DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE

Buffett Institute for Global Affairs

Buffett Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program

Each Buffett Undergraduate Research Fellow will be eligible to earn up to $4,000 total through a paid research assistantship ($16 per hour for up to 250 hours, carried out over the summer and/or any subsequent quarters during the 2024–25 academic year). If international travel is required for Research Fellows to fulfill the duties of their assistantships, some projects may be eligible for travel support of up to an additional $2,000.

Eligibility: Undergraduate students currently enrolled in their first, second or third year at Northwestern and in good academic and disciplinary standing are eligible to apply to the Buffett Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program.

March 21, 2025

International Senior Thesis Research Grant (Academic Year) 

The Buffett Institute’s International Senior Thesis Research Grant (Academic Year) offers awards of up to $3,000 for independent research on a senior thesis focused on an international or global issue outside the contiguous U.S. as well as research with Tribal Nations and Indigenous communities, locally and globally. The grant award is designed to support travel and living expenses during the grant period, with most students traveling during winter or spring breaks.

To be eligible for this grant, students must meet the following requirements: They must conduct senior thesis research on an international or global issue outside of the contiguous U.S. or with Tribal Nations and Indigenous communities, locally and globally. They must be an undergraduate student at Northwestern University in an Evanston-based program. They must be enrolled in an independent study or thesis seminar for at least one quarter during the academic year. They must be in good academic standing.

October 15, 2024

International Senior Thesis Research Grant (Summer) 

The Buffett Institute’s International Senior Thesis Research Grant (Summer) offers awards of up to $6,000 for eight weeks of independent research on a senior thesis, covering travel and living expenses in locations outside the contiguous U.S. as well as research with Tribal Nations and Indigenous communities, locally and globally. The opportunity is open to undergraduate students across all fields of study during the summer.  

Students who seek support for a shorter period than eight weeks of concentrated research may be considered for a prorated grant. Prorated grants are usually for six or seven weeks of research, as approved by a faculty supervisor. 

To be eligible for this grant, students must meet the following requirements: They must be conducting senior thesis research on an international or global issue outside of the contiguous U.S. They must be an undergraduate student at Northwestern University and not graduating any earlier than the end of the Fall 2025 term. They may not be enrolled in summer classes or completing an internship during the eight-week research period. These weeks do not need to be consecutive. They must not accept any other research grant that covers the eight-week research period. They must be in good academic standing.

March 21, 2025

Office of Undergraduate Research

Summer Undergraduate Research Grants (SURG)

SURGs provide a $4,000 stipend to cover living expenses for eight weeks of full-time research on an independent academic or creative project, in all fields of study, under faculty supervision. Independent research grants center around a research question you seek to answer through the proposed methodology; you should be involved in multiple aspects of the research process including data collection, analysis, and synthesis of results (regardless of what methodology is used to answer the proposed question). Your project can be completed during any eight weeks of the summer term. SURGs may not be used for language study, established institutional research programs, or study-abroad programs. SURGs cannot be used to pay for internships or participation in volunteer activities.

Academic Year Undergraduate Research Grants (AYURG)

AYURGs provide up to $1,000 to pay for your research expenses to do an independent academic or creative project, in all fields of study, under faculty supervision. The project must be connected to an independent study or thesis seminar for at least one quarter during the academic year. Independent research grants center around a research question you seek to answer through the proposed methodology; you should be involved in multiple aspects of the research process including data collection, analysis, and synthesis of results (regardless of what methodology is used to answer the proposed question). Many students conduct a portion of their projects over winter or spring break (for example, traveling to collect data), and they enroll in an independent study in the quarter afterwards to complete their project. You have until the end of the academic year to complete your project.

Eligibility: All current Northwestern University undergraduates (including SPS students working towards completion of an undergraduate degree and NUQ students). Students who have not previously been awarded an AYURG through the Office of Undergraduate Research. To receive the AYURG, the student must take an independent study, honors thesis, or other capstone course during the academic year in which they receive the grant. It is not required that the student register for the course before submitting their proposal, but they should plan their course load to accommodate it. Students cannot retroactively apply for funding if they completed an independent study in a previous quarter.

