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
| Scholarship | Date |
|---|---|
| Gilman Scholarship for Study Abroad |
Tuesday, February 3, the Study Abroad Fair from 10-2 PM (Sombrilla) Wednesday, February 4 at 4 PM (Online, RowdyLink - RSVP) Tuesday, February 10 at 2 PM; MH 3.376, COLFA Student Success Center Wednesday, February 17 at 2 PM (Online, RowdyLink - RSVP) Gilman Writing Workshop; Tuesday February 24 at 12 P; Honors College Experiential Learning Lab, GSR 1.204F Gilman Intensive Launchpad Writing Workshop; Thursday February 26 at 3:00 PM; Location TBD |
| Udall Scholarship |
Wednesday, February 4 at 11 AM (Online, RowdyLink - RSVP) |
| NALCAP Teach in Spain | Friday, February 6 at 12 PM (Online, RowdyLink - RSVP)
|
| Obama Chesky Voyager Award for Public Service |
Thursday, February 12 at 1 PM (Online, RowdyLink - RSVP) |
| Fulbright Student Program |
Friday, March 20 at 12 PM (Online, RowdyLink - RSVP) Tuesday, March 31 at 3 PM (Online, RowdyLink - RSVP) Wednesday, April 8 at 3 PM; MS 2.02.36, HCAP Student Success Center Thursday, April 16 at 12 PM;Honors College Experiential Learning Lab, GSR 1.204F Thursday, April 23 at 12:30 PM; MH 3.376, COLFA Student Success Center |
| United Kingdom Awards (Rhodes, Marshall, Churchill awards) |
Tuesday, April 28 at 12:00; Honors College Experiential Learning Lab, GSR 1.204F |
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 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
View All News Stories
July 21, 2025
Four from UTSA earn prestigious National Science Foundation fellowshipPublished by UT San Antonio Today
The National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded Graduate Research Fellowships to four UTSA students and recent graduates.
June 24, 2025
Record number of Roadrunners receive Gilman Scholarship to study abroadPublished by UT San Antonio Today
Five of the scholarship recipients traveled to Japan in May with a UTSA Honors College program led by Mimi Yu.
April 22, 2025
Jonah Espinoza named UTSA’s first Sumners ScholarPublished by UT San Antonio Today
UTSA student Jonah Espinoza has been named a 2025 Sumners Scholar, earning a prestigious scholarship for his commitment to civic engagement and public service.
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
