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Find Education Scholarships for PhD Students

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Elevar Scholars Program

California State University, Fullerton

What You'll Need

• Application Form
• Recommendation
• Demonstrated Financial Need
• Merit-based Aid

Description

Funded by the CSU and Giles T. Brown Endowment for Graduate Studies through the Cal State Fullerton Philanthropic Foundation, this program seeks to increase the diversity of students completing graduate degree programs, encourage further study in doctoral programs and promote consideration of university faculty careers. If provides fellowships to economically disadvantaged CSUF students who have overcome educational disadvantages or hardships. The fellowships are intended to minimize students’ debt burden, allowing them to complete their program more quickly and commence doctoral study.

Fletcher Jones Fellowship

University of California, Irvine

• Need-based Aid

The Fletcher Jones Fellowship is a highly prestigious award, made available through funding from the Fletcher Jones Foundation. It is competitively awarded to an outstanding doctoral student who has advanced to candidacy and demonstrates financial need. The award of a one-year fellowship of approximately $22,290, to be used as a stipend, is intended to assist with doctoral degree completion.

Chancellor's Club Fellowship

Chancellor’s Club Fellowships recognize our most academically superior doctoral and MFA students — those who exhibit outstanding promise as scholars, researchers, and public leaders. Nominated students must be first-generation college students, with neither parent having received a four-year degree. Nominations are made by Associate Deans for scholars in their respective schools.

Miguel Velez Scholarship

The Miguel Velez Scholarship provides financial support to graduate students who demonstrate outstanding past academic achievement as well as future promise, have financial need, and are citizens and residents of a Latin American country. Preference is given to citizens of Colombia.

James Harvey Scholar

The James Harvey Scholar award provides financial support to graduate students who demonstrate outstanding past academic achievement as well as future promise, have financial need, and are completing a publishable thesis or dissertation on homosexuality or the life or works of James Harvey.

Otto W. Shaler Scholarship

The Otto W. Shaler Scholarship provides financial support to international graduate students who have financial need, and who demonstrate outstanding past academic achievement as well as future promise. Each school may submit no more than two applications for this award.

Brython Davis Fellowship

Overview: The Brython Davis Fellowship provides financial support to students who demonstrate outstanding past academic achievement as well as future promise, have financial need, are U.S. citizens, and are the child of a service member or veteran of the U.S. Navy or Marine Corps.

La Verne Noyes Fellowship

The La Verne Noyes Fellowship provides financial support to graduate students who demonstrate outstanding past academic achievement as well as future promise, have financial need, are U.S. citizens, and are descendants of World War I U.S. Army or Navy veterans.

Barbara Bell Blake Nursing Scholarship

Purdue University, Northwest

Need Based: Please note: This specialty scholarship requires a separate application. Even if you've already applied for a PNW admissions scholarship, you need to submit a separate application to be eligible.

Intel SWE Scholarship (Graduate)

Society of Women Engineers (SWE)

SWE Scholarships support those who identify as a female/woman and are pursuing an ABET-accredited bachelor or graduate student program in preparation for careers in engineering, engineering technology and computer science in the United States. US Citizenship required. Minimum GPA: 3.0. Class: Graduate (Masters, Doctoral) Major: CprE, CS, EE.

50 Best Scholarships for Ph.D. Students

Reviewed by David Krug David Krug is a seasoned expert with 20 years in educational technology (EdTech). His career spans the pivotal years of technology integration in education, where he has played a key role in advancing student-centric learning solutions. David's expertise lies in marrying technological innovation with pedagogical effectiveness, making him a valuable asset in transforming educational experiences. As an advisor for enrollment startups, David provides strategic guidance, helping these companies navigate the complexities of the education sector. His insights are crucial in developing impactful and sustainable enrollment strategies.

Updated: May 30, 2024 , Reading time: 27 minutes

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In this article, we will be covering...

Data Points:

• Roughly 47% of first-generation doctoral students hold undergraduate student loans * , compared to only 31% of continuing-generation students.
• About 65% of scholarships ** to help pay for higher education are offered by the college or university. Other sources of scholarships are states (37%) and non-profits or companies (35%).
• 86% believe *** that earning a scholarship “is something to be proud of.”

“First, you get your bachelor’s degree, and you think you know everything. Then, you get your master’s degree, and you realize you don’t know anything. Then you get your doctorate, and you find out that nobody knows anything.”

While we can’t find information on who said these words, we can’t help but laugh! You, a student pursuing your doctoral degree, may even laugh at it because there’s a grain of truth to it. Your doctoral dissertation, after all, will likely be about creating new knowledge or building on old knowledge because “nobody knows anything” in a manner of speaking. 

But why are you pursuing a doctoral degree when your master’s degree will suffice for most jobs? There are even people who believe that it’s a waste of time and money for many reasons. Some people push for it because of the numerous benefits that it brings.

So, which one’s a better perspective? A doctoral degree is about contributing to the existing body of knowledge through original research. It is considered an introduction to independent research in your chosen field, with your doctoral dissertation as the first of many intellectual masterpieces .

Let’s first take a look at the unfavorable view because there’s also some merit to it. For one thing, there’s the cost of doctoral education that, in U.S. universities, the average is $133,340 . In Ivy League universities, the cost can be higher – at Harvard University, for example, the full tuition needed for the first two years of study is $54,032, exclusive of health insurance, housing, books and supplies, and food expenses.

Yes, indeed, it isn’t cheap to get a doctoral degree in the United States , not even in one of the lesser-known universities!

In addition, there’s a sense of dissatisfaction among doctoral students. You may feel, at one point, that you’re doing slave labor, no thanks to the 10-hour workdays and low pay during your research.

Your employment prospects may also seem uncertain, considering the competition due to the oversupply of Ph.D. holders. The number of Ph.D. holders exceeds the number of employment opportunities for them, too! Such a disconnection partly stems from the high degree of specialization required to get a doctoral degree, not to mention that Ph.D. holders have high employment expectations.

Still, the number of doctoral degree holders in the U.S. has more than doubled between 2000 and 2018! In 2000, there were 2 million Ph.D. holders, and by 2018, there were already 4.5 million. Why do people pursue doctoral degrees despite the myriad of challenges that come with them?

Here’s why.

• You have a clear edge in getting higher positions and, thus, higher pay. Studies have shown that a Ph.D. is a contributing factor toward earning over 20% more than people with master’s degrees. In a PayScale comparison, Ph.D. holders earned $107,000 per year, on average, while master’s degree holders earned $84,000 .
• Your specialized knowledge and skills are highly marketable. You will likely enjoy a flexible career path, whether you choose a career in public service or the private sector. Your career will also be characterized by the highest lifetime earning potential and the lowest unemployment rate! Your Ph.D. training will also strengthen your critical thinking and complex problem-solving skills, which are highly sought after by employers.
• You will be a recognized knowledge creator, a rare skill sought after by society and employers, too. You have gained both the discipline and ability to search for, introduce, and defend new knowledge, even under the most stringent scrutiny. Your competencies will lead to a leadership position as you gain respect and prestige.

Are you still worried about the financial expenses of getting a Ph.D. in your field? We completely understand that $ 50,000 plus per year plus the difficulties of juggling work, studies, and family responsibilities will break a person. But you can achieve your doctoral degree through scholarships and grants!

This isn’t a new concept either, as millions of Ph.D. holders have also achieved such a lofty goal. Many of them have been scholars and fellows for most, if not all, of their studies – and it’s a path you can take, too, with plenty of planning and networking.

You have dozens, if not hundreds, of scholarship and fellowship opportunities in your field of study, not to mention the ones offered without restrictions as to the field of study. The trick here is to diligently look for these opportunities, applying to as many as you are qualified for, and complying with the requirements.

You may have to apply every semester or academic year for a new scholarship or fellowship, but it’s worth the time and effort. You could be lucky and be one whose studies were financed through scholarships and grants from year one, although luck has little to do with it because you spent time looking and qualifying for the scholarships you deserve!

Here, we present you with 50 of the Best Scholarships and Fellowships for Doctoral Students that we think are worthy of your consideration.

April 2024 Deadline

IBRO Travel Grants

• Type of Scholarship: Annual
• Amount: $2,500 
• Deadline of Application: April 30, 2024

IBRO Travel Grants support PhD students and early-career post-doctoral neuroscientists by covering travel and local expenses for conferences. Preference is given to under-resourced, less well-funded countries. Nevertheless, students studying and residing in the United States can still apply for the grant. 

ScholarshipOwl No Essay Scholarship

• Amount: Up to $50,000 (shared)
• Deadline of Application: April 29, 2024 

The ScholarshipOwl No Essay Scholarship is available to all types of students, including PhDs. Applicants can win multiple awards with a $50,000 scholarship, with four monthly winners earning $1,000 each and two additional winners in December 2024. Applicants must be residents of any 50 United States, District of Columbia, or U.S. Territories, except for Rhode Island and Michigan.

May 2024 Deadline

Separations Division Graduate Student Research Award

• Amount: $200 + plaque
• Deadline of Application: May 1, 2024 

AIChE is the leading global organization for chemical engineering professionals. It boasts over 60,000 members from 110 countries and administers over 60 awards, including monetary prizes, certificates, and medals. The $200 award may seem small, but the benefits extend far beyond its monetary value.

This award honors outstanding graduate scholars in separations, recognizing their contributions to fundamentals and applications and awarding a plaque. Recipients gain recognition within the field, enhancing their professional credibility and giving them access to new opportunities. 

“Be Bold” No-Essay Scholarship

• Type of Scholarship: Annual (Non-renewable)
• Amount: $25,055
• Deadline of Application: May 1, 2024

Bold.org offers a $25,000 “Be Bold” No-Essay Scholarship to students with the boldest profiles. The scholarship is based on the characteristics of being earnest, determined, and moving. It is similar to many easy scholarships available on Bold.org and will be awarded to students who apply earlier. The scholarship is open to students at any education level, state, field of study, and GPA.

Valuing Diversity PhD Scholarship

• Amount: Varies
• Deadline of Application: May 27, 2024, 1:00 PM

The Valuing Diversity PhD scholarship program was made to encourage underrepresented populations to attend marketing doctoral programs. The amount given to applicants depends on the program’s funding and the number of recipients. If you’ve applied for this scholarship opportunity before, you can still reapply. 

Applicants should be enrolled in and have completed at least one year of an on-campus AACSB-accredited marketing or advertising doctoral program. Two signed letters of recommendation are required.

Wenner-Gren Foundation Dissertation Fieldwork Grant

• Type of Scholarship: Annual (Non-renewable) 
• Amount: $25,000 
• Deadline of Application: May 1, 2024 (for January 1 and June 30, 2025 projects) November 1, 2024 (for July 1 to December 31, 2025 projects)

Applicants must be on-campus enrollees of an AACSB-accredited marketing or advertising doctorate and have completed at least one year. Two signed letters of recommendation are required.

Independent Research Awards (pediatric cardiology)

• Type of Scholarship: Annual (Renewable)
• Amount: $150,000 up to 2 years
• Deadline of Application: May 22, 2024 (letters of intent); and September 11, 2024 (full application)

The Children’s Heart Foundation funds research affecting patients with congenital heart disease. This award is given to doctoral students in clinical cardiology, translational research, and population science. It gives priority to researchers focusing on advancing the diagnosing, treating, and preventing congenital heart defects.

ASH Graduate Student Scholarships

• Amount: $5,000 
• Deadline of Application: May 22, 2024

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation offers Graduate Student Scholarships for undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students in communication sciences and disorders. These scholarships include International Student Scholarships, Minority Student Scholarships, and NSSLHA Scholarships for racial or ethnic minority students.

Applicants must be accepted in U.S. graduate communication sciences and disorders programs accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation. They must be full-time students for the entire academic year.

Graduate Fellowship in the History of Science

• Deadline of Application: May 24, 2024 

The American Meteorological Society Graduate Fellowship in the History of Science supports students completing dissertations on atmospheric, oceanic, or hydrologic sciences. This fellowship aims to foster close working relations and provide a $20,000 stipend for one year. Applicants must submit a cover letter, transcripts, a detailed dissertation topic description, and three letters of recommendation.

Sheep Heritage Foundation Memorial Scholarship

• Amount: $3,000
• Deadline of Application: May 31, 2024

Although less known, the sheep industry is a big contributor to the country’s economy. The Sheep Heritage Foundation Memorial Scholarship, administered by the American Sheep Industry Association, is a large program for students pursuing sheep-related studies. This Fund is given out yearly to those dedicated to helping advance the U.S. sheep industry, wool, and lamb.

Applicants must have U.S. citizenship, involvement in sheep and wool research, and be enrolled full-time in an accredited U.S. institution.

June 2024 Deadline

John Santos Distinguished Program Development in Clinical Gerontology Award

• Amount: $1,500
• Deadline of Application: June 1, 2024

John Santos, a retired Retirement Research Fund board member, established an award in 2009 to honor the contributions of psychologists and students working with older adults. Candidates must be nominated and endorsed by a division member, providing a letter of nomination, CV, evidence of impact, and two additional letters of support.

Kay F. Fullwood Northeast Florida Geriatric Nursing Scholarship Fund

The scholarship is open to nursing students in Northeast Florida enrolled in an accredited graduate program focusing on geriatrics and practicing geriatric N.P.s in an accredited DNP program. 

Henry and Sylvia Richardson Research Grant

• Type of Scholarship: Annual 

The grant, established by Henry and Sylvia Richardson, offers research funds to post-doctoral ESA members with at least one year of experience in insect control. The recipient must be an ESA member and a highly skilled scholar working with insect control methods like attractants, repellents, biological controls, thermocontrols, or chemical controls.

F.J. McGuigan Dissertation Award

• Amount: $2,000
• Deadline of Application: June 5, 2024

The F. J. McGuigan Dissertation Award supports research on mental function and understanding the mind from behavioral and neural perspectives. The award is open to any area of behavioral or brain science. Applicants must meet specific criteria: quality, viability, originality, competence, and resource allocation. Candidates must have finished their PhD candidacy and received committee approval for their dissertation.

Aylesworth Scholarship 

• Deadline of Application: June 12, 2024

The Aylesworth Scholarship offers support to students enrolled in universities across Florida. Eligible applicants can pursue research in any academic field that pertains to marine sciences, provided their institution participates in the Florida Sea Grant program. 

To qualify, candidates must be U.S. residents, actively seeking a doctoral degree, and studying disciplines such as ocean science, biology, engineering, economics, marine science, or food science. Additionally, applicants must be full-time students attending a Florida-based institution and demonstrate financial need to be considered for this scholarship.

Niche $25,000 “No Essay” Scholarship  

• Deadline of Application: June 15, 2024

This is one of the most inclusive scholarships, open to U.S. students with U.S. citizenship or a valid Visa/U.S. passport. However, because recipients are picked through a random draw, those affiliating with Niche cannot apply. This includes employees, officers, directors, and their children, grandchildren, or those affiliated with Niche’s other partnering organizations. 

This scholarship is also only applicable to students planning to study in one of Niche’s listed colleges .

Wayne F. Placek Grants

• Amount: Up to $15,000

The Wayne F. Placek Grant, which has been awarded over $1 million since 1995, aims to enhance public understanding of homosexuality and sexual orientation. It helps fund research and initiatives for doctoral students that focus on alleviating stress experienced by the LGBTQ community. This includes addressing prejudice, discrimination, and underrepresentation in scientific research.

APF welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds, including doctoral-level researchers and graduate students, and encourages early career researchers and graduate students.

CVS Health / AACP Community Pharmacy Health Equity Award for Student Pharmacists

• Amount: $20,000 
• Deadline of Application: June 16, 2024

This award is given to 21 students annually who demonstrate high academic performance and those who overcome financial barriers. Underrepresented minority, disabled, and military service students are encouraged to apply. The award recognizes leadership, academic success, and commitment to patient care in underserved communities.

The Springfield Research Fund Dissertation Fellowship

• Amount: Up to $10,000

Springfield Research Fund Dissertation Fellowship offers graduate students the opportunity to research contemporary LGBTQIA+ issues, aiming to dispel stereotypes and negative information contributing to prejudice and discrimination. Intersectional stigmas will be prioritized in 2024. It offers a $10,000 fund for each recipient, with a $1,000 bonus upon publication. 

Applicants must have begun their doctoral studies in a regionally accredited university. They must submit a dissertation abstract, statement of need, and CV.

ONS Foundation Josh Gottheil Memorial Stem Cell Transplant Development Award

Josh’s Fund, established in 1994, awards educational grants to oncology nurses to support their professional development. It also establishes endowments for emotional and mental support. 

Among ONF’s several awards is the Josh Gottheil Memorial Stem Cell Transplant Development. It aims to offer financial assistance to non-advanced practice-level registered nurses in stem cell transplantation and bone marrow. Applicants must have one or more years in practice.

Dr. James T. Mellonig Regeneration Research Award

• Amount: $10,000
• Deadline of Application: June 2024

The Dr. James T. Mellonig Regeneration Research Award is given annually to periodontology residents who are advancing clinical therapies in periodontal regeneration. U.S. students in their second and third years of periodontal residency are eligible for this award. Applicants must also have completed original research and published a manuscript advancing periodontal regeneration clinical therapies.

The Rotary Foundation Global Grant Scholarships

• Amount: $30,000 up to 400,000 (international coursework or research of up to 4 years)
• Deadline of Application: June 30, 2024

The Rotary Foundation Global Grant Scholarships program is open to full-time Ph.D. students involved in peace and conflict prevention or resolution, disease prevention and treatment, and water and sanitation. Applications can be made via a local Rotary Club chapter, and the chapter must sponsor non-Rotarians applying for the scholarship. The chapter creates the applicants’ initial application, and the latter then completes the online scholar profile.

The amount can be used for various costs, including passport/visa, travel expenses, tuition and other fees, vaccinations, school supplies, room and board, and household supplies. Application is year-round. However, scholarship applications for August, September, or October studies must be submitted by 30 June.  

July 2024 Deadline

Marketing Research Grant

• Deadline of Application: July 15, 2024

Offered by the Harold & Muriel Berkman Charitable Foundation, Inc., this Marketing Research Grant is applicable to students enrolled in an AACSB-accredited program. It gives priority to applicants who are focused on scientific research and knowledge production in business administration. 

Marian R. Stuart Grant

• Amount: Up to $20,000
• Deadline of Application: July 10, 2024

The APF Marian R. Stuart Grant offers up to 20,000 USD to early-career researchers researching mental and physical health. While APF welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds, preference is given to psychologists in medical schools.

MNF Ph.D. Research Grants

• Deadline of Application: July 12, 2024

The Mississippi Nurses Foundation is a non-profit organization that raises, accepts, and distributes charitable donations to enhance Mississippi’s professional nursing and overall health. Among its scholarships is the MNF Ph.D. Research Grants, which aim to help nursing professionals complete their original research. Applicants must be in good standing in a PhD Nursing program in Mississippi, a Mississippi resident, and a Mississippi Nurses Association member.

