Grad School Center

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

Share this on:

phd diploma

Find your perfect college degree

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.

GSC - Doctoral Student Undergrad Loans

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?

PhD Scholarships fact 2

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.

GSC - Sources of College Uni Scholarships

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.  

PhD Scholarships fact 4

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.

PhD Scholarships fact 5

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.

GSC - Proud of Scholarship

Related Posts

Best Graphing and Scientific Calculators for Grad Students - featured image

We’re certain of one thing—your search for more information on picking the best graduate degree or school landed you here. Let our experts help guide your through the decision making process with thoughtful content written by experts.

phdme-logo

Scholarships & Grants for Doctoral Students

Logo of "phds.me" featuring stylized text inside a yellow, rectangular outline, set against a white background.

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.

  • Scholarships
  • Fellowships
  • Fully-Funded Programs
  • Financing Timeline
  • Application Tips

Find your school in just 60 seconds

Find Your School in 3 Easy Steps

  • Take our quiz
  • Match with schools
  • Connect with favorites

Diverse group of five medical professionals smiling, including two male and three female doctors and nurses wearing lab coats and scrubs, standing confidently in front of a bright window, all recipients of scholarships.

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.

Related Pages

Financing Your PhD: Scholarships & Resources for Black Students

Financing Your PhD: Scholarships & Resources for Black Students

| April 17, 2023

Funding Your PhD: Scholarships and Resources for Latino and Hispanic PhD Students

Funding Your PhD: Scholarships and Resources for Latino and Hispanic PhD Students

| May 02, 2023

Most Affordable Online Doctoral and PhD Programs in 2024

Most Affordable Online Doctoral and PhD Programs in 2024

| July 30, 2023

  • Communications
  • Computer Science
  • Criminal Justice
  • Environmental Management
  • Forensic Psychology
  • Healthcare Admin
  • Human Resources
  • Project Management
  • Social work
  • Special Education
  • Sports Management
  • Supply Chain Management
  • Adult Education
  • Business Intelligence
  • Early Childhood Education
  • Educational Technology
  • Homeland Security
  • Information Systems Security
  • Information Technology
  • International Business
  • Management Information Systems
  • Nonprofit Management
  • School Counseling
  • Academic Publishing Guide
  • Building a Graduate School Resume or CV
  • Choosing Between a Thesis or Non-thesis Master's Degree
  • Expert Guide to Studying Abroad
  • FAQ: Online Master's Degrees
  • Grad School Guide Book
  • Graduate School for Students with Disabilities
  • Green Graduate Degrees
  • How to Be a Successful Grad Student
  • How to Choose the Right Graduate Program
  • How to Get a Master's Degree in an Unrelated Field
  • How to Transfer College Credits in Grad School
  • How to Write a Winning Personal Statement
  • Inside Graduate Admissions
  • Ivy League Grad Schools
  • Master's Degrees for Veterans
  • Master's Degree for Women
  • Mental Health in Grad School
  • Progressive LGBTQ Graduate Degrees
  • Should You Apply for a Graduate School Assistantship?
  • Surviving Grad School with a Family
  • Taking a Gap Year Before Grad School
  • Women in STEM Graduate Resources
  • Writing a Successful Statement of Purpose
  • Alternative Ways to Pay for School
  • The Best Part-Time Jobs During Grad School
  • Company Funded Graduate School
  • FAFSA For Grad Students
  • Financial Aid Resources
  • Graduate Student Loans
  • Paying for Your Master's Degree
  • Paying Off Student Loans
  • Paying for Your PhD
  • Fellowship Opportunities
  • LGBTQ Scholarships
  • MBA Scholarships
  • Scholarship Resources
  • Scholarships for Veterans
  • Scholarships for Women
  • Crushing the GRE Guidebook
  • GMAT Guidebook
  • Guide to the LSAT
  • MCAT Prep for Medical School
  • Study Guide: Exam Resources
  • TOEFL Prep for Non-Native English Speakers
  •       Financial Aid       Scholarship

Graduate School Scholarships Explore Funding Options to Finance an Advanced Degree

Graduate school is an exciting opportunity to expand career options, increase earning potential, and gain a deeper level of subject mastery. Despite the numerous benefits, prospective students often feel torn between furthering their educations and falling into debt. The scholarship guides below offer a variety of general scholarship information including hundreds of scholarships, fellowships and grants, key information to include when applying for funding, and a variety of resources for specific groups including women, military veterans, LGBTQ and MBA students.

  • Funding Your Future

Timeline for Tackling Scholarship Applications

Graduate scholarships by the numbers.

  • FACT OR FICTION: Grad School Scholarships

Funding Your Future: Search Scholarships, Find Resources and Tips for Applying

  • Scholarships for Military Veterans

It’s never too early to start creating a plan of attack for garnering scholarship funds, especially for graduate students who completed their baccalaureate degree a few years earlier and may be rusty on the process. While the majority of scholarships have varied requirements and deadlines, a lot of materials can be reworked and suitably used for numerous applications.

Featured Online Schools

To give yourself plenty of time to secure as much funding as possible, follow our 12-month plan below:

Start researching! Now is a great time for students to familiarize themselves with institutional scholarships at prospective schools, use scholarship databases to learn about private grants, and start pulling together paperwork needed for the Federal Application for Student Aid (FAFSA ® ). Think outside the box and do expansive research during this time: don’t limit searches to scholarships related to intended areas of study. Think about exceptional factors that may qualify you for other funds, including those specific to minorities, genders, regional areas, income levels, or future career aspirations.

Apply for the FAFSA ® . This application opens on January 1 and is rolling, so the sooner students are able to get it in, the better their chances. Graduate students need to use their own financial records and file as an independent, so make sure you have all documentation ready to go. The U.S. Department of Education provides a helpful list of all needed paperwork.

A large number of scholarship and grant applications require one to three recommendation letters from previous professors, work supervisors and/or personal contacts who can speak to a student’s merit. With varied deadlines and busy schedules in mind, it’s best to contact anyone you may wish to speak on your behalf well in advance of any submission dates. Some scholarship panels contact referees directly, so make sure you’ve made all of your contacts aware that you’ve provided their contact details.

Begin working on your personal statement. Graduate level essays will be put under the microscope by admissions panels, so it’s worth your time to get this right. They’ll want you to demonstrate how skills in critical thinking, analysis, self-awareness, and subject mastery have developed through previous education, and see that you’ve considered how a graduate degree will serve your goals for the future.

You should also use this time to select any required writing samples and work with a trusted mentor or former professor to fine tune them. Some require entire papers while others require excerpts, so getting them under the eyes of a professional will help in objectively selecting your best work.

Now that you’re aware of different scholarships available, make a calendar. Scholarship deadlines span the year, so it’s important to create an overarching timeline of all the funding opportunities you wish to go after and give yourself deadlines to ensure all applications can be completed on time.

The majority of graduate scholarship applications will be due during these months, so focus your efforts on making sure each is completed with full attention on individual requirements. The majority can be submitted online, but a few outliers still require them to be printed and mailed. Others may require a phone interview for serious candidates, so be sure all of your contact details are up-to-date.

Most application panels let prospective awardees know whether or not they’ve been granted funds during these months. If you’ve been awarded multiple institutional scholarships or grants, now is the time to take a closer look at those programs and decide which school is the best academic and personal fit for you. Once decided, let both your chosen school and those you elected not to attend know of your decision.

If you didn’t receive enough funds to fully cover your education, now is also the time to research and secure funding from other sources. The FAFSA ® application also serves as a qualifier for a number of federal loans, which experts recommend as the best type of loan given their low, fixed interest rates, income-based repayment options, and opportunities for postponement.

As of 2014, graduates of four-year degree programs left school with an average of $28,950 in student loan debt. Meanwhile, the most recent NCES data on graduate degree program costs, while acknowledging the great variance amongst programs, found public and private master’s programs average $26,288 and $61,104, respectively.

While students can’t erase previous loans, they can avoid further debt and pay for their graduate education with a mix of scholarships, grants and fellowships. Wondering about the current financial landscape in graduate education? The statistics below are here to help students see the enormous untapped potential of master’s and doctoral level scholarships.

  • In the 2012-13 academic year, graduate students received 30 percent of funding from grants, 64 percent from loans, and 6 percent from tax credits/deductions and Federal Work Study. (CollegeBoard)
  • As of 2011, only 10 percent of scholarships from private foundations were solely awarded on academic performance.
  • In the 2012-13 academic year, private foundations awarded more than $6.2 billion dollars.

Though in the past it seemed the only way to secure graduate funding was through fellowships or loans, today’s scholars have a wide variety of scholarships and grants available to them. The cost of master’s degrees varies widely among subject areas: a medical degree at a top 10 private school will set students back by $278,000, while an in-state student could get an excellent education in environmental science at a public school for less than $40,000.

Regardless of their intended degree path, students can take actions to help cut their costs and graduate without crippling student debt.

What does graduate school cost these days?

The National Center for Education Statistics released its latest data on the average costs of graduate tuition and required fees for 2014. Some of the overall yearly costs are detailed below. These should be multiplied by either two or three, depending on the amount of full-time study required for graduation.

To get a better sense of the overall disparages between degree costs, the table below highlights a few common graduate degree paths along with their average annual cost of tuition.

Why don’t students apply for these free funds?

While grants constituted 52 percent of all undergraduate funding for the 2012-13 academic year, it only accounted for 30 percent of graduate funding. Despite federally funded post-baccalaureate grants increasing dramatically in the last decade – from $611 million in 2002-03 to $1.8 billion in 2012-13 – graduate students are still borrowing an average of $17,230 each year in federal loans.

Funds are available, with options ranging from institutional and private scholarships to federal grants and employer assistance programs. Perhaps the biggest issue is ensuring all students are filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA ® ). This federal document not only gives students access to low-interest loans, it also qualifies them for federal grants and work-study programs.

In the latest National Postsecondary Student Aid Study , data showed 73.5 percent of all graduate students received federal aid in the form of grants, tuition waivers, loans, or work-study programs. Given that the FAFSA ® is based off a student’s independent income at the graduate level, it is likely many are leaving unused funds on the table.

Graduate students also face a shortage of time. With many working part- or full-time while taking the GRE, completing applications and beginning programs, finding time to apply for scholarships may seem impossible. Thankfully, once prospective students have done the groundwork for one application, more follow quickly.

Does it take a ton of effort to secure scholarships?

The scholarship application process can seem time-consuming and laborious for those without an action plan. While it’s true students must devote time and consideration to their applications to be competitive, it’s often less work than imagined. Common steps include:

Whether pursuing institutional, federal, private or employer-based scholarship and grant options, students need to get a full view of the field before diving in.

Each application will be different, but starting with a thoughtful essay demonstrating application of undergraduate learning and a clear progression to your chosen postgraduate path is a solid foundation.

The most time-intensive portion of this step is simply selecting one person each from your academic, professional and personal backgrounds and asking them to write a letter on your behalf. Schools will work with referees privately to secure these recommendations.

