Department of Religious Studies
Undergraduate
Scholarships & Financial Support
Here is a list of common scholarships and financial support available through the University and open to religious studies majors for:
- Study Abroad and Language Study
- Research and Conference Participation
- Internships and Teaching
- Special Support for Sophomores and Juniors
- Special Support for Seniors
- Celebrating New Year, Mumbai, India
Awards, conditions, and application deadlines may change. Students should check with the director of undergraduate studies or pertinent Web sites for updates.
This list is not exhaustive and includes only external awards supported through Pitt. Students should also check: Academic Resource Center, Study Abroad Office, and University Center for International Studies. See also Related Links.
Download Scholarships and Financial Support (PDF)
Grants for Study Abroad and Language Study
Asian Studies Center, Intensive Summer Japanese Program Scholarships
Out-of-state students who have been admitted to SEALS at Pitt for first- or second-year Japanese summer language study receive a scholarship that reduces the tuition fee to the in-state tuition rate for the 10-week, 10-credit course ($313/credit x 10 credits = $3,130). All applicants to SEALS are eligible to apply for additional financial support. The deadline for application for financial aid is March 15 (or until filled).
Asian Studies Center, Japanese Studies Undergraduate Scholarships
These scholarships provide a $2,000 tuition award to an undergraduate who has compiled a strong record in Japanese language (at least two years of study) and in area studies courses on Japan. It can be used only at the University of Pittsburgh. The deadline is January 29.
Asian Studies Center, Japanese Summer Language Study Scholarships
These scholarships provide $2,000 tuition awards to undergraduate or graduate students for an approved program of study in the United States or Japan, including Summer Intensive Japanese at the University of Pittsburgh. Preference is given to applicants who will have completed at least one year of Japanese language study or the equivalent by the inception of the award period. The deadline is January 29.
Asian Studies Center, Korean Summer Language Study Scholarships
These scholarships cover tuition, room, and board for full-time study of Korean language at Konkuk University in Seoul. Contact Dr. Katherine Carlitz in the Asian Studies Center at 412.648.7371 for details about this program.
Asian Studies Center, Study-in-China Scholarships
These scholarships provide tuition assistance to undergraduate students who have demonstrated a strong interest in Chinese studies. Applicants must have completed two years of Chinese language study by the inception of the award period. These awards can be used for summer, semester, or academic-year programs in China or Taiwan. Awardees must be enrolled in the Certificate Program in Asian Studies. The deadline is January 29.
Asian Studies Center, Study-in-Japan Scholarships
These scholarships provide tuition awards ($5,000 for one year or $2,500 for one semester) to undergraduate students who have demonstrated a strong interest in Japanese studies. Preference is given to applicants who will have completed at least two years of Japanese language study or the equivalent by the inception of the award period. The deadline is January 29.
Asian Studies Center, Taiwan Ministry of Education Scholarships for Chinese Summer Language Study
MOE Scholarships, open to undergraduate and graduate students, provide approximately $2,500 toward the cost of Chinese language study at an approved program in Taiwan. To be eligible, applicants must have completed one year of Chinese language study by the inception of the award period. This scholarship requires a separate application from Taiwan MOE. To obtain application forms and further information, contact Dr. Katherine Carlitz in the Asian Studies Center at 412.648.7371 by February 16.
Center for Latin American Studies, Undergraduate Seminar/Field Trip
The CLAS Undergraduate Seminar/Field Trip involves a preparatory seminar on the country to be visited, followed by a six-week field trip to that country. The seminar/field trip is offered annually. CLAS heavily subsidizes the cost of the trip to place it within the means of virtually all students. Student participants register for a seminar in the spring term that prepares them for the field trip through study of the culture, economics, geography, history, and politics of the area to be visited. Students also are introduced to research methodology and are guided through the development of a project, which forms the basis for research they conduct while in the field. In the summer session (mid-May through mid-June), the students travel to Latin America where they reside with host families and undertake their research projects under the direction of a CLAS faculty member. The deadline for application is October 9.
Center for Russian and European Studies, Summer Study Abroad/Internship Awards for Undergraduates
REES offers funding for Pitt undergraduates to support study or a for-credit internship in East/Central Europe or the countries of the former Soviet Union. Grants are awarded on a competitive basis. Students may combine REES awards with study-abroad funding from sources internal or external to the University. Preference is given to applicants whose projects include language training along with the study program or internship abroad. Applicants must be enrolled in the Russian and East European Studies Certificate Program. The deadline is March 1.
