Undergraduate Funding

International Studies Fund (ISF)

The International Studies Fund (ISF) is intended to help students at the University of Pittsburgh conduct research on international issues or in international settings and/or with international collaborators. “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 which examine topics related to global issues or collaborative projects with partners around the world.

Please note: the application requires a faculty recommendation. The online application system will only prompt your selected faculty to submit the required recommendation upon your submission of the application. You should, therefore, aim to submit your application with ample time for faculty to submit the recommendation by the deadline.

Important: ISF grants may not be used for tuition, language study, internships and other non-research related expenses. Conference, workshop or symposium travel is not eligible for funding under the ISF program.

See below for application form and procedure.

Eligibility

Full-time graduate and undergraduate students at the University of Pittsburgh from all Schools and Campuses are eligible to submit a proposal, including international degree-seeking students. Visiting, non-degree, and post-doctoral students are not eligible to apply.

Awardees must be enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh when applying and when using the award.

Only one International Studies Fund award per student and fiscal year (July 1 to June 30) is allowed.

Please note: An ISF grant may be used to support participation in a group project; however, funds must directly support the student’s individual participation in the project (including direct costs such as travel, supplies, etc.).

Evaluation Criteria

The ISF selection committee uses the following criteria in evaluating proposals:

• Is this an original and important project?
• Does the proposal include sufficient information about the project?
• Is the information clearly presented and understandable to non-specialists?
• Are the activities proposed appropriate to the overall project?
• Will the project lead to or conclude a larger overall agenda?
• Is the proposed budget reasonable for the activities proposed?
• If there is research involving interventions or interactions with individuals or the collection of identifiable private information concerning living individuals, has the applicant enclosed proof of IRB clearance?

Amount of Grant

The maximum grant amount is $1,000. Because of the limited availability of funds, smaller requests may be more likely to be funded. Grants awarded must be used by June 30 of the next calendar year.

Allowable Expenses

• Ground and air transportation to and from research site.
• Lodging and meal expenses while conducting research.
• Copy and other duplication costs.
• Books and subscriptions, if justifiably necessary for the research project.
• Foreign language tutoring or translation if justifiably necessary for research.
• Visa and immunization expenses.

Non-allowable Expenses

• Travel expenses for individuals other than the applicant.
• Equipment.
• Membership fees.
• Tuition or course fees.
• Travel and living expenses for non-research related activities

Travel Warnings and Restrictions

Student applicants should carefully consider requesting funds to travel to countries with a level 3 State Department travel advisory; UCIS may use that as one criterion when considering applications.  No requests for support for travel to countries with a level 4 State Department advisory will be considered.

Grantee Obligations

• All research involving interventions or interactions with individuals or the collection of identifiable private information concerning living individuals requires prospective Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval. Grantees are responsible for obtaining IRB approval when required, and must provide documentation of IRB approval before a grant can be awarded. For further information, check the IRB web site at www.irb.pitt.edu. Priority will be given to the applicants who include proof of IRB clearance with applications.  Applicants who are in some stage of the review process with IRB are also encouraged to provide proof of this process.  If IRB approval cannot be obtained prior to the ISF deadline due to circumstances outside the applicant’s control, a written explanation with expected approval date must be attached to the application.
• Grantees are required to submit a final report explaining the use of the funds and the outcomes of the supported activity no later than one month after the activity is completed. Failure to submit a final report will disqualify the ISF recipient from future ISF competitions.
• Grantees may be invited to present their work, or otherwise share their expertise, by any of the centers or programs housed within UCIS.

Application Procedure

Applications are to be completed online.  The first time that you access one of the following application forms, you will be directed to a welcome screen at our partner, Submittable.com and invited to create a new user account.  After completing this simple process, you will be shown the application form.

Please note:

• This application requires that you upload multiple pieces of supporting documentation, notably the ISF Budget Spreadsheet, evidence of Institutional Review Board clearance, and an 1100-word (maximum) proposal narrative.  Preparing those documents in advance will likely simplify the application process for you.  You will be able to save your application mid-stream and then return to it before final submission.
• We are now requiring a letter of recommendation from a faculty member (at Pitt or from another accredited institution) as part of your application materials. Faculty are expected to attest to their willingness to mentor the applicant and elaborate on the originality of the research project.

ISF Application Form

Applications will be reviewed by committee. Awardees will be notified approximately four weeks after the deadline.

Deadline

March 1st, 2027

Contact

Allyson Delnore
adelnore@pitt.edu
University Center for International Studies
4400 Wesley W. Posvar Hall
Pittsburgh, PA 15260

Deadline

Undergraduate applications open on October 1, 2025. Applications are due by December 1, 2025. Submit the following:

• Online Application on PittFund$Me. The application will include personal and academic information, proposed budget, and a Statement of Purpose and a Personal Statement. On PittFund$Me, please search for the Nationality Rooms and Intercultural Exchange Programs Scholarships in the search bar. Then, choose your 1st and 2nd choice scholarships from the drop-down menu.
• Two Letters of Recommendation requested and submitted via PittFunds$Me. One must be from a University faculty member and the other may be another faculty member or other professional source.  
• Academic Transcript.
• Nationality Rooms Academic Credit Form. Obtain approval for the proposed study from the Pitt Global Experiences Office and confirm it when you are filling in the application on PittFund$Me. Undergraduates must attach a copy of the program description that gives the dates the course(s) will be taught. Proposed study abroad programs and internships MUST receive credit.
• If an applicant is planning to conduct independent research, a statement on the focus and preparation for the research and explanation of the research methods and use of the data must be submitted.  