Admissions panels may want to see a range of documents, so having all of these ready before you begin applying can save lots of time. Common paperwork may include financial history, undergraduate transcripts, standardized test scores, and a resume.

Perhaps the easiest yet best piece of advice is to simply take time to review each application and ensure you’re following requirements exactly. Many applications are discarded for mistakes that could’ve been easily avoided.

How much money can a student get annually?

While national data on private and institutional scholarships at the graduate level is hard to come by, it’s clear students can obtain more funding than they are currently. As of 2012-13, federal grants accounted for 3 percent of all graduate financial aid; meanwhile, 64 percent of funding came from loans. CollegeBoard’s 2013 report on trends in student aid illuminated fascinating figures about sources for graduate funding, as well as a breakdown of how much money students received from these entities.

student phd scholarships

NOTE: Percentages may not sum to 100 and components may not sum to total because of rounding. See notes and Sources for a list of programs included in federal grant programs. Nonfederal loans are not included because they involve no subsidy and are not actually a form of financial aid.

Source: Trends in Student Aid

What are some of the most popular scholarships for graduate students?

Graduate students have thousands of scholarship and grant opportunities available to them, with a few perennial favorites attracting the attention of students across the country. While applying for these will guarantee stiff competition, they are also popular for good reasons. The possibilities for full funding, attending a prestigious graduate program, and landing an exciting postgraduate opportunity are all possibilities for students receiving these impressive scholarships.

This fully funded fellowship allows graduate students to research and study abroad for one full academic year in a variety of disciplines.

Sponsored through the National Inventors Hall of Fame, this $15,000 scholarship empowers young inventors studying STEM-related degrees to become the leading creators of the next generation.

The Truman Scholarship foundation provides graduate students with up to $30,000 to pursue careers in education, advocacy, nonprofit leadership, or public service.

This prestigious program is the oldest fellowship in America, offering a fully paid two-year education at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom.

This fellowship program focused on graduate students pursuing studies in arts, humanities and the social sciences provides full funding for two years of postgraduate study at any of over 100 participating institutions.

FACT OR FICTION: GRAD SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIPS

With a multitude of federal departments, higher education institutions and private institutions offering myriad scholarships, sometimes wires can get crossed. The following section outlines some of the most common truths and misconceptions about scholarships and sets the record straight once and for all.

It’s true: there are a lot of scholarships available specifically to minority students and other special populations, but there are plenty of other scholarships open to all students. A 2011 report by FinAid found white students still receive over 75 percent of all merit-based scholarships and are 40 percent more likely than minority students to be awarded a private scholarship.

While this may be true for scholarships that don’t require many supporting documents, rigorous applications seeking essays, recommendations and a thoughtful personal statement often weed out many students looking for quick funds. It may take longer, but these scholarships almost always have fewer applicants.

Academic scholarships look for top grades, but many scholarships are focused on other factors such as extracurricular activities, volunteerism or intended major. As of 2011, only 10 percent of scholarships from private foundations were solely awarded on academic performance.

It’s wise not to put all your eggs in one basket. Even for students with a stellar academic history and an unending list of achievements, being awarded a scholarship is never a given. The latest statistics provided by the National Postsecondary Student Aid Study found 3.7 percent of graduate students received private fellowship funds, averaging under $5,800.

Scholarship and grant funds can dramatically reduce the overall cost of higher education, but you’ll likely still have to pay a certain amount out of pocket or take out a small loan. According to U.S. News & World Report , only .3 percent of all students are able to cover all costs with only scholarships or grants.

Out of all prospective scholarship sources, nearly 73 percent of funds are provided directly by the institution. As of 2013, this amount averaged $5,645 annually. Most colleges automatically consider prospective students for these scholarships once accepted, but it’s worth it to speak with the school’s financial aid counselor to ensure there are no additional applications.

There’s a misconception that only economically disadvantaged students receive scholarships. While there are a number of scholarships aimed specifically at this population, students from varied economic levels qualify for this type of funding. California’s Student Aid Commission has a scholarship program specifically for students from middle-class families, while a recent report found students hailing from the top 25 percent also received more than one-quarter of all merit-based scholarships.

Many scholarships require similar information, so once you’ve done the leg-work for the first application, you can often reword this text to make it usable for numerous scholarships. Keep a document with each variation, making it easy to pull previous answers and fit them to the application at hand.

Government grants provide only a small portion of overall funding, with private and institutional scholarships contributing significantly to overall funding packages. In the 2012-13 academic year, private foundations awarded more than $6.2 billion dollars.

In addition to multi-year scholarships, a number of non-renewable or one-time scholarships are also available and can be applied for even after being accepted to and beginning a graduate level program. Even if you’re concerned you didn’t receive as much funding as you’d hoped for in the first year, seek out scholarships, fellowships or grants specific to those who have already completed one year.

In the previous academic year, students left $2.9 billion in untapped grant funds supplied by the federal government. 47 percent of students did not even fill out the FAFSA ® , making them ineligible to receive a Pell Grant. As of the 2013-2014 academic year, the average annual Pell Grant was $3,629.

Scholarship scams abound, with numerous shady operations offering to help students find untapped funds for a fee. The University of New Mexico offers helpful advice about scholarships websites to be wary of, including those that charge a processing fee or offer to submit the application on the student’s behalf.

Scholarships for PhD Students

Millions of Scholarships, personalized results

  • scholarships
  • graduate students
  • phd scholarships

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.

Scholarships for PhD Students 2024 List

Road to recovery scholarship.

Award Amount

Total:  $1000

Awards:  1

Deadline

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

  • Our Scholarships
  • $1,500 – I Have a Dream
  • $10,000 – Unigo $10K Award
  • $1,500 – Sweet and Simple
  • $2,500 – Superpower
  • $3,000 – All About Education
  • $1,500 – Fifth Month Scholarship
  • $1,500 – Do-Over
  • $1,500 – Flavor of the Month
  • $1,500 – Make Me Laugh
  • $1,500 – Shout It Out
  • $2,000 – Zombie Apocalypse
  • $5,000 – Education Matters
  • $1,500 – Top Ten List

Scholarships

  • Athletic Scholarships
  • College-Specific Scholarships
  • Company-Sponsored Scholarships
  • Grants for College
  • Merit-Based Scholarships
  • Minority Scholarships
  • Scholarship Contests & Sweepstakes
  • Scholarships By Major
  • Scholarships By State
  • Scholarships By Type
  • Scholarships For Graduate Students
  • Scholarships For High School Students
  • Scholarships For Undergraduate Students
  • Weird Scholarships

Disclosure: Education Dynamics receive compensation for the featured schools on our websites (see “Sponsored Schools” or “Sponsored Listings” or “Sponsored Results”). So what does this mean for you? Compensation may impact where the Sponsored Schools appear on our websites, including whether they appear as a match through our education matching services tool, the order in which they appear in a listing, and/or their ranking. Our websites do not provide, nor are they intended to provide, a comprehensive list of all schools (a) in the United States (b) located in a specific geographic area or (c) that offer a particular program of study. By providing information or agreeing to be contacted by a Sponsored School, you are in no way obligated to apply to or enroll with the school.

The sources for school statistics and data is the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System.

This is an offer for educational opportunities that may lead to employment and not an offer for nor a guarantee of employment. Students should consult with a representative from the school they select to learn more about career opportunities in that field. Program outcomes vary according to each institution’s specific program curriculum. Financial aid may be available to those who qualify. The information on this site is for informational and research purposes only and is not an assurance of financial aid.

Sponsored Meaning Explained

EducationDynamics receives compensation for the featured schools on our websites (see “Sponsored Ad” or “Sponsored Listings” or “Sponsored Results”). So what does this mean for you? Compensation may impact where the Sponsored Schools appear on our websites, including whether they appear as a match through our education matching services tool, the order in which they appear in a listing, and/or their ranking. Our websites do not provide, nor are they intended to provide, a comprehensive list of all schools (a) in the United States (b) located in a specific geographic area or (c) that offer a particular program of study. By providing information or agreeing to be contacted by a Sponsored School, you are in no way obligated to apply to or enroll with the school. Your trust is our priority. We at EducationDynamics believe you should make decisions about your education with confidence. that’s why EducationDynamicsis also proud to offer free information on its websites, which has been used by millions of prospective students to explore their education goals and interests. close

PhD Student Funding Overview

Humanities Quadrangle Courtyard

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

Financial Support for PhD Students

  • Dissertation
  • Fellowships
  • Maximizing Your Degree
  • Before You Arrive
  • First Weeks at Harvard
  • Harvard Speak
  • Pre-Arrival Resources for New International Students
  • Alumni Council
  • Student Engagement
  • Applying to Degree Programs
  • Applying to the Visiting Students Program
  • Admissions Policies
  • Cost of Attendance
  • Express Interest
  • Campus Safety
  • Commencement
  • Diversity & Inclusion Fellows
  • Student Affinity Groups
  • Recruitment and Outreach
  • Budget Calculator
  • Find Your Financial Aid Officer
  • Tuition and Health Fee Grants
  • External Awards
  • FAS Humanities and Social Sciences Support
  • Parental Accommodation and Financial Support (PAFS)
  • Professional Development Fund
  • Master's Degree Funding
  • Federal Student Aid
  • Other Sources of Support
  • Hardship Funding
  • Regulations Regarding Employment
  • Financial Wellness
  • Consumer Information
  • Life Sciences
  • Policies (Student Handbook)
  • Student Center
  • Title IX and Gender Equity

On this page:

PhD Students in the Natural Sciences, Engineering and Applied Sciences, and Medical Sciences

Phd students in the humanities and social sciences programs of the faculty of arts and sciences, phd students in humanities and social sciences programs offered in partnership with other harvard schools, acceptance of financial support.

The Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (Harvard Griffin GSAS) offers incoming PhD students full financial support—including tuition, health insurance fees, and basic living expenses—for a minimum of five years (typically the first four years of study and the completion year). This funding package includes a combination of tuition grants, stipends, traineeships, teaching fellowships, research assistantships, and other academic appointments.

Each student is provided a Notice of Financial Support at the time of admission and is assigned a financial aid officer who administers this funding and is available to assist with financial concerns. Each spring, continuing students supported by Harvard Griffin GSAS-administered funding sources are required to activate their funding for the upcoming academic year using the Student Aid Portal, an online financial aid management system.

A typical funding package* includes:

  • grants toward tuition and the Harvard University Student Health Program  paid in full for years G1 through G4 and the dissertation completion year
  • a combination of stipend, teaching fellowships, and/or research assistantships during years G1 through G4
  • summer research support from Harvard Griffin GSAS or faculty grants following the first four academic years.
  • subsidy payments to defray dental insurance and transportation costs.

*In some programs, the timing and structure of living expense support may vary from this pattern.

