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Degree Type: Doctoral Students

Critical Language Scholarship Program

The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program is a fully funded summer overseas language and cultural immersion program for American undergraduate and graduate students. With the goal of broadening the base of Americans studying and mastering critical languages and building relationships between the people of the United States and other countries, CLS provides opportunities to a diverse range of students from across the United States at every level of language learning.

The CLS Program seeks participants from a variety of fields, backgrounds, and career paths, with the goal of building a cadre of Americans who speak critical languages at high levels in government, business, arts and culture, science and engineering, health and medicine, education, research, and other fields.

The CLS Program is a program of the U.S. Department of State.

Application Deadline: Tuesday, November 14, 2023, 5 p.m. Pacific

Eligibility

To apply for the CLS Program you must, at the time of submitting your application:

  • Be a U.S. citizen (non-citizens, including permanent residents are not eligible)
  • Be enrolled in an accredited U.S. degree-granting program at the undergraduate or graduate level at the time of the application deadline. Special circumstances allowed are detailed on the CLS Program website.

In order to participate in the CLS Program you must, by the beginning of your program:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Be in acceptable mental and physical health
  • Receive an appropriate visa from the country of study (deadlines vary by country)

More information about eligibility requirements >

Application process

All application materials are completed online. The application portal typically opens in early October. In addition to filling in required background information, applicants must complete short-answer essays and a statement of purpose.

OPEN A CLS APPLICATION

Materials and resources

Writing workshops for the CLS Program are typically held for UW students in autumn quarter. Check our Events and Deadlines calendar for upcoming sessions.

Additional information for applicants, including recorded webinars, are available on the CLS website.

Questions?

Michelle Sutton in the Office of Fellowships and Awards can assist you with questions and provide application support.

Awardee Stories

Isy Okafor on building language skills through fellowships
Have you ever had a goal or dream so ambitious it felt impossible to reach?...
Critical Language Scholarship Awardee Kelsey Bilek Studies Swahili in Tanzania
Kelsey Bilek spent the summer studying Swahili as an awardee of the 2019 U.S. Department of...

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Bullitt Foundation Environmental Leadership Fellowship

The Bullitt Foundation Environmental Fellowship is a program to identify and support environmentally focused leaders in the Pacific Northwest.

The Bullitt Environmental Fellowship is an award that provides a currently enrolled graduate student with a $100,000 prize over a two-year span of time to advance a project, engage in creative thinking, or spur action to address a specific environmental issue that furthers the Bullitt Foundation’s mission, outreach and impact in the Emerald Corridor.

Larn More and Apply

Eligibility

The Foundation is seeking an award winner who can do the following:

  • Work to advance a specific objective related to an issue aligned with the Bullitt Foundation’s mission, goals and program areas.
  • Present a solid track record or plan for success in their endeavor.
  • Provide progress reports (both written and presented) to the Foundation’s Board of Trustees during the award time period.
  • When applicable, be open to collaboration or opportunities to attend relevant meetings, conferences, or other work in which Foundation staff is engaged.
  • Receive the award and be honored at an annual dinner hosted by the Foundation, and be available for media requests and award promotion.

To be eligible, Fellowship winners must have the following qualities:

  • Be nominated by a faculty member who has knowledge of the applicant’s studies and field work. We strongly encourage the nomination of persons of color.
  • Currently enrolled in a graduate program in British Columbia, Washington State or Oregon. Students who have been accepted but who have not yet begun classes are not eligible.
  • Have faced adversity, overcome a significant hardship, or dealt with a major disadvantage in life.
  • Work on, study, or be actively engaged in issues related to the Foundation’s goals in the Emerald Corridor (the area stretching from Vancouver, BC to Portland, OR).
  • Demonstrate a strong desire and capacity for leadership.
  • Be early in their career.

Awardee Stories

Maria Blancas Wins $100,000 Bullitt Environmental Fellowship
Maria Blancas, a PhD student in the School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, was awarded...

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National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program (NSF GRFP)

Award Information

The purpose of the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) is to support the vitality and diversity of the scientific and engineering workforce in the United States. The fellowship is awarded to prospective and current graduate students who have demonstrated their potential for significant achievements in science and engineering research.

