Burch Fellowship Details

Eligibility

The Burch Fellows Program is open to all full-time undergraduate students at UNC who have completed at least one semester but not more than six semesters. You do not have to be a member of Honors Carolina to apply. Applicants should have at least two semesters remaining following completion of the Burch Fellowship and prior to graduation.

All independent travel through UNC requires University approval. UNC can support undergraduate independent travel to locations with a Department of State level 1 or 2 advisory. Level 3 applications will only be considered in exceptional circumstances. Please meet with the Director of Global Education and Fellowships to discuss your exception prior to submitting an application. To see what level a country is, visit travel.state.gov.

Even if applicants are selected for the fellowship, all must then receive University approval in order to accept the funding and travel to their designated location.

If you accept the Burch Fellowship award, you must withdraw from any other funding opportunities for the project. Likewise, if you have accepted another award for the fellowship period, you must withdraw your application for a Burch Fellowship.

Faculty Advisor

All applicants should identify and consult with a faculty member familiar with your work, the region you are going, or the type of internship you are proposing. This advisor can review your proposal and help address any questions that you may have in undertaking this experience.

How To Apply

Proposed fellowship experiences should be no less than six weeks and no more than one year. Applicants must complete an online application and provide the following materials:

  • Résumé
  • Bio
  • Fellowship Experience Proposal (1,200 word limit)
  • Budget
  • Photograph
  • Unofficial UNC Transcript
  • Letters of Recommendation
  • Letters of Support
Click here for detailed information about the application materials.

Application Deadline

All application materials – including letters of reference and support – are due before January 15. Please have all of your documents ready to submit before beginning the online application.

Interviews

Mandatory interviews for finalists will be held in February/March. Fellows will be announced soon after the completion of the interviews.

How To Start

Take your idea for the fellowship to a faculty advisor on campus who is familiar with that area of interest. Work with them to shape your idea and to focus on a specific location and/or organization. Contact that organization to gain their support for you coming to work with them. Now, budget out what everything will cost and write your project proposal.