The initial Notice of Financial Support assumes continuous enrollment as a full-time resident student; students not enrolled are not eligible for Harvard Griffin GSAS financial aid programs. Students may find that their actual enrollment patterns necessitate adjustments to the timing of their funding. Students wishing to defer Harvard Griffin GSAS-administered funding indicate this in the Student Aid Portal during the annual financial aid acceptance process. The options for deferring financial support vary by type of aid; please refer to the applicable sections of the financial aid policy web pages for details. Students who are considering deferring financial support are strongly encouraged to contact their financial aid officer to review how such actions may impact their funding in future years.

While funding packages vary by program, PhD students in the sciences typically receive full funding until they complete their programs of study. Contact your department administrator or financial aid officer for details.

See more detailed information about funding for students in humanities and social sciences programs of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences.

Humanities and Social Sciences Programs in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences

  • Celtic Literatures and Languages
  • Comparative Literature
  • East Asian Languages and Civilizations
  • Film and Visual Studies
  • Germanic Languages and Literatures
  • History of Art and Architecture
  • Inner Asian and Altaic Studies
  • Linguistics
  • Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations
  • Romance Languages and Literatures
  • Slavic Languages and Literatures
  • South Asian Studies

Social Sciences

  • African and African American Studies
  • American Studies
  • Anthropology
  • History of Science
  • Human Evolutionary Biology
  • Middle Eastern Studies
  • Social Policy

A number of humanities and social sciences PhD programs are offered in partnership with Harvard's professional schools. While funding packages vary by program, PhD students in these interfaculty programs generally receive at least four years of financial support for tuition, health fees, and living expenses; most programs provide dissertation completion fellowships as well. For more information, refer to your Notice of Financial Support or contact your financial aid officer .

Interfaculty Programs in the Humanities and Social Sciences

  • Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and Urban Planning
  • Business Administration
  • Business Economics
  • Health Policy
  • Organizational Behavior
  • Political Economy and Government
  • Public Policy

Each student is provided a Notice of Financial Support at the time of admission and is assigned a financial aid officer who administers this funding and is available to assist with financial concerns. Students are required to formally accept their financial aid offers and acknowledge their understanding of financial aid policies. Students should also consult their academic programs to determine whether program-specific conditions apply.

Each spring, continuing students supported by Harvard Griffin GSAS-administered funding sources are required to activate their funding for the upcoming academic year using the Student Aid Portal, an online financial aid management system. Continued eligibility for financial aid is contingent upon an annual report by the faculty that the student is making  satisfactory progress toward the degree.

Financial Aid

Share this page, explore events.

You might be using an unsupported or outdated browser. To get the best possible experience please use the latest version of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Microsoft Edge to view this website.

  • Student Loans

How to Pay For Graduate School With Scholarships, Grants And Fellowships

Kat Tretina

Updated: Aug 22, 2023, 1:00pm

How to Pay For Graduate School With Scholarships, Grants And Fellowships

A master’s degree can often guarantee higher earnings than a bachelor’s degree, but it can also come with more student loan debt. Approximately 60% of those who complete graduate school have student loans , with an average balance of $66,000, according to a study by Northeastern University.

But before you get discouraged by the cost of earning a master’s degree, know that you may not have to pay the full price yourself. By using graduate school scholarships, grants and fellowship programs, you can save money and reduce the need for student loans. We’ll walk you through how to find the right program for you, without having to pull out more in student loans .

How to Find Free Ways to Pay For Grad School

The median earnings for master’s degree holders is $77,844—nearly $13,000 more than those with a bachelor’s degree. However, the cost of graduate school can be steep. The National Center for Education Statistics reported that the average cost of tuition and fees—not including room and board—is $19,314 per year, or over $38,000 to complete a two-year program.

Thankfully, there are many financial aid programs specifically designed for graduate students, including scholarships, grants and fellowships.

Graduate School Scholarships

Scholarships for graduate students are awarded by schools, nonprofit organizations and private companies. They’re usually based on academic and professional achievements. There are thousands of scholarship opportunities available; below are just a sampling of potential awards.

  • American Indian Education Fund : Through the graduate school scholarship program, the American Indian Education Fund awards scholarships of $1,000 to $2,000 to eligible American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian students pursuing a graduate or doctoral degree.
  • Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund : The Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund is a nonprofit organization focused on social change. Its scholarship program gives up to $15,000 to graduate students that plan to use their degrees to advocate against racism, sexism, homophobia and other forms of oppression.
  • Foster G. McGaw Graduate Student Scholarship : Awarded by the American College of Healthcare Executives , this scholarship gives recipients up to $5,000. It’s for students in their final year of a healthcare management graduate program.
  • American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation : The ASHFoundation scholarship offers awards of $5,000 for those who are enrolled in a communication sciences and disorders graduate program.

Grants for Grad School

While scholarships are usually based on past achievements, grants are awarded based on your financial need. As a graduate student, you may be eligible for federal or state grants, and some nonprofit organizations issue grants as well. For example:

  • American Association of University Women : Through the Career Development Grant , women going to graduate school to advance their careers or change fields can get up to $12,000. To qualify, the applicant must be studying education, health, medical sciences or the social sciences.
  • TEACH Grant : With a federal TEACH Grant , you can get up to $4,000 per year to pay for your graduate degree. However, you must commit to teaching in a high-need subject for at least four years in an elementary or secondary school that serves low-income students. Otherwise, your grant is converted into a student loan and must be repaid with interest.
  • California State University Grant Program : This program gives eligible graduate students that are California residents up to $7,176 to pay for their degrees. Awards are determined by financial need and the degree you’re pursuing.

Fellowships for Graduate Students

Fellowships are often awarded based on your future potential, rather than your past achievements. Issued by government agencies, companies and nonprofit organizations, fellowships are designed to give you the funding you need to advance your career or complete your research. Here are a few to consider:

  • Goldman Sachs MBA Fellowship : The Goldman Sachs MBA Fellowship program is for first-year MBA students pursuing a summer associate position with the company. Students must be Black, Hispanic or Latino, Native American or identify as women. Fellowship recipients will get $35,000 on top of their summer associate salary.
  • Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowship : The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowship is for immigrants and the children of immigrants that the organization believes will make significant contributions to society or culture. Fellows receive up to $90,000 over two years.
  • National Science Foundation Fellowship : The National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program recruits individuals in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. Past recipients include over 40 Nobel Laureates. It’s a five-year award program totaling $138,000 in financial assistance.

Grants vs. Scholarships

Grants and scholarships are two types of aid that usually don’t have to be repaid, but they work differently. Here’s how they compare.

  Grants Scholarships

When To Apply for Scholarships and Grants

Begin applying for scholarships and grants as soon as possible. Ideally, you’ll back about these awards before the school year starts (or early on) so you can determine if you have any funding gaps.

The actual deadlines for scholarships and grants can vary. Most scholarship deadlines fall between October and May, according to Scholarship.com. Since scholarships may involve writing essays and submitting recommendations, it’s best not to wait to apply.

You’ll need to complete the FAFSA for state, federal and institutional aid. The application opens each October before the start of the school year and closes in June of that school year. For example, the 2023-2024 school year application opened on October 1, 2022 and closes on June 30, 2024.

States may also have their own FAFSA deadline . Submit your application soon after the open dates since money may be limited and funds could be awarded on a first-come-first-serve basis.

3 Tips To Apply for Scholarships and Grants

If you’re looking for grants and scholarships for graduate students, follow these tips:

1. Fill Out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Even as a graduate student, completing the FAFSA is a crucial first step in applying for financial aid. It’s what the government and many schools use to determine your eligibility for awards, including grants and student loans.

2. Apply for Multiple Opportunities

You’re not limited to only one or two awards. You can combine multiple scholarships and grants to reduce your expenses. You can find scholarships for graduate students using resources like The College Board’s Scholarship search tool , Sallie Mae’s database , and FastWeb .

3. Pay Attention to Deadlines

Deadlines vary by issuing organization, so research available opportunities early and set reminders for applicable deadlines. Make sure you follow the program’s application directions and submit your materials by its deadline.

Applying for Fellowships

The application process for fellowships can be more involved than it is for graduate school scholarships and grants. Most fellowship programs are highly competitive, and require evidence of your potential within your field. You may need to complete a research proposal, submit multiple letters of recommendation, collect transcripts and create a detailed curriculum vitae (CV).

To find fellowship opportunities, you can check with your university and related professional associations. You can also search for fellowships using ProFellow.com .

Paying for Graduate School

While graduate school can be expensive, earning a master’s degree can have a positive return on your investment. And by utilizing grants, fellowships and scholarships for graduate students, you can lower your education costs so you don’t need to borrow as much money to pay for school. With some extra work and a little luck, you may be able to completely avoid graduate student loans .

Find the Best Private Student Loans of 2024

Frequently asked questions (faqs), what are other financing options for grad school.

If scholarships, grants and fellowships can’t cover the full cost of grad school, you could use loans to pay for the remaining expenses. Financing options include:

  • Unsubsidized Direct loans. Unsubsidized Direct loans are federal loans for undergraduate and graduate students not based on financial need. These loans come with fixed interest rates and can qualify for loan forgiveness programs and income-driven repayment (IDR) plans like the new Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) plan.
  • Grad PLUS loans. Grad PLUS loans are federal loans specifically for graduate and professional students. Interest rates on grad PLUS loans are higher than other federal loans, so it’s best to use them only after exhausting all other federal loan options. Grad PLUS loans may also qualify for loan forgiveness programs and IDR plans, including the new SAVE plan.
  • Private student loans. Lenders offer private student loans , but these loans don’t have the same borrower benefits as federal loans. However, interest rates on private graduate student loans may be lower than federal loans if you have good credit.

Are there any requirements for receiving grants and scholarships?

Grants are typically offered based on the applicant’s financial need, while scholarships may be based on financial need and professional, athletic or academic achievements.

When qualifying for grants, the cost of your school and your family’s ability to contribute to your education are considered. Scholarship applications may require a copy of your college transcripts, essays and other documentation showing a record of achievement.

How can I improve my chances of getting financial aid for grad school?

First, apply for financial aid early. Applying early could improve your chances of getting need-based aid since it can be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Next, consider applying to several schools to receive and compare multiple offers. If you don’t get as much aid as expected or your financial situation changes after submitting the FAFSA, you could ask the school to reevaluate your offer, which might help you get more assistance.

How is a fellowship different from a scholarship?

A graduate fellowship is an academic or professional enrichment opportunity. Typically, fellows receive a stipend in cash while training, studying, researching or participating in a project. You can use the stipend funds to pay for school or other expenses. Scholarships generally don’t require ongoing professional development and are based on past achievements. Funds from scholarships may also go directly to the school to cover tuition.

Get Forbes Advisor’s ratings of the best lending platforms and helpful information on how to find the best loan based on your credit score.