Oct 8, 2024

Nov 5, 2024

Dec 3, 2024

Jan 21, 2024

Feb 18, 2024

Undergraduate Research Assistant Program (URAP)

The Undergraduate Research Assistant Program funds inexperienced students to work with faculty who are in need of assistance on their own research projects. In doing so, students who do not have sufficient research experience to design and carry out their own independent project gain first-hand mentored knowledge of research practices in their discipline, while faculty who would not otherwise be able to hire Research Assistants (RAs) get help with their own projects. Unlike our other grant programs, a URAP application has to be initiated by a faculty member. Faculty can apply with a particular student(s) in mind, or the Office of Undergraduate Research can assist in finding a student for them by running a search. If you are interested, keep reading to learn how you can get hired by this program! Students in the program are paid $16.25/hour.

Eligibility: Undergraduate Northwestern students who are new to research. Undergraduate Northwestern students who are interested in conducting research in a new field that is significantly different than their previous research. Under applicable policy, the University cannot hire someone who is outside of the United States. The hired student must reside on US soil at time of hire and throughout the duration of the grant period. For international students: all URAP students must have a Social Security Number (SSN) before they are able to begin working/earning money. Students do not need a SSN to apply for the program. If the student is selected for hiring, then the Office of Undergraduate Research can write a job offer letter to start the SSN application process. SSN-related delays may impact the student’s ability to complete work during the grant period. Please talk with us prior to applying so you have a sense of timeline and process required and can make informed financial decisions! Faculty may choose to hire two students, and each student has the potential to earn the full award. The award decision is made based on the whole application, so BOTH students must be eligible for the grant to be considered.

Oct 7, 2024 or Nov 10, 2024

Undergraduate Language Grants (ULG)

ULGs provide $5,000 towards the cost of intensive summer language study either in the US or abroad. The program’s goal is to fund students for whom this language training is central to the achievement of specific academic or professional goals.

Eligibility: All current Northwestern University undergraduates (including SPS students working towards completion of an undergraduate degree and NUQ students).

January 31, 2025

Circumnavigators Travel-Study Grant

A once-in-a-lifetime $10,000 grant to spend the summer travelling the world, researching a topic of your choice. The Circumnavigators Travel-Study Grant is jointly given by the Office of Undergraduate Research and the Chicago Chapter of the Circumnavigators Club, an external organization dedicated to promoting cross-cultural exchange through international travel. One winner a year is selected to travel to a minimum of 5 countries across at least 3 continents studying whatever it is that you feel should be studied around the world. Only students with junior class standing are eligible to apply. Your project can be in any field, and students have been funded across every eligible undergraduate school at Northwestern. Everything from engineering design to new media journalism to global health to theater and music have been funded previously. Plus, during the trip, you must cross every meridian – in other words, you will truly circumnavigate the globe!

Eligibility: Applicants must be full-time Northwestern students with junior standing who will be returning to campus next year. NU students with senior standing may apply only if they will be returning to Northwestern as full-time undergraduates for the entire academic year following the summer circumnavigation.

Emerging Scholars Program

This grant program focuses specifically on serving first year students who identify as first generation, lower income, people of color, and/or marginalized.  This grant focuses on providing opportunities for students to get started in research and/or creative activities in the arts, humanities, journalism, and social sciences – basically, research that doesn’t take place in a lab environment.  We know it can be trickier to get started in these fields, so this grant provides the opportunity for students to not only get started, but also develop and sustain their work.  In addition, this program is focused on supporting research and creative art that speaks to issues of social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Grant winners will be paid living expense stipends of $4,000 during both summers and $750 a quarter during the academic year. During the first summer, housing will be provided on campus.

Eligibility: Northwestern first year undergraduate students who identify as first generation, lower income, people of color, and/or marginalized, including international students. Northwestern first year undergraduate students who want to explore research or creative work in non-lab environments: arts, humanities, journalism, social sciences, etc. This program is focused on supporting research and creative art that speaks to issues of social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

March 21, 2025

Conference Travel Grants (CTG)

CTGs fund 50% of your expenses (up to $500) to present your research at conferences or exhibitions.  CTGs can also be used to present original creative projects at juried competitions for performance based disciplines. Presenting at conferences or performing at juried events can help you communicate your research findings, network with other researchers, and expand your understanding of the scope and nature of academic research.  Plus, it is great experience in learning to effectively present your work to others.

You can apply for a CTG to fund any accepted presentation at a recognized regional, national, or international conference or meeting in your field. Check the international projects page for important information on travel restrictions.