This three-year fellowship, which can be used over the course of five years, includes:

  • $37,000 annual stipend
  • $16,000 towards tuition and fees (the remainder is covered by the Graduate School)

Application deadlines: late October (specific date varies depending on discipline)

Eligibility

Applicants must:

  • be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or U.S. permanent residents
  • be pursuing a research-based master’s or Ph.D. program in an NSF-supported field*
  • be enrolled at an accredited U.S. graduate institution, with a U.S. campus, by the fall after the application is submitted
  • have completed no more than 12 months of full-time graduate study (or the equivalent) by the application deadline, or meet the criteria for the extenuating circumstance described in Section IV of the Program Solicitation.
  • meet all other eligibility requirements as set forth in the current Program Solicitation

*NSF-supported fields of study include: social sciences, chemistry, computer science, engineering, geosciences, life sciences, materials research, mathematics, physics and astronomy, psychology (non-clinical), and STEM education research. For a complete list of disciplines, see “X. Appendix” in the NSF GRFP Solicitation.

Questions?

The Office of Fellowships & Awards can assist you with questions or application support.

Awardee Stories

NSF GRFP fellow Ashley Paynter on science and advocacy
“Am I going to be a ‘good’ scientist, and present myself in a palatable way,...
NSF GRFP Fellow Yasmine Farhat works to protect Cambodia’s food security
Yasmine Farhat, an NSF GRFP fellow in the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, is...
NSF GRFP fellow Jessica Hernandez helps restore Seattle’s Indigenous landscape
Jessica Hernandez, an NSF GRFP fellow and PhD student in the UW School of Environmental...

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Graduate Fellowships for STEM Diversity (GFSD)

Formerly known as the National Physical Science Consortium (NPSC), was founded in 1989 “To increase the number of American citizens with graduate degrees in STEM fields, emphasizing recruitment of a diverse applicant pool.” Graduate Fellowships for STEM Diversity (GFSD) is a partnership between federal agencies & laboratories, industry, and higher education institutions. GFSD has a strong partnership with the University of Southern California. GFSD is a registered US nonprofit (501c3). We are only able to support our fellows through partnerships and generous donation of our sponsors.

Learn More and Apply

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Dolores Zohrab Liebmann Fellowships

Dolores Zohrab Liebmann supported students and charitable organizations in her lifetime and created a fund to continue support after her death. The Dolores Zohrab Liebmann Fund supports graduate students with “outstanding character and ability who hold promise for achievement and distinction in their chosen fields of study.” The University of Washington is one of the institutions selected to submit three nominees for this national fellowship.

In 2024–25, the fellowship will provide an $18,000 stipend, plus tuition (no fees or health insurance). This annual award may be renewed for a total of three years.

Eligibility

All interested applicants must:

  • Be a UW doctoral or professional graduate student currently enrolled in a field of study that may include any recognized field of study in the humanities, social sciences, or natural sciences (including law, medicine, engineering, architecture, or other formal professional training). The national selection committee has a strong preference for supporting scholarly endeavors (not practice degrees).
  • Have received a baccalaureate degree and have an outstanding undergraduate record.
  • Show financial need (i.e., must have a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file with the UW Office of Student Financial Aid — if you do not already have one on file for this year you should file one immediately.)
  • Be a U.S. citizen.
  • Conduct their studies and research in the United States.

Application process

UW students may apply for nomination consideration through the Graduate School’s Office of Fellowships and Awards. Required materials are submitted online via MyGrad. Applications will be reviewed, and three nominees will be chosen for submission to the foundation.

Apply Now Via MyGrad

Initial applications need only answer some brief questions, then upload items 1-4 below. The three applicants chosen as nominees will be required to provide the last five items on the list. Please note: Nominees will have only one week to provide the additional items after being notified of nominee status. All applicants should be prepared to provide these items ASAP.

