Graduate Fellowships for International Research are supported by an endowment to Portland State University, Oregon State University, and the University of Oregon universities that established the Ryoichi Sasakawa Young Leaders Fellowship Fund (Sylff). The goal of the Sylff Program is to nurture future leaders who will transcend geopolitical, religious, ethnic, and cultural boundaries in the world community for the peace and the well-being of humankind. General information about Sylff programs is available at: www.sylff.org

Stipends vary, with up to $14,000 for Oregon Sylff doctoral fellows and up to $7,000 for Oregon Sylff master’s-level fellows. Stipends are disbursed over the academic year to assist with educational and research-related expenses. In recent years, seven to ten awards have been made.

Fellowship stipends are awarded to full-time degree seeking graduate students for one academic year of graduate work involving research and scholarly endeavors in programs and projects with an international dimension. The focus is on masters and doctoral degree-seeking students at Portland State University, Oregon State University, and the University of Oregon who have high potential for leadership in international affairs, in public life or private endeavor. Outstanding students in the social/behavioral sciences, arts and humanities, and directly related professional fields (e.g., public policy, business, law, and communications) will be considered through nomination by their respective graduate department/program. Each department or graduate program may make only one nomination. Departments and graduate programs must indicate their own (or their institution’s) commitment to financial support of nominees. Typically, these supplemental contributions are in the form of an assistantship and associated tuition waiver such that Sylff stipends can be used to address travel, living, and research expenses associated with the international research project. Although nominations may be made for students lacking supplemental funding, a priority will be given to those nominations that exhibit a strong institutional commitment to supporting the graduate student.

Departments/graduate programs are responsible for nominating student applicants. Each department or graduate program may make only one nomination.

Application and Nomination Process

Only one nomination may be made by each department or graduate program. Nominators will receive an email as part of the student’s application process, asking the to upload the following documents:

• A nomination letter from the department chair or graduate program director indicating departmental/institutional commitment to financial support of the student
• Three letters of reference addressing the student’s qualifications and potential related to this fellowship;
• Transcripts:
  * Nominating department will supply a current unofficial graduate transcript.
  * Nominating department will supply a copy of all transcripts used to gain admission into current graduate program.

To apply for this award, please click here:

Awards and Fellowships Application

Deadline to apply: Friday, April 29, 2016