USC Academic Honors and Fellowships (AHF) supports the USC community in the pursuit of transformative academic experiences. We coordinate a portfolio of Signature Academic Events, USC Awards, Commencement Honors including the USC Scholar Distinctions, and External Fellowships. AHF offers advising and programming in partnership with faculty, staff and alumni to encourage exploration of opportunities through an early pipeline. AHF coordinates selection and feedback committees for academic opportunities that require campus evaluation or endorsement. AHF also advises the student association Trojan Scholars Society (TSS), which brings together a vibrant scholar community.

USC awards encompass various USC-sponsored opportunities to financially support undergraduate students in their pursuit of interdisciplinary study, global exchange, and civic engagement. External fellowships are nationally and internationally competitive and administered by outside institutions, organizations, or foundations.  In addition to the designated fellowships we offer advising for, the Awards and Fellowships Database is designed to offer an easy way for interested students and alumni to search a wide variety of fellowship opportunities.

Fellowships are funding for graduate school, internships, study abroad, and other learning opportunities in the U.S. and around the world. A fellowship goes beyond traditional study abroad in that applicants must demonstrate a strong interest and preparation for research and/or study in a specific field in the U.S. or abroad.

There are a wide range of opportunities for current students, recent graduates, and alumni. External fellowships have different requirements based on GPA, area of study, academic standing, language proficiency, etc. For the most part, we are looking for students who are well-rounded and who have demonstrated a commitment to academics and extracurricular involvement.

While prior individual research or research under a professor can make an applicant a stronger candidate for a fellowship, many fellowships do not require a research background. Required submission of a research proposal varies by fellowship. If you are submitting research, it is important that you have a good understanding of your selected topic before applying; however, this does not necessarily mean you must limit yourself to topics within your major.

It is never too early to begin researching various awards and fellowships. Fellowship applications require significant time, energy, and support. Follow our suggested timeline through first, second, third, and fourth year as well as post-graduate for a quick look at recommended preparation and awards applications to consider.