Exploration Grant Program in United States: (Deadline 22 April, 2025)

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville is pleased to announce the Exploration Grant Program for undergraduate students aiming to pursue nationally competitive fellowships such as the Fulbright. This grant provides funding of up to $5,000 to support international travel for students seeking to establish academic and professional affiliations abroad

The Exploration Grant Program is open to full-time undergraduate students at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, with a preference for rising juniors and seniors. Applicants must demonstrate strong academic credentials and a clear plan to pursue nationally competitive postgraduate scholarships such as the Fulbright. While there is no minimum GPA requirement, candidates should meet the eligibility standards of their intended fellowship. Successful applicants must propose a feasible travel plan, identify potential host institutions or individuals abroad, and secure one faculty letter of recommendation.

Founded in 1794, the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) is a public research university in Knoxville, Tennessee. As the flagship campus of the UT system, it enrolls over 31,000 students and offers more than 900 programs across 11 colleges. Known for its strong programs in engineering, business, and agriculture, UTK is a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and boasts a vibrant campus life with a rich athletic tradition, particularly in football.

Application Deadline: 22 April 2025

Brief Description

• University or Organization: University of Tennessee, Knoxville
• Department: NA
• Course Level: Undergraduate
• Award: Up to $5,000
• Access Mode: Online
• Number of Awards: Varies (depending on funding availability)
• Nationality: U.S. citizens and residents enrolled at UT Knoxville
• The award can be taken in: United States

Eligibility

• Eligible Countries: Local students
• Acceptable Course or Subjects: The grant supports students of all subjects offered by the University of Tennessee, Knoxville
• Admissible Criteria: To be eligible, the applicants must meet all the following criteria:
  • Be a current full-time undergraduate student at UT Knoxville
  • Preference is given to rising juniors and rising seniors
  • Demonstrate strong academic credentials
  • Identify a target country, institution, or program and have a feasible proposal for exploratory travel
  • Plan to apply for a nationally competitive postgraduate scholarship (e.g., Fulbright, Rhodes, Marshall)
  • Obtain one faculty letter of recommendation
  • Be willing to attend pre-departure sessions and submit fellowship application(s) upon return
  • Complete UT international travel registration and insurance requirements
  • Additional clearance may be required for travel to certain countries with warnings or alerts.

How to Apply

• Submit the completed online application form, including short responses, and upload your current resume or CV
• Request one confidential faculty letter of recommendation to be submitted to [email protected] within one week of your application deadline
• Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the final deadline of May 15th
• The application portal can be accessed via the UT Office of Undergraduate Research & Fellowships website

Benefits

• Funding up to $5,000 to support international exploratory travel
• Scholars receive international insurance through CISI
• Designation as a University of Tennessee Knoxville Exploration Scholar
• Required pre-departure and post-return support and training to prepare for national scholarship applications
• The opportunity to establish meaningful academic and professional connections abroad.

Apply Now