Application materials

By the campus deadline, all initial applicants must provide the following materials:

  1. Statement of purpose, up to three pages long (double-spaced) which considers the relationship between your graduate level study and your intended personal and/or professional goals. Your statement of purpose must include a 10-15 line abstract at the top (included in the three-page limit) that explains in layperson’s terms the essence of your proposed topic of study or dissertation, the methodology of its treatment and its anticipated impact on your field of study.
  2. Letters of recommendation from at least two professors who have taught or worked closely with you.
  3. Resume or curriculum vitae.
  4. Unofficial undergraduate and graduate transcripts. (NOTE: Final nominees will be required to submit official copies; please make sure you have these on hand or can get them quickly.)

Only those selected as final campus nominees will provide:

  1. Official Liebmann application form.
  2. Copy of graduate exam test scores printed from the test provider.
  3. Financial aid summary from the UW. You can print a copy from MyUW. If you have not already submitted a FAFSA for this current academic year, you should do so right away and well before our application deadline. If you are chosen as a nominee you will be required to provide verification of financial need from the Office of Student Financial Aid.
  4. One copy of your FAFSA.
  5. Copies of federal income tax forms for the prior two years (including spouse’s returns, if applicable).
  6. Official copies of undergraduate and graduate transcripts.

Please note: All final pieces of the application will need to be provided in paper format to the Office of Fellowships and Awards. Nominees will have only one week to provide the additional items after being notified of nominee status.

Questions?

The Office of Fellowships and Awards can assist you.

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Fanny & John Hertz Graduate Fellowships

The Hertz Fellowship provides financial and lifelong professional support for the nation’s most promising graduate students in science and technology. 

The fellowship includes up to five years of funding, valued at up to $250,000, and the freedom to pursue innovative projects wherever they may lead. In addition, fellows take part in ongoing mentoring, symposia, and workshops with our vibrant community of more than 1200 fellows, a set of peers who span disciplines, generations, and geography.

Before applying, we encourage you to explore the details of the fellowship to make sure it’s the right fit for you. You can email us with any questions at fellowshipinfo@hertzfoundation.org, or visit the Hertz website’s frequently asked questions.

Fellows

Katherine Xue, 2015 Hertz Fellow, Ph.D. in Genome Sciences

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DAAD: German Academic Exchange Service Fellowship

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is a publicly-funded independent organization of higher education institutions in Germany. Each year DAAD, its regional branch offices, its information centers, and DAAD professors around the globe provide information and financial support to more than 120,000 highly qualified students and faculty for international research and study. Visit the DAAD website for a full list of funded programs.

Research grants are awarded to highly qualified candidates who have completed a master’s degree or diploma, to those who have already completed a Ph.D., or to those wishing to earn a doctoral degree in Germany.

Those who have received an undergraduate degree of any discipline may apply for the DAAD Study Scholarship for a full master’s degree program at a German university, or for study at a German university as part of a post-graduate or master’s degree program completed in the home country.

Many study programs and research opportunities funded by DAAD do not require proficiency in the German language; applicants should indicate interest in developing proficiency in the language before and during time overseas.

Deadlines

  • UW campus priority status deadline: October 3, 2025
  • DAAD application deadline: Late October/Early November (exact date TBD), 3 p.m. (Pacific)

Those applying for graduate study scholarships and standard research grants (for a duration of at least 7 months) are eligible to be considered for UW’s single priority nomination. Per DAAD guidelines, applicants for shorter term research grants may not be considered for priority status.

Eligibility

  • Current UW graduate students or postdocs within two years of Ph.D. completion
  • Both U.S. citizens and international students are eligible to apply for DAAD awards; citizenship status may affect the types of awards for which students are eligible
  • Non-Ph.D. holders must be enrolled in a doctorate program at the time the grant is used
  • Doctoral students: the start of your doctorate should not be more than 3 years ago at the application deadline

View the DAAD FAQs for more information about eligibility.

Application process

Current graduate students who wish to be considered for the priority nomination should apply through the University of Washington. Both research and study applicants of all disciplines should find the appropriate program for which to apply through DAAD’s scholarship database. The program’s profile will indicate all required application materials.

