At a Glance
About
Background
In recognition of his outstanding vision, leadership, and unwavering commitment to diversity and excellence, the Board of Directors of the University of Arizona (U of A) Foundation has established a permanent endowment in honor of the 18th President of the University of Arizona, Peter "Pete" Likins. The nominee must be a current graduate student in their 1st or 2nd year at the time of application and is a student who has, due to circumstances of whatever nature, overcome substantial adversity to be accepted for admission and demonstrates successful academic progress in the graduate program (Master's or doctoral) at U of A. In addition to illustrating that adversarial circumstances were overcome, candidates will be evaluated based on their ability to express themselves with passion and vitality.
The recipient may concurrently hold a graduate assistantship. This is not a recruitment award - it is for current 1st and 2nd year graduate students at the time of submitting the application.
Award Amount
$10,000 cash fellowship plus full base (main campus) graduate tuition (excluding AFAT fee, departmental fees and student health insurance).
Application Open: December 15, 2025
Application Deadline: March 15, 2026
Eligibility
A current (main campus) 1st or 2nd year doctoral or Master's student, domestic or international - Accelerated Master's Program (AMP), UA Online, or Professional Programs (JD, MD, DVM, etc.) students are not eligible to apply.
Applicant must be in good academic standing.
Recipient may concurrently hold a graduate assistantship.
*Please note that this is not a recruitment award. The nominee must be a current 1st or 2nd year graduate student at the time of application.
Instructions
Applicants will apply through Scholarship Universe. The application consists of the following:
- Essay illustrating that adversarial circumstances were overcome in order to pursue the dream of attaining a master's or doctoral degree at the University of Arizona
- Short summary (no more than 1 page) of why they are interested in pursuing the higher degree
- A letter of recommendation from a U of A faculty advisor
Applications will be reviewed by a committee of University of Arizona faculty and staff
Contact
For questions, please contact Kerry Cowen, Scholarships and Grants Management Administrator, (520)621-9336 or kcowen1@arizona.edu