Competitions, Challenges and Funding
Vote for UC Davis Grad in the U21 Three Minute Thesis Competition
Vote for UC Davis graduate student Yara Khatib in the People’s Choice category of the Universitas 21 Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition. Yara’s research and presentation, “The Road to Recovery—Psychedelic-like Drugs for Improving Mental Health,” showcases UC Davis’s research impact and global presence. Deadline: January 7.
Connect with Rwanda: Exploring One Health for a More Sustainable World
Travel to Rwanda in June 2026 with a small cohort of students and a UC Davis faculty member to examine One Health issues related to sustainable development. Participants pay a reduced fee of $1,500, which includes a group round-trip flight. The program is open to undergraduates of all majors. Application Dates: January 6-February 5. Zoom Info Session: January 12, 11 a.m.–12 p.m. Register here.
Widening Circles: Global Social Impact Program
In this funded summer 2026 program, students explore ethical global engagement through online learning, mentorship, and reflection and pairing it with a social impact internship, volunteer opportunity, or globally-focused research project—locally or abroad. The program fee is covered and participants receive a $2,000 grant. Application Dates: January 6–March 16. Zoom Info Session: January 13, 12–1 p.m. Register here.
UC Davis Global Grad Grants
Graduate and professional students are invited to apply for funding to support globally focused research or a social impact internship in summer 2026. Grants cover the program fees for the associated tracks and provide a $2,000 award to support activities and travel. Application Dates: January 6–March 16. Zoom Info Session: January 12, 4–5 p.m., Register here.
EQUIP Undergraduate Fellowship: Winter Cohort Applications
The EQUIP Undergraduate Fellowship helps UC Davis students build career clarity, leadership skills and confidence through hands-on innovation activities, interactive sessions and one-on-one coaching. Open to all majors, EQUIP supports students as they pursue internships, strengthen networks and prepare for impactful professional opportunities. Deadline: January 13.
Blakemore Freeman Fellowships
Applications are now open for this fellowship, which provides a stipend for one academic year (two semesters or three quarters) of advanced-level language study in East or Southeast Asia. By the start of the grant, applicants should have received a bachelor’s degree and have the equivalent of three years of language study. Deadline: December 30.
Siddall Sheffield Scholarship
The University of Sheffield’s Siddall Sheffield Scholarship offers full tuition and a £18,000 (approx. $23,000) stipend for a one-year Engineering master’s program. It is open to talented U.S. students across a range of disciplines—from aerospace to computer science. Apply now. Deadline: January 13.
Boren Award
The Boren Award provides students with up to $25,000 to study abroad in Africa, Asia, Central and Eastern Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East, and incorporates intensive language study of less commonly taught languages (here is a list of preferred overseas locations). Deadline: January 28.
Medtronic Spark Scholarship
The Medtronic Spark Scholarship removes financial barriers for students pursuing degrees or credentials in health tech and related fields by providing financial assistance and access to support services. By opening doors to education, the scholarship empowers students to unlock their potential and shape the future of health. Apply now. Deadline: January 30.
Fulbright U.S. – U.K. Summer Institutes
This award provides full funding for three- to four-week summer programs at six locations in the United Kingdom. Each institute focuses on a specific topic. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, age 18 or older, have a GPA of 3.6 or higher and have two or more undergraduate years remaining after the program. Deadline: February 2.
Donald A. Strauss Scholarship
Scholarships of $15,000 are available to sophomore- and junior-level students of any citizenship status who have a desire to “make a difference” in local, national or international communities. Recipients implement a sustainable public service project anywhere in the world. Deadline: February 9.
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