Search the DAAD Scholarship Database View the DAAD Applicant Checklists
Apply for Priority Consideration:
  • Note: Only applicants proposing a research period of 7 months or longer may apply for priority consideration.
  • Once you have identified your desired program opportunity from the scholarship database, open an application in the DAAD online portal.
  • Complete all components of your online application, but do not submit the application.
  • Generate a recommendation form in the portal and instruct your reference writer to email the completed letter to you, or directly to the Office of Fellowships & Awards (gradappt@uw.edu) if they wish for the letter to be confidential.
    • NOTE: If your recommender prefers for your letter to be confidential, in addition to emailing the letter to Fellowships & Awards, they will also need to mail a hard copy to the DAAD before the final deadline: Regional Office New York, German Academic Exchange Service, 871 United Nations Plaza, New York, NY 10017.
  • Email a PDF copy of your application summary and all supplemental materials (letter of motivation, research proposal, CV, etc.) to gradappt@uw.edu by the priority deadline.
  • After the campus committee review, you will receive feedback and have the option to revise your application materials before submitting your application in the DAAD portal by the national deadline.
Apply without Priority Consideration:
  • Once you have identified your desired program opportunity from the scholarship database, open an application in the DAAD online portal.
  • Generate a recommendation form in the online portal and instruct your reference writer to either provide the letter to you electronically or mail the signed and completed form to the DAAD: Regional Office New York, German Academic Exchange Service, 871 United Nations Plaza, New York, NY 10017.
  • Complete all components of your online application and submit via the portal by the DAAD final deadline.
  • Note: all applicants proposing a research period of 6 months or less must apply without priority consideration.

Questions?

Michelle Sutton in the Office of Fellowships & Awards can assist you with questions and application support.

Consider registering for Global Fellowships Prep for additional online tips and resources.

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Fulbright U.S. Student Program

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program is the largest U.S. exchange program offering opportunities for students and young professionals to undertake international graduate study, advanced research, university teaching, and primary and secondary school teaching worldwide. The program awards more than 2,100 grants annually in all fields of study, and operates in about 140 countries worldwide. All students and recent alumni are encouraged to consider this great opportunity, whether as part of your academic program or outside of it.

UW DEADLINE: August 27, 2025

Information sessions for UW students and alumni

Attending an information session is vital to preparing a successful Fulbright application. Information sessions will be hosted online throughout spring quarter—check out our Calendar of Events.

Unable to attend an information session this cycle? Global Fellowships Prep is available to all UW students and alumni. The site hosts recordings of all workshops and panel events, as well as additional resources to help UW applicants prepare competitive proposals.

Learn More About Global Fellowships Prep

Eligibility

  • U.S. citizens (international students may be eligible for the Fulbright Foreign Student Program)
  • Master’s or doctoral degree student, professional degree student (without a Ph.D.), graduating senior, or alumni who hold at least a bachelor’s degree but not a Ph.D.

Application process

Current UW graduate students must apply through the UW campus process and meet our earlier campus deadline. The UW campus deadline for the 2026–2027 Fulbright U.S. student competition is August 27, 2025. Although the official Fulbright deadline is later, currently enrolled students MUST complete and submit all application materials by our earlier deadline. 

Graduate alumni are invited to apply through the UW campus process if they choose but may also apply at-large; applying through the UW campus process requires that you also meet the earlier campus deadline.

UW applicants are required to attend a virtual interview. Interviews will take place between Sept. 15-17, 2025. (NOTE: This is BEFORE autumn classes begin.)

The Institute of International Education (IIE)’s Fulbright website provides detailed information on the award itself and the application process.

Prospective applicants should check the eligibility requirements first. Then, closely read the country summary for the country to which you wish to apply. Each country has different guidelines, procedures and priorities. This is especially true of language and affiliation requirements. Pay close attention to the details in the country summary to make sure your interests match before proceeding with an application.

All applicants are strongly encouraged to register for Global Fellowships Prep (GFP) to gain access to UW application support, including application workshops, panel events, feedback sessions, and a wealth of curated online content to assist with putting together a competitive proposal.

