Fellowships and Major Awards

The Office of Undergraduate Research and Major Awards (OURMA) is the University of Houston’s central resource for national fellowships and major awards. We advise students from the entire campus community on a wide array of nationally and internationally prestigious merit scholarship programs for graduates or undergraduates & alumni. These opportunities can provide research and training, mentoring and collaborating, international travel, leadership and professional development, networking, and educational costs among other benefits. Although their purpose might vary, national fellowships and major awards are similar in that they are all funded by sources external to the University of Houston.

Why Should I Apply?

OURMA believes that applying for national fellowships and major awards is an experiential learning opportunity in and of itself. It can provide an unparalleled chance to:

Reflect
Set goals and clarify motivations
Become a better writer
Network with faculty, staff, peers, professionals, and community members
Identify areas for future growth

How Does OURMA Help?

The Office of Undergraduate Research and Major Awards provides the following support to current students and alumni to make them strong possible candidates for fellowships:

Initial information and outreach
Preparing your strongest application
Advising and feedback
Organizing campus endorsements and nominations

How Do I Get Started?

For more information and questions about national fellowships and major awards, please contact Dr. Ben Rayder to set up an appointment. Additionally, be sure to check out upcoming fellowships events on the OURMA calendar.

Featured 2023-2024 Fellowship Recipients

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Isaac DeBerry

Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Estella Gomez

Sumners Scholarship
Zunayra Hemani

Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Javier Padron

Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Veronica de Quastenit

Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Justin Schnitzer

Sumners Scholarship
Tammy Tran

Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Leonard Wang

Fulbright U.S. Student Program

In the News

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UH Again Named Fulbright Hispanic-Serving Institution
This marks the fourth consecutive year that the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs has recognized UH with this designation.
All Aboard UH's Student Success Express
On the heels of UH announcing a record number of student Fulbrights and a student earning the Harry S. Truman Scholarship, Cougars have received even more distinguished honors that will support their personal and professional growth.
Record Number of UH Fulbrights Puts Coogs on the Map
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program awarded scholarships to 14 UH students and alumni, who will soon travel worldwide to impart knowledge gained at their alma mater while supporting global populations.
UH's Mielad Ziaee Named 2024 Truman Scholar
Mielad becomes the third UH student to earn this prestigious honor awarded to students who demonstrate a commitment to their communities and to public service.