  • Best Private Student Loans
  • Best Student Loan Refinance Lenders
  • Best Low-Interest Student Loans
  • Best Student Loans For Bad or No Credit
  • Best Parent Loans For College
  • Best Graduate Student Loans
  • Best Student Loans Without A Co-Signer
  • Best International Student Loans
  • Best 529 Plans
  • SoFi Student Loans Review
  • College Ave Student Loans Review
  • Earnest Student Loans Review
  • Ascent Student Loans Review
  • Citizens Bank Student Loans Review
  • Student Loan Calculator
  • Student Loan Refinance Calculator
  • Net Price Calculator
  • What Is The FAFSA ?
  • Applying Financial Aid Using The FAFSA
  • When Is The FAFSA Deadline ?
  • Answers To Biggest FAFSA Questions
  • FAFSA Mistakes To Avoid
  • Guide To Hassle-Free FAFSA Renewal
  • How To Correct Or Change Your FAFSA
  • How Do Student Loans Work?
  • How To Get A Private Student Loan
  • How To Refinance Student Loans
  • How To Get A Student Loan Without Co-Signer
  • How To Apply For Federal & Private Student Loans
  • How To Pay Off Student Loan Debt
  • How To Recover From Student Loan Default
  • How Much Can You Borrow In Student Loans?

Next Up In Student Loans

  • Best Student Loan Refinance Lenders Of August 2024
  • Student Loan Calculator: Estimate Your Payments
  • Best Private Student Loans Of August 2024
  • Best Low-Interest Student Loans Of August 2024
  • Best Parent Loan For College Of August 2024: Parent PLUS Loan & Private Options
  • How To Get A Student Loan Without A Co-Signer

Private Student Loan Rates: August 27, 2024—Loan Rates Move Up

Private Student Loan Rates: August 27, 2024—Loan Rates Move Up

Caroline Basile

How Student Loan Debt Affects Homeownership And Other Financial Milestones

Taylor Medine

Student Loan Forgiveness: What Might Happen Under A Harris-Walz Presidency

Natalie Campisi

Will A Trump-Vance Presidency Kill Student Loan Forgiveness?

Best Private Student Loans Of 2024: Compare Top Lenders

Best Private Student Loans Of 2024: Compare Top Lenders

Private Student Loan Rates: August 20, 2024—Loan Rates Slip

Private Student Loan Rates: August 20, 2024—Loan Rates Slip

For the past seven years, Kat has been helping people make the best financial decisions for their unique situations, whether they're looking for the right insurance policies or trying to pay down debt. Kat has expertise in insurance and student loans, and she holds certifications in student loan and financial education counseling.

Find graduate school scholarships

Here's a scholarship you can apply for in minutes.

Free money for your graduate degree

The first step of the  1-2-3 approach to paying for graduate school  is to look for—and use—free money that you don’t have to pay back. Free money can be that missing piece of the puzzle to help you pay—every little bit can help. The most likely sources will be from graduate school scholarships,  grants, and fellowships for graduate students .

The difference among scholarships, grants, and fellowships for graduate students

Graduate school scholarships are available through organizations, companies, states, and more. They can be need-based or merit-based, but you have to apply for them.

Grants for graduate school  are like scholarships in that you don’t have to pay them back. If you withdraw from school or otherwise fail to maintain eligibility for the grant, you may have to refund part or all of the grant, so know the individual grant’s rules. While scholarships are often merit-based, grants are need-based and can relate to your prospective field.

Fellowships for graduate students  generally relate to a short-term opportunity to study or conduct research in a specific field. Awarded for academic excellence, they can include an internship or other service commitment and can pay for living expenses, or offer a stipend. Fellowship opportunities can be found in most graduate fields.

Scholarships on phone and student looking happy with smartphone

SCHOLARSHIP SEARCH BY SALLIE

Find scholarships that are right for you.

Easily search through hundreds of college scholarships based on your background, major, state you live in, and more.

Hot tip! Smaller scholarships may have less competition, increasing your odds of winning.

Scholarships for graduate students

$2,000 sallie mae scholarship.

Due 12/31/2024

TMCF Bridging the Dream Scholarship for Graduate Students

Due 5/17/2024

Up to $10,000

Foare scholarship program.

Due 6/10/2024

Tom Cory Memorial Scholarship

Due 6/14/2024

WLA Library Education Scholarship

Due 6/15/2024

Golden Key Graduate Scholar Award

Automotive hall of fame educational funds.

Due 6/30/2024

Amount varies

Paul and patricia whelan scholarship, digital privacy scholarship, fall 2024 beacon scholarship for rural america, spring 2025 beacon scholarship for rural america.

Due 11/30/2024

of grad students take advantage of “free money.”

Source:  How America Pays for Graduate School,  from Sallie Mae and Ipsos.

More ways to find graduate school scholarships

Scholarships are available through organizations, companies, states, and more. They can be need-based or merit-based, but you must apply for them.

Scholarship award amounts for graduate students tend to be more modest than for undergrads, but they can add up. An extra $1,000 – $2,000 can help reduce your living expenses for a month. Here are some different ways to customize your search for graduate school scholarships:

  • By school:  Many universities offer scholarships to graduate students from their own funds to attract students with the strongest academic performance. Your school or program is a great source to learn about these opportunities.
  • By field:  If you’re entering a program where your expertise is in short supply—especially in the STEM areas—focus on graduate scholarships from corporations, professional organizations, and foundations.
  • By demographic:  Graduate school scholarships are available for specific populations, such as women and minorities, including African Americans, Asians, Hispanics, and Native Americans. They’re also available for students, foster children, first-generation college students, and non-traditional students who are cognitively and physically disabled.
  • By region:  There’s often more attention paid to national scholarships. But don’t forget to search for scholarship opportunities for graduate students from your home state or region—a smaller candidate pool can increase your chances. Call your state’s Department of Education for information.

Tips for applying for graduate school scholarships

  • Be methodical.  Keep track of the essay questions you’ve already answered—you can use them in additional applications.
  • Don’t box yourself in.  Along with field-specific scholarships, consider the criteria that you used as an undergrad. Broaden your search and look for graduate school scholarships based on your region, ethnicity, interest, religious affiliation, or hobbies.
  • Make a scholarship budget . Searching for graduate scholarships may be free, but some documents that you need for your application may come at a cost, like transcripts. Be sure to keep your budget in mind when paying for these documents.

Meet the grad students who won our Bridging the Dream Scholarship

Four students shared their inspiring journeys to grad school with us and earned a $20,000 scholarship for their graduate or professional education.

Read the winners’ stories

Still need money to pay for graduate school? Explore our specialized student loans for graduate students to find the support you need.

Related topics

Ways to pay for graduate school.

Get tips to help you figure out how to pay for your graduate degree.

Get financial aid for graduate school

Learn how to apply for federal financial aid for graduate school, including grants, work-study, and federal student loans.

Learn about graduate student loans

See which loans are available for graduate students, including federal student loans and private graduate student loans.

footnote 1. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Odds of winning depend on number of entries received. Ends 12/31/2024. See Official Rules .

footnote Sallie Mae does not provide, and these materials are not meant to convey, financial, tax, or legal advice. Consult your own financial advisor, tax advisor, or attorney about your specific circumstances.

footnote External links and third-party references are provided for informational purposes only. Sallie Mae cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information provided by any third parties and assumes no responsibility for any errors or omissions contained therein. Any copyrights, trademarks, and/or service marks used in these materials are the property of their respective owners.

Top 11 PhD Scholarships in the USA for 2024-25

Link Copied

Share on Facebook

Share on Twitter

Share on LinkedIn

Top 11 PhD Scholarships in the USA for 2024-25

Where Dreams Meet Doctorates

Dreaming of getting into doctoral research but worried about the cost? The USA boasts a treasure trove of scholarships waiting to fuel your academic journey. From full funding to program-specific awards, there's a golden ticket out there with your name on it. So, grab your research proposal, and get ready to explore the top 11 PhD scholarships in the USA for 2024-25! 

1. Yale University Scholarships USA

Level of Study: Undergraduate, Masters, PhD

Program Period: 2 to 5 years

Yale University offers a variety of PhD scholarships in the USA for both domestic and international students. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence, financial need, and diverse backgrounds.

Eligibility Criteria:

1. TOEFL scores must meet the following minimums:

  • Internet-based TOEFL: 100
  • Paper-based TOEFL: 600
  • Computer-based TOEFL: 250

2. IELTS scores should be 7 or above, while Pearson Test scores must be 70 or higher.

Scholarship Coverage:

1. Yale University scholarship covers 100% of demonstrated financial need.

2. Parent's income, assets, and finances are considered for scholarship assessment.

3. Scholarship amount ranges from a few hundred dollars to over $70,000 annually.

4. Students with parents earning under $65,000 annually pay no tuition, room, or board fees.

2. Fulbright Scholarships

Level of Study: Masters, PhD

Program Period: 12 months

The Fulbright Foreign Student Program facilitates PhD scholarships in the USA from overseas to pursue studies and research at American universities or academic institutions. Scholars from 155 nations worldwide partake in this initiative annually.

1. Eligibility requires U.S. citizenship or nationality, excluding permanent residents. Dual citizens should review specific award criteria.

2. A conferred bachelor's degree or equivalent is mandatory before the grant period commences.

3. In creative and performing arts, four years of professional training suffice. Arts applicants lacking a BA should email to confirm eligibility.

4. Language proficiency matching award requirements is essential for project completion and adaptation to the host country.

5. Holding a J.D. at the time of application is acceptable.

1. Tuition exemption

2. Financial support for living expenses

3. Health insurance for illness and accidents

3. AAUW International Fellowships

Level of Study: Graduate, Postgraduate

Program Period: 1 year

The AAUW International Fellowships, among the most established and expansive global PhD scholarships in the USA, have a rich tradition of aiding women in their pursuit of education. Its dedication to empowering women and fostering international cooperation renders it an unparalleled and invaluable opportunity for its beneficiaries.

1. Former recipients of AAUW national fellowships or grants (excluding local awards or Community Action Grants) are ineligible for International Fellowships.

2. AAUW board members, committees, staff, and interns can't apply for fellowships.

3. Women, including those who identify as women, from any field can apply for International Fellowships at accredited institutions.

4. Must be citizens of countries other than the U.S. or hold nonimmigrant visas if in the U.S. Dual citizens with the U.S. are ineligible.

1. Master’s/first professional degree: $20,000

2. Doctoral: $25,000

3. Postdoctoral: $50,000

The International Fellowship covers:

  • Educational costs
  • Living expenses
  • Childcare for dependents

4. Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship

Level of Study: Undergraduate, Graduate

Aligned with Dr. Anita Borg's vision, this PhD scholarship in the USA was founded to advance women in STEM . It embraces Anita's ideals, encouraging global student engagement in addressing gender equality in technology.

1. Women showcasing outstanding technical abilities and academic achievements.

2. Studying courses like computer science or computer engineering.

3. Enrolled as full-time students in accredited universities.

4. Recent graduates from the previous academic year.

Will be given 7,000 Euros

5. Franklin Mosher Baldwin Memorial Fellowship

Program Period: 2 years

This fully funded scholarship targets students hailing from countries with restricted access to advanced education in human origins research. These PhD scholarships in the USA enable scholars to pursue studies or training either domestically or abroad.

