May 31, 2023
Record five UTSA students selected to Fulbright Student ProgramPublished by UTSA Today
Five UTSA students have been named finalists by the Fulbright U.S. Student Program, the largest number of UTSA students selected to participate in the program. Three students were from the UTSA Honors College.
May 9, 2023
11 UTSA students and alumni awarded National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship; 7 from Honors CollegePublished by UTSA Today
The National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded 11 UTSA students and alumni prestigious Graduate Research Fellowships to advance their graduate research education. Of the 11 students, 7 are current or former UTSA Honors College members.
Featured Award: Fulbright Student program
Fulbright funds 2000+ students each year to study in graduate programs, do research, or teach English abroad in any of 140+ countries.
Featured Award: Gilman Scholarship for Study Abroad
The Gilman Scholarship provides Pell Grant recipients up to $5000 to study abroad. 26 UTSA students were awarded Gilman Scholarships in 2023