Open a Fulbright U.S. Student Program Application

UW Fulbright Program Advisors

Several different Fulbright Program Advisors (FPAs) at the UW will assist you with understanding the Fulbright U.S. Student Program and putting your application together. We encourage you to connect with an FPA to discuss the process and your plans.

UW Seattle graduate and professional students (and recent Seattle campus graduates with master’s degrees but not PhDs) will apply through the Graduate School’s Office of Fellowships & Awards. FPA is Michelle Sutton; contact gradappt@uw.edu with application questions or to make an appointment to discuss your application.

UW Seattle undergraduate students (and recent bachelor’s degree graduates of the Seattle campus) will apply through the Office of Merit Scholarships, Fellowships and Awards. FPA is Chetana Acharya; contact scholarq@uw.edu with application questions or to make an appointment to discuss your application.

UW Bothell students and alumni at all levels will contact Merit Scholarships, Fellowships and Awards. FPA is Natalia Dyba, nataliak@uw.edu, UW1-160.

UW Tacoma students and alumni at all levels will contact UWT Global Affairs. FPA is Vanessa de Veritch Woodside, vdw@uw.edu.

UW alumni have the option of applying through the campus process, no matter how long it has been since they graduated. FPAs can help you determine if this is the best path for you to pursue, or whether you should apply as an At-Large candidate.

Materials and resources

Looking for more interactive support? Think about joining the UW Global Fellowships Prep community.

Following are links regarding the Fulbright program that are helpful during the application process:

Information for those writing reference letters

Awardee Stories

Q&A with 2024-25 Fulbright grantee Claire Rater
Claire Rater holds Master’s degrees in Epidemiology and Social Work and was awarded a Fulbright...
Four UW graduate students receive Fulbright awards for 2021–22
Four UW graduate students received Fulbright Fellowships for the 2021-2022 year, with awards to teach and conduct...
Megan Wing is the Fulbright recipient for 2022–2023
This year, one UW graduate student received a grant through the U.S. Fulbright Student Program...

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Fulbright-Hays Doctoral Dissertation Award

The Fulbright-Hays Doctoral Dissertation Research Abroad (DDRA) Fellowship provides funding for dissertation research abroad for graduate students pursuing non-Western European area studies. Geographic areas include: Africa; East, Southeast, and South Asia, Pacific Islands; Near East; East Central Europe and Eurasia; and the Western Hemisphere (excluding the United States and its territories).

UW DEADLINE: Wednesday, January 22, 2025, 9 a.m. Pacific

Office Hours

Interested applicants should watch our recorded information session prior to attending office hours (UW NetID required). 

Eligibility

  • Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents
  • Ph.D. candidates in modern area studies, planning a career in teaching, government, international development and the professions
  • Proficiency in the language of the host country is required

Application process

UW students must apply through the Graduate School’s Office of Fellowships and Awards; please contact us for information. Applications are submitted electronically using the U.S. Department of Education’s G6 submission system. Applicants will need to register to use G6 prior to starting an application. Applicants should notify Project Director Michelle Sutton of their intent to apply in an announced cycle as soon as possible: mdrapek@uw.edu.

DDRA Application and Instructions

Questions?

Michelle Sutton in the Office of Fellowships and Awards can assist you.

Awardee Stories

Two UW graduate students granted the Fulbright-Hays Doctoral Dissertation Research Abroad award
The Graduate School is pleased to announce that two graduate students have been named awardees of the Fulbright-Hays Doctoral Dissertation Research Abroad (DDRA) Award to conduct research in 2020-2021.

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DOE Computational Science Graduate Fellowship (CSGF)

Established in 1991, the Department of Energy Computational Science Graduate Fellowship (DOE CSGF) provides outstanding benefits and opportunities to students pursuing doctoral degrees in fields that use high-performance computing to solve complex science and engineering problems.

The program fosters a community of energetic and committed Ph.D. students, alumni, DOE laboratory staff and other scientists who want to have an impact on the nation while advancing their research. Fellows come from diverse scientific and engineering disciplines but share a common interest in using computing in their research.

Read More and Apply Return to List of Fellowships