1. Associated or employed with an organization in their native land.

2. Conditional admission (or proof of application) to the host institution.

3. Monetary support from the host institution.

4. Plans to go back and contribute to their home country after finishing the program.

1. Cover costs for tuition, travel, and living expenses

2. Include student fees, insurance, and book expenses

3. Account for other relevant spending categories

Looking For Scholarships? It Is About Time!

Enrol for amberscholar now!

6. Josephine de Karman Fellowship Trust

Level of Study: Undergraduate, Graduate, PhD

Started in 1954 by the late Dr. Theodore Van Karman, this PhD scholarship in the USA was his initiative to support students who shared his values and academic pursuits. It assists high-achieving students with their educational endeavors.

1. Only students currently attending a U.S. university are eligible.

2. PhD candidates must plan to defend their dissertation within two years.

3. Undergraduates entering their senior year can also be considered.

Scholarship Coverage: Will receive $25,000.

7. NCITD International Trade Scholarships

Started in 2010, this doctorate scholarship in USA targets students at various educational levels, who exhibit a passion for international trade. This dedication is evidenced by their academic pursuits, work engagements, volunteerism, or relevant extracurricular involvements.

1. Must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program related to international trade studies

2. Enrollment must be at an accredited U.S. college or university

3. Undergraduates should have at least "junior" status for the 2023-2024 academic year

4. Demonstrated interest or experience in international trade required

5. Open to both U.S. and Non-U.S. students at accredited U.S. institutions

6. Minimum GPA of 3.0 or equivalent required

Scholarship Coverage: Covers tuition fee

8. Campbell Fellowships for Transformative Research

Level of Study: PhD

Program Period: 6 or 9 months

The School for Advanced Research (SAR) offers doctorate scholarships in USA for every academic year. These awards, known as Campbell Fellowships, are bestowed upon diligent, skilled, and deserving students.

1. Restricted to female applicants

2. Open to candidates of any nationality

3. Research must focus on improving women's health, well-being, and prosperity in developing nations

4. Requires a completed doctorate in anthropology, economics, geography, history, law, political science, psychology, sociology, or an interdisciplinary field combining two or more of these areas.

Scholarship Coverage: Will receive $4,500 per month.

9. IBM PhD Fellowship Awards Program

This doctorate scholarships in USA is a highly competitive global initiative that recognizes outstanding doctoral candidates aspiring to innovate in emerging and transformative technologies.

1. Nomination by a doctoral faculty member required; self-nomination not permitted.

2. Full-time enrollment in a PhD program during the award year is mandatory.

3, Nominees must have at least two years left in their program to apply for the fellowship to the final year.

4. Nominees must remain in the same program throughout the award duration.

1. Within the US, students awarded fellowships during school will receive a stipend covering living costs, travel expenses, and conference attendance.

2. Internationally, fellowship recipients during their academic years will receive a competitive stipend for living expenses, travel, and conference participation.

10. Texas A&M University’s Hertz Fellowship

Program Period: 5 years

The primary goal of these doctorate scholarships in USA is to offer distinctive financial aid and fellowship opportunities to exceptional doctoral candidates.

1. Candidates must be either college seniors, first-year graduate students, or in a gap year gearing up for graduate school applications.

2. They should have the intention to pursue a PhD in applied physical and biological sciences, mathematics, or engineering .

3. Their academic focus should align with addressing significant societal challenges.

4. Applicants must hold citizenship or permanent residency status in the United States.

1. Offers help for up to 5 years.

2. Also includes a stipend of $34,000 for every 9 months.

11. University of lowa’s PhD Programs

Iowa hosts a substantial graduate student population of 7,667, providing 119 graduate programs, including 13 online options. It is one of the best PhD scholarships in USA for international students.

Aspiring graduate students need to have completed a bachelor's degree program with a GPA of 3.00 or higher out of 4.00.

1. Complete coverage of tuition fees

2. A stipend of at least 9 months (around $20,041, with yearly updates)

3. Extensive health insurance (90% covered for students)

Tips to Apply a Scholarships for PhD Students in USA 2024

Now that you're informed about the top PhD scholarships in the USA, it's crucial to keep in mind these helpful tips before proceeding with your application.

1. Start Early: Initiate your fully funded PhD in USA search as soon as possible. This allows ample time for researching various options, understanding eligibility requirements, and preparing your application.

2. Understand Eligibility Criteria: Every fully funded PhD program in USA comes with unique eligibility criteria. Ensure thorough comprehension of these criteria to confirm your eligibility before applying.

3. Prepare a Strong Application: Your application for scholarships for PhD students in USA serves as a platform to showcase your academic prowess, skills, and potential. Ensure it's flawlessly written, error-free, and highlights your strengths effectively.

4. Obtain Letters of Recommendation: Letters of recommendation from professors add weight to your fully funded PhD in USA for international students. Request these letters well in advance to ensure timely submission.

5. Apply for Multiple Scholarships: Expand your horizons by applying for multiple fully funded PhD scholarships in USA. This enhances your chances of securing funding opportunities.

6. Meet Deadlines: Adhere strictly to the deadlines set for each PhD scholarships in the USA. Timely submission is crucial to avoid missing out on potential opportunities.

7. Follow Application Instructions: Each PhD scholarships in the USA presents its own set of application instructions. Pay close attention to these instructions and ensure compliance for a successful application.

With these diverse doctorate scholarships in USA at your fingertips, the path to doctoral success feels more easy. So, don't hesitate and take the first step towards achieving your academic goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can i get a full scholarship for a phd in the usa, who is eligible for phd scholarships in the usa for indian students, how difficult is earning a phd scholarship in the usa, how many years phd scholarships in the usa, is gre compulsory for phd scholarships in the usa.

Your ideal student home & a flight ticket awaits

Follow us on :

cta

Related Posts

student phd scholarships

15 Popular Branches of Medicine & Everything About It

student phd scholarships

Northeastern University: Best Courses, Rankings, Fees

student phd scholarships

BA Honors: Courses, Degree Programs & Universities

student phd scholarships

amber © 2024. All rights reserved.

4.8/5 on Trustpilot

Rated as "Excellent" • 4800+ Reviews by students

Rated as "Excellent" • 4800+ Reviews by Students

play store

The Best PhD Scholarships with Upcoming Deadlines

Apply below right now to the Best PhD Scholarships. Exclusive Scholarships found only in Bold.org!

princeton university

Augustus L. Harper Scholarship

Eligibility criteria:.

  • Education Level : Undergraduate or graduate student
  • Race : BIPOC
  • Major : Accounting, finance, or business

Creative Expression Scholarship

Love island fan scholarship, creative. inspired. happy mid-career writing scholarship.

  • Field of Study : Writing
  • Background : Experience in the workforce

Bear Fan Scholarship

Capcut meme master scholarship, nyt connections fan scholarship, nintendo super fan scholarship, “stranger things” fanatic scholarship, billie eilish fan scholarship, “the office” obsessed fan scholarship, once upon a #booktok scholarship, guts- olivia rodrigo fan scholarship, redefining victory scholarship.

  • Education Level : Any

Going Merry "Multiple No-Essay Scholarships in One" Scholarship

Book lovers scholarship.

  • Background : Loves books
  • Education Level : High school, undergraduate or graduate students

Eduardo Uvaldo Memorial Scholarship

  • Education Level : Undergraduate or Graduate
  • Background : Lost a loved one

WayUp Dream Job No-Essay Scholarship

  • Graduation Year : Between 2020 and 2026

DK Memorial Sports Broadcasting Scholarship

  • Education Level : Undergraduate and graduate students
  • Desired Career Field : Sports Broadcasting or Sports Journalism

Daily Upside Business News Scholarship

Oxstem educational scholarship.

  • Education Level : Undergraduate or graduate
  • Major : STEM
  • University Type : HBCU
  • GPA : 3.0 or higher

Eitel Scholarship

  • Education level : Graduate or Undergraduate student
  • Background : Female student attending a Baptist College
  • GPA : 3.0 and above

Training Future Data Experts Scholarship

Patrick stanley memorial scholarship.

  • Education Level : Must be an undergraduate or graduate student
  • Path : Must be a non-traditional student returning to school after a gap
  • Age : Must be at least twenty-five years old
  • Major : STEAM

Susan Leslie Wood Memorial Nursing Scholarship

  • Education level : Undergraduate or Graduate students
  • Future Career : Nursing

Gloria J. Willis Memorial Scholarship

  • Background : First-generation
  • Field of Study : Pre-med, medical school, nursing, or psychology

She Rose Initiative's "More Than a Conqueror" Scholarship

  • Gender : Female
  • Medical History : Diagnosed with a systemic autoimmune disease
  • Field of Study : STEM, healthcare, health, public health, or medicine
  • Race : African American

Kamyar Afshar Advancement for Higher Education Scholarship

  • Education Level : 4-year undergraduate student or graduate student
  • Race/Ethnicity : Middle Eastern
  • Citizenship : US Citizen or Immigrant
  • Field of Study : Pharmacy, Medicine, Law

Derrick Richardson Law Student Scholarship

  • Ethnicity : Black
  • Education : 2nd or 3rd year student in Law School

Andrea M Taylor Future Doctors Scholarship

  • Education Level : High school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student
  • Field of Study : Medicine
  • Financial Background : Low-income

About PhD scholarships

The PhD, also known as the Doctor of Philosophy, is a graduate research degree. It is the highest level of academic qualification awarded by universities in the United States.

Although the name contains the term ‘philosophy,’ a PhD is not exclusively for philosophers. PhD is an abbreviation of the Latin term Philosophiae Doctor, which is connected to its original Greek meaning which means 'lover of wisdom'.

As the name implies, a PhD program will train you to become a researcher. While other doctoral degrees may focus on practice as well as research, the emphasis of a PhD is on academic research and the new knowledge that you can bring to your field of expertise. You can get a PhD in a variety of subjects, including but not limited to science, humanities, business, education, engineering, and law.

A PhD degree is normally obtained after at least 3 years of full-time study and research after earning a master's degree or sometimes just a bachelor's degree. During this time, doctoral students will do research at an accredited university. At the end of their PhD, they will present their doctoral research in the format of a dissertation.

While a PhD is a major achievement, you may be unsure of how to pay tuition. The average annual cost of a PhD is $96,800. The majority of Ph.D. students offset the cost of their degree with teaching and research assistantships, but if you still need help covering some of the tuition and fees that come with a doctoral program, there is plenty of financial aid available, including grants and scholarships that do not have to be repaid.

If you're looking for scholarships to help fund your PhD, you can find a variety of options on Bold.org . On our website, we have a variety of scholarships for graduate students, including PhD and doctoral students. Create a profile and start applying to our scholarships on our website.

PhD Scholarships  Image 1

What types of scholarships are there for PhD students?

Most scholarships for PhD and doctoral students are either merit-based or need-based scholarships, but some PhD scholarships combine these principles.

