¿ìè¶ÌÊÓÆµ

The School of Public and International Affairs reviews applications for student support from private funding sources two times each academic year. Eligible students are encouraged to apply for funding for study away programs, internships, conference travel, research supplies/equipment, and general support.

Applications will be accepted each spring in February-March and each fall in September-October.


General Eligibility Requirements:
  • All current ¿ìè¶ÌÊÓÆµ students are eligible to apply for funding.
  • Undergraduate student applicants must have completed at least one semester in the School of Public and International Affairs (¿ìè¶ÌÊÓÆµ) prior to applying.
  • Applicants must be in good standing at the time of submission of this application, as well as during any semester he/she is eligible to receive funding.
  • Applicants must be enrolled as a full-time student in a degree program in the School of Public and International Affairs during any semester for which they are eligible to receive funding.
  • Some ¿ìè¶ÌÊÓÆµ funds have specific eligibility requirements including history of overcoming unique challenges, first-generation college students, member of a low-income family, reside in a rural or inner-city location, raised in a single-parent household*
  • Some ¿ìè¶ÌÊÓÆµ funding is based on financial need as determined by the Office of Student Financial Aid. Applicants must have filed a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form with the Office of Student Financial Aid for the current academic year prior to submitting an application for funding to be considered for need-based scholarships.
  • Study away scholarship applications require a letter of recommendation from a faculty member.

*Submitting an application for financial support guarantees consideration for any general ¿ìè¶ÌÊÓÆµ award for which an applicant qualifies. It is not necessary to apply for specific funds. Please note: the Christopher S. Allen Undergraduate Research Award, Gupta Family Data Analytics in Public Policy Certificate Scholarship, the ¿ìè¶ÌÊÓÆµ Inclusive Excellence Fund, and the ¿ìè¶ÌÊÓÆµ Student Emergency Fund have separate application processes. See below for more information about how to apply for those awards.

If for any reason award recipients do not participate in the activity for which they receive support, they are required to return the awarded funds to the School of Public & International Affairs.

Acceptance of an award from ¿ìè¶ÌÊÓÆµ could result in a reduction of funds awarded from other sources. Students are responsible for contacting the (706-542-6147) to understand how the funds could impact their student account and other financial aid.

Questions? Contact us at [email protected].

Christopher S. Allen Undergraduate Research Award +

The Christopher S. Allen Undergraduate Research Award was established to honor the career and legacy of Professor Christopher Allen. The scholarship supports students who have demonstrated high-quality scholarly engagement with international relations topics.

Candidates selected as Christopher Allen Scholars will have completed a significant research paper analyzing a critical issue in international relations.  Preference will be given to student projects focusing on a European country or countries.  However, all papers will receive full consideration regardless of topic or geographical focus.

Awardees will receive $1000 in scholarship funds delivered via their UGA student account. Please contact UGA’s Office of Student Financial Aid to discuss how receiving this scholarship may affect your overall financial aid package.

Eligibility requirements:

  • Currently enrolled, full-time undergraduate student (enrolled in at least 12 credit hours at the time of application)
  • GPA of at least 3.0 at the time of application
  • Completed at least 6 credit hours of ¿ìè¶ÌÊÓÆµ coursework at the time of application

To apply for the award, upload the following items and complete the form at this link:

  1. CV (2 page maximum)
  2. Research Paper (25 page maximum, including all references, footnotes, figures, etc.)

Submissions for the 2025-2026 academic year must be received by December 10, 2025.  If you have any questions, contact Professor Justin Conrad ([email protected]).

¿ìè¶ÌÊÓÆµ Study Abroad Scholarships +

Study abroad is an important component to the educational mission of the School of Public and International Affairs. In an effort to provide opportunities to students who may not otherwise be able to study abroad, ¿ìè¶ÌÊÓÆµ offers several scholarships for students with demonstrated financial need.

Experiential Learning/Internship Funds +

¿ìè¶ÌÊÓÆµ awards are made possible by the generous contributions of alumni and friends of the School.

The funds listed below provide general financial support for undergraduate students in SPIA.

