Scholarships
CUNY BA is pleased to offer a number of funding opportunities. These awards, funded by a variety of donors, are exclusively for students enrolled in CUNY BA.
Opportunities are listed according to their application period. Please click on each funding opportunity below for detailed information:
Fall: August 14 - September 30 | Spring: January 14 - February 28
Eligibility
To be eligible, an applicant must:
- be a first-semester student of the CUNY Baccalaureate for Unique and Interdisciplinary Studies program
- have a GPA of at least 3.00 at the time of admission
- have completed at least 30 credits
- enroll in a minimum of 6 credits in their first semester with the program
Award Details
This is a one-time award of $2,500 and previous recipients may not re-apply.
Application
Applications are accepted during the first months of the Fall and Spring semesters. Notifications of awards are sent out in the months of October for the Fall semester and March for the Spring semester. A link to the application will be posted on this page when the application is open.
When submitting your application, please make sure your responses are substantial and well thought out. Answer each question as accurately as possible. Carefully consider your answers and make sure you proofread before submitting your application. Also please note the character limits on the form. You are encouraged to compose your responses in a separate document and copy and paste them into the online form.
Applicants are required to provide a recommender’s information in the online application. Your recommender should be a faculty member that knows you and your work well. Once your application is submitted your recommender will receive an automated online recommendation form that must be completed as soon as possible. It is your responsibility to follow up with your recommender and ensure that they submit the online recommendation form.
Apply Here
This opportunity is not accepting applications. The Spring 2026 application will be posted in January.
Eligibility
To be eligible, an applicant must:
- be a first-generation college student - defined as neither parent has completed a higher education degree in the US or foreign country
- be in good academic standing; not under academic review
- applicants may be registered part-time or full-time
Award Details
Up to four awards in the amount of $750 will be awarded each Fall and Spring semester. This is a one-time award; previous recipients may not re-apply.
Application
Applications are accepted during the first months of the Fall and Spring semesters. Notifications of awards are sent out in the months of October for the Fall semester and March for the Spring semester. A link to the application will be posted on this page when the scholarship is open.
When submitting your application, please make sure your responses are substantial and well thought out. Answer each question as accurately as possible. Carefully consider your answers and make sure you proofread before submitting your application. Also please note the character limits on the form. You are encouraged to compose your responses in a separate document and copy and paste them into the online form.
Applicants are required to provide a recommender’s information in the online application. Your recommender should be a faculty member that knows you and your work well. Once the application is submitted your recommender will receive an automated online recommendation form that must be completed as soon as possible. It is your responsibility to follow up with your recommender and ensure that they submit the online recommendation form.
Apply Here
This opportunity is not accepting applications. The Spring 2026 application will be posted in January.
Fall: October 1 - October 31 | Spring: March 1 - March 31
Eligibility
To be eligible, an applicant must:
- be working in or preparing for careers in health, human services, social welfare or education
- be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
- have an overall GPA of 2.8 or higher
- be in good academic standing; not under academic review
- applicants may be registered part-time or full-time
Award Details
Up to five scholarships in the amount of $1,500 will be awarded each Fall and Spring semester. This is a one-time award; previous recipients may not re-apply.
Application
Applications are accepted during the first months of the Fall and Spring semesters. Notifications of awards are sent out in the months of November for the Fall semester and April for the Spring semester. A link to the application will be posted on this page when the scholarship is open.
When submitting your application, please make sure your responses are substantial and well thought out. Answer each question as accurately as possible. Carefully consider your answers and make sure you proofread before submitting your application. Also please note the character limits on the form. You are encouraged to compose your responses in a separate document and copy and paste them into the online form.
Applicants are required to provide a recommender’s information in the online application. Your recommender should be a faculty member that knows you and your work well. Once the application is submitted your recommender will receive an automated online recommendation form that must be completed as soon as possible. It is your responsibility to follow up with your recommender and ensure that they submit the online recommendation form.
Apply Here:
This opportunity is not accepting applications. The Spring 2026 application will be posted in March.
Eligibility
To be eligible, an applicant must:
- be pursuing religious studies directly or an interdisciplinary field that includes religious studies
- be in good academic standing; not under academic review
- applicants may be registered part-time or full-time
Award Details
Up to five scholarships in the amount of $1,000 will be awarded each Fall and Spring semester. This is a one-time award; previous recipients may not re-apply.
Application
Applications are accepted during the first months of the Fall and Spring semesters. Notifications of awards are sent out in the months of November for the Fall semester and April for the Spring semester. A link to the application will be posted on this page when the scholarship is open.
When submitting your application, please make sure your responses are substantial and well thought out. Answer each question as accurately as possible. Carefully consider your answers and make sure you proofread before submitting your application. Also please note the character limits on the form. You are encouraged to compose your responses in a separate document and copy and paste them into the online form.
