NSEP Student Information Guide

The National Security Education Program (NSEP) is a unique scholarship opportunity for U.S. undergraduates to study abroad. The NSEP awards scholarships to American students for study of world regions critical to U.S. interests. Scholarships are available for study year round, and students may study for a semester or an entire year. Award amounts are up to $10,000 for a semester and up to $20,000 for a year, depending on the length of study and expenses associated with the program of study.

NSEP Scholarship recipients incur a service agreement requiring that they, "enter into an agreement to work in a national security position as a priority or, secondarily, to work in the field of higher education in the area of study for which the scholarship was awarded." Frequently, students find that they may "pay back" their time through a position as a graduate assistant or professor at an institution of higher education. NSEP is willing to work with students to find ways to fulfill the service requirement.

Only U.S. citizens are eligible to apply. All study abroad programs proposed must meet UIC standards and must end prior to graduation. All proposals must include the following: language study, an international and national security focus, and study outside of Western Europe, Australia and New Zealand.

Regarding eligibility, candidates should demonstrate academic excellence, and articulate a related reason to study in the country they choose. Candidates should also be able to make the international relations/national security link evident in their written proposal. For more detailed information on eligibility, qualified countries, and more visit the NSEP website at www.iie.org/nsep.

All applicants must be evaluated by UIC review committee prior to final submission. Please contact the Office of Special Scholarship Programs for more information.

If you want to apply for the NSEP Scholarship:

1. Read and download the application and instructions online
2. Decide which university you would like to attend abroad by researching potential institutions
3. Contact faculty members to write letters of recommendation for you
4. Visit the Office of Special Scholarship Programs to:
--a. Make an appointment with Amanda Harrison to review your draft application
--b. Read drafts of previous winners' applications
5. Start working on your application early! The best applications are those that have been prepared with thoughtfulness and thoroughness
6. Contact Records Office at Student Services Building (SSB) to request UIC transcript be sent to OSSP

Important Dates for NSEP Applications:

UIC Application Deadline: December 1, 2011
Final Application Deadline: February 9, 2012

For more information contact:

The Office of Special Scholarship Programs
The University of Illinois at Chicago
2506 University Hall, (312) 355-2477