What Are Nationally Competitive Scholarships (NCS)?

Each year, the University of North Georgia assists outstanding students with applications for nationally competitive scholarships – elite opportunities open to all students nationwide. These extremely competitive scholarships are considered some of the most prestigious, merit-based awards in the country. Receiving a nationally competitive scholarship recognizes a student’s academic and leadership potential and conveys confidence in the student’s ability to make positive contributions to his or her own field of study both nationally and internationally.

While many of these scholarships reward students in a specific disciplinary field or career path or those with financial constraints, all of these opportunities reward high-achieving undergraduate and graduate students who have additionally demonstrated excellence in one or more of the following areas: leadership, community service, and undergraduate research. Students are encouraged to diversify their resumes by engaging in each of these activities.

Preparation for a nationally competitive scholarship begins well before a deadline. Many require extensive applications with deadlines as early as October for the year you apply. In addition, institutional nominations are required for some scholarships, which can move the deadlines back even further.

Please visit our Find a Scholarship webpage to identify which opportunities might be right for you.