For Undergraduates

The Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship is a two-year program designed for outstanding students in Mellon-designated humanities, arts, and social science fields who intend to pursue a Ph.D. and a career in academia. Mellon Mays Fellows work closely with faculty advisors and graduate mentors to design and carry out an independent research project.

Established in the 1988-89 academic year, the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship is committed to broadening the range of scholarly perspectives in the US academy, with a focus on the humanities and the humanistic social sciences. Its name honors Dr. Benjamin E. Mays, the noted African American educator, statesman, minister, former president of Morehouse College, and mentor to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Through programs that emphasize mentoring, research support, and student cohort building, Mellon partners with member colleges and universities to identify and support students of great promise and to help them become scholars and professionals of the highest distinction.

MMUF is proud of its legacy of field-transforming scholars whose perspectives greatly enrich the experiences of their students.

For more information, visit the MMUF website.

The UCLA MMUF program

Fellows enroll in the Research Practice 194A: Mellon Mays Research Seminar and independent research courses each quarter, and they conduct summer research their junior and senior years (junior year in an MMUF program at another campus and senior year at UCLA). In winter quarter of their junior years, Fellows enroll in Research Practice 120: Research Today. Fellows must apply to and participate in a Departmental Honors Program if it is offered by their department. Fellows receive Graduate Record Exam (GRE) preparation, assistance in completing graduate school applications, and professional development.

Fellows receive quarterly research stipends totaling $4,000 junior year and $4,000 senior year, as well as $4,500 each summer. (See the Program Details for more information on summer enrollment requirements.) Fellows must maintain full-time status during fall, winter, and spring quarters to remain eligible for funding and the program. Fellows enrolling in Ph.D. programs in Mellon-designated fields within a defined time period after graduation are eligible for repayment of up to $10,000 of their undergraduate loans.

Additionally, Mellon Mays faculty mentors receive a $500 Faculty Mentor Service Award each academic year.

Click here to download a copy of the MMUF program overview.

Eligibility, requirements and application instructions

See the Undergraduate Research Center website for eligibility, requirements and application instructions.

Application deadline

November 14, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.

The UCLA McNair Research Scholars Program was established in 2003 as a two-year research-based program that prepares undergraduate students interested in pursuing a Ph.D. to not only apply to but also excel in the best graduate school programs in the country.

Each year, the program maintains a cohort of 28 juniors and seniors from a variety of majors in the Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, STEM, and applied or interdisciplinary Sciences. The UCLA McNair program particularly attracts young scholars who are committed to gaining research experience and attending graduate school immediately following their bachelor’s degree attainment.

To receive guidance and support as you are working on your McNair Application, please schedule an appointment with a McNair team member by:

• Visiting our office in-person at 1202 Campbell Hall,
• Contact our Assistant Director, Dra. Iris Lucero (email with your preferred dates and times at ilucero@college.ucla.edu), or
• Sign up to meet one-on-one with Dra. Lucero: https://calendly.com/dra_lucero/meeting-w-ad

Get support with applying for the program, don’t do it alone!

Program curriculum

UCLA McNair Research Scholars complete a comprehensive and rigorous two-year academic program under the supervision of the Program Director, the Assistant Director, and multiple Graduate Student Mentors.

During their first year in the program, McNair Scholars participate in the UCLA Student Research Program (SRP) under the guidance of a faculty mentor, and attend weekly seminars designed specifically for the program. These seminars guide students through navigating the academy and developing research proposals.

In the summer between their first and second year in the program, McNair Scholars participate in the six-week UCLA McNair Summer Research Institute. This six-week program includes: workshops and seminars on academic career opportunities; standardized test preparation; writing and research skills; writing a statement of purpose; obtaining letters of recommendation; and completing the graduate school application process. In addition, McNair Scholars begin their independent research projects and present their current findings at national McNair Conferences.

During their second year in the program, McNair Scholars apply to graduate school and complete, present, and publish their research project and senior thesis. Every Scholar has the opportunity to donate her or his research materials and senior thesis to national McNair journals and various publishing opportunities.

View this PDF for the McNair Research Scholars two-year research plan.

Eligibility and application details

Visit the McNair Research Scholars webpage for eligibility and complete application information.

Application deadline

November 14, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.

The Undergraduate Research Fellows Program is directed through the Office of the Dean for Undergraduate Education and administered by the Undergraduate Research Center–Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences. The URFP scholarship supports students doing a multi-quarter research or creative project under the mentorship of a UCLA faculty member during winter and spring quarters.