Nationality Room Scholarships
These scholarships for summer study abroad are available to undergraduate students who will have earned 60-90 credits by April and range from $1,000 to $4,000. Applicants must be full-time students on the Oakland campus, American citizens or permanent residents, and be on campus for two semesters prior to the study abroad and two semesters immediately following the summer experience. The minimum stay is five weeks and students must be earning University of Pittsburgh credit while abroad. A variety of scholarships for research and language study are open to undergraduate students in the following areas: Africa, Austria, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Poland, and Scotland. Other scholarships treat study abroad more broadly or are only open to women undergraduates. Students may apply for two scholarships but accept only one. Check the Nationality Room homepage for details and conditions for each country/award. Contact the Nationality Rooms Programs at 412.624.6150. The deadline for picking up an application is January 14; completed applications are due on January 20.
Pitt in China
Students participating in this four-week summer program are enrolled for 6 political science credits in Contemporary Chinese Politics, Society, and Economics. The top 15 applicants are each awarded $4,000 Freeman Foundation Scholarships to defray costs. The deadline is February 9.
Provost's Scholarship for Study Abroad
This scholarship is open to all full-time degree-seeking undergraduate students who are either minorities or studying in one of the following colleges/schools: business, general studies, engineering, health and rehabilitation sciences, information science, nursing, and pharmacy. Each year, 10 scholarships of $1,000 are awarded to qualified students with a QPA of 2.75 or higher. Scholarships are for summer, semester, or year-long programs. Contact the Study Abroad Office for deadlines.
Study Abroad Scholarship Fund
All full-time degree-seeking undergraduate students at Pitt with a 3.00 QPA or higher are eligible to apply to the Study Abroad Scholarship Fund. Scholarships are available for summer, semester, and full-year programs. Contact the Study Abroad Office for deadlines.
Vira Heinz Scholarships
Awards of $5,000 are available to women undergraduates for study abroad. Contact Keiha Peck in the Study Abroad Office at 412.624.3489. The deadline is January 27.
University Center for International Studies, International Research Fund
ISF Grants are available through the University Center for International Studies to full-time graduate and undergraduate students and are intended to help students conduct research on international issues or in an international setting. “International” is defined as relating to another country or culture, comparative analysis covering more than one country or culture, studies of international relations or of transnational activities, or studies that examine topics related to global issues. The maximum grant amount is $1,000. Only one award per student per fiscal year (July 1-June 30) is allowed. The application deadline is March 15.
University Center for International Studies, Research Abroad Program
RAP is co-sponsored by the University Center for International Studies and the University Honors College and is intended to foster participation by undergraduate students in faculty-led research projects abroad. RAP projects typically take place during the summer and are followed by joint publications and other collaborative scholarly results. Each RAP grant includes a research stipend and maintenance allowance for the lead faculty, and stipends for participating students. The faculty deadline for applications is November 30. Consult with your instructors well before the deadline.
Fellowships for Research and Conference Participation
Brackenridge Undergraduate Fellowships
This fellowship is named for the founder of the University of Pittsburgh, Hugh Henry Brackenridge. It supports University of Pittsburgh undergraduates conducting independent research projects and a roundtable discussion of progress in a weekly seminar in the summer months. Students also are encouraged to participate in informal workshops, typically initiated by the fellows themselves, which allow the fellows to further discuss their research projects. All participants receive a stipend of $3,500 to assure their freedom from employment, so that major commitments to seminar responsibilities in the summer can be assured. The fellowship is open to undergraduates from any field and any class, including freshmen as well as seniors. Projects may be analytic or purely creative. Contact the University Honors College at 412.624.6880. The application deadline is March 7.
Chancellor's Undergraduate Research Fellowships
This fellowship is intended to support student involvement in independent research under the direction of a faculty mentor. Ten fellowships of $600, administered by the University Honors College, are offered to encourage the enrichment of the students' experience in defining objectives and selecting methodologies appropriate to original research in their chosen field of study. The fellowships are available for one term, either fall or spring. Undergraduate students who are sponsored by and working with a full- or part- time faculty member during the upcoming fall or spring term may apply. Students also must be registered for courses during the term for which the fellowship is awarded. Contact David Hornyak in the Honors College at 412.624.6884. Deadlines are October 31 for the following spring term and April 15 for the following fall term.
