External scholarships are financial aid opportunities not affiliated with the university, coming from sources like charities, businesses and foundations. From prestigious internationally recognized scholarships to locally based resources, these scholarships reduce the cost of tuition and often come with recognition, a network of scholars to tap into, and/or future funding for creative or research projects, including study abroad.
At the University of Montana, the Office of External Scholarships and Fellowships is here to help every Grizzly learn about, plan for and apply for external funding. They’re with you every step of the way, from “just curious” to post-submission and award.
Scroll below to learn more about some specific prestigious external scholarships and learn how recent Grizzlies received them, or check out all external scholarship opportunities highlighted on the office’s homepage.
Looking for other ways to gain financial aid and save on tuition? Check out these blogs:
The Rhodes Scholarship:
The Rhodes Scholarship at Oxford University funds 2 years of post-baccalaureate studies in England. It’s awarded to students with academic excellence and energy to use and someone who applies for the Rhodes Scholarship will be someone who knows how to lead and take interest in their peers.
Students who apply for this scholarship can be in any major and must have a GPA of at least 3.7. The best time to apply is either your senior year or after you earn your bachelor's degree. The age cap for applicants is 24 years old, and 27 for certain criteria. The campus deadline for the Rhodes Scholarship is in early September, and a university endorsement is required.
Meet a Grizzly Rhodes Scholar: Rare Rhodes: UM Earns World’s Top Scholarship
The Marshall Scholarship
The British Marshall Scholarship is a prestigious award that funds two years of graduate study at a British University. Awards are given to exceptional students who have demonstrated exceptional academic merit, leadership potential and ambassadorial potential.
Any and all majors can apply for the Marshall Scholarship, though a minimum 3.7 G.P.A. is recommended. The time to apply is typically during your senior year or up two years after graduating, with a campus deadline of early September. A university endorsement is required.
Meet a Grizzly Marshall Scholar: From Farm Kid to Marine Sniper to Marshall Scholar: UM Student Charts New Path
The Harry S. Truman Scholarship
The Harry S. Truman Scholarship awards $30,000 to students for graduate school, either abroad or in the US. Students are picked based on academic and community service records as well as their career and graduate study interests. Students applying for this scholarship must be knowledgeable about public policy issues within their specific field.
Truman Scholars are committed to public service for three of the first seven years following graduate study. To apply, you can be from any major and must be in the top 25% of your class. It is ideal to apply during your junior year, and the campus deadline is by mid-December. Applicants need a university endorsement to apply.
Meet a Grizzly Truman Scholar: Catching Fire: UM Forestry Student awarded prestigious Truman Scholarship
The Morris K Udall Undergraduate Scholarship
The Morris K Udall Undergraduate Scholarship awards up to $7,000 to undergraduate students. These students' specialties are the environment or Native American/Alaska Native tribal healthcare and tribal policy. Accepted applicants have high academic achievement and service with high leadership potential.
There is no GPA requirement for the Udall Scholarship, but a 3.0+ GPA is advised and will improve chances. The ideal time to apply would be during your sophomore and junior years. University endorsement is required.
Meet a Grizzly Udall Scholar: UM’s Latest Udall Scholar Dreams Big to Honor Late Father
The Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship:
The Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship provides up to $7,500 for undergraduate students in STEM. This supports tuition, fees, books and room and board for these students pursuing a future career in STEM. Applicants will show commitment to this career path through participation and ownership in research projects.
The applicants need to be studying within the disciplines of natural sciences, mathematics, or engineering to apply, alongside a minimum GPA of 3.0 and in the top 25% of their class, with a GPA of 3.8+ recommended. Students should apply during their sophomore or junior years, with a campus deadline in mid-December. A university endorsement is required.
Meet a Grizzly Goldwater Scholar: UM’s Latest Goldwater Scholar Plans to Pursue Ph.D. in Drug Design
The Fulbright United States Student Program
The Fulbright United States Student Program provides financial support for a one-year international study. Students can pick to study in one of over 140 countries. These funds supplied to the recipient can be used for research, creative study or graduate study, or to be an English teaching assistant.
Applicants are chosen based on their application and their fit with the program. Any major can be awarded the Fulbright Scholarship, and there is no GPA requirement. The best time to apply for this program is during your senior year or post-baccalaureate, with a campus deadline in mid-September. A university endorsement is required.
Meet Grizzly Fulbright Scholars: UM Graduates Earn Fulbright Scholarship to Study Abroad
Madison Knapp is a student at the University of Montana, majoring in creative writing with a minor in French. She is an out-of-state student from Bellingham, Washington and has thoroughly enjoyed her time at UM. She is also a DHC student and a proud member of the Grizzly Marching Band.
