Some of the most prestigious recognitions in higher education aren't run by Iowa State — they're national competitions open to students everywhere, and GRS students are well positioned to compete. Iowa State's Office of Nationally Competitive Awards exists to help you do exactly that, guiding students through fit, applications, essays, and interviews for some of the most respected awards in the country.

• Fulbright
• Rhodes
• Marshall
• Truman
• Goldwater
• Udall
• Boren
• Gilman
• Critical Language Scholarship

These awards open doors to graduate study, international research, and public service careers — and they look for exactly what GRS students bring: global awareness, cross-disciplinary thinking, and a record of meaningful work. If any of these sound like a fit, the Office of Nationally Competitive Awards is the place to start.

Visit the Office of Nationally Competitive Awards

Beyond Iowa State's national awards office, a handful of fellowships are especially relevant to GRS students — funding graduate study, research abroad, and careers in public service and international affairs.

Each of these has its own eligibility requirements and application timeline — start early, and don't hesitate to loop in your advisor or the Office of Nationally Competitive Awards for guidance, even on fellowships outside their primary list.

• Boren Awards funds study of critical languages and world regions tied to U.S. national security
• Critical Language Scholarship Program fully funded summer language immersion abroad to learn languages of strategic importance to U.S. national security and econimc prosperity
• Fulbright Canada-Mitacs Globalink Research Internship places U.S. undergraduates in funded summer research positions at Canadian universities
• International Agriculture Education Fellowship places fellows in partner countries to support agriculture education, strengthen school-based programs, and promote hands-on learning and youth engagement in agriculture
• NSF Graduate Research Fellowship funds graduate research across STEM fields, including agriculture and environmental sciences
• Rotary Peace Fellowship funds master's degree or professional certificate study at one of Rotary's global peace centers, training leaders in peace and development work
• U.S. Foreign Service Fellowships interested in the U.S. Foreign Service? There are a number of fellowship programs to help get you there
• United Nations Academic Impact Millennium Fellowship a semester-long, on campus learning program where students lead projects advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals

Not every honor comes from a national stage. Some of the most meaningful recognition comes from right here — Iowa State and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences honoring students who've made the most of their time on campus. These awards celebrate character, academic achievement, leadership, and the kind of involvement that doesn't always show up on a resume but shapes who you become. If you've put real effort into your major, your community, or campus life, there's likely an award built to recognize exactly that.

• Wallace E. Barron Award recognizes graduating seniors for outstanding character, academic achievement, and leadership on and off campus
• CALS Council Senior Awards recognizes graduating CALS seniors for leadership, academic achievement, and service to the college and community.

Challenges provide a unique opportunity to apply your skills to real-world problems, collaborate with others, and develop innovative solutions. Whether focused on social impact, sustainability, entrepreneurship, technology, or community needs, these experiences help participants build valuable skills, expand their networks, and make a meaningful difference. Explore the opportunities below to find a challenge that matches your interests and goals.

• United Nations Academic Impact Millennium Fellowship a semester-long, on campus learning program where students lead projects advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals
• Food Insecurity Challenge a collaborative initiative that empowers students to develop innovative solutions to reduce food insecurity and improve access to nutrition food with the community

Conferences and research competitions provide opportunities to share your work, gain valuable feedback, connect with experts, and showcase your research achievements. Whether presenting findings, competing for awards, or engaging with new ideas, these experiences help students grow as scholars and professionals.

• CALS Outstanding Student in Research Award recognizes a student who has demonstrated excellence in research, scholarship, and academic achievement
• CALS Research Day showcases student and postdoctoral research through presentations, networking, and award competitions
• The National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) a premier interdisciplinary conference
• Research in the Capitol undergraduate researchers present their work at the Iowa State Capitol, engaging with legislators and the public to highlight the impact of student research across the state