Tufenkian Travel Scholarship Receipient 2023

“With the generous support of the Tufenkian Travel Scholarship, I spent a transformative three months in Armenia. Interning at the Regional Studies Center in Yerevan, I engaged with policymakers, diplomats, and key figures in Armenian foreign policy, which deepened my understanding of international relations.”

Mane Berikyan

Close up of student standing in front of the library at the Institute of Armenian Studies Armenian studies scholarships

Scholarships Offered by the Institute

A unique opportunity for undergraduate students at USC to travel the world researching all things Armenia and Armenian. 

  • The Scholarship supports USC undergraduate students who wish to travel to the Republic of Armenia or elsewhere to pursue research in Armenian studies or engage in programs that will deepen their understanding of Armenia and the Armenian people.

    The scholarship offers up to $4,000 to cover travel expenses, accommodations, meals, and other associated costs. Award recipients can use the scholarship to

    • Travel to conduct research on any topic related to contemporary Armenian Studies broadly defined. Research areas include, but are not limited to, language, cultural studies, literature, the arts, economics, anthropology, sociology, history, regional studies, environmental science, journalism, political science, and international relations.
    • Travel to participate in a variety of programs, such as conferences, courses, workshops, forums, internships, or any other meaningful activity that will enrich their understanding of the contemporary Armenian experience.

    How to Apply:

    • Applicants must submit a 300-500 word statement of interest outlining the purpose of their travel.
      • For research purposes: The statement should describe the research question, the methodology (fieldwork, interviews, archival research, etc.), objectives, and timeline.
      • For program participation: The statement should include details about the program, the organizing entity, and an explanation of how it will enhance the applicant’s understanding of Armenia and the Armenian people. 
    • A clear and itemized budget statement outlining costs 
    • A current curriculum vitae (CV) or resume
    • A USC Completed Course Summary (available via OASIS through the myUSC portal)
    • One letter of recommendation from a faculty member (this should be sent directly by the faculty member to armenian@usc.edu, including the applicant’s full name)

    Eligibility:

    • Full-time undergraduate students enrolled at USC
    • Students must be in good academic standing and making satisfactory progress toward completing their academic program
    • Final candidates will be selected following an in-person interview

    Reporting

    After the completion of the trip, award recipients will submit a report describing their travels and how receiving the scholarship aided their pursuit of research/programming. 

    Deadline:

    All application materials must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on April 6, 2025.

    This scholarship is administered and granted by the Institute of Armenian Studies. For questions please email armenian@usc.edu

Scholarships Offered by USC Dornsife

  • Established in 1988 by members of the Kalpakian family as a memorial to their parents, Harry and Helen Kalpakian, this scholarship is awarded to USC students who demonstrate the ability or desire to further the interests of individuals of Armenian descent in liberal arts education.

    • GPA of 3.2 or higher
    • Sophomore standing or higher
    • Given to students who demonstrate the ability or desire to further the interests of individuals of Armenian descent in the fields of humanities, natural sciences, or social sciences

    Deadline 

    Applications for this scholarship usually open in February and close in March.

    This scholarship is administered by USC Dornsife. Applications will be available at the USC Dornsife continuing student scholarships website.  

  • This scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate the ability or desire to further the interests of individuals of Armenian descent in liberal arts education.

    • GPA of 3.0 or higher
    • Given to students who demonstrate the ability or desire to further the interests of individuals of Armenian descent in the fields of humanities, natural sciences, or social sciences

    Deadline 

    Applications for this scholarship usually open in February and close in March.

    This scholarship is administered by USC Dornsife. Applicaitons will be available at the USC Dornsife continuing student scholarships website.