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PSI Grant and Scholarship Competitions

Polish Studies Initiative Student Scholarships

The Polish Studies Initiative (PSI) aims to support the study of Polish language and culture through summer intensive language programs, internships, and study abroad programs. Scholarships are available for both OSU undergraduate and graduate students who are interested in pursuing more advanced training during a summer semester. Scholarships will be awarded in amounts up to $1,000. For information about study abroad programs and summer language programs, visit the Resources section on PSI's main page.

Grants for Research in Polish Studies

PSI grants fund the research of OSU faculty, postdocs, and post-candidacy PhD students in the arts, humanities, and social sciences that will enhance the understanding of Polish society and culture. Projects focusing on Polish-American culture or curriculum development for Polish-language courses are also welcome. Typically, up to $1,500 in funding can be requested.

The 2026 grant and scholarship competition is now open! Please read below for full application information. The application window will close on Friday, February 13, 2026. 

Summer PSI Grant and Scholarship Details

The Polish Studies Initiative supports the study of Polish language and culture through summer intensive language, study abroad, and internship programs. Scholarships are available for both undergraduate and graduate students who are interested in pursuing more advanced training during summer semester 2026 (any session of the summer term April 30 - August 5, 2026), with programs taking place during any of the Summer Term sessions eligible. Before submitting an application, interested students should consult the eligibility requirements. Scholarships will be awarded in amounts up to $1,000. Preference will be given to students pursuing Polish language studies. 

Scholarship recipients will be asked to write an article for inclusion on the CSEEES website and other promotional items.

Eligibility:

  1. Applicants must be enrolled as Ohio State students at the time of application, as well as throughout the period of the award. 

  2. Undergraduate students must be in good academic standing with a GPA of 3.5 or higher and no less than a B+ in any Polish language coursework if pursuing a language program. 

  3. Graduate students must be pre-candidacy and have no outstanding incompletes, and no less than an A- in any Polish language coursework if pursuing a language program. 

  4. Applicants must list any additional travel funds that they have applied for/received. 

Prospective applicants are advised to read the PSI Scholarship Info Sheet before starting the application.

The application is submitted completely online at the link below and should take approximately 20 minutes to complete. Applicants should have their supporting documents on hand when they are ready to submit an application as it must be completed at one time. A PSI Scholarship Preview is available to help applicants prepare the necessary documents. 

A complete application consists of:

  1. The completed Online Application Form;
  2. A one-page, single-spaced Statement of Intent describing your interest in Polish language and area studies and how a Polish Studies Initiative Scholarship will help you achieve your academic and career goals;
  3. An Advising Report or Unofficial Transcript; and
  4. A list of any additional travel funds that you have applied for/received
  5. Completed Budget Estimate sections within the Online Application Form.

Applications for summer 2026 scholarships will close on Friday, February 13, 2026. 

Apply here

Students wishing to study abroad in Poland are strongly encouraged to have a back-up plan for a domestic program in place if the ongoing war in Ukraine prevents study abroad programs in Poland from taking place. For a list of domestic Polish language programs, please visit the main PSI webpage.

For information about study abroad programs and summer language programs, visit the Resources section on PSI's main page.

The Polish Studies Initiative (PSI) announces a grant competition for all faculty and post-candidacy PhD students at OSU. Applicants can request up to $1,500 in funds. PSI supports research in the history, humanities, linguistics, and social sciences that will enhance the understanding of Polish society and culture. In the project statement, candidates should explain their disciplinary background within the field of Polish studies, their goals for the grant period, and a brief outline of their research plans. Projects focusing on Polish-American culture and Polish language curriculum development are also welcome. Research should be carried out May 1 - September 1, 2026.

Those awarded grants will be asked either to present a presentation of their work and research during the 2026-27 academic year and/or to write a brief article for inclusion on the CSEEES website. 

Prospective applicants are advised to read the PSI Grant Info Sheet before starting the application.

The application is submitted completely online at the link below and should take approximately 20 minutes to complete. Applicants should have their supporting documents on hand when they are ready to submit an application as it must be completed at one time. A PSI Grant Preview is available to help applicants prepare the necessary documents.

Grant applications must include:

A complete application includes the following:

  1. The completed Online Application Form
  2. Project abstract of no more than 500-words
  3. A separate project budget, including a full itemization of travel, lodging, and other anticipated expenses
  4. A list of any additional travel funds that you have applied for/received
  5. A four- to five-page, double-spaced project statement describing the purpose, method, anticipated products, and significance of the project
  6. A curriculum vitae
  7. For graduate applicants, a letter from your PhD advisor detailing how this research grant will aid your dissertation research (graduate students only). This letter (on official letterhead and sent from a university email address) should be emailed directly from your advisor to PSI’s program coordinator Alicia Baca (baca.31@osu.edu) by Friday, February 13, 2026.

Applications for summer 2026 grants will close on Friday, February 13, 2026. 

Apply here

For questions about the scholarship or grant competition, please contact PSI program coordinator, Alicia Baca (baca.31@osu.edu).