Purpose

Established in 1948, the Nationality Rooms and Intercultural Exchange Programs (NRIEP) Scholarships have a long-standing tradition of fostering academic excellence and global engagement among students at the University of Pittsburgh. Our core philosophy is rooted in the belief that a global experience enriches the academic journey, broadens perspectives, and cultivates a community of scholars committed to making a positive impact in the world.

We strive to award undergraduate and graduate Pitt students, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder access to transformative international opportunities. This endeavor is made possible through the dedicated engagement of the Nationality Rooms' Committees, who work collaboratively with NRIEP to identify and support outstanding candidates. By creating a diverse and dynamic community of scholars, we aim to support and inspire individuals who will contribute to global understanding and cooperation.

At the heart of our mission is the commitment to empower students to pursue academic and personal growth through international experiences, ultimately preparing them to become leaders and innovators in an interconnected world.

It is the vision and generosity of the Nationality Rooms committees and supporters of NRIEP's mission that have raised more than $4.5 million to provide these important intercultural exchange opportunities.

Eligibility

• U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
• A current full-time student on a University of Pittsburgh campus before and following the global learning experiences
• Have a GPA of at least 2.75
• Must have at least 60 credits by the end of the spring semester of the current academic year (sophomore or junior standing)
• All proposed undertakings must receive academic credit.
• Students may apply for two scholarships, but will only be awarded one NRIEP scholarship.
• Previous awardees are not eligible for an additional scholarship.  Previous applicants who were not awarded a scholarship may apply again.

Funding

Varies

More Information

Find a list of all Nationality Room scholarships on the NRIEP website. Please direct all scholarship questions to nriep@pitt.edu. 

Deadline

Applications are due by 5:00 PM EST through PittFund$Me on January 15, 2027.

Purpose

These scholarships are made possible by the Robert P. Donnorummo Scholarship Fund, which supports students who wish to study in East/Central Europe or the countries of the former Soviet Union. Students may combine this scholarship with study-abroad funding from sources internal or external to the University. 

Eligibility

Any undergraduate student with a minimum GPA of 3.25 who is applying for a Pitt-approved study abroad program relevant to the REEES world region is eligible. Preference will be given to REEES certificate students and others who demonstrate a sustained interest in the region.

Funding

Average award is $1,000.00, based on annual applicant pool.  Awards will be applied as reimbursements to cover international travel and other program costs after the conclusion of the student's study abroad program.

More Information

Contact reesadv@pitt.edu 

Deadline

Applications are due by 5:00 PM EST through PittFund$Me (click to apply) on January 15, 2027.

Purpose

These scholarships are made possible by the Susan M. Hicks Memorial Fund, which honors the legacy of former REEES Academic Advisor Susan Hicks by providing financial support to Pitt students who wish to study in East/Central Europe or the countries of the former Soviet Union.

Eligibility

Undergraduate & graduate students with a minimum GPA of 3.25 who are applying for a Pitt-approved study abroad program relevant to the REEES world region is eligible. Applicants must be enrolled in a REEES certificate program.

Funding

Varies. Students may combine this scholarship with study-abroad funding from sources internal or external to the University. Awards will be applied as reimbursements to cover international travel and other program costs after the conclusion of the student's study abroad program.

More Information

Contact reesadv@pitt.edu 

Deadline

November 2nd

Purpose

The Vira I. Heinz Program for Global Leadership (VIH Program) is a powerful leadership development and civic engagement program, providing funding to support a summer study abroad experience and the scaffolding to maximize learning as a result. 

The VIH Program prepares awardees for tomorrow's global challenges by offering a unique opportunity for global experiences, leadership development and civic engagement. Universities and colleges across Pennsylvania participate in the VIH Program. Students from each of the participating institutions apply, and through a selection process, are admitted into the program. Awardees typically receive up to $8,500 to apply toward the costs of a summer experience that is an approved, credit-bearing, academic, study abroad program of at least 4 weeks over the summer. Additional funding may be available to students in need. 

Who is Eligible?

• 3.0 GPA at the time of application 
• U.S. Citizen 
• Full-time student enrolled in an undergraduate degree program at a participating college or university for at least two semesters. This typically means students should successfully complete 24 credits at Pitt or their home university (regardless of AP, high school or transfer credits) and be in at least their second year of study at the time of application. 
• Sophomore or junior status when applying 
• Participation in VIH Program will be a student’s first academic experience abroad (with an exception for the Arcadia Preview Program). An eligibility requirement is that participation will be a student’s first academic experience abroad. As this award is intended for students with little to no prior international travel experience, true first-time travelers may be prioritized.
• Will return to home campus for the fall semester after studying abroad to allow for follow-on work 
• Plan to participate in VIH-specific study abroad experience or attend an approved credit-bearing academic study abroad experience of at least 4 weeks over the summer 
• Demonstrated interest, via application materials and interview (if applicable) in VIH thematic areas such as civic participation/community engagement, community service, leadership development 

Undergraduate students of any major may apply. 

VIH Awardees sign a Letter of Agreement which outlines the full set of expectations in the program for their cohort year. Program specifics may vary year to year.  

Max Funding

$8,500.00

More Information

Please see viraheinz.pitt.edu for more information. Deadline may vary year to year, typically falls in early November. Deadline for the summer 2027 cycle is 11:59 pm, November 2.