August 2024 Deadline

Brigadier General Albin F. Irzyk Veteran Scholarship

• Deadline of Application: Opens May 1, 2024, ends August 31, 2024 

The Harold and Muriel Berkman Charitable Foundation has established a scholarship in honor of Brigadier General Albin F. Irzyk, renowned for his World War II and Vietnam War achievements. This scholarship program accepts applicants from online and on-campus AACSB-accredited degree programs. It is awarded to an exceptional veteran applicant, chosen by the review committee from the finalists.

Carole Bailey Scholarship

• Amount: $5,000
• Deadline of Application: September 18, 2024

The Carole Bailey Scholarship is offered by the AccessLex Institute, an organization focused on promoting quality legal education for purpose-driven students. This scholarship program, awarded annually to ABA-accredited law students, provides up to $5,000 for those committed to public service in a legal career.

September 2024 Deadline

YIVO Institute for Jewish Research Fellowships 

• Deadline of Application: Opens September 2024

The YIVO Institute for Jewish Research is a leading institution preserving and studying East European Jewry’s history and culture. The institute offers several fellowship programs to encourage more students to pursue research in the field and contribute to YIVO’s archives and library collections.

$5,000 awards: 

• YIVO – Joseph Kremen Memorial Fellowship: Available for postgraduate researchers studying Eastern European Jewish arts, theater, and music. 
• YIVO- Dora and Meyer Tendler Fellowship: Available for student researchers of American Jewish history and the Jewish labor movement. 
• YIVO- Abraham and Rachela Melezin Memorial Fellowship: The scholarship supports original doctoral research in Baltic Jewish studies for 2-3 months.
• YIVO-  Workmen’s Circle/Dr. Emanuel Patt Visiting Professorship: Offered to postgraduate Eastern European Jewish Studies students. This can be combined with other YIVO fellowships. 

$3,000 awards: 

• YIVO Vladimir and Pearl Heifetz Memorial Fellowship: Available for East European Jewish Literature researchers.
• YIVO Dina Abramowicz Emerging Scholar Fellowship: Intended for post-doctoral research focus on Eastern European Jewish Studies.
• YIVO Aleksander and Alicja Hertz Memorial Fellowship: The Fund supports research on Polish-Jewish history, including modern relations, the Holocaust, and Jewish contributions to Polish literature and culture.

Every fellow is also required to deliver a public lecture regarding their research. The research period should be between 2 and 3 months only. Interested applicants should submit a written summary of their respective research on acceptable topics.

YIVO – Fellowship in East European Jewish Studies

• Amount: $18,000 stipend 
• Deadline of Application: Opens in September 2024

The combined Professor Bernard Choseed Memorial Fellowship and the Natalie and Mendel Racolin Memorial Fellowship come with many benefits. Aside from the financial stipend, three months of free access to the YIVO Library and Archives are also offered for research. They, on the other hand, will be required to deliver at least two public lectures on Jewish studies.

October 2024 Deadline

Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. (NEF)

• Amount: Varies 
• Deadline of Application: Opens October 1, 2024

NEF offers several scholarship opportunities for doctoral students in the field of nursing, many of which are the result of endowments by notable nursing practitioners who want to support the continued education of professional nurses. 

• The NEF/Johnson and Johnson Health Equity Scholarship program promotes the research, advocacy and clinical practice of nursing professionals interested in underrepresented groups and addressing the health inequalities and disparities in these populations. 
• The AJN/Thelma Schorr Scholarship program has a preference for nurses with nursing leadership potential. 
• The Cynthia Davis Sculco Scholarship permanent program awarded scholarships to nurses studying nursing education at the doctoral level. 
• The M. Elizabeth Carnegie African American Scholarship program is for black nurses in doctoral degree programs. 

American Cancer Society Post-doctoral Fellowships

• Amount: Up to $66,000
• Deadline of Application: Oct. 15, 2024

ACS, the nation’s largest private, not-for-profit organization funding scientists and doctorates studying cancer, offers grants and fellowships managed by the Extramural Discovery Science (EDS) team. The Post-doctoral Fellowships are designed to help new investigators in research training programs, preparing them for independent careers in cancer research. Program funding includes

• progressive stipends of up to $70k for up to 3 years,
• an annual fellowship allowance of $4k, and
• a $1,500 travel fund. 

The application is open to U.S. citizens or non-citizens with an appropriate visa and within four years of obtaining a doctoral degree.

November 2024 Deadline

NCTM & AMTE Early Career Research Grant

• Amount: $10,000 each, maximum 
• Deadline of Application: November 1, 2024 

Granted in partnership with Eugene P. & Clara M. Smith Mathematics Education Research Fund, the Early Career Research Grant accepts applications from doctoral candidates pursuing math education degrees. The grant must be used in supporting their doctoral research project, preferably projects that bridge research and practice. 

Note that early career math educators or those who have completed either an EdD or PhD in math education or other related fields within the past five years are eligible to apply. Doctoral students will only be considered if they have advanced to candidacy status in accredited programs. 

Newberry Consortium in American Indian Studies Faculty Fellowship

• Amount: $5,000/month (Long-term fellowship for 4-9 months); $5,000/month (Short-term fellowship for a month only)
• Deadline of Application: November 1, 2024 (Long-term fellowship); December 15, 2024 (Short-term fellowship)

The American Indian Studies Faculty Fellowship is intended for scholars in the early stages of their careers who are involved in American Indian studies, specifically research in the Newberry Consortium collections. Doctoral students are welcome to apply. The monthly stipend can be used for a wide range of education-related expenses, too.

Fellows receive the NCAIS research carrel and other fellowship privileges, as well as perform responsibilities related to their research. These include research presentations, seminar participation, and consultation with other NCAIS Graduate Student Fellows.

AIA Fellowship for Study in the U.S.

• Deadline of Application: November 1, 2024

The Archaeological Institute of America (AIA) offers post-doctoral research fellowships for archaeologists working at Deutsches Archäologisches Institut (DAI) or its project collaborators. The fellowships are for either fall 2024 or spring 2025 in selected universities, including the University of Cincinnati, the Joukowsky Institute at Brown University, or the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA).

Fellows are provided with financial support for travel expenses, a stipend for living expenses, and residency at a university housing or rental housing, as well as library privileges. The residency lasts for 2-3 months only, during which time the Fellows are expected to give a minimum of one lecture at their respective host university. 

Applications should include a duly filled-up online application form, a curriculum vitae, and two references, among others.

National Gem Consortium Ph.D. Engineering Fellowship

• Amount: $16,000 living stipend for the first academic year plus a paid summer internship
• Deadline of Application: November 8, 2024

The National GEM Consortium in Engineering Fellowship is open to Ph.D. students belonging to the minority, and who have been accepted into a doctoral program straight from a bachelor’s degree program or who have earned a master’s in Engineering. Fellows can be enrolled in any of the participating GEM member universities. 

The above-mentioned stipend applies to the first academic year of fellowship for a Ph.D. Engineering/Science Fellow. After that, the fellow will enjoy a continued living stipend up to the fifth year of Ph.D. studies through a combination of alternative funding sources. The fellow will also have his tuition and fees paid for by the GEM university member.

American Association of University Women American Fellowship Summer/Short-Term Research Publication Grants

• Amount: $8,000–$50,000
• Deadline of Application: November 30, 2024

The Summer/Short-Term Research Publication Grant is the oldest female-specific scholarship program for graduate students. Of course, only female graduate students are considered, and they must either be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Applicants should also be available for eight consecutive weeks during the summer.

The American Association of University Women’s selection committee applies strict criteria in choosing the annual crop of scholars. The criteria include academic excellence, project originality, project design quality, project scholarly significance to the discipline, and project feasibility. The applicant’s qualifications are also considered.

History of Art Institutional Fellowships

• Amount: $30,000
• Deadline of Application: November 30, 2024 at 5 PM EST

Devoted to studying European art, architecture, and archaeology heritage, the Samuel H. Kress Foundation chooses six applicants each year to receive up to $30,000 worth of research grants. Applicants must be enrolled in a doctoral program focused on antiquity to the early 19th century. They should also be completing all higher degree work except dissertation.  

Patty and Paul Levi Research Award

The Patty and Paul Levi Research Award, offered by the American Academy of Periodontology Foundation, grants a predoctoral student or students annually. They should be doing research related to preventative periodontology under faculty supervision. The applicant can apply post-graduation, provided their research was conducted during predoctoral studies, and must submit their current C.V.s. 

December 2024 Deadline

SMART Scholarship Program

• Amount: Up to $46,000
• Deadline of Application: December 1, 2024

SMART, a Department of Defense-funded scholarship program, provides full tuition, stipends, and guaranteed employment for STEM students pursuing degrees in 24 disciplines. It aims to increase underrepresented students’ participation in the DoD STEM workforce, particularly for high school seniors in Historically Black colleges and universities.

Norman S. Baldwin Fishery Science Scholarship

Norman S. Baldwin, the inaugural executive secretary of the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, guided the organization for 15 years until his untimely passing in 1971. The Norman S. Baldwin Fishery Science Scholarship seeks to inspire talented graduate students to pursue advanced research in fishery biology and Great Lakes science, prioritizing scientific excellence and innovative inquiry.

The chosen candidates will be awarded $3,000 scholarships each, with the Awards Committee distributing them as needed. Applicants must be master’s or Ph.D. students with relevant research topics who have not been previously awarded. 

David M. Dolan Scholarship

• Amount: $1,000 
• Deadline of Application: December 1, 2024 

David M. Dolan’s scholarship, which started in 2014, honors students conducting graduate research in statistics, mathematical modeling, data analysis, or quantitative decision support to advance the understanding and management of Great Lakes ecosystems. The scholarship is open to exceptional students whose graduate research aligns with Dr. Dolan’s work on Great Lakes ecosystems but not relatives of IAGLR officers or directors.

Applicants must submit an extended abstract and a brief title for their proposed research. It should highlight how the study of the Great Lakes relates to the use of applied environmental statistics and modeling. In addition to the $3,000, recipients will receive a one-year membership in the IAGLR.

Lawren H. Daltroy Preceptorship in Health Communication

• Amount: Up to $15,000 per year 
• Deadline of Application: December 2, 2024 by 5 PM EST

The Lawren H. Daltroy Preceptorship in Health Communication from the Rheumatology Research Foundation supports student, researcher, and clinician training in rheumatology. They are among the top supporters of those who dedicate their studies to enhancing patient-clinician interactions and communications. 

Eligible candidates include trainees, junior researchers, and health professionals without funding. Projects must address patient-clinician interactions and communications, including small-scale research, curriculum creation, participation in education, patient-facing materials, health literacy/numeracy studies, and shared decision-making in healthcare settings.

AWWA Abel Wolman Scholarship

• Amount: $30,000 for one year (If necessary, a fellow can apply and be approved for the second year of financial support)
• Deadline of Application: December 2024

Students who are pursuing advanced training and research, including doctoral studies in water supply and treatment and its related fields, can apply for the Abel Wolman Fellowship. The doctoral fellowship provides financial support for up to two years to an outstanding student. Applications can be sent to the American Water Works Association (AWWA), and more information can be seen on its site.

AWWA Larson Aquatic Research Support Scholarships

• Amount: $7,000/student

Made in honor of Dr. Larson, the Larson Aquatic Research Support (LARS) scholarship is available for outstanding doctoral students engaged in the fields of science and engineering. The selection committee chooses one doctoral student every year for the scholarship, with an emphasis on excellent academics and leadership potential.

Applications must include a resume, official transcripts, three recommendation letters, and GRE scores as well as a course of study. Be sure to submit your research plans, too, with your application.

Martin Frank Diversity Travel Awards

• Amount: Up to $1,500 in travel support 
• Deadline of Application: December 8, 2024

The Martin Frank Diversity Travel Award program aims to increase participation in physiological sciences among trainees and early career faculty from historically underrepresented backgrounds. It provides travel awards to students and professionals interested in attending the American Physiology Summit. Recipients receive travel reimbursement, mentoring, and networking opportunities. The program is open to specific underrepresented populations defined by the NIH .

National Gem Consortium Ph.D. Science Scholarship

• Amount: $16,000 living stipend plus a paid summer internship

The National Gem Consortium’s PhD Science Scholarship is exclusive for students belonging to the minority in their first year of doctoral studies. Applicants should be pursuing a natural science discipline, such as earth science, chemistry, biology, mathematics, physics, and computer science. The scholarship applies to an accredited GEM member university.

Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship or legal residency. Applicants must maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA and get promising GRE scores.

Frances C. Allen Fellowship

• Amount: $3,000 per month (1-2 month’s duration)
• Deadline of Application: December 15, 2024

The Frances C. Allen Fellowship is exclusive to women of American Indian heritage. Applicants must be engaged in studies related to the Newberry Research Library’s collections, and the fellow must use the resources at the Chicago, Illinois, library. Applicants should also write to the library for more details, although application forms are available on the official website.

Gil Kushner Memorial Travel Award

• Amount: $750 in travel support 
• Deadline of Application: December 20, 2024

Gilbert Kushner was key in establishing applied anthropology as a graduate discipline. Gil has made USF’s Department of Anthropology among the most thriving applied research centers. The $750 travel expense award is given annually to a select few who want to attend the SfAA annual meeting.

Sallie Mae Scholarship

• Deadline of Application: December 31, 2024

Sallie Mae has launched a scholarship program for employees’ children pursuing college education. The program offers renewable scholarships for full-time study at an accredited institution, with eligibility determined by the sponsor. The scholarship is open to legal residents of the United States.

Year-round Scholarships

Lou Hochberg Thesis and Dissertation Awards 

• Type of Scholarship: Continuous
• Amount: $1,000
• Deadline of Application: Continuous

While the Lou Hochberg scholarship’s $1,000 grant isn’t much, its eligibility requirements are relatively easy to comply with. The essays submitted should focus on the social, biophysical, and experimental aspects of Wilhelm Reich’s discoveries. These are then judged based on their clarity, merit, and accuracy, and there’s no deadline for submissions.

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Scholarships & Grants for Doctoral Students

A doctorate is a significant investment, but it’s within reach thanks to thousands of scholarships and grants available. Find dozens of opportunities right here, and learn how to apply for the money you need.

Search hundreds of schools for the master's YOU want......

Earning your doctorate is a major investment. In addition to time and energy, you need to pay for tuition, fees, and a host of other expenses that go along with it. Yet with thousands of funding options out there, the commitment doesn’t have to put your bank account to the test. Scholarships and grants can defray many of the grad school costs, and put that PhD or professional doctorate within reach. Use this guide to take your first step with funding.

Explore Doctoral Scholarships and Grants by Student Group

• Black Students
• Latino and Hispanic Students
• Minority Students

PhD and Doctorate Scholarships

Grants and scholarships are financial aid recipients don’t need to pay back. In general, grants are need-based while scholarships are based on character or merit.

For graduate students, particularly PhD and doctoral candidates, scholarships are often career specific. In contrast, undergraduate scholarships are usually open-ended and merit based. PhD scholarships sometimes include teaching requirements, and some ask for recent GMAT or other graduate-level test scores.

Scholarship donors set the criteria for recipient selection. The list below, while not exhaustive, offers a glimpse of doctorate-level scholarships available.

Fulbright U.S. Student Program

August 1 st

Eligibility

Be a citizen or U.S. national and hold a bachelor’s degree. Meet language requirements of application country and declare any other scholarships or grants. Cannot have previously lived or studied in the application country, except for undergraduate study abroad.

Description

Funds a year of study, research, and culture-sharing abroad. Can support studies in various countries around the world that focus on areas such as teaching, business, public health, journalism and communications, arts, sciences, and humanities.

AMA’s Valuing Diversity PhD Scholarship

$1,000 to $2,500

Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and member of an underrepresented population (e.g. African American, Hispanic, or Native American). Completed at least one year of doctoral study in marketing or advertising.

Represents an effort to uplift unheard voices and bring diverse perspectives into the industry. Awards several scholarships yearly for marketing or advertising PhD candidates representing underserved populations. Previous applicants not selected can apply again.

The Beinecke Scholarship Program

$4,000 immediately + $30,000 while attending graduate school

2 nd  Wednesday of February

College juniors planning graduate studies in arts, humanities, or social sciences. Be a citizen or US national and received need-based financial aid as an undergraduate. Students planning to pursue advanced degrees in neuroscience, law, business, public health, public policy, or social work should not apply.

Supports highly motivated college juniors pursuing graduate and doctoral degrees in the arts, humanities, and social sciences. Purposes to motivate younger students to strategize a further future.

William (Bill) Ezzell Scholarship for CPAs

Be a CPA and hold an undergraduate or master’s degree in accounting. Have a GMAT score of 650 or higher (or GRE equivalent), intend to teach accounting after graduation, and be enrolled in an accounting PhD program.

A career-based scholarship aimed at supporting the passionate pursuit of a profession and giving back to the industry and community of accounting.

Irzyk Veteran Scholarship

August 31 st

Be a U.S. citizen and a veteran enrolled in an accredited university. Emphasis is on students with distinctions for combat and honorable service.

Named for Brigadier General Albin F. Irzyk who led tanks in WWII. One example of a broad category of scholarships available for veterans by veterans.

ALA Century Scholarship

$2,500 annually

For library sciences students with documented medical disabilities. Must exhibit financial need and be a U.S. or Canadian citizen.

An annual scholarship sponsored by the American Library Association to provide accommodations for students with disabilities pursuing graduate degrees in library science.

PhD and Doctorate Grants

Grants are financial aid packages aimed at helping professionals deepen their involvement and impact within their fields. They’re often awarded to recipients whose work benefits the broader community, especially if the work helps underserved people.

Federal and state grants are also available to qualifying applicants. These public grants frequently connect demonstrated financial need with public service requirements. Private grants also may come with stipulations set by the institutions funding them. Many PhD programs also have their own grants in different specialties, often founded by former recipients or alumni.

Esther Katz Rosen Fund Grant

$1,000 to $50,000

Available to psychologists and scholars working with gifted and talented children. Must be affiliated with an educational institution and hold a doctoral degree or be enrolled as a graduate student.

A post-doctoral research grant focused on supporting and advancing innovation in the studies of gifted and talented children and adolescents. Best suited for practicing psychologists or active researchers.

Berkman Charitable Fund Marketing Research Grant

Tenured or tenure-track faculty in marketing departments.

This grant drives efforts for science-based solutions to modern marketing disciplines and business administration. It supports marketing PhDs and faculty in developing research projects and encourages knowledge creation.

Wenner-Gren Foundation Anthropology Grants

Up to $20,000

Anthropology doctoral students and researchers. For students of all nationalities, though some awards require a master’s degree.

Seeks to further the understanding of our collective past through fieldwork, research, and educational support. Offers multiple grants for different pursuits in anthropology.

