Scholarships & Aid

Discovery Fellows

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The Discovery Fellows Research Program is the Honors College’s premier early-entry research scholarship for students who are eager to create knowledge, solve complex problems and contribute to discoveries that matter.

Designed for intellectually curious students across all disciplines, Discovery Fellows begin engaging in research from their very first semester at Mizzou. Through close mentorship with faculty researchers, specialized coursework, dedicated advising and substantial scholarship support, Discovery Fellows develop the skills, experiences and professional networks that distinguish successful researchers, innovators and future leaders.

Whether your goals include graduate study, professional school, industry research, public service or academic scholarship, the Discovery Fellows Research Program provides a foundation for meaningful inquiry and impactful achievement.

As a Discovery Fellow, you will:

  • Receive a $7,000 annual scholarship (starting during the 2027-28 academic year), renewable for a second year ($14,000 total)
  • Receive individualized guidance from the Honors College scholarship and research coordinator beginning the summer before you start classes and continuing during your time as a Discovery Fellow
  • Begin working with a faculty research mentor during your first semester at Mizzou
  • Enroll in a first-semester interdisciplinary research seminar that introduces the research process and connects you with a community of fellow scholars
  • Develop advanced skills in research design, critical thinking, communication across disciplinary boundaries and scholarly presentation
  • Access funding of up to $500 through the Cherng Discovery Fellows program to present your research at conferences and professional meetings during your second and third years
  • Meet early with advisors from the Office of Global and National Fellowships for guidance on positioning yourself to be a competitive applicant for prestigious national and international awards, including the Goldwater Scholarship, DAAD RISE, Fulbright Program and NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (NSF-GRFP).
  • Gain a specialized pathway into the highly competitive Cherng Summer Scholars program, providing additional opportunities for immersive, interdisciplinary research experiences

Award Amount and Expectations

Discovery Fellows are awarded a scholarship of $7,000 for the year (starting during the 2027-28 academic year) and is renewable for a second year. Discovery Fellows are expected to engage meaningfully in their research experience throughout the academic year. Fellows typically contribute approximately eight hours per week to their research projects while maintaining active participation in program activities and meeting academic standards for renewal. The scholarship is awarded in two equal installments each academic year and is contingent upon successful participation in program requirements.

Eligibility and How to Apply

Applicants must be entering first-year students with a minimum 32 ACT or 1420 SAT score. They should demonstrate strong academic achievement and intellectual curiosity; no prior research experience is required. Domestic applicants must submit the Premier Scholars application by Dec. 1, while international applicants can apply through the Mizzou Scholarship Application Portal by Feb. 1. If you receive this award, you will be notified by mid- to late-March and it will be included in your financial aid package from the University of Missouri.

How to apply
Step 1: Apply to Mizzou
Step 2: Apply to the Honors College
Step 3: Submit the Premier Scholars application (which includes the Stamps Scholarship, Brazeal Scholarship, Boomba Tiger Scholarship and Discovery Fellows) via your Application Status Page.

Build a Foundation

From your first semester on campus, the Discovery Fellows Research Program places you in the laboratories, archives, studios, clinics and field sites where new knowledge is created. Through mentorship, scholarship support and early research engagement, Discovery Fellows develop the skills and experiences that prepare them to compete for nationally prestigious opportunities and make meaningful contributions to their fields.

Hear from past Discovery Fellows
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Join the Honors Community

Once students apply to Mizzou, students who meet eligibility requirements will see the Honors College application on their Application Status Page. Students who do not meet eligibility requirements can request an application.

Apply to Mizzou