Eligibility: All current Northwestern University undergraduates (including SPS students working towards completion of an undergraduate degree) with the exception of NU-Q students, who have their own similar program Students are eligible for more than one Conference Travel Grant Seniors who were accepted to present prior to the grant closure deadline, even if the event itself occurs after graduation

Rolling through June 1, 2025

Weinberg College of Arts & Sciences

Baker Program in Undergraduate Research Academic Year Grants

Awards are made for up to $1000 to assist Weinberg undergraduates in pursuing original research or creative work under the close supervision of a faculty member during the academic year. Grants can help cover the costs of consumable supplies (but not lab equipment or facilities costs), data collection, travel, and other expenses directly related to the research or creative project. NOTE: applicants typically must apply first for an Undergraduate Research Grant (URG) Academic Year grant through the Provost's Office before applying for a WCAS Academic Year grant.  If the URG application is not funded, then one may apply for a WCAS Academic Year Grant.

open on September 23, 2024, and will close on March 7, 2025

Baker Program in Undergraduate Research Summer Grants

WCAS Summer Grant Awards from the Weinberg College Baker Program in Undergraduate Research are made to Weinberg College first-years, sophomores, and juniors and consist of a $4000 stipend to cover research and living expenses for a continuous eight-week summer period. Students in other NU schools who propose research with Weinberg College faculty are not eligible for this award. Award priority is based on seniority and preference is given to rising seniors engaged in independent scholarly work, such as a senior thesis.

To be eligible for a WCAS summer research grant, students MUST meet the following conditions: Their home school is Weinberg College, i.e., they will graduate with a Weinberg College degree, and are not students in other schools who have a second major in Weinberg; They may not be enrolled in summer classes at Northwestern or elsewhere during the eight-week research period; They are not graduating any earlier than the end of the Fall 2025 term; They must not accept any other research grant that covers the eight-week research period; They must be in good academic standing.

TBA, est May 1, 2025

Baker Program in Undergraduate Research Conference Travel Grants

 Weinberg College undergraduate students may apply for conference travel grants if they are presenting the results of their research or creative work at professional conferences. Only students who are presenting their work at the conference may receive conference travel grants; those who are attending but not presenting are not eligible. Weinberg is pleased to partner with the Office of the Provost in financing conference travel costs. The Weinberg conference travel grants will support a maximum of 50% of the travel costs and conference attendance up to $500, and URG conference travel grants also will support a maximum of 50% of travel and conference attendance costs up to $500.

Application Open from September 1 to May 15

Katherine L. Krieghbaum Scholarships

Katherine L. Krieghbaum Scholarships provide up to $4000 for senior-year research projects. Awarded by the WCAS Committee on Superior Students and Honors. Departments may nominate one candidate. One winner is chosen from each of WCAS' three divisions.

Herskovits Undergraduate Fellowship Program

This program provides funding for research involving use of Northwestern’s renowned Africana collection. These fellowships are administered by Weinberg College’s undergraduate program, the Program of African Studies, and the Melville J. Herskovits Library of African Studies.

Lane Environmental Studies Grants

These grants provide funding for research on environmental issues. If you are applying for research during the academic year, your application is subject to the requirements, policies, and deadlines of a Weinberg College Academic Year Grant or Summer Research Grant, as applicable.

open on September 23, 2024, and will close on March 7, 2025

TBA, est May 1, 2025

Sion Asia-related Research Grants

These grants provide funding for research on Asia-related topics. If you are applying for research during the academic year, your application is subject to the requirements, policies, and deadlines of a Weinberg College Academic Year Grant or Summer Research Grant, as applicable.

open on September 23, 2024, and will close on March 7, 2025

TBA, est May 1, 2025

Institute for Policy Research

Summer Undergraduate Research Assistants Program (SURA)

IPR is committed to involving Northwestern undergraduates in its research enterprise. To this end, IPR has run its Summer Undergraduate Research Assistants (SURA) Program since 1998. The program gives students first-hand experience in the conceptualization and conduct of policy-relevant social science research. The SURA program starts off with a one-day training session, and students spend the rest of the time working on real-time research projects with IPR faculty. We hope that some RAs will continue to work for faculty during the following academic year and/or write honors theses that incorporate policy-relevant topics and research.

Compensation: $18.00 per hour, for up to 35 hours per week, typically for 10 weeks (a total of 350 hours). All students must submit electronic timesheets and are paid for the number of hours actually worked. Training: A one-day session on best practices for RAs, program expectations, and university resources is provided.