Mariam K Chamberlain Award

$8,500 to the graduate student; $1,500 to their advisor

October 20 th

First-generation doctoral students, including immigrant scholars, and their advisor. Dissertations must relate to Re:Gender’s mission.

A partnership scholarship for first-generation doctoral students working on a dissertation related to social justice, women’s rights, and/or gender studies. Designed to support mentorship and cooperation in keeping with the values of Mariam K. Chamberlain’s foundational institution, Re:Gender.

Hannah Beiter Graduate Student Research Grants

$500 to $1,500

February 1 st

Membership in the Children’s Literature Association (ChLA). Must have a research proposal and be a graduate student at any level.

Established to support research advancements within children’s literature. Recipients must publish and/or present their findings at a conference and acknowledge ChLA’s supporting role.

PhD and Doctorate Fellowships

Even more than doctoral grants and scholarships, fellowships are career- and research-oriented and aimed at furthering the interests not only of the fellow but also of the community, the institution, and the industry itself. Fellowships are generally awarded to PhDs and researchers already established in their fields.

Fellowships often include teaching, speaking, and/or research requirements as well as terms of residency. Some fellowship programs also require community-building projects and local collaboration. Fellowships also tend to confer prestige and enhanced networking with past fellows, which can lead to future career opportunities.

Eileen Blackey Doctoral Fellowship

$4,000 to $6,500

March 11 th

Social work PhD candidates studying welfare policy. Must have a National Association of Social Work (NASW) membership.

The NASW offers this annual fellowship to advance the field of social work, particularly as it relates to diversity and welfare policy. In addition to relevant dissertation work, recipients must participate in community events and the annual NASW National Leadership Conference.

IAF’s Grassroots Development Program

$6,000 initially + $1,500 monthly

See website

U.S. doctoral candidates in various fields. Research must be related to grassroots development. There are also language requirements, and a collaboration proposal is required.

The Inter-American Foundation (IAF) supports grassroots development in Latin America and the Caribbean in fields impacting lives and building community. Awarded to PhD candidates in fields like sustainable agriculture, economics, education, healthcare and public policy, and small-enterprise development.

Marie Tharp Visiting Fellowship

January 16 th

Women scientists in the natural sciences and engineering. Must hold a PhD.

Visiting fellowships fund experts in a particular field who take temporary residence for teaching and researching at the university. The Marie Tharp Visiting Fellowship is a 3-month program at Columbia University for women in natural sciences and engineering.

Guggenheim Fellowships

September 17 th

Citizens of North, Central, and South American countries. Must submit samples of work.

Supports scholarship and creativity across various artistic fields. About 175 Guggenheim fellowships are awarded each year. Applicants are evaluated by experts in their field or medium and then selected by former Guggenheim fellows.

American Association of University Women Fellowship

$6,000 to $30,000

November 1 st

U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Women scholars in any field of study.

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) offers this annual doctoral fellowship in three separate categories: dissertation support, long-term postdoctoral research, and short-term publication support. The foundation’s goal is to increase the number of women in tenure-track faculty positions around the country.

Woodrow Wilson MBA Fellowship in Educational Leadership

Stipend for tuition and expenses

Nominations due February 22 nd

Leaders with passion, dedication, and unorthodox approaches to education. Nomination by a local educator (i.e., no self-nomination). Commitment to three years in approved school/district leadership position.

Aims to produce leaders in education who are ready to address the myriad problems facing 21st-century educators, both from a policy perspective and human interest and social justice standpoints. The fellowship supports innovation and creativity in educational leadership.

Fully Funded Doctoral Programs

Many universities offer opportunities for fully funded doctoral study and often include tuition and living expenses as well as research and material support for the four to six years it usually takes to complete a PhD. Fully funded PhDs often come with teaching or research requirements and require participation in the department’s conferences and events. Depending on the field, candidates may also be required to publish papers.

Some schools fully fund all their doctoral candidates, while others offer packages based on financial need, community commitments, or other stipulations. This is true across most fields, so it’s worth your time and effort to research the options. Below are details of some fully funded doctoral programs in several different concentrations.

At Rice University , business school PhD candidates are fully funded in exchange for 20 hours per week of research or teaching assistant work. Tuition is waived, and business doctoral candidates receive a stipend of $40,000 per year for living expenses. Candidates also get their own workspace and technology support as well as additional funding for specific research projects conducted with faculty oversight. The school offers this support throughout the field, including business administration, marketing, accounting, and so forth.

Communications

Fully funded doctorates in communications can lead to a broad field of career choices, from media to academia. Syracuse University’s doctorate in Mass Communications, for example, is funded for the three years it takes to complete the coursework and dissertation. Candidates participate in interdisciplinary studies in communications, taking classes in other departments before specializing with the help of a faculty advisor who also typically forms part of the dissertation committee.

Computer Science

For graduate students hoping to study computer sciences or engineering, George Washington University in St Louis offers a fully-funded PhD that includes tuition, a stipend, and a high-end Apple laptop. Students work with renowned faculty and visiting fellows to solve real-world problems through research and practical applications. Candidates can also apply for additional fellowship support through the school, which sometimes means representing the program through residencies at other universities.

University of California, Irvine’s education PhD is fully funded for up to five years and includes tuition and living expenses. Candidates learn about education theory and practices through research and fieldwork. Some specializations require classroom observation and other practical studies depending on whether the candidate focuses on policy, human development, or teaching strategy. Candidates may teach undergraduate education classes or assist with research.

Research opportunities abound in the humanities. For a field like political science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) fully funds all PhD students for five years as long as they meet certain academic requirements. MIT’s political science department also supports candidates doing fieldwork abroad or researching an array of fields from international relations to American politics. Candidates engage with interdisciplinary teams to solve modeling problems and expand their understanding of human behavior and interaction.

All PhD candidates in Emory’s School of Nursing get a tuition waiver as well as $31,000 per year for living expenses. For the four years of their program, candidates teach and do research. Candidates learn the theories and practices of nursing and go on to research policy, systems, recruiting, education, and other elements of the field. They work closely with advisors to develop their dissertations.

The Department of Psychology and Neuroscience at Boston College offers a five-year, fully funded doctoral program focused on research. Beginning with coursework and research development, candidates build their original research projects through one-on-one mentorship with faculty for whom they work as teaching assistants. In addition to direct research, candidates also participate in academic conferences, publish papers, and apply for research grants to prepare them for a career in research.

Social Sciences

The University of Michigan School of Social Work  fully funds most doctoral candidates through their five-year joint program in social work and social science. Through fellowship awards, research assistant positions, and classroom instruction, candidates cover their costs and give back to the university community. They combine coursework and research with fieldwork and community outreach to deepen their sense of the micro and macro elements of sociocultural policy and practice.

Timeline for Financing Your Doctorate

The timeline below can help you keep track of steps in the process of financing your doctorate. Use it to mark your calendar with specific deadlines for all your applications.

Start researching your options. If you’re already in a PhD program, look for scholarships and grants aimed at candidates already deep into doctoral study. Organize your research in a spreadsheet that includes the amount, deadline, type of award, application requirements, and any other important information.

Make sure your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is updated so loans remain an option if needed. Then, set weekly application goals based on specific deadlines. Strategize the process for a steady stream of applications, and approach anyone who might write a letter of recommendation. These individuals are also good to ask about other funding opportunities.

Follow up on recommendation letter requests, and continue checking off your application schedule. Revisit your mission statement to make sure it represents who you are and how you want to improve people’s lives. If you’re in a doctoral program and have time off for the summer, use it to write papers about different elements of your interests and how they’re relevant to people or communities.

July-August

As the academic year approaches and doctoral work takes up most of your time, having a strategy ahead of time can help in keeping up with your funding search. Take time to sharpen your pitch about the importance of your research, so you can explain why institutions should support your efforts.

Keep going!

Repeat the process. A PhD’s quest for funding never stops. Pay attention to rolling deadlines and be persistent. Most financial awards allow for yearly application.

How to Stand Out on Your Doctorate Scholarship and Grant Applications

Applying for doctoral scholarships, grants, and fellowships may seem daunting, but it just takes a little persistence and organized research. Be methodical. Use this page as a launching point, and keep track of opportunities relevant to your goals. Apply one by one until you’re done, keeping in mind the following list of dos and don’ts to help you stand out.

Be thorough in your research. Read the detailed eligibility requirements. Check out the faculty and the work of current candidates. Make a spreadsheet of all your parameters and options.

Contact program advisors with questions. Browse the school’s website first and note any questions you want to ask.

Fill out your application materials with a positive mindset about the value you’ll bring to the university, the award, and the field itself.

Read about previous recipients’ work, not to compare yourself but to better understand the award’s focus. Many scholarships and grants have narrow specifications and reviewing previous work may help you home in on them.

Avoid applying for opportunities that don’t fit. Whatever your niche, there’s probably another way to fund it.

Hesitate to apply for out-of-reach opportunities. Instead, think about what sets you apart and what unique experiences or perspectives you bring to the table and focus on opportunities that fit.

Don’t beg for funding in your application. Instead, structure your pitch to demonstrate how you’ll use the award to empower those around you and improve the field itself.

Don’t give up. Apply for everything that appears to be a fit. Don’t stop after a couple of months of trying since many awards have application deadlines throughout the year.

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| April 17, 2023

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| May 02, 2023

Most Affordable Online Doctoral and PhD Programs in 2024

| November 19, 2021

10 great PhD scholarships in the US for international students 2022

If you’re an international student looking for PhD scholarships, consider the US. With over 4,000 universities and six different time zones across 50 states, the US is one of the most popular study destinations in the world. Three main reasons why the US continues to attract PhD students despite their geographical location (usually taking up to two days to arrive from elsewhere) and high living costs as befits a developed nation, are outlined below.

Firstly, the US is home to many world-class universities with robust global  rankings – some of them are even in the top 100 world universities. Even though ranking is not an all-important reason to choose a university to do a PhD, it makes sense to study in one of the world’s best-ranked universities, and where else but to choose the US.

Secondly, the US PhD takes a longer time than PhDs in other countries. This is not necessarily a bad thing because when the US PhD takes up to five years or longer to complete, you will have more time to adjust, settle in and eventually thrive in your studies.

Finally, students doing their PhDs in the US are almost guaranteed to have a tuition fee waiver. They will get a stipend from the university for the entire duration of their studies as well, which makes for an attractive incentive.

If you have ever wanted to go to the US to do your PhD but need a scholarship, now you can, with these US PhD scholarships at top-ranked universities. Source: Justin Heiman/Getty Images North America/Getty Images via AFP

However, if you want to get this funded PhD in the US, especially in the top-ranked universities, it is always a good idea to apply as early as possible before their deadlines. If you miss the scholarship deadline, you can still apply and be accepted for the PhD.

Here is a list of US PhD scholarships and stipends that will help you achieve your dream of studying in the US.

PhD Scholarship 1: University of Idaho

As one of the top 100 for the best value in the US, the University of Idaho is a great choice to do your PhD, thanks to the low cost of living and tuition fees. The College of Graduate Studies has several knowledgeable staff who can advise you on the wide array of financial aid resources as well.

You need to have a relevant master’s degree to be able to apply for this scholarship by Apr. 1, 2022. Besides the scholarship application, you have to submit a 500 to 1,000-word essay or a two to five-minute video that describes your aspirations to conduct projects, research or other opportunities to increase intercultural understanding.

PhD Scholarship 2: University of Colorado Boulder

As one of 36 US public research institutions in the Association of American Universities – an elite group of recognised research universities – the University of Colorado Boulder has many enviable rankings such as being the first university to have a STARS Gold for sustainability. Their warm student-centred campus community ensures you will not feel out of place.

The Incoming Graduate Student Fellowship – with a Feb. 11, 2022 deadline under the Centre for Humanities and the Arts – will cover up to 18 credits of tuition per semester, student fees, health insurance as well as a first-year stipend equivalent to a 50% Graduate Part-Time Instructor appointment. You must be enroled as a doctoral student and working in the humanities or arts.

PhD Scholarship 3: Vanderbilt University 

Thanks to an innovative mix of immersive learning, integrated research and collaborative culture, Vanderbilt University is ranked the country’s #14 National University, and #1 for its education, nursing and audiology graduate programmes (US World and News Report 2021). Their location in Nashville, Tennessee allows students to enjoy a world-class city experience in a small college-feel town.

Qualified PhD applicants can apply for the University Graduate Fellowship by Jan. 15, 2022 in order to be nominated by their department. They will receive a stipend of up to US$5,000 for up to three years of their PhD studies.

PhD Scholarship 4 and 5: Washington University in St. Louis

Founded in 1853 in St. Louis, Missouri, Washington University in St. Louis attracts over 15,500 students from 100 countries and all 50 US states. They are well-known for being among the world’s leaders in teaching, research, patient care and service to society.

Below are two scholarships – both with a deadline of Jan. 25, 2022 – offered to students wanting to apply to the Graduate School, Washington University in St. Louis:

Chancellor’s Graduate Fellowship

Graduate students with strong academic records, and a keen interest in diversity and service can apply for this Chancellor’s Graduate Fellowship where they will receive academic, professional and personal support. You need to have a US undergraduate degree and have a desire to become a college or university professor.

Fellowship winners enjoy an annual stipend of US$36,720 (2021-22 rate), full tuition coverage, an educational allowance of US$1,500 and priority housing. 

Spencer T. and Ann W. Olin Fellowship for Women in Graduate Study

This Fellowship – co-sponsored by the University and the Monticello College Foundation – is especially created to encourage more women to take up graduate study, and serve society afterwards.

The successful recipients will receive an annual stipend worth US$36,720 and a US$600 travel award besides full tuition remission throughout their programme.

PhD Scholarship 6: University of Minnesota Twin Cities

The University of Minnesota Twin Cities is well recognised as one of the most famous public research universities in the US. Over 50,000 students study at this university, which spans five campuses including the main Twin Cities campus.

The Diversity of Views and Experiences (DOVE) Fellowship Programme is available for exceptional research graduate students with diverse life and educational backgrounds who are underrepresented within graduate programmes.

They need to be nominated first by the Director of Graduate Studies in their respective graduate programme; they will get a stipend worth US$25,000, academic tuition for up to 14 graduate-rate credits per semester, health insurance subsidy and dental care.

PhD Scholarship 7: University of Texas at Austin

The University of Texas at Austin – ranked as the top public university in Texas (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2019) – has other high rankings including being #14 Public University (US News and World Report 2019). Their global world ranking is #67 (QS World University Rankings 2022) as well.

Through this Donald D. Harrington Graduate Fellows Programme Fellowship , recruited talented students are envisioned to share their knowledge and success with future generations. A stipend of US$40,000 for 12 months, tuition and required fees, an allowance for student medical insurance, and US$2,000 for miscellaneous expenses make up this generous funding package; the deadline is Jan. 24, 2022.

The following universities and institutions have not indicated any deadlines for their graduate fellowships, but you can contact them for further information.

PhD Scholarship 8: University of Oregon

As a Tier-One National Public Research University and being the top public university in Oregon (for first-year retention and graduation rates), the University of Oregon attracts over 22,000 students. It has nine schools and colleges. 

The International Cultural Service Programme is an annual tuition waiver scholarship ranging from US$9,000 to US$35,000 for up to 15 credits per term. Winners are required to do cultural service in the form of presentations about their home country to children, community organisations and the university’s students and faculty.

PhD Scholarships 9 and 10: East-West Centre

The East-West Centre , established by the US Congress in 1960, is a nonprofit organisation acting as a US-based institution for public diplomacy in the Indo-Pacific region. Located adjacent to the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa (UHM), the centre’s Honolulu campus spans 21 acres.

Below are two Fellowships – established since 1999 through the Y. S. Lee Family Endowed Fellowship Fund and worth US$5,000 each – available for graduate students.

Wing-tsit Chan Graduate Fellowship in Chinese Philosophy

For students interested in Chinese philosophy, they can apply for this fellowship. They need to be nominated by the UHM Philosophy Department and selected by a committee that includes representatives from the East-West Centre’s Education Programme, the department’s Graduate Committee, and a member of the UH Center for Chinese Studies Executive Committee.

Ah Kin (Buck) Yee Graduate Fellowship in Chinese Studies

The recipient should ideally have been accepted for full-time graduate study in any field of Chinese studies. You need to apply via the University of Hawaii’s Student Scholarships website.

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Scholarships for PhD Students

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• graduate students
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What are PhD Scholarships?

PhD scholarships are ways you could find funding to earn a doctorate degree. Scholarships for PhD students may also help to offset the costs of tuition, fees and research.

Students pursue PhD programs for career reasons. PhD students do new research to resolve challenges and provide new data in their field of study. PhD stands for Doctor of Philosophy. As a PhD grad, you might also teach, consult, lead and research.

In addition, a doctorate degree is typically more hands on. It aims to build one’s skills in a niche area. Law, dentistry, nursing, medicine, and psychology are a few fields of study.

Data from the NCES found that 3 million students enrolled in grad programs in 2018. One third of these students earned their grad degree online.  

10 PhD Scholarships You Should Apply for in 2024

Here are 10 PhD scholarships you can apply for now!

• M. Hildred Blewett Fellowship
• NSF Graduate Research Fellowship
• Beinecke Scholarship
• Women Techmakers Scholarship
• The Point Foundation Scholarship
• Citizens Bank Graduate Scholarship
• National Black Nurses Association Scholarship Program
• Legal Opportunity Scholarship
• Moss Adams Foundation Scholarship
• ALA Century Scholarship

What Fields Could You Earn a PhD Degree In?

PhD programs explore many fields in liberal arts and sciences. Here are five doctorate and PhD fields in the USA you could study for.

Education PhD Programs

There are two doctorate programs in education: PhD and Doctor in Education (EdD).

The PhD focuses on developing new research.. Some research topics might be about sociology of education, childhood learning, development and literacy. The main goal of the research is to make the educational system better in some way. Doctor in Education programs also helps prepare students to pursue administrative and academic positions in K-12 and public institutions.

Engineering PhD Programs

Doctorate in Engineering programs grant the PhD or in some schools, a Doctor of Engineering (DEng). In these programs, engineers work to craft larger scale solutions to today’s problems. For e.g., they might invent a new green energy trend. They may also design a new device that makes a medical procedure easier.

Social Sciences PhD Programs

A broad field, social sciences include areas like law, political science and psychology. In these fields, the focus is on public policy, statistics, theory, methodology and ethics. Some of the degrees awarded are the PhD and Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Humanities PhD Programs

The humanities are fields that study human society and culture. Philosophy, modern languages, religion, archaeology are a few research fields.

Apart from the Doctor of Divinity, many programs at this level are PhDs. Students may also earn a PhD to be able to pursue teaching humanities related subjects as post secondary teachers .

Life and Physical Sciences PhD Programs

Life sciences study living organisms. And physical sciences study natural objects that are not alive. Both focus on discovery and innovation rooted in science. Because of this, most research, climate and medical scientists in these fields have a PhD. Some also pursue other types of doctoral degrees such as Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) or Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT).

