Scholarships

Undergraduate Scholarships Heading link

This page provides information on funding opportunities for undergraduate students. We start with a list of departmental scholarships available for physics students.

Please scroll down to the end of the page for info on nationally competitive scholarships.

This award honors the memory of Professor Abels, a former member of the Physics Department, and is presented annually to the graduating physics senior who has the highest grade-point average and earns at least Departmental Distinction.

Application: Candidates are automatically identified by the Director of Undergraduate Studies and notified by the Undergraduate Advisor.

Awarded: April of each year

Arnold Bodmer, an emeritus professor of physics, and his wife Doris established this award in 2007 to permit students to travel abroad as part of their education in science. The award provides upper-level undergraduate and first- or second- year graduate students (those who have not yet passed the Qualifying Exam) resources to travel abroad for science related study, seminars or workshops. Awards are based on academic merit. The amount of the award varies, depending upon the available funding and number of qualified applicants.

Application: Students should work with a faculty advisor to complete the application form. Submit completed forms to LASscholarships@uic.edu.

Awarded: Spring semester

This scholarship fund was established in memory of Ogden Livermore who was Assistant Professor of Physics at the University of Illinois, Chicago (Navy Pier) for 25 years, until his retirement in 1967.

This fund was established to honor the memory of Professor Seymour Margulies, who shared his passion for science with UIC students for nearly three decades. The award is designed to enhance the educational experience of undergraduate students majoring in physics and conducting undergraduate research with a UIC faculty member.

 

 

 

Professor Batra was the Physics Department’s head at UIC from 1998-2004. He believed strongly in the crucial role of science in society. He donated his funds to start the Inder P. Batra Physics Undergraduate Award, which is awarded each semester to undergraduate physics students based on performance and aptitude. Through the generosity of family, friends, and colleagues, this award, now renamed the Inder P. and Uma Batra Memorial Physics Undergraduate Award, is awarded to the graduating physics student with the highest grade point average and qualifying for at least Departmental Distinction.

The Sivananthan Undergraduate Research Fellowship is awarded annually to Physics undergraduate students conducting research with a Department of Physics faculty member.  Recipients must carry a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Established in 2007, this award will be given each year to two physics majors who are in their first two years of study at UIC. Applicants must have declared physics major, as decision is based on Major GPA.

Application: Candidates are automatically identified by the Director of Undergraduate Studies and notified by the Undergraduate Advisor.

Awarded: May

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) is also making available scholarships and awards exclusively for LAS students as well as some scholarships available to all UIC students. Please visit the LAS Scholarships page for a list of awards.

The award is designed to enhance the educational experience of undergraduate students majoring in physics and conducting undergraduate research with a UIC faculty member.

Office of External Fellowships (OEF) Heading link

The Office of External Fellowships (OEF), formerly known as the Office of Special Scholarship Programs (OSSP), provides extensive advisement and assistance to current UIC undergraduate and professional school students, and to recent alumni, in finding and applying for nationally- and internationally-competitive fellowships, scholarships, and grants. From Fulbright Grants to Goldwater Scholarships and many others, UIC students have received competitive fellowships that have helped them pursue academic and career interests here in Chicago and around the globe. OEF can help you pursue these opportunities too.

The awards listed below are nationally competitive. Students interested in applying for these award should contact the OEF.

The Goldwater scholarships are awarded to outstanding college sophomores and juniors studying mathematics, natural sciences or engineering. The Goldwater Scholarship provides up to $7,500 for undergraduates studying and planning a research career in math, science, or engineering. Applicants must be sophomores or juniors and should have a 3.75 GPA and research experience. Candidates must be US citizens or permanent residents, and must apply through the Office of External Fellowships. UIC may nominate only 4 candidates per year. Visit the Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation for more information.

The Truman Scholarship provides $30,000 to junior or senior students planning to go to graduate school in preparation for careers in government or public service. $3,000 is awarded for senior year. Applicants should have an extensive record of public service and a demonstrated commitment to a career in public service. To be eligible, applicants must be sophomores, juniors, or seniors (depending on graduation date) and the upper 1/3 of their class, and a US citizen or national. UIC may nominate only 4 candidates per year. Visit the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation for more information.

Visit the Office of External Fellowships