Eligibility: Current Northwestern first-years, sophomores, and juniors. International student applicants must have an eligible F-1 visa. Program dates: Runs for 10 weeks, typically starting the third week in June (after the official end of spring quarter). Although the starting dates, time off, and ending dates are flexible at the discretion of the faculty sponsor, a start date earlier than the official end of spring quarter is not allowed. 

Rolling Deadline, application opens February 1, 2025

Alice Kaplan Institute for the Humanities

Franke Undergraduate Fellowships

The Kaplan Humanities Institute offers Franke Undergraduate Fellowships for students who have devised innovative and promising humanities projects for their senior year. For this highly selective capstone experience, Franke Undergraduate Fellows will have the opportunity to enhance their projects by playing a significant role in the interdisciplinary community of the Humanities Institute. They will discuss vital issues and ideas with faculty and graduate students at weekly lunch colloquia; meet renowned scholars and artists; and present their work at the annual Future Directions Forum. The Franke Undergraduate Fellowship is a year-long fellowship during senior year; students apply for the fellowship in spring of their junior year. Franke Undergraduate Fellows are expected to work with a faculty supervisor from their home department who will advise their year-long project. (Click here to see the range of current fellows’ work—undergrads are below the grads on the page). The Fellowship includes the Senior Humanities Seminar (HUM 398) in both fall and winter quarters (.5 credit per quarter). This seminar is focused on faculty mentoring in critical analysis, constructive critique, and training in how to create a public talk for audiences outside the student's discipline. Franke Undergraduate Fellows receive $3,000 in funding (stipend).

March 1, 2025

Program of African Studies

Named after PAS Director Jane Guyer, this grant is for students to develop and lead a research project or program related to African Studies. Students develop, manage, and complete a project examining an issue in African Studies related to the student's academic interests and program(s) of study. The project can be an extension of the research/immersion experience requirement of the African Studies adjunct major or of research completed in a past course. Grants of varying amounts up to $4,000 are awarded.

Eligibility: Open to all Northwestern University undergraduates in their freshman, sophomore, and junior years in any department or school. Preference given to African Studies adjunct majors, minors, and PAS event participants.

Center for Native American and Indigenous Research

Latin American and Caribbean Studies Program

Cognitive Science Program

Cognitive Science Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships 

The Cognitive Science Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships are aimed at providing an important and meaningful research experience to undergraduates in Cognitive Science and its allied disciplines. The allied disciplines within Cognitive Science at Northwestern are Anthropology, Cognitive Neuroscience, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Computer Science, Learning Sciences, Learning and Organizational Change, Linguistics, Music Cognition, Philosophy, and Psychology. These summer fellowships provide an opportunity for sustained full-time involvement with faculty-sponsored research. Students will propose a specific research project to be supervised by a Northwestern faculty member affiliated with the Cognitive Science program. Fellows typically work as part of a research team, and will have an opportunity to see how Cognitive Science research is done in specific contexts.

Eligibility: Northwestern Cognitive Science majors and minors. The fellowship program may also consider applications from students majoring in related disciplines who wish to pursue research in Cognitive Science.

April 1, 2025

Northwestern Career Advancement

Summer Internship Grant Program (SIGP)

The Summer Internship Grant Program was established to support current Northwestern undergraduate students with a demonstrated financial need who are participating in unpaid internships.  SIGP is a funding source for undergraduates who have accepted (or who are planning on securing) an unpaid internship or summer experience in an industry that traditionally does not pay their interns. SIGP is also a career development program and provides resources and learning opportunities as students engage in the summer experiences.

Since 2007, the Summer Internship Grant Program has made it possible for undergraduate students to pursue unpaid internships. In 2024, 382 Northwestern students received grants of $3500 to participate in unpaid summer experiences.

Eligibility: Current Northwestern full-time degree-seeking undergraduate students will/will be: Enrolled for at least fall quarter of the following academic year in one of the following schools/colleges: Bienen, McCormick, Medill, NU-Q, School of Communication, SESP or Weinberg; Demonstrate financial need; Pursuing an unpaid or low-paid internship in a traditionally unpaid field or role. Low-paid is defined as less than $1500 for the summer; Priority is given to applicants with financial need pursuing unpaid internships. Pursuing an internship that meets the required 280 hours of work between June-September and has a designated supervisor. 

March 13, 2025