PhD Costs at a Glance

According to the latest data from the NCES, the average yearly tuition and fees for grad school was $11,617 in 2016-2017. The prices were also higher for private schools $26,551 (private nonprofit), and $14,784 (private for profit).

This means that for a 5 year PhD program, one might invest from $58K to $133K. And that does not include other expenses. Like books, housing, utilities, food, travel, and any costs related to research.

How Do You Get a PhD Scholarship?

Many providers offer scholarships to U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents. Scholarship providers may choose applicants based on academic performance as well as financial need.

Given the high cost of a PhD degree, you may face competition for any PhD scholarship program. But, if you meet the terms set by the provider, you may apply.

Assuming you meet the criteria, many providers want you to fill out a form. You may also need to submit reference letters, transcripts, an essay, resume and research proposal.

Some schools reward all new incoming PhD students with financial aid. Financial aid may be available to those who qualify. So, once admitted, you may automatically receive a scholarship. In these cases, gaining acceptance into the PhD program may be the only hurdle. To put this in context, take Harvard University . All students admitted to their PhD in Engineering programs receive full financial support (regardless of need or merit).

For the Fall 2019 school year over 4,000 people applied. They admitted only 8%. Those accepted had undergrad GPAs of over 3.8. The average GRE quantitative scores were in the 90 – 95th percentile.

What is the difference between a PhD scholarship, fellowship and grant?

PhD scholarships, fellowships and grants are three common funding options for doctoral study. Some students may use a few of these sources to finance their PhD degree and research.

PhD Scholarships

Students may apply for these funds from schools, nonprofits and businesses. The money may be used to offset their tuition, books and other fees. To qualify, you must meet the criteria each provider sets. That said, many scholarships are for new undergrads. In comparison fellowships are usually for master’s and PhD students.

SMART Scholarship : SMART is Science, Mathematics and Research for Transformation. Sponsored by the U.S. Dept. of Defense it is a scholarship for service program. And, pays from $25k to $38K along with a range of side benefits. The program is open to STEM grad students who also sign a work contract with the DoD.

PhD Research Grants

Like scholarships, research grants are funds that students apply for. In some cases, the money may help pay to further research in an area. So, students may use a grant with other financial aid. The state and federal government and universities offer research grants.

Optometry Incentive Program : The Delaware Higher Education offers this award. It is a $4,000 forgivable loan that may renew for 3 more years. Eligible applicants must be in a program that preps for licensure as an optometrist in Delaware. They must be a U.S. citizen / eligible non citizen as well as a legal resident of Delaware.

PhD Fellowships

A fellowship is a more complete kind of funding. It may encompass a scholarship or grant. It may offset costs of research, study and teaching in the US or abroad. Some fellowships also pay full tuition and a yearly stipend. So, these coveted awards tend to go to high achievers.

Fulbright National Geographic Storytelling Fellowship: This fellowship is a part of the Fulbright U.S. Student Program. It is an opportunity to take part in a year of storytelling on a major global theme. The storyteller may use text, photography, video, podcasts, maps, and more. To apply, you must submit a proposal to a single country. In addition, some of the perks are funds for travel, a living stipend, health benefits and a modest salary.

Why You Should Apply for a PhD Scholarship?

There are three main reasons to apply for a PhD scholarship.

• Scholarships are not loans . As such, they may be a perfect way to devote time to the rigors of the PhD program. Rather than having to work part time to keep expenses and debt down.
• The PhD may be the entry level education in various career fields.   Licensed psychologists are one example. So, getting a scholarship may bring your career goals within reach.
• A PhD may boost lifetime earnings . A 2022  Bureau of Labor Statistics study found that people with doctoral degrees earned $2,604 per month more than workers with a bachelor’s degree.

What Colleges Offer Doctoral Scholarships?

Many colleges in the nation offer PhD programs and doctoral scholarships. Texas A&M, University of Iowa, and Northcentral University offer doctoral scholarships. At some of these schools, there may also be a short list of fellowships too.

Texas A& M University’s Hertz Fellowship

As a Hertz Foundation partner, Texas A&M awards the Hertz Fellowship . This prestigious fellowship includes up to five years of funding, valued at up to $250K. It also provides the freedom to pursue innovative projects. Fellows take part in ongoing mentoring, symposia and workshops too. Applicants must be STEM grad students and also, a U.S. citizen / eligible noncitizen.

University of Iowa’s PhD Programs

All of the PhD programs at University of Iowa provide funding and a stipend. In their basic funding package, those eligible get 100% covered full tuition and fees. The stipend is about $18,800 and lasts about 9 months. Some departments also offer summer fellowships, teaching or research posts.

Northcentral University’s Online PhD Programs

An online school, NCU offers online PhD programs in business, tech, education, psychology and other fields. To help offset students’ costs, they offer five full tuition scholarships. One is called the Explore for Success scholarships and eligible applicants must apply to NCU. Once a student begins their doctoral program, they submit an application form. It asks for a 500 to 700 word essay. The essay must explain how you plan to use an NCU degree to solve problems and meet challenges.

Are There PhD Scholarships or Fellowships for Minorities?

If you are an eligible minority student pursuing a PhD, you may qualify for scholarships. These scholarships help bring more diversity to various fields of study. They also enable minority groups to have more presence in doctoral programs.

Over the last decade, the number of grad students from minority groups has gone up. But enrollment is still higher among Caucasian students. Here is a a breakdown of the total number of students enrolled in a graduate program according to the NCES .

• African American: 365,000
• Hispanic: 292,000
• Asian: 215,000
• Two or more races: 81,300
• American Indian / Alaska Native: 13,600
• Pacific Islander: 5,800

American Psychological Association Minority Fellowship Program : The APA accredits doctoral programs in psychology once they school applies, meets standards and passes a review. As a go to member agency for psychologists, they also offer funding. The APA MFP program gets federal funds to support ethnic and racial minority students. It pays up to full tuition ($25K) and may renew if the winner continues to meet the terms. About 15 fellowships go to minority students each year.

AICPA Fellowship for Minority Doctoral Students : AICPA stands for American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. They offer the fellowship to ensure that people of diverse backgrounds are visible in grad school. They want to boost the number of minority CPAs who serve as role models and mentors. These annual awards pay $12K. To qualify, you must be a minority student who already has a master’s degree or at least 3 years of accounting experience. Other rules stipulate you must be in, or plan to apply, to AACSB, ACBSP or IACBE accredited accounting PhD programs. Eligible applicants must also be U.S. citizens or hold green cards.

What Kind of Scholarships or Fellowships Could Female PhD Students Receive?

There are many doctoral scholarships for female PhD students. You may wish to reenter the workforce, finish your research or fund your studies. Many of these awards pertain to doctoral study in specific fields like engineering, and accounting.

In fall 2018, 6 out 10 students in grad programs were women. And, until 2029, the NCES predicts female enrollment in these programs will continue its uptick. Still, there are certain fields where women lack presence. To change this, many providers offer PhD scholarships for women only. These awards come from many sources, including member agencies, nonprofits, gov’t, schools and businesses.

SWE Reentry Scholarships : The Society of Women Engineers, SWE, offers scholarships for female engineering PhD students. They gave out more than $810K in scholarship money in 2019 alone. These awards vary in amount and only students enrolled or enrolling in an ABET accredited program may apply. Many are only for SWE members, though there are exceptions. The Reentry Scholarship is a $1,750 award. It is open to women who want to return to school and the engineering workforce after some time. Applicants must apply through their chapter.

Amelia Earhart Fellowship: Zonta International Foundation is a global organization that works to promote women through advocacy and service. The scholarship honors Amelia Earhart who was a pilot and Zontian. About 30 fellowships of $10K each are available to women who major in aerospace science / engineering. Eligible applicants must plan to pursue, or are current student in a PhD or Doctoral program related to these fields. To apply, you must also submit letters of reference and transcripts.

List of 2024 PhD Scholarships

Check out our list of 70 PhD scholarships worth $426K.

Road to Recovery Scholarship

Total:  $1000

Awards:  1

Deadline:  August 31

Southwestern Tack Equestrian Major Scholarship

Total:  $500

Deadline:  September 01

Rangel Graduate Fellowship

Total:  $1200000

Awards:  20

Deadline:  September 24

Helene M. Overly Memorial Graduate Scholarship – Portland Chapter

Total:  $3500

Deadline:  October 25

Beverley Swaim Staley Leadership Legacy Scholarship – Portland Chapter

Total:  $4000

Gail Achterman Leadership Scholarship – Portland Chapter

Total:  $6800

Taraknath Das Foundation Grant-in-Aid

Deadline:  October 31

HubShout Internet Marketing Scholarship

Total:  $2000

Awards:  2

Deadline:  November 01

Alva S. Appleby Scholarship

Total:  $750

Deadline:  November 08

LAEF General Scholarship

Total:  $166500

Awards:  111

Deadline:  November 24

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•       Financial Aid       PhD Scholarships and Financial Aid

PAYING FOR YOUR PHD Expert Tips, Scholarships Opportunities and Resources for Financing an Advanced Degree

The average yearly tuition for a PhD program is slightly above $16,000, which means students will invest about $80,000 in tuition fees alone for a five-year program. Add in fees, cost-of-living, travel expenses and the figure can easily surpass six figures. Yet, it is possible to fund a PhD program without breaking the bank and going into debt.

Featured Online Schools

• PhD Cost Breakdown
• PhD Financial Aid Options
• Expert Spotlight: Lawrence Burns, PhD
• Earning Outlook for Phd Students
• Most Lucrative PhD Careers
• Expert Spotlight: Darren Pierre, PhD
• PhD: By The Numbers
• Additional Financial Aid Resources

PHD COST BREAKDOWN

The value of a college education should not be understated, but neither should its actual cost. Earning a doctoral degree can be an expensive proposition. According to the latest data from the National Center for Education Statistics, the average tuition and fees for a graduate program of study was $16,435 in 2012-2013. The table below outlines the 2012-2013 graduate tuition and fees by academic institution.

• All Institutions $16,435
• Public $10,408
• Private Non-Profit $23,698
• Private For-Profit $14,418

Source: National Center for Education Statistics

A rough calculation of the number of years it takes to complete a doctoral program, multiplied by the average 2012-2013 tuition and fees from the NCES, reveals the following total cost figures by academic field of study.

A five- to six-figure education is something to take seriously as there are debt implications after leaving finishing a PhD program. Graduating doctoral students in 2013 left school with an average debt of just over $15,000, according to the National Science Foundation. By field, students in the Social Sciences, Education and Humanities graduate with the highest levels of student debt:

• Education: $26,566
• Social Sciences: $26,222
• Humanities: $21,485

Conversely, the science and technology fields graduate students with the lowest debt figures:

• Physical Sciences: $6,342
• Engineering: $7,031
• Life Sciences: $11,905
• Physical Sciences 78.2%
• Engineering 75.1%
• Life Sciences 67.2%
• Humanities 48.4%
• Social Sciences 46.5%
• Education 44.1%

Source: National Science Foundation, Survey of Earned Doctorates, 2013

While these figures may seem alarming, a deeper dive into survey data from the National Science Foundation actually paints a more positive picture. Overall, more than 62 percent of all doctoral recipients graduate from school without a single dollar of debt.

Prospective students can use the table below to get a better sense of the percentage of students who take on debt at incremental levels in each field of academic study. A majority of students graduate with $10,000 or less in debt after finishing their doctoral degree.

PhD Cost Factors

The total cost of earning a doctoral degree is variable because of the sheer number of different factors involved. Tuition is not the only cost to consider when thinking about applying to a PhD program.

Typically, students pay full tuition rates during their first three years of doctoral study and receive reduced tuition rates for the remainder of the program. However, the actual cost of tuition does vary and may be dependent on the student’s actual degree program.

Graduate students pay a range of fees, with the most common including:

• Health Services (access to health facilities on campus)
• Health Insurance (personal health insurance)
• Student Activity (subsidizes athletics and other clubs)
• Student Recreation (access to recreational facilities on campus)

Some programs estimate students should be prepared to pay between $3,000 and $4,500 per academic year in student fees and health insurance costs.

Students with a master’s degree or coursework in a similar graduate program may be able to transfer credits into their doctoral program. That can lower the total number of credits required to graduate, which can lower the total cost of the degree. However, some institutions do limit the amount of tuition credits that can be applied for graduate work done in a related field at other institutions.

Whether or not the student has an assistantship does not affect the cost of textbooks and other academic materials. Books are a revolving charge, one a student should plan upon each semester or quarter.

Housing, utilities and food are considered indirect expenses students incur during their education. PhD students should plan on anywhere from $12,000 to $25,000 and up for living expenses each year. Again, this figure is highly variable based on the location of the university and the cost-of-living in that area.

Owning a car means additional budgeting for insurance, car payments and gas. Additionally, students may need to travel for conferences and research. Without funding from a graduate student association or grant program, the student will have to cover these costs individually.

PhD students with children may have to account for childcare costs. Purchasing a new computer and other supplies may also be required. This type of budgeting will vary from individual to individual, program to program.

Most PhD programs allow students to progress at their own pace, requiring them to complete and defend their dissertation within a certain time period (e.g. six years). However, the time it takes to complete a dissertation depends on the student, area of study, research, etc. This can impact cost of attending a doctoral program.

Example Cost of Attendance

A student’s budget should include the total cost of attendance—that is both direct (tuition and fees) and indirect costs (e.g. housing). This budget is the starting point for determining the student’s financial need, how much financial aid they require, and if they can afford to attend a doctoral program. Below is a sample five-year total cost of attendance chart based on an in-state tuition program, with a budget that assumes fixed costs for fees and indirect costs, such as housing. It also does not take into account assistantships and tuition waivers for assistants.

Based on a figure that’s slightly below the 2012-2013 average graduate tuition cost, the total cost of attendance can still produce sticker shock. An average student in a program that charges $12,000 per year in tuition could have to pay between $30,000 and $45,000 year in total costs.

PhD FINANCIAL AID OPTIONS

Prospective PhD candidates have an abundance of financial aid options to help fund their graduate studies. Typically, students are fully funded by a combination of sources, including scholarships, fellowships, research assistantships, teaching assistantships, or student loans.

It is important for students to note that most sources of aid are awarded by individual academic programs, so they should follow-up with their department for up-to-date information.

Below is a high-level overview of the common types of graduate financial aid.

Prospective PhD candidates can turn to a variety of funding sources, including scholarships, grants, and fellowships to support their education financially. As discussed, most students use a combination of one or more of these funding sources to finance their degree program and research.

PhD students can apply for a variety of scholarships that award students with funds that can be used to help cover the cost of tuition, books and other fees.

Grants are similar to scholarships and are academic-based awards that can be used to augment other sources of financial aid.

Fellowships are a different type of funding that may encompass a scholarship or grant and can be used to fund research, study and teaching in the US and internationally. Many fellowships provide full tuition and a yearly stipend to students.

A PhD should never be an end in itself but rather a means to an end. The path to a PhD is an arduous one and should never be undertaken without serious thought to what it will bring the student. That said, there is money available for graduate study in most fields, and a student in the humanities should be very careful to apply to appropriate programs which fund their grad students.

• Engineering
• Physical Sciences

The SMART program is designed to support graduate students studying in STEM disciplines and offers a range of other benefits, including supplies and health insurance allowances and employment placement services with the DoD after graduation.

The National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship is a three-year graduate fellowship that is designed to support doctoral students across fifteen engineering disciplines.

This three-year fellowship program supports the research efforts of doctoral students in STEM-related fields of study and allows them to pursue their work at any accredited graduate program in the country.

Renewable award for graduate students enrolled in a full-time APA-accredited doctoral program of study in psychology. Underrepresented, minority students are encouraged to apply.

This fellowship is open to female scholars and is designed to help offset the doctoral student’s living expenses during her final year of working on a dissertation.

This fellowship is a single-year of funding that is designed to support the doctoral research of a student working in child psychology.

The Javits Fellowship is provided on a needs- and competitive-basis to graduate students pursing graduate degrees in the humanities, social sciences, and the arts.

Two fellowships are awarded to support doctoral students who plan to study at the American School of Classical Studies in Athens, Greece for a year.

The Richard M. Weaver Scholarship is open to graduate student members of the Intercollegiate Studies Institute and supports the academic work of scholars pursuing teaching careers at the college level.

The AICPA fellowship is designed for minority students pursuing or planning to pursue a doctorate in accounting.

Five scholarships are available to provide financial assistance to graduate students pursuing studies in accounting and plan on earning CPA licensure.

This fellowship provides financial support to female scholars conducting research and economic analysis into natural resource, food, or agricultural issues.

This renewable, four-year fellowship is designed to support a scholar’s work in the field of stewardship science: nuclear science, high density physics, and materials under extreme conditions and hydrodynamics.

This multi-year fellowship supports doctoral research in several fields, ranging from chemistry to geology, materials science to physics and connects fellows with NPSC employer partners.

The NWRI fellowship program is open to full-time doctoral students conducting water-based research in areas such as water quality, water treatment and technologies, water supplies and water resources.

Really think about your reasons for getting a PhD. Critically exam the support systems you have in place to get you through the journey: 50 percent of doctoral students suffer from depression. Utilize services like the counseling center on your college/university campuses to help you respond to the stressors that may occur with the transition.

ASSISTANTSHIPS, FELLOWSHIPS AND LOANS

Graduate assistantships.

Graduate assistantships are a form of academic appointment and are provided by individual departments. Competitive in nature, they are typically awarded on the basis of the student’s academic accomplishments and potential in the graduate program of study. Most programs provide appointments for one year at time and students receive a tuition credit or waiver and monthly stipend. There are three types of assistantships: Teaching Assistantships, Assistant Lecturers, and Research Assistants.

Teaching assistants perform a range of support duties for faculty members at a university, including grading papers and teaching classes.

Lecturers may serve as instructors in the academic department where they are studying.

Research assistants conduct and assist faculty members with research projects in the student’s area of interest.

Fellowships

Fellowships are short-term funding opportunities (typically 9- to 12 months) provided to students in the form of tuition credits and/or stipends. They support a student’s graduate study in their field of choice, may assist them in their research, or gain professional training in an area of interest. Fellowships are competitive and are available in two types: University-based and External.

Individual schools, colleges, and departments at a university (e.g. College of Science, Department of English) may have endowed fellowships. Students are either nominated for an award by their department or may be open to an application process.

External fellowships are funded by foundations, government agencies and other groups and provide opportunities to study both in the US and abroad. For example, the Department of Defense offers the National Defense Science & Engineering Graduate Fellowship to engineering students studying in one of sixteen engineering specialties.

Corporations

Many companies and businesses have created scholarship, fellowship, and tuition reimbursement programs for their employees. Depending on the company, there may be a possibility it supports the graduate school efforts of its employees. Speak to the Human Resources department to learn more about the potential funding avenues available.

