Applications for the Provost’s Undergraduate Fellowship (PUF) are open twice per academic year: in fall and spring. The 2024–25 cycle is now closed. Tentative deadlines for 2025–26 are listed below:

  • Fall 2025 application deadline: Nov. 4
  • Fall 2025 faculty letter deadline: Nov. 11
  • Spring 2026 application deadline: April 10
  • Spring 2026 faculty letter deadline: April 14

General instructions

Please follow all instructions carefully. All uploaded documents must be PDFs. Files in other formats, including password-protected documents, will not be accepted.

1. Online cover page form
Complete all fields in the online application. The cover page will ask for your:

  • Contact information
  • Expected graduation date
  • Major and college
  • GPA and total units
  • Faculty sponsor’s name, email and department
  • Lab name (if applicable)
  • Project title and short description
  • Total amount of funding requested

2. Project proposal
Submit a one-page, single-spaced narrative (12-point Times New Roman) describing:

  • Your project goals
  • Methods and approaches
  • Timeline for completion
  • How your project fits within existing research or creative work (include at least 3 citations, formatted in-text and on a reference page if needed)

A second page may be used for references.

3. Learning potential and educational goals
In 200 words or fewer, describe how this project connects to your academic or career goals. What do you hope to gain from the experience?

4. Budget outline and justification
Include a detailed list of project-related expenses. Keep the following in mind:

  • Maximum funding is $1,500
  • Salaries are not allowed
  • Lab equipment is not generally eligible unless justified
  • Common lab supplies should be provided by your lab; if not, include justification
  • Software and book purchases must be justified and confirmed as unavailable on campus
  • Travel for research purposes is allowed
  • Conference travel is not allowed through this fund (see the Travel Award page instead)

Tip: Need help? View five sample PUF budgets

5. Transcript
Submit an unofficial UC Davis transcript. Do not upload an official or third-party-protected file. SisWeb versions are acceptable.

6. Faculty recommendation
After submitting your application, your faculty mentor will receive an automatic request to upload their letter of support as a PDF. We recommend asking your professor to begin writing early. Only letters received by the stated deadline will be accepted.

Additional notes for applicants

If your project involves human subjects, vertebrate animals, radioactive materials or toxic chemicals, you must secure appropriate approvals. Your faculty mentor should reference these in their letter.

  • Human subjects research: Include plans to seek IRB approval or exemption. This is not required at the time of application, but must be in place before funds are disbursed.
  • If your project includes interviews, upload a copy of your interview protocol.

Only complete applications submitted by the deadline will be reviewed. We strongly encourage students to submit early in case of technical issues. Late applications will not be accepted.

Questions?
Email the Undergraduate Research Center at urc@ucdavis.edu.