Merit-based scholarships are intended to help the most academically able students complete a PhD. To win one of these you need to be amongst the best students who apply, based on your transcripts, GPA, and research experience.

Need-based scholarships are intended to support students whose background or personal circumstances might make it harder for them get a PhD. You might be eligible for one of these if you are from a demographic that is under-represented at the PhD level.

How to qualify for PhD scholarships

Be a phd student.

In order to get a PhD scholarship, you must be getting your Doctor of Philosophy at an accredited university. PhD students can also qualify for more general scholarships for graduate or doctoral students in addition to PhD scholarships. If you're a student who is about to get your PhD, you can also apply for PhD scholarships.

Meet any other eligibility requirements

Some scholarships have additional requirements beyond just being a PhD student. Students could need to have a certain field of study, education level, or career goals in order to get financial assistance. Student eligibility may also depend on the types of extracurricular activities that a student participates in. Make sure you check all of the eligibility criteria for scholarships before you apply.

How do you get a PhD scholarship?

At certain graduate schools, there are fellowships, grants, and scholarships that students can apply for. Most of the financial aid is given out based on your financial need and academic qualifications, meaning that your expected research contribution will be taken into consideration.

Doctoral scholarships are incredibly competitive, so in order to get fellowship programs and grants, you will have to stand out. You can do this by writing compelling essays or research proposals that will impress the scholarship committees.

Graduate students can also get scholarships either by submitting the Federal Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or applying for scholarships online. Undocumented students and international students are ineligible to complete the FAFSA but are still eligible for university scholarships or private scholarships.

If you are worried about the competitiveness of financial aid for PhD's, Bold.org has a variety of scholarships for any graduate student. You can easily apply to scholarships on Bold.org. Just make sure that you have a strong profile before you apply.

PhD Scholarships  Image 2

How to find scholarships for PhD students

You can find plenty of scholarships on Bold.org. If you go to our website, you can use the filter feature to browse scholarships by category. By restricting your search by education level, you will be able to see all of the scholarships available to graduate and PhD students. You can even bookmark scholarships you're interested in so you can go back to them later and apply.

If you are getting your PhD in a certain field, you can also find specific scholarships by going to the "education" category or by searching for scholarships by major . There, you will find scholarships that apply to specific programs.

How to apply for PhD scholarships

Applying for financial aid can be a daunting process, but it is an important step for your college education. Many graduate schools have scholarships that you can apply for through the FAFSA or through your university. If you want to find scholarships with an easy application process, though, Bold.org is the perfect place.

On Bold.org, it is extremely easy to find and apply for scholarships. Once you have a profile, you can apply for scholarships in only a few clicks. Applying for scholarships typically requires an essay submission , but no-essay scholarships often just require a few minutes to apply. Each scholarship will have relevant instructions or essay prompts in the description, making the application process simple.

When you apply for scholarships, keep in mind that there are certain ways to increase your chances of winning , such as having a detailed profile, earning as many bold points as possible, and writing impressive essays.

When to start applying for PhD scholarships

When it comes to securing financial aid for your college degree, it's never too early to start. You can begin applying for scholarships as early as high school so that you can apply for a larger range of scholarships and minimize your need for student loans. Many students begin applying for scholarships as high school seniors, but applying earlier will give you a head start on tackling your college costs.

However, don't worry if you're already in college and just starting to apply. Many scholarships are geared towards students pursuing college degrees or even graduate students, so you have plenty of time to apply. Bold.org has college scholarships for high school, undergraduate, and graduate students.

PhD Scholarships  Image 3

Frequently asked questions about PhD scholarships

What gpa is required for a phd scholarship.

In order to get a PhD, many programs require students to have a college GPA of at least 3.0. For students who want to get a scholarship, and especially to get a merit scholarship, students will have to have a GPA far above the minimum GPA. A GPA above 3.5 is usually an excellent GPA to have in order to get a PhD scholarship, but there are scholarship options for students with a lower GPA .

What is the difference between a PhD and a doctorate degree?

Doctorate, or doctoral, is an umbrella term for the highest degrees that one can get. There are research doctorates and applied doctorates. PhDs are a kind of research doctorate, and they are the most common doctoral degree.

While a PhD and other research doctorates are more academic and research-focused, an applied doctorate degree allows students to master a subject in both theory and practice. Applied doctorates are generally paired with very specific careers, such as medical doctors, optometrists, psychologists, and law professionals. 

Doctoral students also present their research in different ways than PhD students. At the end of their doctoral degree, PhD candidates present their research findings in the format of a dissertation, while doctoral candidates present their findings in the format of a doctoral study.

PhD Scholarships  Image 4

Are PhD programs fully funded?

Most PhD programs are fully funded. These programs typically provide waived tuition and fees, as well as an annual stipend for living expenses. Some also offer health insurance and other benefits. For students who need help funding their research, there are plenty of research grants available. If you are in an accredited doctoral program that does not offer full funding for doctoral students, though, there are still plenty of options to help with the cost.

If your school does not fully fund your doctoral degree, there are other routes of funding available. Government-provided fellowships and grants are extremely useful, but there are options that don't come from public funds. Industry-sponsored PhDs allow students to pursue their research while developing excellent transferrable skills and providing you with business experience.

Can you get a full-ride scholarship for a PhD?

Yes, you can get a full-ride scholarship for a PhD. But, for PhD students who do not have their tuition and fees fully funded, private scholarships are a great option . You may be able to get private scholarships from local organizations or online websites. Bold.org has a wide array of scholarships for graduate school .

Minority doctoral students may also be able to find many full scholarships to get their PhD, as many donors want to encourage diversity in academia. Charles Cheesman's Student Debt Reduction Scholarship is a great option for PhD students who have a lot of debt from their undergraduate or graduate degree.

  • Search All Scholarships
  • Exclusive Scholarships
  • Easy Scholarships to Apply For
  • No Essay Scholarships
  • Scholarships for HS Juniors
  • Scholarships for HS Seniors
  • Scholarships for College Students
  • Scholarships for Grad Students
  • Scholarships for Women
  • Scholarships for Black Students
  • Scholarships
  • Student Loans
  • College Admissions
  • Financial Aid
  • Scholarship Winners
  • Scholarship Providers

Student-centric advice and objective recommendations

Higher education has never been more confusing or expensive. Our goal is to help you navigate the very big decisions related to higher ed with objective information and expert advice. Each piece of content on the site is original, based on extensive research, and reviewed by multiple editors, including a subject matter expert. This ensures that all of our content is up-to-date, useful, accurate, and thorough.

Our reviews and recommendations are based on extensive research, testing, and feedback. We may receive commission from links on our website, but that doesn’t affect our editors’ opinions. Our marketing partners don’t review, approve or endorse our editorial content. It’s accurate to the best of our knowledge when posted. You can find a complete list of our partners here .

Top Fully Funded PhD Programs

Karla Ibarra

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.

Learn about our editorial policies

Maria Geiger

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.

Picture of students in fully funded PhD programs

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. 

Apply to these scholarships due soon

“Gutsy Graduate Student” Essay Scholarship

“Gutsy Graduate Student” Essay Scholarship

“Caretakers on the Climb” Scholarship for Nursing Students

“Caretakers on the Climb” Scholarship for Nursing Students

$10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship

$10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship

$2,000 Sallie Mae Scholarship

$2,000 Sallie Mae Scholarship

Ayn Rand Institute Novel Essay Contest (Atlas Shrugged)

Ayn Rand Institute Novel Essay Contest (Atlas Shrugged)

Niche $25,000 “No Essay” Scholarship

Niche $25,000 “No Essay” Scholarship

$1,000 Stress-Free Scholarship Giveaway

$1,000 Stress-Free Scholarship Giveaway

$25k “Be Bold” No-Essay Scholarship

$25k “Be Bold” No-Essay Scholarship

The Boren Awards

The Boren Awards

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.

Student sits in a classroom in the 1970's with other students typing on typewriters

10 Tips for Successful College Applications

Female college student leaning over a computer on a desk as she studies coalition vs common app information

Coalition vs. Common App: What is the difference?

Female student wearing headphones seated at desk looking at list of college application deadlines on computer notebook

College Application Deadlines 2024-2025: What You Need to Know

Trending now.

Photo of a student using our GPA converter to calculate her GPA from her grades

How to Convert Your GPA to a 4.0 Scale

Student filling in bubbles on the PSAT, with the words

PSAT to SAT Score Conversion: Predict Your Score

Photo of a building on the campus of a Public Ivy which is covered in ivy

What are Public Ivy League Schools?

3 reasons to join scholarships360.

  • Automatic entry to our $10,000 No-Essay Scholarship
  • Personalized matching to thousands of vetted scholarships
  • Quick apply for scholarships exclusive to our platform

By the way...Scholarships360 is 100% free!

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, $1,004 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 classes entering in Fall 2024 and beyond : 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.

Currently, 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.This policy is subject to review and change.

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.

  • The Graduate School >
  • Explore & Apply >
  • Funding Your Education >

PhD Level Funding

As a PhD student, funding is essential and can come from a variety of sources including assistantships, training grants and fellowships. Not all PhD students are fully funded and it's important to explore your funding options.

Find a Source of Funding

Assistantships and traineeships.

Graduate, teaching and research assistantships are offered each year in a competitive process to highly qualified PhD students. All full-time, fully funded PhD students on 10-month TA/RA/GA and 12-month appointments receive a minimum campus stipend. Read more about the PhD Excellence Initiative below .

Traineeships are supported by federal training grants from agencies like NIH and NSF, and typically include tuition/fee remission, stipend and health insurance. They are awarded upon admission to a doctoral program. To inquire about training grants, check with your graduate program.

Fellowships

Fellowships are grants that you do not have to pay back and generally involve no work obligations. There are both internal and external awards available.

Presidential, Graduate and Schomburg fellowships, listed below , are awarded in addition to any GA/RA/TA that is awarded.

Financial Aid

Students seeking financial aid to assist with educational costs should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually. The FAFSA asks for general identification and income information to determine your eligibility for all financial aid programs sponsored by the federal government. Remember to add UB's Federal School Code (SUNY at Buffalo—002837).

Grants are an essential element and should be prioritized at every stage of your career, from your graduate program, to the job search and beyond. Not only do they provide the funds for your work and allow you to establish credibility within your field of study, but they look excellent on your CV. If you plan to stay in academia, remember that you will be writing grants throughout your career.

To help you meet the expenses of a graduate education, there are loan programs available. A loan is money that you borrow which must be repaid, often with interest. There are several kinds of loans available to graduate students.

Scholarships

UB's Scholarship Portal is a smart shortcut to apply for philanthropic scholarships. To access the portal and apply, you must be an enrolled student at the University at Buffalo. Log in and complete one application annually to be considered for multiple opportunities.

University-wide Awards

Arthur a. schomburg fellowship program.

The Arthur A. Schomburg (Schomburg) Fellowship is a graduate fellowship program for eligible underrepresented students who pursue graduate study on a full time basis at the University at Buffalo. The Schomburg fellowship is intended to support high achieving doctoral and professional students in pursuit of terminal degrees.