Graduate students may borrow funds from the federal government under two loan programs: William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program and the Federal Perkins Loan Program.

Private financial institutions, including banks and credit unions, offer unsecured educational loans to graduate students. These loans must be repaid with interest. The interest rates, loan amount, and repayment terms are based on the credit worthiness of the borrower.

Federal work study provides students with demonstrated financial need part-time job opportunities that allow them to earn income while they are in graduate school. The program focuses on placing students in community service situations related to the student’s academic course of study. A majority of jobs are on-campus, but some schools may have some off-campus jobs with nonprofit agencies and other groups. It is important to note that some universities may not allow students to use their federal work study for tuition, but other related expenses (e.g. books, fees).

EXPERT SPOTLIGHT: Lawrence Burns, PhD

What should a future phd student consider when selecting a program of   study .

Speaking in the humanities, a student is best advised, I think, to select the faculty member with whom he or she wishes to study rather than simply a program. This faculty member becomes the student’s mentor, a relationship that lasts well beyond graduate school years. Because the mentor becomes the student’s primary reference, his or her standing in the field can and does have an impact on pre- and post-doctoral grants a student might win as well as on the student’s success on the academic job market.

It is a delicate balance though, because one must also look at programs that have standing in a particular field and at institutions that can afford to fund their PhD students throughout their graduate years.

Much is made about the saturation of PhD graduates and not enough   positions — both in academic and the private sector. Should that dissuade   a student from pursuing a PhD?

Yes, of course. Again, a PhD is not something that comes easily, and it should not be pursued without a reason for it. On the other hand, for students who are committed to their fields, and for whom that field is a career choice, the PhD is still the only way into the university job market. 

There is a catch-22 in the world of post-graduate education. Research universities need to turn out research, and researchers often depend on their grad students to assist them–in all fields–and departments on their PhD candidates to teach many undergraduate courses. PhD students are thus recruited regardless of the job market for the PhD holders.

The challenges in funding the PhD for me were less about how am I going to pay for this degree, but making the adjustment from being a full-time salaried employee to now, taking a significant pay cut to serve as a graduate assistant.

EARNING OUTLOOK FOR PHD STUDENTS

Potential career earnings should be a significant part of the discussion when considering whether or not to pursue a doctoral degree. Completing an advanced program of study could increase an individual’s earning potential with their current or future employers.

Research from the Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals a direct correlation between educational attainment and career success—both in employment opportunities and annual salaries. Doctoral degree holders are some of the highest paid professionals in the country. The table below outlines the difference in earnings by degree level in 2014.

source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Earnings and Unemployment by Educational Attainment

• Industry or Business $97,700
• Government $82,000
• Nonprofit Organizations $72,500
• Other $70,000
• Academia $60,000

Source: National Science Foundation, Survey of Earned Doctorates

In turn, prospective students should consider how their sacrifice of time and money will pay off when they embark in their careers. Some professional fields have a higher return on investment than others. A majority of PhD candidates endeavor to become tenured-track faculty members, but they should realize that academia is one of the lowest paying sectors for individuals with a doctoral degree.

A review of National Science Foundation survey information shows that the best paying professional areas for PhD graduates include Industry and Business—with an average salary of $97,700. At the bottom of the list? Academia.

MOST LUCRATIVE PHD CAREERS

So, which PhD degrees pay the best?

According to the NSF, business, economics, and engineering are consistently among the best earning academic fields regardless of industry. The following tables outline the highest paying academic fields by professional area of work after graduation.

• Business Management and Administration $110,000
• Economics $82,000
• Engineering $79,000
• Health Sciences $70,000
• Education $60,000
• Business Management and Administration $135,000
• Economics $115,000
• Mathematics and Computer Information Sciences $115,000
• Geosciences $110,000
• Engineering $98,000
• Economics $112,500
• Business Management and Administration $96,590
• Engineering $96,500
• Mathematics and Computer Information Sciences $95,300
• Health Sciences $94,000
• Business Management and Administration $105,000
• Economics $100,000
• Mathematics and Computer Information Sciences $100,000
• Health Sciences $98,000

At the occupational level, 2012 employment research from the Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed the best paying doctoral career was Physicist ($109,600), followed by Astronomers ($105,410), and Engineering Professors ($94,130).

Overall, the top 10 most lucrative PhD careers include the following:

• 1 Physicists $109,600
• 2 Astronomers $105,410
• 3 Engineering Professors $94,130
• 4 Economics Professors $90,870
• 5 Health Specialties Professors: $90,210
• 6 Agricultural Sciences Professors $86,260
• 7 Biochemists and Biophysicists $84,940
• 8 Forestry and Conservation Science Professors $84,090
• 9 Physics Professors $80,720
• 10 Medical Scientists $79,930

EXPERT SPOTLIGHT: Darren Pierre, PhD

How has earning a phd impacted you personally and professionally.

Personally, the PhD was an incredibly introspective process. I believe for many, they go into the PhD thinking one thing, and come out transformed by the experience. I learned and grew personally in how I harness my self-worth, I grew professionally in my ability to humble myself and authentically listen to the feedback given about my work.

Professionally, I move with a greater level of confidence, I have more insight into my own potential in ways I could have never imagined, and all of that propelled me to write my book, The Invitation to Love.

Through your own experience, what are the biggest mistakes   prospective PhD students make when choosing and/or funding their PhD?

The biggest mistake that perspective students make is doing the degree for the wrong reason. If you are doing the degree for any other reason that self-motivated factors, you will falter. Doing the PhD to cover areas of insecurity, or low self-worth; doing the PhD for the prestige or title sake, those reasons will have you floundering and faltering when the psychological stressors being to weigh heavy.

Did you create a roadmap--financially or academically--to stay on track to   completing your PhD?

Absolutely, you have to have a plan and work that plan. Each Sunday, I would develop the week's action plan, I would carve out everything from when I was doing assignments/research to when I would work out, everything was on a schedule so that even when the fog of the process set in, I had headlights (my schedule) that allowed me to drive consistently when the road ahead was hard to see.

PHD: BY THE NUMBERS

Doctoral education in the U.S. is a varied and broad system, one that has been growing in popularity. In the 2013-2014 academic year, more than 178,000 doctoral degrees were conferred to students nationally, according to data from the National Center for Education Statistics.

• Doctoral Education Continues to Grow
• Engineering and Physical Sciences Dominate
• STEM Fields are the Most Popular
• Only Half of Students Earn a PhD in the Same Academic Field as their Master’s Degree
• Doctoral Degrees are an Investment in Time
• Primary Source of Funding Varies by Program

In its survey of earned doctorates, the National Science Foundation learned the number of doctoral recipients increased by nearly 30 percent between 2003 and 2013.

The most popular academic areas of study were Engineering and the Physical Sciences.

• Engineering 69.80%
• Physical Sciences 59.30%
• Health Sciences 53.60%
• Life Sciences 44.60%
• Other 38.90%
• Social Sciences 19.90%
• Humanities 9.10%
• Education -25.70%

Within the engineering and physical sciences disciplines, multiple sub-fields have been experiencing explosive interest and enrollments, with some programs (e.g. physics, materials science engineering) growing by more than 70 percent between 2003 and 2013.

• Other engineering 127.5%
• Materials science engineering 86.5%
• Aerospace, aeronautical, and astronautical engineering 74.5%
• Mechanical engineering 70.5%
• Electrical, electronics, and communication engineering 53.6%
• Chemical engineering 46.0%
• Computer and information sciences 119.1%
• Mathematics 83.0%
• Physics and astronomy 76.7%
• Geosciences 28.8%
• Chemistry 22.0%

According to NSF, the science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields are the most popular doctoral areas of study.

• Life Sciences 23.3%
• Physical Sciences 17.6%
• Engineering 17.0%
• Social Sciences 15.9%
• Humanities 10.7%
• Education 9.4%

Interestingly, slightly more than 56 percent of graduate students continue into a doctoral program in the same field as their master’s degree. Rates are highest in the humanities, engineering, and social sciences fields.

• Humanities 67.6%
• Engineering 65.7%
• Social Sciences 65.6%
• Education 61.5%
• All Fields 56.1%
• Physical Sciences 53.4%
• Life Sciences 35.5%

It requires approximately 7.5 years of study for the average graduate student to complete a doctoral degree after enrolling in graduate school. Education takes the longest — more than 11 years, while the physical sciences and engineering fields only require 6.5 to 6.6 years of study to complete.

• Education 11.7
• Humanities 9.2
• Social Sciences 7.7
• All Fields 7.5
• Life Sciences 6.9
• Engineering 6.6
• Physical Sciences 6.5

According to the NSF, the most common source of funding for doctoral students are teaching and research assistantships. The table below details the primary source of funding for students by academic area of study.

• Life Sciences Fellowships/ Grants
• Physical Sciences Research Assistantships
• Social Sciences Teaching Assistantships
• Engineering Research Assistantships
• Education Own Resources
• Humanities Teaching Assistantships
• All Fields Research Assistantships

The following table includes a breakout of the primary funding source by major field of study, according the National Science Foundation.

Source: http://www.nsf.gov/statistics/sed/2013/data-tables.cfm

ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL AID RESOURCES

The ultimate financial goal of any PhD student should be to complete their program successfully and move into a professional career with as little debt as possible. The resources below are available to help students locate scholarships and other funding sources that can help make that goal a reality.

Unigo offers a selection of financial assistance resources for graduate students, including a scholarship directory, a scholarship match tool, educational information on student loans and funding options, and more.

Scholarships.com is a website that provides a selection of financial aid information, including a searchable scholarship directory, insights into funding trends, financial aid calculators, and information about grants and fellowships.

Peterson’s is an educational resource site that includes a searchable scholarship database, articles and advice columns, and a catalog of graduate school profiles.

FinAid.org is an educational resource site that focuses on financial aid and offers information about student loans, federal financial aid, financing a doctoral education, and includes a scholarship search option.

An office of the U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid is the country’s largest provider of financial aid. Graduate students can learn about and pally for loans, grants, and work-study funds to pay for their doctoral education.

FastWeb is a financial aid-focused website that offers a searchable scholarship directory that allows students to focus their search to their major area of study, work experience, and personal and professional activities.

Chegg is an online educational portal that not only offers used textbooks, but a scholarship database as well.

List of PhD Scholarships, Grants, and Fellowships for International Students

Italian government scholarships for foreign students.

Deadline: 14 June 2024 (annual) Study in: Italy Course starts AY 2024/2025

FINCAD Women in Finance Scholarship

Deadline: 30 June 2024 (Annual) Study in: any Country Course starts 2024

Rotary Foundation Global Scholarship Grants for Development

Deadline: Rolling** Study in:  any Country* Course starts AY 2024/2025

Fulbright Foreign Student Program in USA

Deadline: varies, Feb-Oct 2024 Study in:  USA Course starts AY 2025-2026

Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme

Deadline: 31 Mar 2024 (annual) Study in:  any Country Course starts 2023

Australia Awards Scholarships

Deadline: 30 April 2024 (annual) Study in:  Australia Course starts 2025

Türkiye Scholarships for International Students

Deadline: 20 Feb 2024 (annual) Study in:  Turkey Course starts 2024

JFUNU Scholarships for PhD in Sustainability Science

Deadline: 3 March 2024 (annual) Study in: Japan Course starts September 2024

Singapore International Graduate Award

Deadline: 1 June 2024 (annual) Study in:  Singapore Next course starts Jan 2025

Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships for International Students

Deadline: 29 Feb 2024 (annual) Study in:  New Zealand Next course starts 2024

University of Waikato International Excellence Scholarship

Deadline: Any time (Annual) Study in: New Zealand Course starts AY 2024

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PhD Student Funding Overview

At Yale, you can earn your doctorate at our expense. 

Our funding packages for Yale PhD students are among the most generous in the world. Every PhD student receives a fellowship for the full cost of tuition, a stipend for living expenses, and paid health coverage, though the details of your funding package will differ depending on your academic program. On average, doctoral students receive more than $500,000 in tuition fellowships, stipends, and health premium benefits over the course of their enrollment. Full PhD funding normally extends for a minimum of five years, unless your doctoral program is of shorter duration, e.g., Investigative Medicine, Law, Nursing, and Public Health. 

The main categories of funding available to PhD students are detailed below. Our Programs & Policies handbook contains additional information about funding and fellowship opportunities available at the Graduate School, along with applicable policies. 

If you have questions about your funding, you can ask your program registrar or DGS, Graduate Financial Aid, or Associate Dean Robert Harper-Mangels.

Types of Funding for PhD Students

University Fellowships (UFs) are provided through the Graduate School and do not require teaching in Yale's Teaching Fellow Program. UFs are often used during the initial year(s) of your doctoral program to cover your stipend and tuition, when you are engaged in coursework and identifying an adviser.

For official policies governing University Fellowships, including information on deferring a UF, please see our Programs & Policies Bulletin .

In subsequent years and in most programs, your stipend will be funded by a teaching fellowship or a research assistantship.

Teaching Fellowships (TFs) are contingent on teaching Yale's Teaching Fellow Program (TFP). While you are on a TF, a portion of your stipend is compensation for teaching. The rest of your stipend will come from other sources, depending on your department or program. See the Teaching Fellow Funding page for more information.

The teaching portion of your stipend is subject to federal tax withholding, so you will notice a difference in your paycheck in teaching versus non-teaching semesters.

In lieu of teaching in the Teaching Fellow Program, PhD students in the humanities and social sciences may choose to undertake one of the available Professional Development Opportunities . These positions allow you to gain professional experience at a library, museum, or other office on campus relevant to your studies. 

If you are in the natural sciences, your funding will likely come from training grants and faculty research grants at some point during your enrollment. In most programs, you may only join a research group that has active grant funding. Please consult with your DGS, if you have questions about this aspect of your funding package.

We strongly encourage you to compete for external fellowships. Winning an external award in a national competition, whether sponsored by a public or private agency, is a significant honor. External fellowships may be subject to our Combined Award policy. Please be sure to review our External Fellowships & Awards page to understand how external awards interact with university funding.

An external fellowship may also offer you added flexibility in your program. 

• If you are a student in the natural sciences, an external fellowship may allow you to pursue a project or idea that is otherwise not eligible for financial support through your adviser’s research funding. 
• If you are a student in the humanities or social sciences, an external fellowship might allow you to defer a University Fellowship (UF) to a subsequent term or year. 

You can search for external fellowships through the Yale Student Grants Database , other university search engines (e.g., UCLA ), and commercial sites .

You must notify the Graduate School of any external awards you receive. 

• Send a copy of your award letter to the Financial Aid Office at [email protected] .
• If your award is subject to the Combined Award policy, then you will receive a combined award letter via email when your award has been processed, outlining your updated funding package. 

For any questions and concerns regarding your combined award letter, please contact the Graduate School Financial Aid Office via email at [email protected]. Associate Dean Robert Harper-Mangels can also advise regarding our Combined Award policy.

Additional GSAS Financial Support

Phd stipends.

An overview of information relevant to the PhD stipend.

Health Award

The Graduate School provides Yale Health Basic Coverage at no cost to all students (Master's and PhD) who are enrolled at least half-time in degree-seeking programs. In addition, all PhD students registered at least half-time receive a Health Fellowship Award that covers the cost of Yale Health Hospitalization/Specialty Care Coverage.

Featured Resource

Family Support Subsidy for Parenting PhD Students

PhD students who are registered full-time in any year of study are eligible for the family support subsidy to assist with child-related expenses.

Dean's Emergency Fund

The Dean’s Emergency Fund enables terminal master’s and PhD students in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences to continue making academic progress despite unanticipated, extreme financial hardships that cannot be resolved through fellowships, loans, or personal resources. The maximum award for eligible requests is $2,000.

Conference Travel Fellowship (CTF)

https://gsa.yale.edu/ctf

By partnering with the MacMillan Center and the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, graduate students with representatives in the Graduate Student Assembly are eligible for annual conference travel funding of up to $800.

PhD Student Travel Health Fellowship

If you are a PhD student traveling for dissertation research, the Graduate School provides a Travel Health Fellowship to cover the cost of required immunizations and prescription drugs at Yale Health.

Graduate Financial Aid Office

Office Address

• [email protected]
• 203-432-2739
• 246 Church Street, 2nd Floor

Google PhD fellowship program

Google PhD Fellowships directly support graduate students as they pursue their PhD, as well as connect them to a Google Research Mentor.

Nurturing and maintaining strong relations with the academic community is a top priority at Google. The Google PhD Fellowship Program was created to recognize outstanding graduate students doing exceptional and innovative research in areas relevant to computer science and related fields. Fellowships support promising PhD candidates of all backgrounds who seek to influence the future of technology. Google’s mission is to foster inclusive research communities and encourage people of diverse backgrounds to apply. We currently offer fellowships in Africa, Australia, Canada, East Asia, Europe, India, Latin America, New Zealand, Southeast Asia and the United States.

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Program details

Application status, how to apply, research areas of focus, review criteria, award recipients.

Applications are currently closed.

Decisions for the 2024 application cycle will be announced via email in July 2024. Please check back in 2025 for details on future application cycles.

• Launch March 27, 2024
• Deadline May 8, 2024
• Winner selected by July 31, 2024

The details of each Fellowship vary by region. Please see our FAQ for eligibility requirements and application instructions.

PhD students must be nominated by their university. Applications should be submitted by an official representative of the university during the application window. Please see the FAQ for more information.

Australia and New Zealand

Canada and the United States

PhD students in Japan, Korea and Taiwan must be nominated by their university. After the university's nomination is completed, either an official representative of the university or the nominated students can submit applications during the application window. Please see the FAQ for more information.

India and Southeast Asia

PhD students apply directly during the application window. Please see the FAQ for more information.

Latin America

The 2024 application cycle is postponed. Please check back in 2025 for details on future application cycles.

Google PhD Fellowship students are a select group recognized by Google researchers and their institutions as some of the most promising young academics in the world. The Fellowships are awarded to students who represent the future of research in the fields listed below. Note that region-specific research areas will be listed in application forms during the application window.

Algorithms and Theory

Distributed Systems and Parallel Computing

Health and Bioscience

Human-Computer Interaction and Visualization

Machine Intelligence

Machine Perception

Natural Language Processing

Quantum Computing

Security, Privacy and Abuse Prevention

Software Engineering

Software Systems

Speech Processing

Applications are evaluated on the strength of the research proposal, research impact, student academic achievements, and leadership potential. Research proposals are evaluated for innovative concepts that are relevant to Google’s research areas, as well as aspects of robustness and potential impact to the field. Proposals should include the direction and any plans of where your work is going in addition to a comprehensive description of the research you are pursuing.

In Canada and the United States, East Asia and Latin America, essay responses are evaluated in addition to application materials to determine an overall recommendation.

What does the Google PhD Fellowship include?

