Scholarships & Student Support

The School of Public and International Affairs reviews applications for student support from private funding sources two times each academic year. Eligible students are encouraged to apply for funding for study away programs, internships, conference travel, research supplies/equipment, and general support.

Applications will be accepted each spring in February-March and each fall in September-October.

Applications for the Fall 2024 cycle are now closed.

General Eligibility Requirements:

All current SPIA students are eligible to apply for funding.
Undergraduate student applicants must have completed at least one semester in the School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA) prior to applying.
Applicants must be in good standing at the time of submission of this application, as well as during any semester he/she is eligible to receive funding.
Applicants must be enrolled as a full-time student in a degree program in the School of Public and International Affairs during any semester for which they are eligible to receive funding.
Some SPIA funds have specific eligibility requirements including history of overcoming unique challenges, first-generation college students, member of a low-income family, reside in a rural or inner-city location, raised in a single-parent household*
All SPIA study away program funding is based on financial need as determined by the Office of Student Financial Aid. Applicants must have filed a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form with the Office of Student Financial Aid for the 2023-24 year prior to submitting an application for funding.

*Submitting an application for financial support guarantees consideration for any general SPIA award for which an applicant qualifies. It is not necessary to apply for specific funds. Please note: the Gupta Family Data Analytics in Public Policy Certificate Scholarship, the SPIA Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Student Outreach & Recruitment Fund, and the SPIA Student Emergency Fund have separate application processes. See below for more information about how to apply for those awards.

If for any reason award recipients do not participate in the activity for which they receive support, they are required to return the awarded funds to the School of Public & International Affairs.

Acceptance of an award from SPIA could result in a reduction of funds awarded from other sources. Students are responsible for contacting the Office of Student Financial Aid (706-542-6147) to understand how the funds could impact their student account and other financial aid.

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Application deadline: October 18, 2024

Questions? Contact us at [email protected].

SPIA Study Abroad Scholarships
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Study abroad is an important component to the educational mission of the School of Public and International Affairs. In an effort to provide opportunities to students who may not otherwise be able to study abroad, SPIA offers several scholarships for students with demonstrated financial need.

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Experiential Learning/Internship Funds
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SPIA awards are made possible by the generous contributions of alumni and friends of the School.

The funds listed below provide general financial support for undergraduate students in SPIA.

Hines-Savage Democracy & Public Service Fund
Supports public affairs internships aimed at deepening students’ understanding of democracy, protecting and strengthening democratic institutions, and building bridges across political divides to solve pressing public policy issues. Students must meet at least two of the following criteria: reside in a rural or inner-city location; first-generation college student; member of a low-income family; raised in a single parent household; history of overcoming unique challenges.
Mesa-Orozco SPIA Emerging Leaders Endowment
Supports student internships in public affairs for recipients who meet at least two of the following criteria: history of overcoming unique challenges; first-generation college student; member of a low-income family; reside in a rural or inner-city location; raised in a single-parent household
SPIA Alumni in Support of Excellence
Supports study abroad scholarships, educational opportunities, other expenses
SPIA Dean’s Professional Experience Fund
Provides awards, internship stipends, funding for travel, conferences, presentations, equipment, supplies, promotion, other expenses for students who have overcome obstacles (socioeconomic/educational disadvantages or other significant challenges)

Submitting an application for financial support guarantees consideration for any general SPIA award for which an applicant qualifies. It is not necessary to apply for specific funds. Please note: the Gupta Family Data Analytics in Public Policy Certificate Scholarship, the SPIA Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Student Outreach & Recruitment Fund, and the SPIA Student Emergency Fund have separate application processes. See below for more information about how to apply for those awards.

The Gupta Family Data Analytics in Public Policy Certificate Award
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The Gupta Family Data Analytics in Public Policy Certificate Award aims to prepare a diverse, data-conversant public sector workforce by providing support to students in SPIA’s Data Analytics in Public Policy Certificate program.

Eligible student recipients must meet at least two of the following criteria: (1) history of overcoming unique challenges; (2) first generation college student; (3) member of a low income family; (4) reside in a rural or inner-city location; (5) raised in a single parent household.

Students can receive up to $2,000 in support based on qualifications.

SPIA Student Emergency Fund
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The UGA Student Emergency Fund, managed by Student Care & Outreach, is available to provide limited, one-time financial assistance to enrolled students who are unable to meet immediate, essential expenses because of a temporary hardship related to an emergency situation.

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SPIA Diversity Equity & Inclusion Student Recruitment and Outreach Fund
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The SPIA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Student Recruitment and Outreach fund enhances SPIA’s ability to recruit and support students who exhibit dedication to racial equality through previous experience, initiative, and creativity in improving race relations in the community.

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Other Financial Support Services
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Student Care & Outreach offers a wide-range of financial support services including food scholarships, a food pantry, assistance with financial aid, and more.

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UGA Student Complaints Portal
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The University of Georgia is committed to excellence in a teaching/learning environment dedicated to serve a diverse and well-prepared student body, to promote high levels of student achievement, and to provide appropriate academic support services. In line with this commitment, the University addresses all written student complaints in a fair, professional, and timely manner and in accordance with established procedures. (Academic Affairs Policy Manual 4.05-4)

Click here to navigate to the UGA Student Complaints Portal.