Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship
Apply
Are You Interested in a Ph.D.?
Penn MMUF is open to all students who meet the eligibility requirements. To participate in the Penn MMUF program, students must plan to enroll in a PhD program in the Humanities or Humanistic Social Sciences fields as designated by the Mellon Foundation.
2026-2027 Application Deadline:
January 30, 2026
How to Apply
Submit the online application form & requested materials through the link below. If you have questions regarding the application procedures, contact Pat Ravenell, MMUF Administrative Coordinator, at ravenell@upenn.edu
Qualifications
Qualifications to join the program include:
- Must be a current Sophomore or Junior;
- Academic promise (minimum GPA 3.0, average program GPA is 3.4);
- Interest in pursuing PhD study in an eligible MMUF Field of Study;
- Availability for, and commitment to, full and enthusiastic participation in all aspects of the MMUF program, including mandatory weekly meetings, disciplinary conferences and other program activities;
- Potential for serving as a mentor and teacher;
- US citizens, permanent residents, and DACA status students all welcome to apply
What to Include With Your Application
Faculty Reference Letter
Unofficial Transcript
Resume or CV
Personal Statement
What to include in your personal statement
A concise personal statement describing how your academic and career goals would be served by the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship Program. Be sure to include information about plans for possible research or honors projects and your scholarly interests. Include other activities you have engaged in that demonstrate your ability to take responsibility, work independently, and show initiative or perseverance. Statement should be no more than 2-3 pages.