Students receive named Fellowships which include a monetary award. The funds are given directly to the university to be distributed to cover the student’s expenses and stipend as appropriate. In addition, the student will be matched with a Google Research Mentor. There is no employee relationship between the student and Google as a result of receiving the fellowship. The award does not preclude future eligibility for internships or employment opportunities at Google, nor does it increase the chances of obtaining them. If students wish to apply for a job at Google, they are welcome to apply for jobs and go through the same hiring process as any other person.

• Up to 3 year Fellowship
• US $12K to cover stipend and other research related activities, travel expenses including overseas travel
• Google Research Mentor
• 1 year Fellowship
• AUD $15K to cover stipend and other research related activities, travel expenses including overseas travel
• Up to 2 year Fellowship (effective from 2024 for new recipients)
• Full tuition and fees (enrollment fees, health insurance, books) plus a stipend to be used for living expenses, travel and personal equipment
• US $10K to cover stipend and other research related activities, travel expenses including overseas travel
• Yearly bursary towards stipend / salary, health care, social benefits, tuition and fees, conference travel and personal computing equipment. The bursary varies by country.

Early-stage PhD students

• Up to 4 year Fellowship
• US $50K to cover stipend and other research related activities, travel expenses including overseas travel

Late-stage PhD students

• US $10K to recognise research contributions, cover stipend and other research related activities, travel expenses including overseas travel
• US $15K per year to cover stipend and other research related activities, travel expenses including overseas travel

Southeast Asia

• US $10K per year for up to 3 years (or up to graduation, whichever is earlier) to cover stipend and other research related activities, travel expenses including overseas travel

Is my university eligible for the PhD Fellowship Program?

Africa, Australia/New Zealand , Canada, East Asia, Europe and the United States : universities must be an accredited research institution that awards research degrees to PhD students in computer science (or an adjacent field).

India, Latin America and Southeast Asia : applications are open to universities/institutes in India, Latin America (excluding Cuba), and in eligible Southeast Asian countries/regions (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam).

Restrictions : All award payments and recipients will be reviewed for compliance with relevant US and international laws, regulations and policies. Google reserves the right to withhold funding that may violate laws, regulations or our policies.

What are the eligibility requirements for students?

All regions

• Students must remain enrolled full-time in the PhD program for the duration of the Fellowship or forfeit the award.
• Google employees, and their spouses, children, and members of their household are not eligible.
• Students that are already supported by a comparable industry award are not eligible. Government or non-profit organization funding is exempt.
• Past awardees from the PhD Fellowship program are not eligible to apply again.
• Grant of the Fellowship does not mean admission to a PhD program. The awardee must separately apply and be accepted to a PhD program in computer science (or an adjacent field) at an eligible institution.
• Grant of the Fellowship will be subject to the rules and guidelines applicable in the institution where the awardee registers for the PhD program.

Nominated students in Africa, Australia and New Zealand, Canada and the United States, East Asia and Europe.

Universities should only nominate students that meet the following requirements:

• Africa: Incoming PhD students are eligible to apply, but the Fellowship award shall be contingent on the awardee registering for a full-time PhD program in computer science (or an adjacent field) within the academic award year of the Fellowship award, or the award shall be forfeited.
• Australia and New Zealand : early-stage students enrolled in the first or second year of their PhD (no requirement for completion of graduate coursework by the academic award year).
• Canada and the United States : students who have completed graduate coursework in their PhD by the academic award year when the Fellowship begins.
• East Asia: students who have completed most of graduate coursework in their PhD by the academic award year when the Fellowship begins. Students should have sufficient time for research projects after receiving a fellowship.
• Europe: Students enrolled at any stage of their PhD are eligible to apply.

Direct applicant students in India, Latin America and Southeast Asia

• Latin America : incoming or early stage-students enrolled in the first or second year of their PhD (no requirement for completion of graduate coursework by the academic award year).

What should be included in an application? What language should the application be in?

All application materials should be submitted in English.

For each student nomination, the university will be asked to submit the following material in a single, flat (not portfolio) PDF file:

• Student CV with links to website and publications (if available)
• Short (1-page) resume/CV of the student's primary PhD program advisor
• Available transcripts (mark sheets) starting from first year/semester of Bachelor's degree to date
• Research proposal (maximum 3 pages, excluding references)
• 2-3 letters of recommendation from those familiar with the nominee''s work (at least one from the thesis advisor for current PhD students)
• Student essay response (350-word limit) to: What impact would receiving this Fellowship have on your education? Describe any circumstances affecting your need for a Fellowship and what educational goals this Fellowship will enable you to accomplish.
• Transcripts of current and previous academic records
• 1-2 letters of recommendation from those familiar with the nominee's work (at least one from the thesis advisor)

Canada, East Asia, the United States

• Cover sheet signed by the Department Chair confirming the student passes eligibility requirements. (See FAQ "What are the eligibility requirements for students?")
• Short (1-page) CV of the student's primary advisor
• 2-3 letters of recommendation from those familiar with the nominee's work (at least one from the thesis advisor)
• Research / dissertation proposal (maximum 3 pages, excluding references)
• Student essay response (350-word limit) to: Describe the desired impact your research will make on the field and society, and why this is important to you. Include any personal, educational and/or professional experiences that have motivated your research interests.
• Student essay response (350-word limit) to: Describe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes or contributed to group efforts over time. (A leadership role can mean more than just a title. It can mean being a mentor to others, acting as the person in charge of a specific task, or taking the lead role in organizing an event or project. Think about what you accomplished and what you learned from the experience. What were your responsibilities? Did you lead a team? How did your experience change your perspective on leading others? Did you help to resolve an important dispute at your school, church, in your community or an organization? And your leadership role doesn’t necessarily have to be limited to school activities. For example, do you help out or take care of your family?)

Students will need the following documents in a single, flat (not portfolio) PDF file in order to complete an application (in English only):

• Student applicant’s resume with links to website and publications (if available)
• Short (one-page) resume/CV of the student applicant's primary PhD program advisor
• 2-3 letters of recommendation from those familiar with the applicant's work (at least one from the thesis advisor for current PhD students)
• Applicant's essay response (350-word limit) to: Describe the desired impact your research will make on the field and society, and why this is important to you. Include any personal, educational and/or professional experiences that have motivated your research interests.
• Applicant's essay response (350-word limit) to: What are your long-term goals for your pathway in computing research, and how would receiving the Google PhD Fellowship help you progress toward those goals in the short-term?

How do I apply for the PhD Fellowship Program? Who should submit the applications? Can students apply directly for a Fellowship?

Check the eligibility and application requirements in your region before applying. Submission forms are available on this page when the application period begins.

India, Latin America and Southeast Asia: students may apply directly during the application period.

Africa, Australia, Canada, East Asia, Europe, New Zealand, and the United States : students cannot apply directly to the program; they must be nominated by an eligible university during the application period.

How many students may each university nominate?

India, Latin America and Southeast Asia : applications are open directly to students with no limit to the number of students that can apply from a university.

Australia and New Zealand : universities may nominate up to two eligible students.

Canada and the United States : Universities may nominate up to four eligible students. We encourage nominating students with diverse backgrounds especially those from historically marginalized groups in the field of computing. If more than two students are nominated then we strongly encourage additional nominees who self-identify as a woman, Black / African descent, Hispanic / Latino / Latinx, Indigenous, and/or a person with a disability.

Africa, East Asia and Europe : Universities may nominate up to three eligible students. We encourage nominating students with diverse backgrounds especially those from historically marginalized groups in the field of computing. If more than two students are nominated then we strongly encourage the additional nominee who self-identifies as a woman.

*Applications are evaluated on merit. Please see FAQ for details on how applications are evaluated.

How are applications evaluated?

In Canada and the United State, East Asia and Latin America, essay responses are evaluated in addition to application materials to determine an overall recommendation.

A nominee's status as a member of a historically marginalized group is not considered in the selection of award recipients.

Research should align with Google AI Principles .

Incomplete proposals will not be considered.

How are Google PhD Fellowships given?

Any monetary awards will be paid directly to the Fellow's university for distribution. No overhead should be assessed against them.

What are the intellectual property implications of a Google PhD Fellowship?

Fellowship recipients are not subject to intellectual property restrictions unless they complete an internship at Google. If that is the case, they are subject to the same intellectual property restrictions as any other Google intern.

Will the Fellowship recipients become employees of Google?

No, Fellowship recipients do not become employees of Google due to receiving the award. The award does not preclude future eligibility for internships or employment opportunities at Google, nor does it increase the chances of obtaining them. If they are interested in working at Google, they are welcome to apply for jobs and go through the same hiring process as any other person.

Can Fellowship recipients also be considered for other Google scholarships?

Yes, Fellowship recipients are eligible for these scholarships .

After award notification, when do the Google PhD Fellowships begin?

After Google PhD Fellowship recipients are notified, the Fellowship is effective starting the following school year.

What is the program application time period?

Applications for the 2024 program will open in March 2024 and close in May 2024 for all regions. Refer to the main Google PhD Fellowship Program page for each region’s application details.

A global awards announcement will be made in September on the Google Research Blog publicly announcing all award recipients.

How can I ask additional questions?

Due to the volume of emails we receive, we may not be able to respond to questions where the answer is available on the website. If your question has not been answered by a FAQ, email:

Africa: [email protected]

Australia and New Zealand: [email protected]

Canada and the United States: [email protected]

East Asia: [email protected]

Europe: [email protected]

India: [email protected]

Latin America: [email protected]

Southeast Asia: [email protected]

See past PhD Fellowship recipients.

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Top Fully Funded PhD Programs

Karla Ibarra is a content writer at Scholarships 360. She has worked as an English teacher and writing tutor. As a writing tutor, she has experience editing scholarships and college application essays. Karla graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in Communication and a minor in English.

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Maria Geiger is Director of Content at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.

Fully funded PhD programs offer students seeking their doctor of philosophy degrees the ultimate experience. With the average cost of a PhD at nearly $81,000 , students are able to focus on their studies without worrying about paying for their degrees or living expenses. Keep reading to learn about some of the top fully funded PhD programs in a variety of majors.

What is a “Doctorate of Philosophy” degree?

A “doctorate of philosophy” degree, better known as a PhD, is among the highest level degrees in the United States. A PhD is awarded after the successful completion of an extensive research and writing project known as a dissertation. Students can earn a PhD in a variety of fields, with most majoring in the humanities or social sciences. 

Further reading: What is a PhD?

How we chose the fully funded PhD programs on our list

We looked for programs that have stellar reputations in their respective majors. It makes sense that the most reputable programs offer the resources that are most important to  PhD students. Working with distinguished professors in their field and having access to outstanding libraries, PhD students will be immersed in the ideal learning environment. 

Opportunities to learn under and network with the most well regarded academics is invaluable for students’ future careers. Finally, we looked for fully funded programs that include not only full tuition coverage, but also living stipends and health insurance. A few of the programs might require students to “give back” in the way of graduate assistantships , so keep that in mind as you read the fine print on each website. 

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The top fully funded phd programs.

The following list is in alphabetical order with no preference for one particular program. We included a variety of majors in different regions, but remember, this is just the start of an exhaustive listing of fully funded PhD programs across the USA and the world!

Boston College

The PhD in English Program at Boston College prepares students for careers in academia or other English related fields. With a focus on critical thinking, writing, and research, the program explores  literature through abstract, cultural, and historical contexts. Students are able to focus on various literature periods, creative writing, and literary theory. Working closely with renowned faculty, the program offers abundant resources and support services including fellowships and publishing opportunities. 

• Location: Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts
• Focus of study : Creative writing, critical theory, and literary and cultural studies
• What is included : Full tuition remission, health insurance, and a living stipend

Brown University

Brown University offers a PhD program in Computer Science for students interested in a strong foundation in computer science theory and applications and opportunities to conduct research in collaboration with faculty and peers. Brown’s computer science department has research strengths in artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, computer graphics, and theory. The program is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to conduct independent research in computer science and to prepare them for academic or industrial careers.

• Location: Providence, Rhode Island
• Focus of study : Algorithms, artificial intelligence, computer systems, databases, and more
• What is included : Full tuition, health insurance, and living stipend

Cornell University

Cornell University offers a PhD program in Chemical Engineering to provide students with a broad foundation in chemical engineering principles and their application to solving real-world problems. The program aims to train students in core courses in chemical engineering, including transport phenomena, thermodynamics, and reaction engineering, while providing them with opportunities to conduct original research. Students in the program have access to state-of-the-art research facilities, funding opportunities, and a supportive community of faculty and fellow students.

• Location: Ithaca, New York
• Focus of study : Chemical engineering principles and research topics including biotechnology, energy, materials science, and process systems engineering
• What is included: Full tuition waiver, stipend, and health insurance

Duke University

Duke University’s PhD program in literature prepares students for careers in academic research and teaching. The program offers a variety of courses in literary theory, criticism, and methodology, as well as opportunities to specialize in specific genres, periods, and cultures. The program also encourages interdisciplinary work, with opportunities to collaborate with scholars in other fields across the university. Graduates of the program have gone on to careers in academia, publishing, journalism, and other areas.

• Location: Durham, North Carolina
• Focus of study : Literary theory, research methods, and a range of cultural and literary texts
• What is included : Five years of living stipend, tuition, and fees support as well as six years of health and dental insurance

Harvard University

The PhD program in Biological Sciences in Public Health at Harvard University is designed for students who want to pursue research in the field of public health with a focus on biological sciences. The program focuses on the intersection of biology and public health, specifically emphasizing understanding the biological mechanisms underlying disease and developing strategies to prevent and treat illness. PhD students receive a rigorous education in both biological and public health sciences, preparing them to become leaders in advancing our understanding of human health and disease.

• Location: Boston, Massachusetts
• Focus of study : Cancer biology, environmental health, genetics, global health and infectious diseases.
• What is included : Competitive funding packages, including tuition waivers, stipends, and health insurance

Johns Hopkins University

The PhD in Nursing program at Johns Hopkins University is designed to prepare nurse scientists who will conduct research to advance nursing science and improve the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities. The program is designed to be interdisciplinary, integrating knowledge from nursing, social and behavioral sciences, and biostatistics. PhD students may work as nursing faculty members, researchers, or policymakers, contributing to advancing nursing practice and developing nursing knowledge.

• Location: Baltimore, Maryland
• Focus of study : Aging and dementia care, cardiovascular and chronic care, community and public health, health systems and outcomes, and more
• What is included: Full tuition with a stipend for the first three years of study

New York University

New York University offers a PhD in Education through its Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. The program provides a solid foundation in education theory and research methods, including coursework, research apprenticeships, and independent research. Upon graduation, students are well-prepared to pursue careers in academia, research, policy, and leadership in educational organizations. They are also equipped with the skills and knowledge to contribute to developing and implementing policies and practices in education.

• Location: New York, New York
• Focus of study : Learning sciences, educational policy, educational technology, and curriculum development. 
• What is included: Annual stipend, tuition coverage for required course work, and health insurance through the fifth year

Princeton University

Princeton University offers a PhD program in mathematics that is designed to prepare students for careers in academia, industry, or government. The program aims to provide a rigorous and comprehensive mathematics education, emphasizing both the theoretical foundations and applications of the discipline. Students take advanced courses in various mathematical fields, such as algebra, geometry, analysis, topology, and applied mathematics. Princeton’s program in mathematics is widely regarded as one of the world’s most prestigious and rigorous programs.

• Location: Princeton, New Jersey 
• Focus of study : Algebraic geometry, mathematical physics, number theory, and topology
• What is included: Full tuition and student health plan coverage

Rice University

Rice University offers a PhD in Business through its Jones Graduate School of Business, designed to prepare students for academic careers and research-oriented positions in industry and government. Students in the program take courses in microeconomics, econometrics, statistics, research methods, and business ethics. In addition to coursework and research, students in the program are encouraged to work as teaching or research assistants. Rice University’s PhD program provides students with a strong foundation in business theory and research methods, with opportunities to work with world-class faculty on cutting-edge research projects.

• Location: Houston, Texas
• Focus of study : Accounting, finance, management, marketing, and strategic management
• What is included : Waived tuition fees, a stipend to cover living expenses, health insurance, and may be eligible for research and travel funding to support their research projects

University of Chicago

The PhD program in History at the University of Chicago is a demanding but rewarding experience that prepares students for a career in academia as scholars or teaching in the field of history. The program focuses on developing students’ knowledge of cultural, intellectual, economic, political, and social history under the guidance of highly qualified faculty advisors. PhD students also have the opportunity to present their research at conferences and publish articles in academic journals.

• Location: Chicago, Illinois
• Focus of study : Ancient, contemporary, early modern, medieval, or modern history 
• What is included: Tuition, student health insurance, and a stipend for living expenses and research support

University of Michigan

The PhD in Engineering at the University of Michigan is a top-rated program that prepares students for research and academic careers in various engineering disciplines, including biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, civil and environmental engineering, electrical engineering, and many more. PhD students are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to conduct independent research, develop new technologies, and advance the engineering field. The University of Michigan has a strong reputation for research and innovation, and the PhD program in Engineering provides students with ample opportunities to collaborate with faculty and industry partners.

• Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan 
• Focus of study : Materials science, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and computer science.
• What is included: Tuition waiver, monthly living stipend, and health insurance 

University of North Carolina

The PhD program in Media and Communication at the University of North Carolina provides students with advanced knowledge and skills in media and communication theories, research methods, and critical analysis. Students can tailor their studies to their research interests by choosing from a variety of electives and seminars offered by the department. Graduates of the program have gone on to work in academia, media organizations, research institutions, and other industries where communication skills and media literacy are highly valued.

• Location: Chapel Hill, North Carolina 
• Focus of study : Media and politics, journalism studies, digital media, global media, media effects, and cultural studies
• What is included: Tuition and fees for three years, health insurance, a $20,000+ annual stipend, and support for research and travel

Keep reading: PhD vs. Doctorate: Everything You Need to Know

Frequently asked questions about fully funded PhDs

What does 'fully funded phd' mean, can international students apply for fully funded phds, how long does a fully funded phd program take, do i need to have a master's degree to apply for a phd, what is the difference between a phd and a professional doctorate, scholarships360 recommended.

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Funding & Scholarship: Graduate Programs

Financial support for ph.d. students, all students admitted into our ph.d. program receive full financial support., this support includes tuition, fees, $1,000 in transportation and dental subsidies (as of ay24-25), and a cost-of-living stipend ($3655 per month in ay23-24 and $4083 per month before taxes in ay24-25)..

Support is independent of need provided a student remains in good academic standing and is making satisfactory progress towards his/her Ph.D. degree. Students are expected to complete their Ph.D. requirements in four to six years. Financial support takes several forms: fellowships, teaching fellowships, and research assistantships. Ordinarily, first-year Ph.D. students are supported with full fellowships so that they can devote their time to coursework.

