Truman Scholarship

The Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation awards merit-based scholarships to college juniors who plan to pursue careers in government or elsewhere in public service. Truman Scholars receive up to $30,000 for graduate or professional school, participate in leadership development activities, and have special opportunities for internships and employment with the federal government.

Deadline: December internal deadline; February external deadline

Benefits: Truman Scholars receive up to $30,000 toward a graduate degree; a fully funded Truman Scholars Leadership Week; the opportunity to participate in the Summer Institute in Washington, DC after graduation; and access to other programs as Scholars move into their careers in public service.

Eligibility: US Citizens, US National residents of American Samoa; in penultimate year of school (for candidates graduating in four years or more) or in their final year of school (for candidates graduating in three years or fewer); nominated by either their current institution of study or their former institution of study for transfer or community college applicants; planning to attend graduate school in pursuit of a career in public service. The Foundation encourages time between undergraduate and graduate school, so candidates need not commit to going immediately.

Major: Open

Fellowship Type: Undergraduate

UNH Supported Award: This means that the Fellowships Office offers information sessions/handouts and/or other programming to assist you with your application.

Nomination: Yes; Contact the Fellowships Office

Website: Truman Scholarship

Truman Application Deadlines

  • Internal Deadline: December 22, 2025, 11:59pm.
  • National Deadline: February 3, 2026, 11:59pm.

Truman Recommended Steps and Timeline

  1. By October 14, 2025: Meet with Office of National Fellowships to assess eligibility for Truman Scholarship and discuss potential letter writers.
  2. October - December, 2025: Complete drafts and revisions of List of Activities, Short Essays, and Policy Proposal.
  3. December 22, 2025, 11:59pm: Internal Deadline
  4. January 9, 2026: Nominees notified
  5. By January 12, 2026: Nominees complete nomination agreement form.
  6. February 3, 2026, 11:59pm: National Deadline.