Physics students may be eligible for scholarships and awards offered by the Department of Physics, NIU and external organizations. Explore opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as resources for finding additional scholarships.
Explore scholarships available through NIU using the MyScholarships.
| Award | Eligibility | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|
| Dean's Award | Senior who has made outstanding contributions to the Physics Department, with at least 90 credit hours and a 3.0 GPA. | Faculty nomination; no application |
| Jerrold H. Zar Scholarship | One scholarship awarded to a continuing undergraduate student, selected from nominees in BIOS, CHEM, GEOL and PHYS. | March |
| Paul and Elizabeth Kling Scholarship | Outstanding junior or senior in math/science education with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Preference is given to students with demonstrated financial need. | March |
| Physics Department Outstanding Senior Award ($100) | Graduating senior who has demonstrated excellence in physics. | Faculty nomination; no application |
| John and Lili LaTourette Student Research Award ($750 stipend or research expenses) | Full-time junior or senior engaged in physics research. | Faculty nomination; no application |
Graduate students may also be eligible for fellowships, funding and awards offered through NIU's Graduate School. Visit the Graduate School to explore available funding opportunities.
| Award | Eligibility | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|
| Dissertation Facilitation Award | Ph.D. student in the last summer of the program. | Faculty nomination; usually due in April |
| Physics Department Outstanding Ph.D. Student Award ($100) | Ph.D. student who has demonstrated excellence in research. | Faculty nomination; no application |
| Award | Eligibility | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|
| Leadership Awards Program | Undergraduate and graduate students who have demonstrated outstanding participation and leadership in student organizations. | February |
| Outstanding Graduate Student Awards | Recognizes outstanding NIU graduate students, including one M.S. and one Ph.D. student. | Faculty nomination; February |
| Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant Awards | Recognizes outstanding NIU graduate teaching assistants, including one M.S. and one Ph.D. student. | Faculty nomination; February |
| Physics Department Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant Award ($100) | Outstanding graduate teaching assistant in the Department of Physics. | Faculty nomination; April |
Professional organizations and other organizations offer additional scholarships for students pursuing physics and related fields. Review eligibility requirements and application deadlines carefully, as they vary by organization.
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Application/Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| AAPT Barbara Lotze Scholarship for Future Teachers | U.S. citizens enrolled or planning to enroll in a physics teacher preparation program, including high school seniors entering such programs. | December; application information |