For the class entering in Fall 2024 : SEAS PhD students are expected to complete two sections of teaching in SEAS in their second year or spread across their second and third years. Both sections may be completed concurrently in a single course. Their research assistantship will be adjusted accordingly during the semester(s) in which they are teaching fellow (TF). The academic requirement for the PhD degree is one section of teaching in SEAS. The student and their research advisor may arrange to replace the second section of teaching with a research assistantship. Beyond the first year, when students are in a better position to teach and assist in research, support is ordinarily provided through research assistantships, or a combination of a teaching fellowship and a research assistantship. For more detailed information, please visit the following pages: GSAS Tuition and Fees  G SAS Financial Support for PhD Students

External financial support for Ph.D. students

Applicants and current students are encouraged and expected to apply for all non-Harvard scholarships for which they are eligible, especially those offered by the  National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program  and  National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship (NDSEG) . 

Each year, many SEAS students secure fellowships from external agencies.  Should an incoming student be awarded and accept any fellowship external to Harvard, it is the expectation that the student will utilize these funds in the first year of study in place of Harvard funding.   In advanced (G2+) years in the graduate program, students with external fellowships are advised to have a discussion with their financial aid officers from Harvard Griffin GSAS and SEAS about how to best utilize the remaining years of funding based on their activities and academic requirements.

To ensure equitable treatment of all students, the coordination of external award benefits with a student’s existing funding package is determined by the Harvard Griffin GSAS financial aid officer in consultation with SEAS.

PhD students with external support are eligible for a SEAS-sponsored academic incentive.  PhD students who bring in open, competitive external fellowships that are equal to 50% or more of total their support (tuition/fees + stipend) will receive a supplemental award of $3,000 in the first year of the external fellowship.  PhD students who bring in open external competitive external fellowships that are not 50% or more of their total support and are at least $10,000 (tuition/fees + stipend or salary) will receive a supplemental award of $1,000.  The full $3,000 bonus may also be awarded in certain cases of multi-year fellowships depending on the total amount of support provided.

Financial support for terminal masters students (M.E. & S.M.)

While financial aid is not available for master’s students in our M.E. and S.M. programs, there are a variety of funding opportunities available. Prospective students are encouraged to apply for independent grants and fellowships to fund their studies.  Information about tuition and fees can be found here . Students in our Computational Science & Engineering or Data Science programs-should visit this page and also may contact the  GSAS Financial Aid Office  to learn more.

Students in the  MS/MBA:Engineering Sciences program  are eligible to apply for need-based  HBS Fellowships  and student loans in both years of the program.

• PhD Degree Funding

Harvard guarantees full financial support to PhD students—including tuition, health fees, and basic living expenses—for a minimum of five years.

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Harvard's financial support package is typically for the first four years of study and the completion year, using a tiered  tuition structure that reduces tuition over time as students progress through their degree programs. This multiyear funding package includes a combination of tuition grants, stipends, traineeships, teaching fellowships, research assistantships, and other academic appointments. In addition, Harvard Griffin GSAS students are particularly successful in securing grants,  fellowships , and other sources of external funding as part of their professional development.

The standard funding package includes:

• grant toward tuition and fees—paid in full for years 1 through 4, plus the dissertation completion year, with a partially subsidized dental plan option available
• living expense stipend during years 1 and 2
• a combination of stipend, teaching fellowships, and/or research assistantships during years 3 and 4
• if noted in your Notice of Financial Support, summer research funding following the first four academic years from Harvard Griffin GSAS or faculty grants
• stipend and/or research support during the completion year.

In some programs, the timing and structure of living expense support may vary from this pattern. For example, students in the sciences typically receive full funding until they complete their degrees.

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Fully Funded PhD Scholarships for International Students 2025

Do you want to start your study adventure abroad? Good news! A number of fully funded scholarships are available for international students. In this article we will explain in detail about fully funded scholarships offered in world top universities, their benefits and step by step application process.

Many fully funded PhD scholarships 2025-2026 are available at world top universities for international students. These scholarships provide monthly stipend along with tuition fees, accommodation charges, health insurance and travel allowance.

Apply for fully funded scholarships and fulfill your dream of studying at world top universities like Yale University USA, Oxford University UK, Cambridge University UK, Harvard University USA, Monash University Australia, CGS China and many more. Here is a list of fully funded PhD scholarships for international students:

1. Yale University Scholarships USA

Yale University Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship for international students. This scholarship is offered for undergraduate, masters and PhD. Yale Scholarship can vary from a few hundred dollars to over $70,000 per year; the average Yale need-based scholarship is over $50,000.

• Institution: Yale University
• Study in: USA
• Level of Study: Undergraduate / Masters / PhD
• Click here for Deadlines and step by step Application process.

2. Turkey Government Scholarship

Turkey Government Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship for international students. This scholarship is offered for undergraduate, masters and PhD studies. Turkiye Burslari Scholarship covers m onthly stipend up to 1600 TL per month, t uition Fee, r eturn flight ticket, h ealth insurance and a ccommodation.

• Institution: Turkish Universities
• Study in: Turkey
• Level of Study: Undergraduate, Masters, PhD 
• Click here for Deadlines and step by step Application process .

3. Chinese Government Scholarships

Chinese Government Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship.   Only masters and PhD programs are available under this scholarship at more than 280 Chinese Universities. Chinese Government Scholarship covers accommodation, basic heath insurance and monthly allowance up to 3500 Yuan.

• Institution: Chinese Universities
• Study in: China

4. DAAD Scholarship Germany

DAAD Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship. This scholarship is only available for masters or PhD studies at the top German Universities. This scholarship covers monthly payments of 850 euros for graduates or 1,200 euros for doctoral candidates.

• Institution: German Universities
• Study in: Germany
• Level of Study:  Masters / PhD

5. MEXT Scholarship Japan

MEXT Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship for international students. This scholarship is available for undergraduate, masters, PhD and training studies. MEXT scholarship will cover tuition fee, accommodation, monthly living allowance and round airfare travel expenses from your country to Japan.

• Institution: Japnese Universities
• Study in: Japan

6. Fulbright Scholarships USA

Fulbright Scholarships are fully funded scholarships for international students. These scholarships are only offered for masters and PhD studies. Fulbright Foreign Student Program covers full tuition fee, a living stipend, full accommodation fee, airfare and health insurance.

• Institution: USA Universities
• Level of Study: Masters / PhD

7. Ton Duc Thang University Graduate Scholarship

Ton Duc Thang University Graduate Scholarships are fully funded scholarships for international students. These scholarships are only offered for masters and doctoral studies. This Scholarship covers full tuition fee and full accommodation fee.

• Institution: Ton Duc Thang University
• Study in: Vietnam

8. Bangkok Government Scholarship

Bangkok Government Scholarships are fully funded scholarships for international students. These scholarships are only offered for masters and Ph.D. This Scholarship covers 100% of tuition fees and a monthly stipend and accommodation in the amount of 16.000 Baht.

• Institution: Chulalongkorn University
• Study in: Thailand

9. Gates Cambridge Scholarship

Gates Cambridge Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship for international students. This scholarship is offered for masters and PhD studies. This scholarship provides £17,500 stipend per annum, health insurance, academic development funding up to £2,000 and family allowance up to £10,120.

• Institution: University of Cambridge
• Study in: UK

10. Stanford University Scholarships

Stanford University Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship for international students. This scholarship is offered for Masters and Ph.D studies. This scholarship is offering full tuition fees, traveling allowance, Living allowance and academic expenses.

• Institution: Stanford University

11. Muhammad Bin Zaid University Scholarships

Muhammad Bin Zaid University Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship for international students. This scholarship is offered for masters and doctoral studies. The MBZUAI scholarship offers 100% tuition fees waiver, monthly stipend, accommodation and many more benefits.

• Institution: Muhammad Bin Zaid University
• Study in: UAE

12. Hungary Government Scholarship

Hungary Government Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship for international students to study undergraduate, masters and PhD at Hungarian Universities . Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship will cover tuition fees, stipend of HUF 43,700/month, accommodation contribution of  HUF 40 000/month and medical insurance for up to HUF 65 000 a year/person

• Institution: Hungarian Universities
• Study in: Hungary
• Level of Study: Undergraduate/ Masters / PhD

13. Australian Government Research Training Program

Australia Government Research Training Program Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship for international students. This scholarship is offered for masters and PhD studies. RTP scholarship provides maximum monthly stipend of $50,291, fees Offset pays for the tuition fees and allowances to assist students with ancillary costs of a higher degree by research.

• Institution: Australian Universities
• Study in: Australia

14. University of British Columbia Doctoral Fellowship Program

University of British Columbia (UBC) Four Years Doctoral Fellowship Program (4YF) is a fully funded scholarship for international students. This scholarship is offered for Doctoral studies. This scholarship is valued at $18,200 stipend plus full tuition coverage for four years.

• Institution: University of British Columbia
• Study in: Canada
• Level of Study: PhD

15. Imperial College London President’s PhD Scholarship

Imperial College London President’s PhD Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship for international students. 50 fully-funded scholarships are awarded each year. This scholarship covers full tuition fees, a stipend of £25,150 per annum, and a consumables fund of £2,000 per annum.

• Institution: Imperial College London

16. SIIT Scholarships

Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology (SIIT) Scholarships are fully funded masters and doctoral scholarships for international students. This Scholarship covers full tuition and educational support fees and a living allowance of 10,000 baht per Month.

• Institution: Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology
• Level of Study: Masters/ PhD

17. Chinese Provincial Government Scholarships

Chinese Provincial Government Scholarships invites applications from international students who want to pursue undergraduate, postgraduate or language studies at top Chinese universities. These are fully funded scholarships and cover accommodation, health insurance and monthly living stipend.

• Institution: Chinese universities
• Level of Study: Undergraduate / Masters/ PhD

18. Leo Baeck Fellowship

The Leo Baeck Fellowship program is a fully funded research grant opportunity for international students. This scholarship provides a monthly stipend of EUR 1,550 plus a monthly research cost allowance of EUR 100.

• Institution: Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes
• Level of Study: PhD (Research Fellowship)

19. King Fahd University Scholarship

King Fahd University Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship for international students. KFUPM scholarship is available for masters and PhD studies and provides full free tuition support, monthly living allowance, on-campus housing, medical coverage and relocation support.

• Institution: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM)
• Study in: Saudi Arabia

20. King Abdullah University Scholarship

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship for international students. This scholarship is available for masters and PhD studies and provides full free tuition support, annual living allowance up to $30,000, on-campus housing, medical and dental coverage and relocation support.

• Institution: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)

21. IRP Research Grant Switzerland

IRP Research Grant is a fully funded scholarship for international students. The IRP Foundations have the exclusive objective of promoting fundamental and clinical research linked to spinal cord injury. Each proposal retained will be financed for 2 years, to the value up to 150,000 Swiss Francs

• Institution: IRP
• Study in: Switzerland
• Level of Study: Masters/ PhD (Research Grant)

22. Knight Hennesy Scholarship

Knight Hennesy Scholarship are fully funded scholarships for international students. These scholarships are offered for Masters and PhD studies. These scholarships cover full tuition fees, traveling allowance, Living allowance and academic expenses.

23. AAUW International Fellowship Program

AAUW Fellowship Program is a fully funded scholarship. This scholarship is offered by The American Association of University Women, USA. International students from all world countries are eligible to apply. This scholarship is only available for graduate and post graduate studies in any subject offered by university. AAUW Fellowship Program covers $20,000 to $50,000 per year, contingent upon meeting academic standards for renewal. 

• Institution: The American Association of University Women
• Level of Study: Masters/ PhD / Postdoctoral

24. Jefferson Scholars Foundation National Fellowship

Jefferson Scholars Foundation National Fellowship is a fully funded PhD scholarship for international students. This fellowship will provide $25,000, an office, stack access, inter-library loan privileges, internet access, the opportunity to present a paper in Hagley’s seminar series, and use of Hagley’s discounted scholar’s accommodations.

• Institution: Jefferson Scholars Foundation

25. Harvard University Scholarships

Harvard University Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship for international students. This scholarship is offered for postdoctoral research studies. Postdoctoral Academy Scholars will receive an annual stipend of 75,000$.

• Institution: Harvard University
• Level of Study: PhD/ Postdoctoral

Studentships and doctoral training

Get a studentship to fund your doctorate.

UKRI studentships offer funding for doctoral research. They also offer you access to training, networking and development opportunities to help you build a research and innovation career.

Our expectations for research organisations, supervisors and students are set out in the statement of expectations for doctoral training .

You could get:

• a minimum stipend of £19,237 per year for your living costs, which is paid to you in regular instalments
• support for your tuition fees (minimum £4,786 per year)

The stipend is usually non-taxable and does not need to be paid back. Some research organisations may offer more if you study in London, or they or one of their collaborators might decide to top up the payment. This will be outlined in the studentship advert from the research organisation.

We normally pay the support for tuition fees directly to your research organisation.

The levels given here are for the academic year 2024 to 2025. UKRI’s approach to doctoral stipend and fee levels will be reviewed through the  new deal for postgraduate research .

Additional support for your doctoral studies

As a UKRI-funded doctoral student, you may be able to access additional funding to cover the cost of other related training and development opportunities.

This could include:

• conference attendance
• language training
• overseas research visits
• internships or placements with a non-academic partner

The availability of support will depend on the research organisation and the training grants they have on offer. You should contact the research organisation you are interested in applying to, to find out what you could get.

Extra support if you have a disability

If you have a disability, you may be entitled to a Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) on top of your studentship.

You should speak to your research organisation’s disability advisor to assess your needs. They can help put the right support in place, including a DSA application if necessary. You cannot claim DSA directly from UKRI.

DSA helps to cover the cost of any additional support that a person studying for a doctorate might need as a result of a disability, mental health problem or specific learning difficulty.

The allowance covers:

• non-medical personal assistance
• specialist equipment
• extra travel costs
• general expenses

Find out more about DSA in our framework .

If you are a research organisation you can download claim forms and guidance for DSA .

Who can apply

Any prospective doctoral student wishing to study at a UK research organisation, including prospective international students, can apply for a UKRI studentship.

All UKRI-funded doctoral students will be eligible for the full award, both the stipend to support living costs, and home-level fees at the UK research organisation rate.

How to find opportunities

Many UK research organisations offer some form of studentship funding from UKRI. These opportunities will depend on the subject you want to study and will normally be advertised by the research organisations.

Research organisations may have additional opportunities that do not involve UKRI. UKRI supports around 20% of all UK-based postgraduate researchers. You should speak to the research organisation you are interested in to find out what studentships are available.

You could also consider using a specialist website like   FindaPhD  to look for opportunities.

When to apply

Research organisations set their own deadlines for applications.

Many open for applications early in the academic year and close in January or February. This is not a hard and fast rule. It is important that you check the deadlines for the research organisation where you want to study.

How to apply

You cannot apply to UKRI for a studentship. You must contact the research organisation you are interested in studying with and use their application process.

For doctoral students who are already studying with a studentship, there are opportunities to get additional funding to support placements that are separate from your doctorate.  Find training and development opportunities .

Last updated: 14 February 2024

This is the website for UKRI: our seven research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Let us know if you have feedback or would like to help improve our online products and services .

Medical Scholarships for Graduate Students in 2024 🩺

Congratulations on finishing your pre-med studies! Continuing your education isn’t always easy, especially when cost is a factor. You’ve come this far – let Going Merry help you find additional funds for school. Check out the list of medical scholarships for graduate students below!

1. Tylenol Future Care Scholars Scholarship

2. nbme/nmf scholarship fund, 3. buckfire & buckfire, p.c. medical school diversity scholarship, 4. healthcare professional scholarship, 5. boardvitals medical school scholarship, 6. avacare medical scholarship, 7. aica orthopedics’ scholarship program.

• 8. Headbang For Science Scholarship 

9. Healthcare Leaders Scholarship

10. cancer scholarship, 11. michael moody fitness scholarship, 12. pre-med & medical student scholarship, 13. the pro-care medical track scholarship, 14. explore medical careers scholarship.

Amount : $10,000

Provider : Tylenol®

Each year the makers of TYLENOL® award annual scholarships to well-deserving students pursuing careers in healthcare. Ten (10) $10,000 scholarships and twenty-five (25) $5,000 scholarships are awarded annually. 

Eligibility Requirements :

• Applicant must be a U.S. resident.
• Applicant must be a graduate student or a college senior who will be enrolling in graduate school during the upcoming academic year.
• Applicant must have one or more years of school remaining.
• Applicant must pursue a career in healthcare.

Provider : National Medical Fellowships

Established in 2023 by the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME), this award will provide a $10,000 scholarship to students with demonstrated financial need who are enrolled in a U.S.-accredited (M.D./D.O.) program. This award may be renewed for up to two years if the scholar continues to meet the scholarship’s eligibility requirements.

Eligibility Requirements

• Applicant must demonstrate financial need.
• Applicant must be enrolled in a U.S. accredited (M.D./D.O.) program.
• Applicant must be a U.S. Citizen or DACA Recipient.

Amount : $2,000

Provider : Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C.

The scholarship, established in 2014, is part of the law firm’s initiative to recognize medical school students who do outstanding work to promote ethnic diversity in their community.

The funds are to be used toward his or her continued education in medical school. The scholarship is available to all medical school students in the United States who work hard to promote ethnic diversity in their communities.

• Applicant must be a member of an ethnic, racial, or other minority or any individual who demonstrates a defined commitment to issues of diversity within their community.
• Applicant must be a U.S. citizen currently attending an accredited medical school within the United States.
• Applicant must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and have completed at least one semester of classes at an accredited medical school.
• Applicant must have completed at least one semester of classes at an accredited medical school.

Amount : $1,000

Provider : The Law Offices of Joseph J. Bogdan, LLC

The Law Offices of Joseph J. Bogdan, LLC are offering a $1,000 Healthcare Professional Scholarship to support the education of a student who is pursuing a career in healthcare that requires a professional license. 

• Applicant must be enrolled in an accredited U.S. undergraduate or graduate program.
• Applicant must be at least 18 years old.
• Applicant must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Applicant must have a GPA of at least 3.5.

Provider : BoardVitals

BoardVitals is committed to helping students pursue their medical education and successfully make an impact in their field post-graduation. With that in mind, they are giving away scholarships to medical students or medical residents in strong academic standing who are passionate about the impact experience has on newfound perspectives in medicine.

• Applicant must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. Permanent Resident.
• Applicant must be a 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or a 4th-year medical student enrolled in an MD/DO accredited Medical School in the United States OR in a medical residency program.
• Applicant must study Medicine.

Amount: $1,000

Provider : AvaCare Medical

The AvaCare Medical Scholarship recognizes those who are working to better the lives of our customers, students who are pursuing a degree in the medical field, with a prize of $1000 toward college tuition. This scholarship is awarded annually to one submission that tells about an inspiring act of kindness.

• Applicant must be a U.S. Citizen or in possession of an Alien Registration Card.
• Applicant must be a high school senior or enrolled in an accredited U.S. college or university.
• Applicant must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• Applicant must be pursuing a degree in the medical field.

