Funding Your Research

Student looking at a syringe while conducting a research experiment in the woods

There are various sources of funding for undergraduate research, but it takes some investigating to find the funding source that fits your project.  However, this also provides a valuable experience for you as a researcher, since applying for funding is part of many researchers' jobs.  Below you will find some starting points for finding funding for your research.  Keep in mind that this is not an exhaustive list.

Center for Undergraduate Research & Fellowships Funding Sources

  • Undergraduate Research Awards: $1,000 scholarships for students doing research or creative projects.  Offered every semester.

  • Student Travel Awards: Up to $500 scholarships for students travelling to professional conferences to present their research.  Offered every semester, awarded each month.

Other KU Sources to Fund Your Research

  • Hall Center for the Humanities Undergraduate Research Grants:  Offered through KU's Hall Center, these grants provide funding to support KU undergraduate students working on research projects in the humanities that require access to research materials at archives, libraries, museums, and other research sites, either locally or out-of-state.  Eligibility: research project in the humanities.

  • University Honors Program: KU's Honors Program offers several different funding sources, including the Honors Opportunity Awards, which could be used to fund research opportunities or expenses to attend an academic conference to present your research.  Eligibility: member of the University Honors Program.

  • Arts Research Project Grants: Provides grants for creative and scholarly research projects.  Eligibility: student in the School of the Arts.

  • SOTA Student Travel Fund: Provides funding for student travel to professional conferences, performances, or special programs or workshops. Eligibility: student in the School of the Arts.

  • Chemistry Department - Bob Carlson Undergraduate Travel Award: The Bob Carlson Undergraduate Travel Award is a $500 award that provides financial support for undergraduate chemistry majors who are traveling to present their research at a professional meeting or conference.

  • Biology Department - Awards & Scholarships: The Undergraduate Biology Program is pleased to announce several scholarships and awards available to students pursuing a major in the program. We invite you to take advantage of this opportunity by submitting an online application. Brief descriptions of the scholarships and awards can be found on the webpage. Questions may be addressed to Dr. Lynn Hancock, Chair, Awards Committee (lynnh@ku.edu)

Research-Intensive KU Programs

These KU programs have a significant research component and may provide scholarships, special programming, and mentoring.

  • McNair Scholars Program: The mission of the McNair Scholars Program is to support undergraduate students in their quest to attend graduate school and obtain a doctoral degree.  Eligibility: students that are either from underrepresented minority groups or are first generation college students AND come from low-income backgrounds.

  • Office for Diversity in Science Training: This office offers a variety of programs for students at KU and Haskell Indian Nations University.  KU students may be most interested in the Maxmizing Access to Research Careers (MARC) and Pre-MARC programs. Eligibility for MARC: full-time KU or Haskell student who is a U.S. citizen or legal resident, has a declared science major, is interested in pursuing graduate study in biomedical sciences, and is from a group recognized by the NIH as being underrepresented in STEM.

  • K-INBRE: K-INBRE provides research experience, personalized mentoring, and financial support to undergraduate science students who intend to pursue career opportunities in biomedical research. Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents (more about eligibility here).

  • Global Scholars: This program provides students with opportunities to develop their interest in global studies; all students complete a research project.  Eligibility: students who are beginning their second year of college, with preference given to students with at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA.

Funding Within Your Department

Individual KU departments often offer undergraduate research awards, as do regional and national professional organizations within your discipline.  You should talk with faculty members in your discipline and visit your department's and professional organizations' websites to search for opportunities.

External Funding Opportunities

Nationally competitive fellowships and scholarships: This is a list of popular national awards and scholarships, several of which either fund research-intensive opportunities or for which research experience is a factor in granting the awards. If you are interested in any of these opportunities, let us know! We will gladly help support you throughout any application process.