Who we are
UT San Antonio’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 UT San Antonio. 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 entry-level awards that anyone can apply to without a letter of recommendation, even in their first year at UT San Antonio. 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
Spring Information Sessions and Workshop Schedules
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, 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 UT San Antonio undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Our office is located on the first floor of the Graduate School and Research Building in the Honors College.
Latest News
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May 19, 2026
UT San Antonio alumna teaches in Spain through Fulbright scholarship opportunityPublished by UT San Antonio Today
Alana Schwartz, a UT San Antonio alumna and former Top Scholar who earned her bachelor’s degree in anthropology with a minor in chemistry, is currently serving as a Fulbright U.S. Student Program English teaching assistant in Ourense, Spain, a role that allows her to live fully within the program’s mission of cultural exchange.
May 12, 2026
Honors College prepares to graduate largest class in its historyPublished by UT San Antonio Today
More than 400 seniors in the UT San Antonio Honors College are expected to graduate this month, marking the largest graduating class in the college’s history. Fifty-one students in this cohort will graduate with distinction, the highest level of recognition in the Honors College. This designation is awarded to students who complete at least nine signature experiences — such as honors courses, research, service, internships and other experiential learning activities — along with at least one capstone project.
May 7, 2026
Dual degree student Ana Vallejo explores neuroscience, language and service across the globePublished by UT San Antonio Today
When Ana Vallejo began applying to college, she knew she wanted a university in Texas that would challenge her academically while offering the kind of community that could help her find her footing.
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 UT San Antonio students were awarded Gilman Scholarships in 2023