Fred W. Clothey Fund for the Study of South Asia and Ritual
This fund honors Dr. Fred W. Clothey, Professor Emeritus of the Department of Religious Studies and a pioneer in the ethnographic study of South Asian religion and ritual studies. Small grants are available to students to help defray costs involved in conference participation or research-related travel. Religious Studies undergraduates whose project involves South Asia are welcome to apply. Along with an online letter of support from the student's project advisor, an online application should be submitted to Dr. Clark Chilson, DUS, at 412.624.5977. When applying for conference funds, the cover letter should include the title of the conference paper, a brief abstract of the paper, the conference and panel names, and the location and date(s) of the conference. Evidence of conference paper acceptance should also be attached. When applying for research funds, the cover letter should include the title of the project and a 2-3 page research proposal addressing the topic of research, specific goals and time frame of the trip, pre-trip preparation, evidence of research feasibility and/or other justification for the trip, and the location(s) of the proposed research. Applications for both conference and research travel should also include an estimated budget (travel, hotel, meals, conference registration, or library or institutional fees). Applications must be made in advance of travel to conferences or research sites. Priority is given to first time applicants. Deadlines for application are October 30, January 31 and April 1.
Office of Experiential Learning, Small Grants for Undergraduate Research
OEL Small Grants for Undergraduate Research fund original research or creative projects that students complete independently or with other undergraduate students. Grants of up to $500 are available. They can also be used to help fund travel to conferences where a student is presenting a paper or exhibiting their own original work, performing as part of an artistic event, or participating on a panel. No deadline.
Summer Undergraduate Research Awards
Arts and Sciences is looking for applicants to join a diverse community of undergraduate scholars and researchers from the humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences. Awardees receive $3,000 to support a summer term of independent research and scholarship. Awardees participate in the Honors College Brackenridge Summer Fellowship program weekly round table discussions and Johnstown retreat. Awardees present their finished projects at the Brackenridge presentations. Awards are provided by the USS Foundation, Christine Toretti Fund, Leonard Baxt Fund, James Harrison Fund, and NASA. The deadline for application is February 27.
University Center for International Studies, Global Studies Tuition Remission Fellowships
Global Studies has a limited amount of funds available for Tuition Remission Fellowships (TRFs), which pay a partial or full term's tuition. Student fellows are required to work a maximum of ten hours per week, serving as student ambassadors for the Global Studies Program by supporting the Assistant Director in student recruiting, orientation, and other activities. The scholarship amount is credited to the student's PeopleSoft account. Check the Web site for deadline dates.
Women's Studies, Student Research Funds
Awards from $25 to $1,000 are given to graduate and undergraduate students demonstrating a need for funds to conduct research on issues relating to women and gender. Funds may be used for travel expenses, secretarial costs, research materials or other direct costs related to research. Priority is given to students who have not received women's studies funding in the past and also to those enrolled in a Women's Studies Certificate Program who have made significant progress toward their certificate. The deadlines for application are February 1, May 1 and October 1 and are subject to available funds.
Internship and Teaching Opportunities
Academic Internships
Arts and Sciences faculty members provide opportunities for undergraduates to learn outside a classroom setting by taking part in academic internships. Academic internships offer students the opportunity to gain practical experience and to reflect on academic subject within different settings outside the classroom. They provide the flexibility to learn aspects of the subject or field that may not arise during classroom discussion. Students can earn between 1-3 credits for an academic internship approved through the School of Arts and Sciences.
Center for Latin American Studies, Undergraduate Teaching Fellowships
These fellowships offer undergraduates the opportunity to enrich their educational experience, enhance their résumé, and receive a cash award of $750. The fellowship is awarded to an outstanding undergraduate currently enrolled in the Latin American Studies Certificate Program to assist a professor in teaching a Latin American course and is generally available each term.
Center for Russian and East European Studies, Internship Awards for Undergraduates
REES offers several internship awards for undergraduates to support a for-credit or non-credit internship in Russian and East European Studies. Students are required to work at least ten hours a week. Summer internships are also available. REES undergraduate advisor, Nadia Kirkov, works with the awardees to match them with current internship opportunities appropriate to their interests. Students must be enrolled in the REES Certificate Program.
Chancellor's Undergraduate Teaching Fellowships
Ten undergraduate teaching fellowships of $600 each, awarded for joint student-faculty teaching projects and administered by the University Honors College are available in the fall and spring terms. These fellowships are offered to encourage the enrichment of course offerings and to improve teaching through the collaboration of faculty members with students in the planning and implementation of creative teaching projects. Contact David Hornyak in the Honors College at 412.624.6884. Deadlines are October 31 for the spring term and April 15 for the fall term.