Graduate Opportunity Program (GOP)

The Graduate Opportunity Program (GOP) is a New York State-sponsored program for New York residents who are both academically and economically disadvantaged. State funding for this program is extremely limited.

The Graduate School Fellowship

The Graduate School Fellowship helps fund outstanding graduate students at UB. To be eligible, a nominee must be a new applicant to a PhD program and must be appointed as a full teaching, graduate or research assistant.

Presidential Fellowships

The Presidential Fellowship offers outstanding prospective graduate students an elite fellowship package to the top 10% incoming enrolled doctoral students each academic year. 

WNY Prosperity Fellowship

The Western New York (WNY) Prosperity Fellowship Program assists graduate students at UB with an entrepreneurial drive who are actively preparing for careers that further economic development and growth in the Western New York area.

PhD Excellence Initiative

The PhD Excellence Initiative is a multi-year program designed to enhance the education of the next generation of scholars and researchers through program reviews and creation of academic plans to ensure stronger outcomes. This initiative enables academic units to provide students with funding packages that are nationally competitive and will remain competitive over time. 

All full-time, fully funded PhD students on 10-month TA/RA/GA appointments receive a minimum of $23,000 for academic year stipends. Full-time, fully funded PhD students on 12-month appointments receive $29,900 as the campus minimum stipend.

The university will centrally fund comprehensive fees on a recurring basis for TA and GA appointments only. 

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

student phd scholarships

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

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

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

student phd scholarships

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

student phd scholarships

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

student phd scholarships

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

student phd scholarships

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

student phd scholarships

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

student phd scholarships

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

student phd 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 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

student phd scholarships

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

student phd scholarships

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

UBC Four Years 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

student phd scholarships

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

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

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

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

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 Univeristy 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

student phd scholarships

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

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

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

student phd scholarships

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 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

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

Fulbright foreign student program in usa.

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

Rhodes Scholarships at Oxford University for International Students

Deadline: varies, July-Oct 2024 (annual) Study in: UK Course starts October 2024

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Students

Deadline: varies, Sept-Dec 2024 Study in: Switzerland Next course starts 2025

AAUW International Fellowships in USA for Women

Deadline: 15 Nov 2024 (annual) Study in: USA Next course is 1 July 2025-30 June 2026

Knight-Hennessy Scholars at Stanford University

Deadline: 9 Oct 2024 (Annual) Study in: USA Course starts Autumn 2025

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS)

Deadline: before 30 October 2024 (annual) Study in: Canada Course starts May/Sept 2025

East-West Center Graduate Degree Fellowships

Deadline: 1 Dec 2024 (annual) Study in:  Hawaii, USA Course starts August 2025

University of Sydney International Scholarship

Deadline: 13 Sept/17 Dec 2024 Study in:  Australia Course starts 2025

Italian Government Scholarships for Foreign Students

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

2024 Numerix Women in Finance Scholarship

Deadline: 14 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

  • 10+ Scholarships in Canada for International Students
  • Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students
  • Top 25 Scholarships in USA for International Students
  • Top 5 Countries Where Tuition is Free in 2024
  • 10 Distance Learning Scholarships & Tuition Free Online Degree/Courses
  • Top 10 Scholarships in Italy for International Students
  • 35+ International Scholarships for Development-Related Studies
  • Top 10 Prestigious Scholarships for the Best International Students
  • Top 15 International Scholarships for Developing Country Students
  • Scholarships in Germany for International Students
  • 20+ Tuition Scholarships offered by Universities for International Students
  • Top 10 Scholarships for Study in Any Country or Anywhere

Home | About | Contact | Sitemap | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Copyright

Scholarships

student phd scholarships

Hopkins helps you and your family cover the cost of college through scholarships—money that doesn’t need to be paid back.

The amount you will be offered could be based on your family’s financial circumstances or your personal and academic achievements. Private scholarships also provide you an opportunity to qualify for additional financial aid. Select a tab for more information.

Need-Based & Merit-Based Scholarships

Need-based and merit-based scholarships are a type of financial aid that does not need to be paid back. They are offered based on your admissions and financial aid application, so you do not need to apply for them individually. Select a tab to learn more about need-based and merit-based scholarships.

Need-Based Scholarships

Merit-based scholarships, hopkins scholarship.

Hopkins Scholarships are offered from institutional funds or endowments to students who demonstrate financial need and do not need to be repaid. The grant amount varies and can be renewed each year according to your level of need.

Cummings Scholars Program

The Cummings Scholars Program offers scholarships to Baltimore City and Washington, DC, public school graduates. Applicants must have resided in Baltimore City or Washington, DC, attended a Baltimore City or DC public school (respectively) for three consecutive years, and be U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents. No separate application is required, and applicants should follow the standard procedure for applying for need-based aid.

There are two tiers of funding for Cummings Scholars:

  • Applicants with family incomes of $80,000 or less with typical assets will receive full cost-of-attendance scholarships covering tuition, room, board, and fees.
  • Applicants with family incomes between $80,000 and $150,000 with typical assets will have their family contributions capped at 10% of family income.

Clark Scholarship

The Clark Scholars Program was established through a partnership between the Clark Charitable Foundation and the Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering to honor the legacy of Mr. A. James Clark, a noted engineer, businessman, and philanthropist. Clark Scholars participate in specialized academic programs and service opportunities designed to develop future leaders and enhance their undergraduate experience. This need-based scholarship is renewable for up to three additional years.

Davis United World College (UWC) Scholars Program

Johns Hopkins University is a proud partner institution of the Davis United World College (UWC) Scholars Program, the world’s largest, privately funded, international scholarship program. The Davis UWC Scholars Program, its scholars, and partner institutions are committed to building cross-cultural dialogue and understanding across campuses and around the globe. Graduates from any UWC school who choose to matriculate at Johns Hopkins University will be designated Davis UWC Scholars and become part of our active cluster of UWC alums. Those Davis UWC Scholars who apply and qualify for need-based financial aid through our Office of Student Financial Support are also eligible for financial support from the Davis UWC Scholars Program for their undergraduate educations.

Hodson Gilliam Success Scholarship

The Hodson Gilliam Success Scholarship is awarded annually to first-year students who have a demonstrated financial need. They also benefit from being part of a distinctive, 150-member community, with opportunities to join the Hodson Scholar Student Advisory Board and participate in a mentoring program between incoming students and upperclassmen.  Learn more about the Hodson Gilliam Success Scholarship here .

QuestBridge Scholars Program

The QuestBridge Scholar Program is a college admission and scholarship program through which high-achieving, low-income students can be admitted early with full four-year scholarships to QuestBridge college partners​. For the National College Match, Hopkins will most strongly consider students with total family incomes of $80,000 or less, and family assets typical for that income level. Students who do not fit this financial profile can still be considered for regular decision at Hopkins, and if admitted, can expect to receive a competitive financial aid offer that meets 100% of demonstrated need through need-based scholarships and work-study opportunities.

International Scholarship

This institutional scholarship is offered on a funds-available basis to incoming international students who demonstrate both need and merit. Offers are renewable for up to 8 semesters, contingent upon full-time enrollment and maintaining satisfactory academic progress.

Federal Pell Grant

This is direct aid from the federal government, based on FAFSA completion, and can range from $657 to $6,195 per year. Strict federal requirements determine who is eligible. These funds do not need to be repaid.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

The Federal SEOG program provides financial aid to students who demonstrate exceptional need. When offering FSEOG, Student Financial Support prioritizes Federal Pell Grant recipients and other students with exceptional needs. These funds do not need to be repaid.

MHEC extends 24-25 FAFSA deadline for state aid consideration!

The Maryland Higher Education Commission has extended the Maryland financial aid deadline to submit the 2024-2025 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to  June 1, 2024.   However, students are encouraged to submit the FAFSA by the   priority deadline of March 1, 2024​ to receive notification of eligibility by April 15, 2024.​

Current information and FAQ’s are available on the MHEC website .

Students from the following states may be eligible for state aid to help fund their education at Hopkins: Delaware, Maryland, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Receipt of a state grant is contingent upon the decision of your state scholarship agency. Some states may require a separate scholarship application.

For Maryland residents, the  Howard P. Rawlings Guaranteed Access Grant  may help cover a significant portion of the cost of full-time study at Johns Hopkins University or any other public or private college or university in Maryland. Johns Hopkins provides a matching offer to eligible Maryland residents who receive a Guaranteed Access Grant. These funds do not need to be repaid. Visit the  Maryland Higher Education Commission website  to learn more about each program and other state offers.

The new MHEC One App allows undocumented and DACA students who can’t submit a FAFSA because they don’t meet FAFSA citizenship requirements to be considered for various Maryland state financial aid programs.  For more information and instructions on completing the MHEC One App, please visit the  MHEC website.

Maryland now offers a  Student Loan Debt Relief Tax Credit  for borrowers who have incurred at least $20,000 in student loan debt and have at least $5,000 in outstanding debt remaining.

Maryland residents who provide public service in Maryland State or local government or nonprofit agencies in Maryland to low-income or underserved residents may apply for the  Janet L. Hoffman Loan Assistance Repayment Program (LARP) . The application deadline is November 30th of each year.

The Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA), with the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC), is pleased to announce that the Maryland College Aid Processing System (MDCAPS) has a NEW feature known as the “Electronic File Upload” Tool. Students may now submit documentation to OSFA as required for specific state aid programs online directly through their MDCAPS account. Documents uploaded through MDCAPS are secure. For instructions on how to submit documentation to OFSA,  click here . OSFA, with the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC), now offers virtual appointments. To schedule a virtual appointment with OSFA,  visit their website .

The Hodson Trust Scholarship

Offered based on academic and personal achievement and leadership, these scholarships are offered to less than twenty freshmen each year through the Hodson Trust. The scholarships are automatically renewed yearly, provided the recipient maintains a 3.0-grade point average. The scholarship amount will stay constant throughout the student’s undergraduate career. All freshman applicants for admission will be considered for the Hodson Trust Scholarship. A separate application is not required. Recipients will be notified with their admissions letter.

Beneficial Hodson Trust Employee Tuition Scholarship

If your parents worked for The Beneficial Corporation for two or more years immediately before June 30, 1998, you may be considered for scholarship funding through The Hodson Trust. Your qualifying parent needs to submit The Hodson Trust Beneficial Scholarship Application to the Office of Student Financial Support.

The application should be signed, notarized, and mailed to the following address: Office of Student Financial Support 3400 N. Charles St., 146 Garland Hall Baltimore, Maryland 21218

The Hodson Trust Foundation will review applications and notify eligible recipients. If eligible, the scholarship is automatically renewed each year if the student is making satisfactory academic progress.

Charles R. Westgate Scholarship in Engineering

The Charles R. Westgate Scholarship in Engineering is made possible through a gift from Kwok-Leung Li, a graduate of the Electrical Engineering Department. Mr. Li achieved great success as an entrepreneur in the communications and network industries. The scholarships are named in honor of Professor Westgate, who has dedicated his career to the education of undergraduate students. He has been widely recognized for his excellence in teaching and interest in helping students in independent research and guided study.

