Provost's Undergraduate Fellowship:
The Provost’s Undergraduate Fellowship (PUF) provides funding for UC Davis undergraduates to pursue individual research or creative projects under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Students from all disciplines are encouraged to apply.
Projects have included lab research, fieldwork, survey studies, film production, studio and performance-based work, music composition, travel to archives or research collections and more. Group proposals are not eligible, though separate, linked projects may be considered.
The maximum award is $1,500 for expenses directly related to the proposed project.
Fall Call 2025: Project is expected to be conducted Winter Quarter 2026 through Fall Quarter 2026. The end date for awards granted will be cited on award letters as December 31, 2026.
Spring Call 2026: Project is expected to be conducted Summer 2026 through Spring Quarter 2027. The end date in awards granted will be cited on award letters as June 30, 2027.
Eligibility:
To apply, students must:
- Be a registered UC Davis undergraduate (full or part time)
- Be in good academic standing
- Meet satisfactory academic progress
- Be enrolled during the quarter(s) the project is carried out
- Not have previously received a PUF award
Application information
PUF applications are accepted twice each academic year: once in fall and once in spring.
Application dates for 2025–26:
- Fall 2025 application window: Oct. 3 to Nov. 4 --(Closed)
- Fall 2025 faculty letter due: Nov. 11
- Spring 2026 application window: March 10 to May 4
- Spring 2026 faculty letter due: May 7
Faculty mentors are required to submit a letter of recommendation. Instructions will be available when the application opens.
New for 2025–26: Students offered funding must formally accept their award by the stated deadline. If no response is received, funds will be reallocated to other applicants.
Expectations of Awardees:
Students who receive a Provost’s Undergraduate Fellowship are expected to:
- Submit a final report at the end of the quarter in which the project is completed
- Present their work at the annual Undergraduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activities Conference in spring quarter