We are proud to present funding opportunities, supported by the generous gifts from our alumni and friends of the POIR community.

We offer summer scholarships for students pursuing unpaid internships, conducting degree-related academic research, or taking POIR study abroad summer courses.

For those who are hoping to pursue a graduate degree, please do a close read of the Michael Sullivan and Louise Meyers Scholarship.

There are a number of other scholarships for USC Dornsife students which have separate applications, requirements, and deadlines. You can learn more about these awards at below.

The Bender-Schneidman Africa Award

Applications open: September 15, 2025
Deadline: October 15, 2025

The Bender-Schneidman Africa Award offers scholarships up to $3000, which may be used to assist students in completing research projects or accepting unpaid summer internship positions located in Africa.

IR Alumni Fund

Applications open: October 24, 2025
Deadline: November 7, 2025

An internship can be a valuable part of a college education and a stepping-stone to a career after college. Thanks to the generosity of our School of International Relations (SIR) alumni, we offer select students a maximum stipend of $2,000 for a minimum 10-week unpaid internship.

DMC Building

The Janice and James Lacy Undergraduate International Travel Fund

Applications open: October 24, 2025
Deadline: November 7, 2025

Established by Janice and James Lacy, this fund provides travel awards up to $3000 to students who are participating in study abroad with the USC Dornsife Department of Political Science and International Relations.

The John M. Cluff Scholarship on Energy and International Relations

Applications open: October 24, 2025
Deadline: November 7, 2025

International Relations is now accepting applications for the Cluff Scholarship on Energy and International Relations. The scholarship awards up to $1500 to assist students in completing research projects or summer unpaid internship positions. Eligible topics are defined broadly, and could range from environmental issues to traditional foreign policy debates focused on Eurasia.

The Michael Young Undergraduate Scholarship

Application opens: October 24, 2025
Deadline: November 7, 2025

The Michael Young Award is an award for students, especially first-generation students, who wish to pursue a summer study abroad, internship, or supervised research opportunity in Europe.

The Madam Hui Shek-Chun Discover China Award

Application opens: October 24, 2025
Deadline: November 7, 2025

The Madam Hui Shek-Chun Discover China is an award for a summer internship program in China, and is unique in that no prior China experience, nor East-Asian specialization or language, is required.

The Ross and Marjorie Berkes Travel Award

Application opens: October 24, 2025
Deadline: November 7, 2025

The Berkes Fund for International Relations Scholarships is a tribute to the legacy of Dr. Ross N. Berkes, the former director of the USC School of International Relations, established with the support of his family and friends. This fund is dedicated to providing deserving POIR majors with opportunities to enhance their academic and professional journeys.

The Michael Sullivan and Louise Meyers Endowed Scholarship

Application opens: TBD
Deadline: TBD

This award supports graduating seniors who intend to attend graduate or professional schools and need financial assistance with tuition.

Dornsife Scholarships

The following awards are open to Dornsife students who meet the eligibility requirements.

Applications for Dornsife Continuing Student Scholarships for 2026-2027 will open in January 2026. Please visit the link for more information about supplemental materials and application deadlines.

Dornsife Scholarships

The Leslie and Erica Berger International Relations/Social and Cultural Innovation Scholarship

Established for undergraduate International Relations majors who demonstrate a commitment to social and/or cultural innovation and problem-solving outside their coursework.

Lesher Family Scholarship

Established in honor of Professor Alison Dundes Renteln, this award will provide assistance for promising students majoring in Political Science.

Michael B. Preston Scholarship in Urban Politics and Civil Rights

Established in honor of Dr. Michael B. Preston to benefit a Political Science major studying urban politics or civil rights.

The Robert Genillard Memorial International Relations Scholarship

Established to provide scholarship support for students with majors in IR, IRGB, IRGE, and INCO on the basis of merit.

Wahlberg Goldsmith Family Scholarship in International Relations

Established to provide scholarship support for students studying IR, IRGB, and IRGE with demonstrated financial need. Positive consideration will be given to students demonstrating leadership in the USC community.

Jennifer Hymes Battat Scholarship

Provides support to undergraduate students in USC Dornsife for whom affordability may be an obstacle. Positive consideration given to students majoring in Economics, Mathematics, Political Science, or History.

Owens Family Scholarship

Provide scholarship support for undergraduate students studying Economics, International Relations (Global Business), or International Relations and the Global Economy. Positive consideration given to students who self-identify as first-generation college students.

Annika and Abraham Somer Endowed Scholarship

Established to provide scholarship support to undergraduate students majoring in Political Science at USC Dornsife.

Gateway Partnership Pay It Forward Scholarship

This award is for Dornsife sophomores, juniors, and seniors who participate in an unpaid internship at a non-profit 501(c) organization or government agency.

USC Dornsife Scholar

This scholarship recognizes a Dornsife senior for academic excellence and a commitment to improving the lives of others and address pressing global challenges. Eligible students must have a minimum 3.5 GPA, participate in research involving close collaboration with a USC Dornsife faculty member, and participation in an academic study abroad program while studying at USC. Applications open in February 2026.

Renaissance Scholar

The Renaissance Scholar distinction is intended to recognize and celebrate USC undergraduates who have excelled academically while pursuing two widely divergent fields of study. This honor is awarded to students who have not only achieved outstanding performance in each of their major(s) or minor(s), but who also embody the intellectual energy and creative insight that emerge when distinct disciplines intersect. Application deadline for students graduating in May or August 2026 is December 1, 2025

Global Scholar

The Global Scholar distinction is intended to recognize and celebrate USC undergraduates who have excelled academically while integrating significant international experiences into their education. This honor is awarded to students who have thoughtfully connected their coursework at USC with their studies or research abroad, demonstrating a broadened perspective on cultures, ideas, and global challenges. Application deadline is February 1, 2026

Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship

Established for qualified undergraduate students who might choose to pursue an academic path to Ph.D. programs in the humanities or humanistic social sciences.

External Awards

POIR students may also be interested in the following external award opportunities.