First Experiences in Teaching
This program offers opportunities for Arts and Sciences undergraduate students to become involved in teaching projects as part of courses currently offered in the social sciences, humanities or natural sciences. Students work with a faculty member on a teaching related project for five or 10 hours per week. They also meet every other week with a group of other students involved in a teaching project. Students receive 1-2 credits depending on the number of hours they are engaged in their teaching activities. Students who qualify for Federal Work Study can opt for an hourly wage rather than credit. To participate, students must be in good academic standing and have successfully completed the course that they wish to support. Students should talk with their instructors about working with these faculty mentors on teaching projects for specific classes. Application details are posted early in the term preceding the term in which you would like to assist in teaching. A limited number of Chancellor’s Undergraduate Teaching Fellowships are available each term.
Women’s Studies, Teaching Internships
The Teaching Internship is designed to provide Women’s Studies Certificate students with the opportunity of working with a faculty member in teaching an undergraduate WOMNST or WS cross-listed course. Recommended for juniors and seniors who should apply in the semester prior to the one in which they wish to intern.
Scholarships for Sophomores and Juniors
The University Honors College provides assistance with the application process of the following fellowships.
Harry S. Truman Scholarships
Eighty scholarships are awarded to juniors covering academic expenses for up to three years of graduate school, to a limit of $30,000. The University may nominate four students with an outstanding capacity for public service and demonstrated leadership who want to make a difference in society. Contact Judy Zang at 412.624.6881. The deadline is in January.
Morris K. Udall Scholarships
Seventy scholarships for sophomores and juniors, paying one year of academic expenses up to $5,000, are available. These are for outstanding students who plan a career in environmental public policy. They are also for sophomores and juniors who are Native American or Alaskan natives planning careers in health care and tribal public policy. The internal deadline is in February/March. Contact Edward McCord at 412.624.6886.
National Security Education Program
See Fellowships for Seniors.
Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarships
This national scholarship is open to U.S. citizens for study abroad and is awarded for academic accomplishment, leadership, and public service. It is intended to foster peace by building understanding through person-to-person contact, friendship, study, and cross-cultural exchange. Contact Judy Zang at 412.624.6881. The deadline is in June.
Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowships
The fellowship award includes tuition, room and board, and mandatory fees during the junior and senior years of college and during the first year of graduate study with reimbursement for books and one round-trip travel. The fellow must commit to pursuing a graduate degree in international studies at one of the graduate schools identified by the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation. Fellows meet annually in Washington, D.C., for a program orientation. Contact Judy Zang at 412.624.6881. The deadline is in February.
Fellowships for Seniors
Pitt provides assistance with the application process for the following fellowships. Unless otherwise noted, these fellowships are administered through the University Honors College.
Carnegie Endowment for International Peace Junior Fellows Program
This program is designed for graduating seniors or those who have graduated within the past academic year. (No one is considered who has started graduate studies.) The program lasts for one year and is based in Washington, D.C. Students work on projects such as: non-proliferation, democracy building, Middle East political reform, trade and environment, economics, international security, South Asian politics, China-related issues, and Russian and Eurasian affairs. They also have the opportunity to conduct research for books, participate in meetings with high-level officials, contribute to congressional testimony and organize briefings attended by scholars, activists, journalists, and government officials. Applicants must be nominated by an official. At the University of Pittsburgh the nominating official is Dr. Margaret E. Heely, director of the Office of Experiential Learning, at 412.648.7927. Applicants should be of high academic quality and have completed a significant amount of course work in international affairs, political science, economics, history, or Russian or Chinese studies. The deadline is December 1.
Fulbright Program
Open to U.S. citizens in all fields of study, the IIE/U.S. Student Fulbright Program offers one year of academic study, research, or teaching assistantship experience to recent BA/BS graduates, master’s and doctoral candidates in 140 countries. Projects may include university course work, independent library or field research, or professional training in the arts. The fellowship provides round-trip airfare, living stipend, insurance, and book allowances. Award amounts vary by country and are for one academic year. Students must apply through the University and the process requires a campus interview. Area language programs are also available. Contact Judy Zang at 412.624.6881. The deadline for submission of the application to the University is October 6.
Gates Cambridge Scholarships
About 40 scholarships are awarded for one and four years of graduate study at Cambridge University to U.S. citizens. It is anticipated that Gates Cambridge Scholars will become leaders in helping address global problems related to health, equity, technology, and learning. Gates Scholars are typically those with well-developed and specific research interests that relate directly to expertise at Cambridge University. Students must be accepted to Cambridge University to be eligible for the scholarship. Contact Judy Zang at 412.624.6881. The deadline is in late October.