URFP recipients:

• Receive a $3,000 scholarship
• Enroll in a Student Research Program (SRP) 99 course or an upper-division departmental research contract course for both winter and spring quarters
• Enroll in Research Practice 103: Student Research Forum from 4-5:50 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays in winter quarter
• Present their research at Undergraduate Research Week or submit a summary of their research at the end of spring quarter
• Enroll in a minimum of 12 units in winter and spring quarters (note: students completing their URFP research requirements through SRP 99 courses must enroll in a minimum of 12 units before enrolling in the SRP 99 courses)

Eligibility

• 2.5 GPA or higher
• Has not already participated in URFP
• Commitment to completing a research or creative project with a faculty mentor for winter and spring quarters
• While financial need is not required, some awards are for students with established financial need
• U.S. citizens, permanent residents, undocumented, DACA, AB540 and international students are eligible to apply
• Cannot be a concurrent recipient of a research program scholarship while participating, including those through the Undergraduate Research Centers, AAP, College Honors, the Center for Community Learning, Education Abroad Programs, or academic departments

Application instructions

See the Undergraduate Research Center website for full application instructions

Application deadline

November 14, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.

Please note the following information is from the 2024-25 grant cycle. Please watch for updated information and new deadlines for 2025-26.

The Richard and Gerrie Leeds Study Abroad Scholarship is made possible by the generosity of Richard and Gerrie Leeds. This scholarship is available to UCLA undergraduate students in the Humanities. Priority will be given to students with high financial need and who have not studied abroad. See Eligibility Criteria.

Lists of Humanities majors and Humanities minors can be found on the division website.

Note: The International Education Office strives to provide scholarship funds broadly to assist the maximum number of applicants. As such, multiple awards per applicant are unlikely.

Award

$2,500

Deadline

November 15, 2024 is the deadline for Winter and Spring Quarters 2025

March 1, 2025 is the deadline for Summer and Fall Quarters 2025

Supplemental questions

1. Please state your study abroad program/term.
2. Are you pursuing a major or a minor in the humanities?
3. Have you had prior study abroad experience during the course of your degree program?
4. Please describe how (or if) your field of study relates to your study abroad program. Give two specific examples, explaining how your study abroad program will help you achieve your academic and career goals. (300 words)
5. Please share an example(s) of a time in which you demonstrated open-mindedness, resilience or resourcefulness. How has that prepared you to be successful while studying abroad? (300 words)

Please note the following information is from the 2024-25 grant cycle. Please watch for updated information and new deadlines for 2025-26.

The Undergraduate Research Scholars Program is directed through the Office of the Dean for Undergraduate Education and administered by the Undergraduate Research Center–Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences.

The URSP scholarship is awarded to juniors and seniors who have a strong commitment to research and who are completing a comprehensive independent research or creative project, capstone project, or a departmental honors thesis under the mentorship of a UCLA faculty member.

URSP recipients:

• Receive a $4,500 scholarship (juniors) or $6,000 scholarship (seniors)
• Conduct a research or creative project for 3 quarters (fall, winter, and spring) and enroll in an upper-division research contract course for at least 2 of the 3 quarters
• Complete and submit a departmental honors thesis, capstone project, or comprehensive independent research or creative project
• Present their project at Undergraduate Research Week
• Submit a summary of their project and a photo for an online profile

Eligibility

• Junior level standing or higher
• 3.25 GPA or higher
• Enrolled full-time in fall, winter, and spring quarters
• Committed to completing a departmental honors thesis, research-based capstone project, or comprehensive research or creative project for 3 quarters (fall, winter, and spring)
• Permanent residents, international, undocumented, DACA, and AB540 students are eligible to apply
• Students who received the URSP scholarship as juniors are eligible to apply again as seniors
• While financial need is not required, some awards are for students with established financial need
• Cannot be a concurrent recipient of a research program scholarship while participating, including those through the Undergraduate Research Centers, AAP, College Honors, the Center for Community Learning, Education Abroad Programs, or academic departments

Deadline

June 20, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.

How to apply

Click here for detailed instructions on how to approach each aspect of the application: URSP/Keck Application Instructions.

The Undergraduate Research Scholars Program and the UCLA/Keck Humanistic Inquiry Undergraduate Research Awards share an application. Students can choose to apply to one or both programs. 

To apply, submit an application online. Visit MyUCLA, click on “Campus Life,” and select “Survey” to access the application titled “Undergraduate Research Scholars Program (URSP) Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences and the UCLA/Keck Humanistic Inquiry Undergraduate Research Awards.” 

The application consists of the following components:

1. Statement of previous undergraduate research experience (if applicable)
2. Academic plan (study list)
3. Project title
4. Research or creative project proposal
5. Personal statement
6. Letter of recommendation from your faculty mentor. Be sure to ask your faculty mentor early and provide them with the URSP/Keck Letter of Recommendation form.

Students conducting creative projects can email us at urhass@college.ucla.edu to inquire about submitting supporting documents such as a portfolio of their work.

If you have any questions, please email the Undergraduate Research Center or schedule a virtual advising appointment with a Graduate Student Mentor to discuss your project. The Undergraduate Research Center also hosts URSP info sessions and workshops on how to write a research or creative proposal. Click here for a list of upcoming workshops and info sessions.

All materials must be submitted by the June 20 deadline.

Undergraduate Research Center – Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences
1309L Murphy Hall
Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
310-825-2935
urhass@college.ucla.edu