Fellowships

Fellowships are competitive awards that generally do not require work in exchange for the funds. They are intended to fund academic study and research. Fellowships may be offered by departments, the University, the federal government or private agencies.

Every fellowship has different provisions, so take note of what is offered. What is the length of the fellowship? What is the funding level? Does it include insurance or a tuition waiver? Does the funding come to you through the University, or are you paid directly by the funder? Are you permitted to accept other sources of funding simultaneously while receiving the fellowship? We encourage you to communicate with your department and, if applicable, the Office of Student Financial Aid, about any fellowship you receive.

Finding fellowships Applying for fellowships

Give yourself plenty of time to write, re-write and gather supplementary materials for the application. Most fellowship competitions have deadlines six to twelve months prior to when recipients receive the funding, and they usually require personal statements and letters of recommendation that may take several months to compile.

After you receive a fellowship, remember it is your responsibility to ensure that the fellowship requirements are met, such as enrollment or reporting to the funding agency. If you have questions, you may contact the graduate advisor in your department or the Graduate School’s Office of Fellowships and Awards.