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.

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. The 2024–25 cycle is now closed.

Tentative application dates for 2025–26:

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

Past Recipients