George J. Mitchell Scholarships
Twelve scholarships are awarded for one year of graduate study in any field at any university in Ireland to U.S. citizens. The scholarship covers airfares, tuition, and expenses. Juniors and seniors younger than 30 years of age with a GPA of 3.75 or higher are eligible to apply. Mitchell Scholars are selected for academic and leadership ability. Contact Judy Zang at 412.624.6881.
Jack Kent Cooke Scholarships
The graduate scholarship program supports exceptional students with financial need who are enrolling in graduate school within five years of completing an undergraduate degree. Awards may be used for full-time attendance at any accredited graduate school in the United States or abroad for any graduate or professional degree. The award provides funding of up to $50,000 annually for tuition, room and board, required fees, and books for up to six years. The University may nominate two students. Contact Judy Zang at 412.624.6881. The internal deadline is in March; the external deadline is in April.
Jacob K. Javits Fellowships
The Javits Fellowship is available to U.S. citizens or nationals, permanent residents of the U.S. or citizens of any one of the Freely Associated States, who are undergraduate students about to enter graduate school and graduate students who have not yet completed their first year of graduate study and who intend to pursue a doctoral or master's degree, if the master's degree is the terminal or highest degree awarded in an approved field. The Javits is a non-teaching fellowship. Students must have GRE scores at the time of application. The fellowship consists of an institutional payment (accepted by the institution in lieu of all tuition and fees) and a stipend to the fellow based on financial need (as determined by the measurements of the Federal Student Assistance Processing System). The institutional payment is $12,891 and the maximum stipend is $30,000. Subject to the availability of funds, fellows receive the Javits Fellowship annually for up to the lesser of 48 months or the completion of the degree. Contact Judy Zang at 412.624.6881. The deadline for application is October 6.
Marshall Scholarships
Forty scholarships are awarded for two years of graduate study in any field at any British university or business college to U.S. citizens. The scholarship covers airfares, tuition, and additional expenses. Juniors and seniors who are younger than 24 years of age with a grade point average of 3.75 or higher are eligible to apply. Marshall Scholars are selected for scholarship and leadership ability. Contact Judy Zang at 412.624.6881. The deadline is in October.
National Security Education Program, David L. Boren Undergraduate Scholarships
These grants provide opportunities to develop or strengthen the capabilities of U.S. students in languages, culture, and international fields of study. They are an excellent source of income for study and/or work overseas. Contact Judy Zang at 412.624.6881. The deadline is in January.
Pitt Alumni Association Graduate Awards
These awards are open to Pitt graduate students who earned a BA degree from the University of Pittsburgh and offer a partial stipend. Deadline for application is early in the spring term.
Rhodes Scholarships
Thirty-two scholarships are awarded for two or three years of graduate study to U.S. citizens at Oxford University in any field. The scholarship covers airfares, tuition, and additional expenses. Juniors and seniors who are younger than 24 years of age with a GPA of 3.75 or higher are eligible to apply. Rhodes Scholars are selected for scholarship, strength of character, leadership ability, and physical vigor. Contact Judy Zang at 412.624.6881. The deadline is early October.
Winston Churchill Foundation Scholarships
This scholarship is open to U.S. citizens and covers all university and college tuition and fees. In addition, students receive a living allowance of between £6,400 and £7,500. The value of a Churchill Scholarship is approximately $34,000. Applicants must be enrolled in one of the participating universities. The University may nominate two students. Contact Judy Zang at 412.624.6881. The deadline is in November.
Related Links
Knowledge Exchange Institute
A good source for worldwide research, internship, and study programs.
National Conferences on Undergraduate Research
The National Conferences on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) is dedicated to promoting undergraduate research, scholarship, and creative activity in all fields of study by sponsoring an annual conference for students. The NCUR is a wonderful opportunity to meet peers and faculty from around the country working in similar research fields, learn about how research and scholarship is conducted in fields very different than your own, to learn about graduate school and employment opportunities, and to develop your presentation skills. Students presenting at the National Conference have the option of doing an oral or poster presentation. The application deadline is December 1.
Posters on the Hill
Supported by the Council on Undergraduate Research, 60 competitively selected students present their posters at the U.S. Capitol during one afternoon, typically in late March or April. The presentation is divided into two parts: the former is an opportunity to meet your Congressperson and Senators in person, and the latter is the actual poster presentation. The deadline is November 10.