Nationally Competitive Awards

About Us

The Office of Nationally Competitive Awards assists students in applying for scholarships and fellowships funded by sources independent of the University of Kentucky. Our office administers the campus nomination process for 11 awards that require institutional endorsement. We also provide guidance to students applying for awards that allow direct application.

Fulbright recipients holding flag of Paraguay

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Angela Jones accepting Astronaut Scholarship

Award Recipients

Upcoming Events & Deadlines

Gretchen Ruschman with degree from University of Cambridge

Alumna Gretchen Ruschman Named NIH Oxford-Cambridge Scholar

Dec 9, 2025

Research, STEM, Study Abroad

Alumna Gretchen Ruschman was selected for the NIH Oxford-Cambridge Scholars Program, through which students earn their doctorate while researching with one of the two universities and the U.S. National Institutes of Health.

Physical therapy students assist patients in Ecuador

Physical Therapy Students Honored to Participate in Global Service Fellowship

Ryan Clark

Dec 2, 2025

Public Service

Physical therapy students Sarah Barth and Joshua Cain were among eight UK students selected to take part in the NextGen Service Fellowship — a new global service program from the Institute of International Education.

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UNIVERSITY ENDORSED AWARDS: Learn about the 11 awards that require university endorsement
PREPARING TO APPLY: Resources for preparing a competitive application
VIEW PAST INFORMATION SESSIONS: View past information sessions on our YouTube channel
HAVE YOU RECEIVED AN AWARD?: Help us recognize your achievement and celebrate your hard work!
REFER A STUDENT: Know a student we should contact about competitive awards?
CONTACT US: Meet our team and contact us to set up an appointment

137 Fulbright student recipients

3 2024 Goldwater Scholars

11 University Endorsed Awards