The University Nuclear Leadership Program (UNLP) Scholarship and Fellowship Support is a funding opportunity administered by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Nuclear Energy (DOE-NE). The program aims to provide financial assistance to accredited U.S. institutions of higher education (IHEs) for scholarships and fellowships in nuclear-related fields. The primary goal of the UNLP is to attract and develop the next generation of professionals in nuclear science and engineering (NS&E) by supporting students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees in nuclear-related disciplines.

The UNLP funds scholarships for two-year, four-year, and graduate programs in nuclear-related fields such as nuclear engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, chemistry, cybersecurity, health physics, nuclear materials science, radiochemistry, applied nuclear physics, nuclear policy, nuclear safety, nuclear power technology, nuclear maintenance technology, and nuclear operations. Through this initiative, DOE-NE aims to support the workforce needs of the nuclear sector, encourage nuclear research, and advance U.S. leadership in nuclear energy. The UNLP program supports the broader DOE-NE Nuclear Energy University Program (NEUP), which integrates research and development at U.S. institutions, national laboratories, and industry to enhance nuclear education and training.

The total estimated funding available for the UNLP program is up to $6 million annually, contingent on Congressional appropriations. The awards are distributed as cooperative agreements to participating universities, which then manage the funds for student scholarships and fellowships. Graduate fellowships provide up to $175,000 over three years, including $40,000 per year in stipends, $15,000 per year for tuition and fees, a $7,000 internship allowance, and an additional $1,000 annual research travel allowance. Undergraduate scholarships provide up to $10,000 annually for students at four-year institutions and up to $5,000 for students at two-year community colleges and trade schools.

The eligibility for this funding is restricted to U.S. institutions of higher education that offer degrees in nuclear-related disciplines. Only institutions approved under the UNLP Approved Universities List are eligible. Individual students do not apply directly through this funding opportunity; rather, they apply for scholarships and fellowships through separate DOE-NE Request for Applications (RFA) processes.

The application process requires institutions to submit a detailed program narrative describing their NS&E programs, faculty, student population, research capabilities, and course offerings. Other submission materials include the SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance, certifications and assurances, principal investigator (PI) curriculum vitae (CVs), and any required forms. Applications must be submitted electronically via www.neup.gov. Applications are reviewed based on their alignment with DOE-NE objectives, faculty qualifications, program history, and institutional capacity for managing scholarships and fellowships.

The application process remains open until October 14, 2030, with reviews conducted as needed. Notifications of selection are sent via email, and successful applicants are required to comply with all DOE administrative requirements, including financial reporting and oversight. For questions regarding the program, Tyler Newitt (Tyler.Newitt@inl.gov, 208-526-4990) serves as the primary contact for scholarship and fellowship support, while Andrew Ford (fordaj@id.doe.gov, 208-526-3059) handles FOA procedural questions.