National Fellowships and Scholarships Program

Our Services

Johns Hopkins is committed to providing support for students interested in applying for nationally competitive fellowships. The Director of Fellowships and Scholarships, Dr. Kelly Barry, oversees nearly twenty prestigious external awards that fund undergraduate study and post-baccalaureate study/research. She works with students to identify which fellowships fit their particular interests and abilities, advises them through the application process, and guides them toward composing their strongest, most compelling applications. If students advance in the competition, she organizes mock interviews to complete their preparation. Dr. Barry coordinates all competitions that require an institutional nomination and an on-campus selection process. These services are available to all students in KSAS, Whiting, and at Peabody, from sophomores up to Ph.D. students, as well as recent graduates.

Why Apply

Applying for nationally competitive fellowships is one of the most high-impact, enriching experiences students can have at Johns Hopkins. The benefits accrue win or lose. The application process may be the first occasion to learn how to write a research proposal or how to describe academic/professional interests to various audiences. It demands deliberation on future aims and the steps necessary to achieve them. While many undergraduate students ambitiously establish an outstanding academic record and naturally pursue commitments to campus-based activities or public service, there are few who can be articulate and compelling in presenting their achievements and ambitions – a skill that is requisite for many future pursuits.

Getting Started

Applying for prestigious external fellowships is a serious time investment. It entails careful reflection on which fellowships to apply for and thoughtful preparation of the application materials. Please look through the information on this website, especially the FAQ and the List of Fellowships.  There is no easy way to win a fellowship, but a timely exploration of the options makes the process less daunting, as does the fact that Johns Hopkins students have consistently won a generous share of these fellowships.

Scholarship programs vary in their aims and therefore so do the applicant profiles. The detailed descriptions in the List of Fellowships are intended to help you understand the terms, eligibility criteria, and desired qualifications for each program. Some students may focus on a particular fellowship that fits their interests; for many students it makes sense to apply for multiple fellowships.

To discuss fellowships, please attend a general information session (see the listings under Events and Deadlines) or contact Dr. Barry at kbarry@jhu.edu to set up an appointment.

Dr. Kelly Barry, Director
National Fellowships and Scholarships Program
146 Garland Hall
Johns Hopkins University
3400 N. Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21218
Phone: 410.516.5414
Email: kbarry@jhu.edu