Applicants are required to provide a recommender’s information in the online application. Your recommender should be a faculty member that knows you and your work well. Once the application is submitted your recommender will receive an automated online recommendation form that must be completed as soon as possible. It is your responsibility to follow up with your recommender and ensure that they submit the online recommendation form.
Apply Here
This opportunity is not accepting applications. The Spring 2026 application will be posted in March.
Fall: November 1 - November 30 | Spring: April 1 - April 30
Eligibility
To be eligible, an applicant must:
- Have at least 45 credits completed
- Have at least 6 CUNY credits in progress as a CUNY BA student
- Have at least 6 credits remaining to complete the CUNY BA degree requirements beyond the semester during which they apply for the Fellowship (students cannot apply during their last semester in the CUNY BA program)
- Have no incomplete grades (INC) on their record without valid explanation and documentation
- Have approved Area of Concentration(s) and completed Graduation Audit, if applicable
- Be in good academic standing; not under academic review
- International students may apply
Award Details
The Thomas W. Smith Academic Fellowship recognizes academic achievement and excellence and is merit-based. Attention is given to the applicant's GPA and to the scholarly robustness of the applicant's academic interests and plans. The committee is interested in candidates’ scholarly pursuits and depth of experience in their fields, corresponding co-curricular activities, as well as any academic honors and recognitions. The committee also notes civic and community engagement.
GPA is not the only factor in the committee’s decision; however, you should maintain as strong a GPA as possible and include an explanation about any low or incomplete grades in your application. In this explanation, include your expectation of when any incomplete grades will be resolved and details on the steps you are taking to improve your GPA.
Awards of $4,000 per semester are made to full-time students taking 12+ credits per semester; $3,000 per semester to part-time students taking 9-11 credits per semester; and $2,000 per semester for students taking 6-8 credits per semester. Recipients begin to receive funding in the semester following the one in which they are selected for the fellowship. Awards are typically disbursed in October and March. For example, selected applicants from the fall application cycle become Smith Fellows in the following spring semester and their award is disbursed in March.
Award Requirements
Fellowship awards are dependent upon the availability of funds. If funds remain available, your participation in the Fellowship will be automatically renewed until you have completed minimum degree requirement which typically means around 120 credits. Therefore, CUNY BA has the right to determine funding eligibility after you earn 120 credits. In most cases, Smith Fellowship funding terminates when a student has reached 120 credits. If you are a CUNY BA student who is also a student of the Macaulay Honors College and you receive 5th year funding from Macaulay Honors College, please note that the Smith Fellowship will not extend to cover that 5th year of college. The funding will terminate when you reach 120 credits.
In addition to maintaining good academic standing, Smith Fellows must take at least six credits each semester following the award; attend an orientation session and other events and ceremonies throughout the semester; submit an end of semester report each semester; and have a graduation audit when they reach 90 credits. CUNY BA reserves the right to scale back or terminate funding if it is determined that a Smith Fellow is taking excessive elective credits. Please see the Guidelines Summary for Applicants for more information on fellowship requirements.
Smith Fellows who wish to receive funding during a term in which they are studying abroad must comply with the CUNY International Travel Guidelines. Smith Fellows should contact Kate McPherson to coordinate their plans and receive approval as far in advance of their time abroad as possible.
Application
Applications are accepted during the final months of the Fall and Spring semesters. Notifications of awards are sent out in December for the Fall semester and May for the Spring semester. A link to the application will be posted on this page when the fellowship is open.
When submitting your application, please ensure your responses are substantial and well thought out. Answer each question as accurately as possible. Carefully consider your answers and make sure you proofread before submitting your application. Also, please note the character limits on the form. You are encouraged to compose your responses in a separate document and copy and paste them into the online form.
Letter of recommendation for the Thomas W. Smith Academic Fellowship: A formal letter of recommendation is required. Your CUNY BA faculty mentor should write the letter. If you are new to the CUNY BA program and do not yet have a faculty mentor, then your recommendation can be written by another CUNY or non-CUNY faculty member. Please do not ask a CUNY BA staff member to write your recommendation letter. We consider this a conflict of interest. The letter of recommendation should be emailed to scholarships@cunyba.cuny.edu as soon as possible.
Apply Here
This opportunity is not accepting applications. The Spring 2026 application will be posted in April.
CUNY BA is pleased to offer opportunity grants that support three types of high-impact experiential learning opportunities: study abroad, undergraduate research, and unpaid internships.
Applications are accepted in November for Winter/Spring programs and in April for Summer/Fall programs. Notifications of awards are sent out in the months of December and May, respectively. A link to each grant application will be posted on this page when the application opens.
When submitting your application, please make sure your responses are substantial and well thought out. Answer each question as accurately as possible. Carefully consider your answers and make sure you proofread before submitting your application. Also please note the character limits on the form. You are encouraged to compose your responses in a separate document and copy and paste them into the online form. Please email us at scholarships@cunyba.cuny.edu if you have any questions about these opportunity grants.
