About the Distinguished Student Awards Office

The Distinguished Student Awards Office (formerly the National/International Fellowships and Scholarships or NIFS office), administered by the Honors College, helps undergraduate and graduate students pursue major national and international awards by providing information and direct support throughout the competitive application process.  The DSAO provides support to eligible students from across the University (Honors College membership is not required to apply) for over 20 competitive awards, including the Beinecke Scholarship, Churchill Scholarship, Marshall Scholarship, Mitchell Scholarship, NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program, Rhodes Scholarship, Truman Scholarship and Udall Scholarship.  Additional information and more awards can be found under Awards. Student and faculty can find helpful informational and tools under Resources.

Through the DSAO, MSU students have successfully competed for some of the most highly regarded scholarships and fellowships.

Fellowships and Scholarships

These prestigious awards are offered by international organizations and governmental entities to be used for advancing a student’s studies in research or graduate education; they are among the most well-known and most lucrative awards available to students. They are also the most competitive and are national or international in scope. Winning one of these awards marks you with a stamp of excellence that can open doors in the future. Some of these awards require nomination by the university and do not accept applications directly from students.

Why Students Should Apply

Although applying for a fellowship can be a time-consuming and demanding process, the rewards of doing so are well worth the effort. The application process is an opportunity to learn about yourself and formulate your personal vision and your plans for the future (education and career). You will also learn to write the kinds of essays that will be required for graduate school and job applications. The process also will encourage you to develop professional relationships with your faculty mentors who will write letters of recommendation in the future. Most importantly, applying for these awards will be to your benefit, for even if you do not win, the application process will help you develop personally and professionally. Someone has to win these awards and it can be you!

How to Apply

If you are interested in applying to one of the awards listed on this site, please fill out an Intent to Apply Form and e-mail studentawards@msu.edu.  The DSAO is located in 434 Farm Lane, Bessey Hall Room 188, and is open on weekdays. For additional questions see the Scholarships and Fellowships FAQ.