Provider : AICA Orthopedics

AICA is a multi-specialty ortho, joint, and chiro clinic that is looking to give back to the community and help one student with financial assistance for their educational expenses. Students studying in the healthcare, medical, and law fields are particularly encouraged to apply.

• Applicant must be current or prospective students enrolled full-time at an accredited U.S. university.
• Applicant must be 18 or older.
• Applicant must be able to deliver all documents specified (proof of enrollment, essay, and other information as needed).

8. Headbang For Science Scholarship  

Amount : $11,000

Provider : Headbang for Science

Headbang For Science, a 501(c)(3) public charity, is an annual scholarship award for high school seniors, undergrads, and grad students pursuing careers in healthcare and/or the physical sciences that also love heavy metal music. 🤘🎸

• Applicant must be a high school senior or current four-year undergraduate or graduate student.
• Applicant must be pursuing a degree in healthcare or physical sciences.
• Applicant must have a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Applicant must love Heavy Metal music.

Amount : $1,500

Provider : Nurse.org

The Healthcare Leaders Scholarship is offered to students entering or currently pursuing an educational program related to nursing or medicine. 

• Applicant must be a US citizen.
• Applicant must be at least 17 years of age.

Amount : $2,500

Provider : Laborde Earles Law Firm LLC

The Laborde Earles Law Firm LLC invites college students to apply for the Cancer Scholarship. Laborde Earles Law Firm LLC is proud to sponsor the scholarship as a way of supporting young scholars.

• Applicant must be admitted to or currently attending a college or university, or graduate school.
• Applicant must be planning to study medicine, public health, law, toxicology, or another related field.
• Applicant must be a United States Citizen or otherwise authorized to work or attend school in the United States.

Provider : Michael Moody Fitness

The Michael Moody Fitness Scholarship is a college scholarship of $1,500 awarded to a high school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student who has demonstrated outstanding achievement, participation and leadership in school activities and work experience, and interest in pursuing a career in the health and fitness related fields. The student may apply and use the money for education-related expenses, including tuition, fees, books, supplies, room, and board. The program will accept scholarship applications until 1,000 scholarship applications are submitted or until the deadline, whichever comes first.

• Applicant must be a U.S. Citizen or legal resident living or claiming residency in one of the 50 united states, Washington, D.C. or Puerto Rico.
• Applicant must be a current high school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student who plans to enroll full-time in an accredited two-year or four-year college or university in the United States for the entire upcoming academic year.
• Applicant must demonstrate ambition and self-drive as evidenced by outstanding achievement in school, and participation and leadership in school activities and work experience.
• Applicant must demonstrate an interest in pursuing a career in the health and fitness-related fields.
• Applicant must be enrolled in a health-related major.

Provider : LocumJobsOnline

LocumJobsOnline.com is awarding one (1) $1,000 scholarship to students. Applicants are asked to write a compelling essay describing their personal story, what has inspired them to pursue a career as a physician, and how this scholarship will help them achieve their goals.

• Applicant must be a pre-med student, medical student, or Ph. D. student at an accredited U.S. medical school.
• Applicant must be a legal U.S. Resident.
• Applicant must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.
• Applicant must be 18 years old or older.

Amount : $500

Provider : Pro-Care Medical Centers

Are you a high school or college student studying to become a nurse, doctor, chiropractor, or another medical specialist? Pro-Care Medical Centers want to help you on your journey with a $500 annual scholarship!

• Applicant must be a current high school or college student.
• Applicant must be intending to major in a health-related field.
• Applicant must have a minimum 3.5 high school or college-level GPA.

Amount : up to $1,500

Provider : Explore Medical Careers

Every year, ExploreMedicalCareers.com offers three scholarships to students on their way to becoming medical professionals. This scholarship requires applicants to write a 1,000+ word essay titled: “How to remedy the healthcare industry in the United States and provide affordable care.”

• Applicant must pursue a medical-related career.
• Applicant must show proof of enrollment to their current school.

Disclaimer: This blog post provides personal finance educational information, and it is not intended to provide legal, financial, or tax advice.

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Types of grants and scholarships

Comparing school costs with and without aid, employer assistance and fellowships, federal student aid, private student loans, other options, affording your graduate degree: a comprehensive guide.

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• If you plan to attend graduate school, it's important to understand the costs up front. 
• Grants, scholarships, and fellowships help pay for school without unnecessary loans. 
• Other options to pay for school include an assistantship or a part-time job.

Free money first: grants and scholarships

You may be considering graduate school to further your education. But the high costs to attend grad school might make you think twice about committing to more classes. 

The good news is that grad students have plenty of options to cover those costs. However, the best options are funds you don't have to repay.

Research is key

Grants, scholarships, and fellowships are all forms of gift aid — meaning they allow you to fund grad school without having to pay the money back. 

In general, students who qualify for state or federal grants will access the funds by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). In contrast, scholarships are often targeted at specific groups, like athletes or women in STEM. Most scholarships require you to submit a unique application to share your qualifications for the award. 

Finally, fellowships are typically awarded by schools and other organizations to students on a merit basis. Many fellowships go beyond covering your tuition to provide a stipend for living expenses. 

"Utilizing grants, scholarships, and fellowships as financial aid options enables students to substantially minimize or even completely eradicate the necessity for student loans," says Trinity Owen, NFEC Certified Financial Education Instructor and owner of The Pay at Home Parent .  

As a graduate student, relying on grants, scholarships, and fellowships is better than taking out loans to pay for school. When you graduate from your program, repaying your student loans can have a substantial negative impact on your financial situation. Graduating without any debt — or with a smaller debt burden — can lead to a more comfortable life after graduation. 

The first step is to fill out the FAFSA. Depending on your financial situation, you may qualify for need-based financial aid. Even if you didn't qualify for this type of aid as an undergraduate, a change to your dependency status or a lower income could have a big impact on your access to gift aid. 

Merit-based 

Merit-based scholarships are often awarded for academic or other achievements, often pertaining to the field you're going into.

Subject-specific

Subject-specific fellowships are usually merit-based opportunities to study a particular subject. The length of a fellowship might range from a few months to several years. Typically, you'll get a stipend for living expenses on top of your tuition costs.

Paying for graduate school is often not as simple as finding a single grant to cover the entire cost. Instead, you might piece together smaller grants and scholarships to make your graduate school experience financially feasible. 

The reality is that any free money you obtain will have a positive impact on your financial future. Below we will explore how much you stand to save if your entire graduate education costs $50,000:

Employer tuition reimbursement

Many large companies offer educational assistance to their employees. While you might have to go to school at a different pace, getting through school debt-free might be worth it.

Graduate assistantships

Many graduate programs offer assistantships to their students. In exchange for teaching classes or conducting research, the school may waive your tuition and possibly provide a living stipend. You can find out more about these opportunities directly from the administrator of your program. 

Fellowships

Fellowships are usually merit-based opportunities to study a particular subject. The length of a fellowship might range from a few months to several years. Typically, you'll get a stipend for living expenses on top of your tuition costs. 

Start with the FAFSA

File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, to determine eligibility for federal loans and work-study. The FAFSA is a form that determines what types of student aid you qualify for. You'll need to provide various documents to determine how much financial aid you'll receive. 

Types of federal loans

Direct unsubsidized loans: With direct unsubsidized loans , you are responsible for the interest that accrues during all periods.

Direct PLUS loans (for graduate or professional students): A Direct PLUS Loan is the federal option for parent loans. PLUS stands for Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students. You can use them to pay for expenses not covered by other financial aid offered by your child's school.

You can find scholarships available through countless organizations targeted to specific groups. Consider using a scholarship search engine, like Big Future by College Board , to find opportunities.

Before committing to a loan, shop around for the best rates and repayment options — not all private loans are created equal. For borrowers with limited credit history or lower credit scores, consider having a cosigner on your loan .

TEACH grants

If you are planning to pursue a career in teaching, you can tap into up to $4,000 per year in grants. At the end of your education, you must teach in a high-need field as a full-time teacher at a school that serves low-income students for at least four years. If you don't meet the service obligation, the grant will be converted into a loan. 

Fulbright grants

Fulbright grants allow U.S. citizens to pursue graduate school abroad. 

State-sponsored grants

Many states offer grants to students based on financial need or to those pursuing education in a specific field. Your school's financial aid office can highlight any state-sponsored grants you may qualify for. 

Organizational grants

Many organizations offer grants to their members. If you or your family is part of an organization, find out if they have grants available for graduate students.

If you can't afford grad school, don't give up! Explore all options, consider part-time programs, or research schools with lower tuition.

Make sure you remain cautious of taking on too much debt. Borrow only what you need and research affordable programs.

Yes, there are some student loan forgiveness programs for graduate school, such as Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and certain state-based programs.

Paying for grad school: Conclusion

Paying for graduate school requires careful planning and research. By exploring multiple funding options, prioritizing free money and lower-cost loans, and managing your finances wisely, you can reduce your debt burden and focus on your academic goals.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

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Record-setting 18 Fulbright recipients top list of student scholar honors for 2024

In 2019, Baylor set a school-record with seven Fulbright scholarship recipients — part of the nation’s flagship program for international graduate study and education. In 2022, Baylor doubled that record with 14 Fulbrights.

Now, just two years later, a new school record has been set — again — as 18 (!!!) Baylor students and recent alumni have won prestigious Fulbright awards for 2024. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg .

This spring, Baylor Bears have also earned an unprecedented fourth Churchill Scholarship in four years (Baylor’s first four years in the program), a school-record four Critical Language Scholarships from the U.S. Department of State, and a school-record three Goldwater Scholarships. But the list doesn’t stop there; Bears also won two NSF Graduate Research Fellowships, a Boren Scholarship, and a GEM Fellowship.

Here’s the (lengthy) list of honorees, along with where the honors will take them:

• Sarah Beno , senior biology major from Albuquerque — Goldwater Scholarship to pursue a Ph.D. in cellular and molecular biology
• Kaley Birchfield (BS ’24), communication sciences and disorders graduate from Sammamish, Wash. — Fulbright English Teaching Assistant award to Spain
• Josh Browder , senior University Scholar/international studies major from Norman, Okla. — Critical Language Scholarship to study Japanese in Japan
• Auldynn Chambers (BSME ’24), mechanical engineering graduate from McKinney, Texas — GEM Fellowship to pursue a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering at Carnegie Mellon University
• Annie Himler Cheng , doctoral candidate in history from Eagle, Idaho — Fulbright Study/Research award to Cambodia
• Taylor Chung , senior political science and Arabic and Middle East Studies major — Critical Language Scholarship to study Arabic in Morocco, and a Boren Scholarship to study Swahili in Tanzania
• Coleman Crosby (BSED ’20), Spanish education graduate from Kansas City — Fulbright English Teaching Assistant award to Spain
• Jennifer de la Fuente (BA ’21), Latin American studies graduate from Mission, Texas — Fulbright English Teaching Assistant award to South Korea
• Madelene Do (BS ’24), health and science studies graduate from Murphy, Texas — Fulbright English Teaching Assistant award to Vietnam
• Isabelle Ford (BS ’24), biochemistry graduate from Aurora, Colo. — Fulbright Study/Research award to The Netherlands
• Katrina Gallegos (MA ’23), museum studies (master’s) graduate from Albuquerque — Fulbright English Teaching Assistant to Portugal
• Jacelyn Jamison , senior elementary education major from Plano, Texas — Fulbright English Teaching Assistant award to South Korea
• Laura Kusumo (BS ’23), neuroscience graduate and Ph.D. candidate in psychology — NSF Graduate Research Fellowship to study behavioral neuroscience concentration at Baylor
• Allie North , senior Science Research Fellow from Waco — Goldwater Scholarship to pursue a Ph.D. in planetary geoscience or geophysics
• Emily O’Kief (BA ’24), University Scholar graduate from Seward, Neb. — Fulbright English Teaching Assistant award to Serbia
• Emmalyn Oscarson (BA ’23), international/global studies graduate from Sanger, Texas — Fulbright English Teaching Assistant award to Romania
• Elijah Roberts (BA ’24), University Scholar graduate from Austin — Fulbright English Teaching Assistant award to Germany
• Manasi Rungta (BBA ’22), Business Fellows and management graduate from Houston — Fulbright English Teaching Assistant award to Laos
• Manav Rungta (BBA ’22), Business Fellows and management graduate from Houston — Fulbright English Teaching Assistant award to Indonesia
• Genesis Santos (BSED ’24), elementary education graduate from Waco — Fulbright English Teaching Assistant award to Mexico
• Josie Sawyer (BA ’24), political science and Slavic and East European studies graduate from Augusta, Maine — Fulbright English Teaching Assistant award to the Slovak Republic
• William Smith , senior Science Research Fellow from Allen, Texas — Goldwater Scholarship to pursue a Ph.D. in applied physics
• Alagu Subramanian (BA ’23), University Scholar graduate from San Ramon, Calif. — Churchill Scholarship to pursue an M.Phil. in Medical Science at the University of Cambridge
• Heavenlei Thomas (BA ’23), psychology graduate — NSF Graduate Research Fellowship to pursue a graduate degree in psychology at Rice University
• Sophie Webster (BA ’23), University Scholar graduate from Houston — Fulbright English Teaching Assistant award to Poland
• Emily Wicker (MA ’22), Spanish master’s graduate and lecturer in Spanish from Norfolk, Neb. — Fulbright English Teaching Assistant award to Colombia
• Emma Wrona (BA ’24), University Scholar/international studies graduate from Fort Collins, Colo. — Fulbright English Teaching Assistant award to Taiwan, and a Critical Language Scholarship to study Turkish in Turkey
• Josiah Zeigler (BA ’24), Arabic and Middle East Studies and political science graduate from St. Louis — Critical Language Scholarship to study Arabic in Jordan

(Learn more about each of the honorees and their awards in this press release .)

“Another record-setting year is thrilling, primarily because of what it means for the students who have been afforded these opportunities to live and study and serve around the world,” says Dr. Andrew Hogue (MA ’05, PhD ’09), associate dean for engaged learning at Baylor. “This is a sign that our students have been transformed by their faculty and staff mentors, have achieved at the highest levels, and are fully prepared for a lifetime of worldwide leadership and service.”

Sic ’em, Bears!

You might also like: * U.S. Dept. of State honors Baylor as a ‘Fulbright Top Producing Institution’ (March 2023) * Years later, Baylor grads share where Fulbright, Truman & other scholarships have taken them (Feb. 2023)

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Concordia doctoral researchers awarded Vanier Graduate Scholarships

Three Concordia PhD researchers have been selected this year for Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships . Jiami Yang, Lauren Laframboise and Francesco MacAllister-Caruso will each receive the three-year awards, valued at $50,000 annually.

Launched by the Government of Canada in 2008, the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships program aims to position the country as a centre of global excellence in graduate research. Each year, the program recognizes select PhD researchers from around the world for their significant contributions to the social sciences, humanities, natural sciences, engineering or health.

Meet the winners, discover their research

Concordia Institute for Information Systems Engineering Supervisor: Yong Zeng , professor

“Unearthing Human Behaviour Patterns from Textual Data for Sustainable Product Design”

Jiami Yang’s research focuses on linking sustainable product design with human behaviour by developing advanced AI algorithms to analyze patterns from natural language texts. Yang uses frameworks like TASKS, ROM and EBD in their work to promote environmentally responsible product use through better design. The 2024–28 project aims to develop tools to help designers create products that promote sustainable behaviours, potentially redefining the role of products in fostering sustainability.

Lauren Laframboise

Department of History Supervisor: Steven High , professor

“The Gendered Pathways of Decline: Lived Experiences of Deindustrialization in Montreal and New York’s Garment Industries”

Over the past 60 years, the North American economy has shifted dramatically, leading to widespread job losses in manufacturing due to increased imports, globalization and new technologies. Deindustrialization has significantly affected industries like steel, auto, electronics and textiles; in Montreal alone, roughly 27,000 clothing manufacturing jobs were lost in between 1976 and 1996.

Lauren Laframboise’s PhD project examines how women and immigrant workers, particularly those in Montreal and New York City, experienced and resisted these changes, focusing on strikes and the role of unions during this period of decline.

Francesco MacAllister-Caruso

Department of Political Science Supervisor: Kimberley Manning , professor

“Democracy Beyond the Binary: A Mixed-Methods Study of the Political Representation of Two-Spirit, Trans, and Nonbinary People in Canadian Federal and Provincial Legislative Elections”

Since 1979, over 40 out lesbian, gay, bisexual or queer (LGBQ) people have been elected to office in Canada. By comparison, only five out Two-Spirit, transgender or nonbinary (2S/TNB) people have been elected since 2015. Research on gender and sexual minorities in Canadian politics often lumps all these identities together under the LGBTQ initialism, overlooking the distinct needs and experiences of 2S/TNB individuals.

Francesco MacAllister-Caruso’s study aims to fill this research gap by exploring how 2S/TNB political representation compares to that of LGBQ people, examining the policies each group promotes, how they are perceived by their communities and how their demographics match their electorate.  

Discover more graduate funding opportunities from Concordia’s School of Graduate Studies .

Related topics

You might also like:.

• Concordia awards 12 Gina Cody School professors new innovation fellowships
• Concordia to award 9 honorary doctorates at its spring 2024 convocation

Times Higher Education recognizes Concordia as a top 100 young university worldwide

‘My experiences equipped me with the skills and confidence to succeed’

Concordia brings its know-how to Quebec’s new aerospace innovation zone, Espace Aéro

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PhD candidate receives scholarship for academia research

This unrestricted $7,500 award will allow Spoon to focus on her research for the final year of her PhD. 

What does it mean to have received this scholarship?

I had been seeking additional funding for the final year of PhD to allow me to focus on my research full-time, and this scholarship will help me to do that, which I am very grateful for. I have been funded by the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship the past 3 years but my funding is up in August, so I had been searching for funding opportunities for my final year of my PhD in order to free up as much time as possible to finish my dissertation research. 

What will this funding allow you to pursue?

In the final year of my PhD, I will complete two projects relying on restricted-use government data. 

The first project encompasses in part the thesis for my master’s degree in education policy, which I have been working on concurrently during my PhD in computer science. I am leading a data linkage project with restricted-use data from the U.S. Census Bureau and college and careers data from the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics to measure how access to STEM careers differs for students from different geographic and demographic backgrounds, and for those who took different educational pathways to their jobs.

The second project is a collaboration with the U.S. Census Bureau Center for Economic Studies to link faculty employment records with detailed restricted-use demographic and earnings information over time to study earnings gaps in academia across gender, race, and institution.

I will also be helping with several collaborative projects in my lab group given my expertise in running large surveys of faculty through prior work. 

​What is the process like to receive this scholarship? 

The scholarship had a nomination process, but we could self-nominate, which is what I did. We wrote short answers about our research experiences, career plans, and motivations for applying for the scholarship.

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