Study Abroad Opportunity Grant
Eligibility
- The study abroad program must be for credit at an accredited program. Campus exchange programs and CUNY programs are recommended, as being the most cost-effective
- Student must be in good academic standing, not under academic review
Grant Details
- Up to $3,000 for a full-semester study abroad (fall or spring)
- Up to $1,500 for a short-term study abroad (winter or summer)
- Priority will be given to students who have not previously received funding for study abroad from CUNY BA
- Students must meet all CUNY travel and study abroad requirements to be eligible for the award. Home campus study abroad program or liaison can assist students with this. Please refer to the CUNY International Travel Guidelines: https://www1.cuny.edu/sites/global/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/media-assets/CUNY-International-Travel-Guidelines.pdf
Application
The application requires the following:
- Answering questions related to the expected benefits in terms of learning and professional development, financial need, and why the student has chosen this particular program
- Supporting documentation, including but not limited to:
- Proof of application or acceptance letter to an accredited study abroad program (verified by CUNY, IIE, or CIEE). If not available at the time application, this must be submitted before the award can be disbursed.
- Official program statement of costs (projected costs) from the program, such as in a brochure or acceptance letter
- Other expense documentation, as necessary (for example, flight cost documentation)
- Accepting to provide proof of successful completion of academic credit upon return
- Committing to share experiences, upon completion, with the CUNY BA community, for example, presenting, speaking on a workshop panel, or creating content for the CUNY BA webpage
Apply Here
This opportunity is not accepting applications. The Spring 2026 application will be posted in April.
Undergraduate Research Opportunity Grant
Eligibility
- The grant must be requested for academic research expenses and/or conference travel expenses in which the student will be presenting
- The research experience needs to be for credit; for example, being registered for a thesis course or independent study
- Student must be in good academic standing, not under academic review
Grant Details
- For research expenses (for example, travel expenses to visit an archive, materials costs, or other documented research expenses), up to $500
- Conference travel expenses for students presenting at a relevant professional conference, up to $500
- Priority will be given to students who have not previously received funding for undergraduate research from CUNY BA
- Students must meet all CUNY domestic travel requirements to be eligible for the award. Please refer to the CUNY Domestic Travel Guidelines: https://www.cuny.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/page-assets/about/administration/offices/ovsa/policies/Domestic-Travel-Guidelines-2018-REVISED.pdf
Application
The application requires the following:
- Answering questions related to the expected benefits in terms of learning and professional development and financial need
- Course name and code. If not available at the time application, this must be submitted before the award can be disbursed.
- Supporting documentation, including but not limited to:
- Proof of project and registration for credit: Letter from faculty mentor, offer letter to work on research project, or conference proposal acceptance letter
- Documented expenses, such as registration and travel costs receipts
- Committing to share experiences, upon completion, with the CUNY BA community, for example, presenting, speaking on a workshop panel, or creating content for the CUNY BA webpage
Apply Here
This opportunity is not accepting applications. The Spring 2026 application will be posted in April.
Unpaid Internship Stipend
Eligibility
- The stipend must be requested for a quality unpaid internship
- The internship must be for credit, for example, being registered for independent study. Most academic departments offer an internship course each semester and students should consult the course catalog or schedule of classes
- The internship must have a duration of a full semester with a minimum of 10 hours per week for Fall and Spring semesters and a minimum of 140 hours for Summer or Winter semesters
- The internship must be within the continental United States and occur while the applicant is a registered CUNY BA student, i.e., not graduating during the time of the internship
- Student must be in good academic standing, not under academic review
Stipend Details
- Unpaid internship stipend, with demonstration of a quality internship, of $1,000
- Priority will be given to students who have not previously received funding for an unpaid internship from CUNY BA
- Students must meet all CUNY domestic travel requirements to be eligible for the award. Please refer to the CUNY Domestic Travel Guidelines: https://www.cuny.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/page-assets/about/administration/offices/ovsa/policies/Domestic-Travel-Guidelines-2018-REVISED.pdf
Application
The application requires the following:
- Answering questions related to financial need, expected benefits in terms of learning and professional development and how the role fits with professional interests
- Course name and code. If not available at the time application, this must be submitted before the award can be disbursed.
- Supporting documentation, including but not limited to:
- Offer letter confirming that the internship is unpaid
- Detailed job description and learning goals of the role
- The CUNY BA Quality Internship Verification Checklist (PDF) form, signed by the supervisor, which attests to types of responsibilities, training, and supervision the student will receive, and the limits of clerical tasks
- Committing to share experiences, upon completion, with the CUNY BA community, for example, presenting, speaking on a workshop panel, or creating content for the CUNY BA webpage
Apply Here
This opportunity is not accepting applications. The Spring 2026 application will be posted in April.
Once students are accepted into CUNY BA, they have many opportunities to learn about CUNY BA’s scholarship opportunities.