  • Hines-Savage Democracy & Public Service Fund
    Supports public affairs internships aimed at deepening students’ understanding of democracy, protecting and strengthening democratic institutions, and building bridges across political divides to solve pressing public policy issues. Students must meet at least two of the following criteria: reside in a rural or inner-city location; first-generation college student; member of a low-income family; raised in a single parent household; history of overcoming unique challenges.
  • Mesa-Orozco ¿ìè¶ÌÊÓÆµ Emerging Leaders Endowment
    Supports student internships in public affairs for recipients who meet at least two of the following criteria: history of overcoming unique challenges; first-generation college student; member of a low-income family; reside in a rural or inner-city location; raised in a single-parent household
  • ¿ìè¶ÌÊÓÆµ Alumni in Support of Excellence
    Supports study abroad scholarships, educational opportunities, other expenses
  • ¿ìè¶ÌÊÓÆµ Dean’s Professional Experience Fund
    Provides awards, internship stipends, funding for travel, conferences, presentations, equipment, supplies, promotion, other expenses for students who have overcome obstacles (socioeconomic/educational disadvantages or other significant challenges)

Submitting an application for financial support guarantees consideration for any general ¿ìè¶ÌÊÓÆµ award for which an applicant qualifies. It is not necessary to apply for specific funds. Please note: the Christopher A. Allen Undergraduate Research Award, Gupta Family Data Analytics in Public Policy Certificate Scholarship, the ¿ìè¶ÌÊÓÆµ Inclusive Excellence Scholarship Fund, and the ¿ìè¶ÌÊÓÆµ Student Emergency Fund have separate application processes. See below for more information about how to apply for those awards.

¿ìè¶ÌÊÓÆµ Student Emergency Fund +

The UGA Student Emergency Fund, managed by , is available to provide limited, one-time financial assistance to enrolled students who are unable to meet immediate, essential expenses because of a temporary hardship related to an emergency situation.

¿ìè¶ÌÊÓÆµ Inclusive Excellence Fund +

The ¿ìè¶ÌÊÓÆµ Inclusive Excellence Fund aims to recruit and support students who demonstrate significant impact in promoting belonging and community through previous experience, initiative, and creativity.

 

Scholarship Opportunities for Veterans & Military Service +

¿ìè¶ÌÊÓÆµ Public Trust Military Service Fund

The School of Public and International Affairs (¿ìè¶ÌÊÓÆµ) is committed to expanding educational opportunities for U.S. veterans and active duty military professionals. In support of this long-standing goal, ¿ìè¶ÌÊÓÆµ established two endowment funds that provide graduate scholarships for individuals with prior or current military service who are seeking the MPA or MIP degree. These funds are designed to foster continued commitment to public service by equipping veterans with the skills and preparation needed for impactful careers in state and local government.

  • Eligibility: Veterans of the US Armed Services, active-duty military, ROTC, & National Guard

George and Helen Pryles U.S. Military Veteran Graduate Fellowship Fund

This fund was created in honor of George and Helen Pryles, both U.S. Navy Veterans of World War II.

  • Eligibility: Veterans of the U.S. Armed Services enrolling in any of ¿ìè¶ÌÊÓÆµâ€™s graduate programs; preference given to those enrolling in the Master of Public Administration or the Master of International Policy degree programs

For more information, contact us at [email protected].

Other Financial Support Services +

Student Care & Outreach offers a wide-range of financial support services including food scholarships, a food pantry, assistance with financial aid, and more.

UGA Student Complaints Portal +

The ¿ìè¶ÌÊÓÆµ is committed to excellence in a teaching/learning environment dedicated to serve a diverse and well-prepared student body, to promote high levels of student achievement, and to provide appropriate academic support services. In line with this commitment, the University addresses all written student complaints in a fair, professional, and timely manner and in accordance with established procedures. ()

The Latest News from ¿ìè¶ÌÊÓÆµ

Piecing Together ¿ìè¶ÌÊÓÆµ’s History: The Story Behind the Cover of the 25th Anniversary Magazine
Leadership Rooted in Service: The Kemps’ Enduring Impact on Georgia
Reta Jo Lewis: A Life of Purpose, A Legacy of Service