The Westgate Scholarship may be renewed annually for a total of four years of undergraduate study based on:

  • Continued enrollment in the GWC Whiting School of Engineering
  • Maintenance of a 3.0 GPA or better.

National Fellowships Program

The National Fellowships Program offers you the opportunity to deepen your academic training or experiential learning, funded by a nationally competitive fellowship. Johns Hopkins University staff are available to assist you throughout the application process.

Army Reserve Officer Training Corps Scholarship (ROTC)

Two-, three-, and four-year renewable tuition scholarships, often with book allowances and monthly living stipends, are available through an on-campus Army ROTC program. Military service as a commissioned officer is required upon graduation. For more information, contact your local Army or Air Force recruiting officer, high school counselor, or the Department of Military Sciences at Johns Hopkins.

Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps Scholarship (ROTC)

The Air Force offers competitive and non-competitive scholarships to Johns Hopkins University students who join the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC). Contact (301) 314-3242 or check out their website for additional information.

Private Scholarships

How private scholarships impact your financial aid offer:.

You can use outside, private scholarships to reduce your summer savings expectation (Freshmen – $1,800; Returning students – $2,600) and work-study expectations ($2,700). If private scholarships exceed your total summer savings and work-study expectations, your Hopkins Grant will be reduced dollar for dollar.

For freshmen, you can receive up to $4,500 in private scholarships before any reductions to your Hopkins grant funding. For returning undergraduate students, you can receive up to $5,300 in private scholarships before any reductions to your Hopkins Grant funding.

Remember to report all scholarships to Student Financial Support

Learn more about our private scholarships policy, view example financial aid packages, and search for private scholarships to apply for on our website .

student phd scholarships

Tuition Programs for Employees and Dependents

PhD Degree Scholarships for international students 2024 - 2025

The PhD Fully Funded Scholarships 2024 - 2025 for International Students provide a pathway to advanced studies in prestigious institutions across the USA, Canada, the UK, Europe (including Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Hungary), Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. These merit-based scholarships, which include the likes of Chevening Scholarships, Fulbright Foreign Student Program, DAAD Scholarships, Erasmus Mundus Scholarships, Australia Awards, Commonwealth Scholarships, and Hubert Humphrey Fellowships, are designed to recognize and reward academic excellence and leadership potential. They cover costs like tuition, living expenses, books, and occasionally travel expenses. Additionally, some scholarships don't necessitate IELTS or similar language proficiency tests, thereby widening their accessibility. They may also facilitate part-time or after-work job opportunities, providing a balanced blend of practical and theoretical learning. Further, certain scholarships provide residency options, offering enriching cultural experiences and valuable networking opportunities.

OAS USA Leo S Rowe Supplementary Scholarships.

OAS USA Leo S Rowe Supplementary Scholarship Spring 2025 (Worth $2000)

  • Partial Funding
  • USA Universities
  • Bachelor, Masters, PhD
  • STEM Field, Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Environmental Science
  • Domestic Students

Estonia Government Degree and Exchange Study Scholarships.

Estonia Government Degree and Exchange Study Scholarships 2024 (Study in Estonia)

  • Estonia Universities
  • All Subjects
  • International Students

ACES USA Scholarships.

ACES USA Scholarships 2024 (Partial Funding up to $3500)

  • Domestic Students, International Students

Kaohsiung Medical University (KMC) Taiwan Scholarships.

Kaohsiung Medical University (KMC) Taiwan Scholarships 2025

  • Partial Funding, Fully Funded
  • Kaohsiung Medical University
  • Undergraduate, Masters, PhD

Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarships.

Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme 2025, Study in Ireland

  • Fully Funded
  • Ireland Universities
  • Masters, PhD

University of Sydney Australia Thomas T Roberts Education Fellowship 2024

University of Sydney Australia Thomas T Roberts Education Fellowship 2024

  • University of Sydney
  • Masters, Research, PhD, Fellowship

Australian Catholic University ACU Industry PhD Scholarships.

Australian Catholic University ACU Industry PhD Scholarships 2024/2025 (Fully Funded)

  • Australian Catholic University

University of Tasmania Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships.

University of Tasmania Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships 2024-25for International students.

  • Stipened at the rate of AUD$28,597 / Year.
  • University of Tasmania

Hong Kong China PhD Fellowship Scheme 2025/2026 (Fully Funded)

Hong Kong China PhD Fellowship Scheme 2025/2026 (Fully Funded)

  • China Universities

Taiwan NYCU International Student Scholarships.

Taiwan NYCU International Student Scholarship for BS, MS and PhD (Spring Intake 2025)

  • National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University

University of Turin Scholarships.

University of Turin Scholarships 2025 for International Students, Study in Italy

  • University of Turin

University of Western States USA Scholarships.

University of Western States USA Scholarships Fall 2024

  • International Students, Domestic Students

University of Oxford Clarendon Scholarships.

University of Oxford Clarendon Scholarship 2025 in UK (Fully Funded)

  • University of Oxford

State of Bavaria Scholarships.

State of Bavaria Scholarships 2025/2026 for International Students in Germany

  • Germany Universities
  • Masters, PhD, Research

Czech Government Scholarships.

Czech Government Scholarships 2025/2026 for Developing Countries, Czech Republic (Fully Funded)

  • Czech Republic Universities
  • Developing Countries
  • Czech Republic

Quick Links

student phd scholarships

  • Facebook like 25.7 K
  • twitter share

Recent Updates

  • Scholarships

University of Leicester - UK Government Chevening Scholarship 2025 (Fully Funded)

Uk government chevening scholarships 2025 (fully funded), university of sydney australia farrand international scholarship 2025, silk road international university of tourism and cultural heritage scholarships 2024, a five-step guide to uscis translation requirements, how to preserve academic integrity, 5 best caribbean medical schools, erasmus mundus vs eu scholarships 2025 - the ultimate guide for aspiring scholars, become a teacher in new zealand: start preparing for teachnz scholarships 2025, university of florence announces fully funded scholarships for 2024, applications open for the 2025 lester b pearson international student scholarship at university of toronto, fully funded scholarships at top 10 universities according to qs world university rankings 2025.

Funding and aid: Outside fellowships & scholarships

Government agencies and foundations award fellowships either directly to outstanding students for use at institutions of their choice or, in a few cases, to institutions to administer on behalf of students.

There are many reasons to apply for a fellowship , including greater research autonomy, financial security, and a professional cohort that may last for years to come. The Office of Graduate Education (OGE) maintains a database of various fellowship aid resources and provides advice on how to apply for one. For questions about the fellowships highlighted below, contact the OGE Fellowship team .

Fellowships for international students

You can explore outside funding sources organized by discipline, that are available to international students.

External fellowships

Many outside organizations fund fellowships for graduate students. View external fellowship options on the OGE site.

Other resources

Explore additional resources , curated by OGE that include targeted fellowship opportunities,  financial aid planning tools, and scholarship and fellowship databases.

Outside scholarships

Scholarships and grants are forms of financial aid that do not need to be repaid. They are often awarded on the basis of academic or other types of achievement. You apply for outside scholarships on your own and can use the funding in place of taking out a student loan.

Financial aid

Funding from fellowships and scholarships lowers your ability to take out student loans. If you would like to explore how these types of funding might impact your financial aid, please contact us to discuss your options. We are happy to help!

Northwestern Kellogg logo

The Experience

  • Career Impact
  • Global Opportunities
  • Inclusion + Belonging
  • History + Legacy
  • Convocation Ceremony

Academic Expertise

  • AI + Data Analytics
  • Family Business
  • Social Impact + Sustainability
  • Entrepreneurship

Degree Programs

  • Full-Time MBA
  • Executive MBA
  • Master in Management
  • Evening & Weekend MBA
  • Certificate Program for Undergraduates
  • Which Program is Right for Me?
  • Admissions Events
  • Academic Calendars

Executive Education

  • Online Programs
  • Programs for Individuals
  • Nonprofit Programs
  • Programs for Groups
  • The Kellogg Advantage
  • Contact Executive Education
  • Request a Brochure
  • Find a Program
  • Alumni Network
  • Career Journeys
  • Global Impact
  • Student Stories
  • Applying to Kellogg
  • Inclusion and Belonging

Publications and blogs

  • Kellogg Magazine
  • Kellogg Insight
  • See All News + Stories

Academics + Research

  • Faculty Directory
  • Institutes + Centers
  • Case Studies
  • Faculty Teaching Awards
  • Academic Departments
  • Research + Books
  • Faculty Recruiting
  • Evening + Weekend MBA
  • Deferred Enrollment
  • PhD / Doctoral
  • Undergraduate Certificate

Additional resources

  • Tuition + Financial Aid
  • Log into my account portal
  • Companies + Recruiters

Applying to the PhD Program

Doctoral student studying and taking notes.

What you need to know to apply

If you are intellectually curious and like to be challenged by new ideas and experiences, consider a Kellogg PhD. Our students shift from being consumers of knowledge to being producers of new knowledge. Through their publications and teaching, Kellogg graduates contribute to business practice and society.

Preparing to apply

Each year, Kellogg receives over 850 applications to its eight PhD programs. On average 25 students enroll each fall.

PhD study requires strong quantitative skills to develop theories and manage and analyze data. This program is especially well suited to those who have previously studied social sciences (such as economics, political science, psychology and sociology), mathematics, natural sciences or engineering.

To be eligible for admission, you must hold a U.S bachelor’s degree — or a comparable non-U.S. degree — from a regionally accredited institution. You may be considered for admission before you finish your undergraduate degree, but you must complete that degree before you enroll at Kellogg. A three-year bachelor’s degree is also accepted.

Application review

During the admissions process, we will evaluate your application file and how your research interests align with the research expertise of our faculty. Also included in our review is the strength of your recommendation letters, academic record, and performance on standardized tests. Your application will help us understand if you are ready to seize all the opportunities that come with joining Kellogg.

Our faculty will assess your:

  • Application responses

Transcripts

  • Test scores
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Writing sample (optional)

For international candidates, the committee also assesses:

  • English language proficiency 

Master’s degree holders

A master’s degree is not required for enrollment in our PhD programs. For applicants with a master’s degree, note that the coursework taken in a master’s program will not shorten your time to degree. No transfer credit is provided with a master’s and students must satisfy their PhD coursework requirements in full while studying at Kellogg.

Opportunities for collaborative research across programs and schools at Northwestern University are always available; interdisciplinary research is our strength. However, Northwestern permits applicants to apply to one PhD program a year .

There is an exception through the dual application option with the Economics PhD Program, which is outlined below.

Academic experience

The Kellogg PhD Program offers eight distinct areas of focus, each with varying types of experience that are needed for success.

Economics-based PhD programs

  • These include Accounting Information & Management, Finance, Financial Economics, Managerial Economics & Strategy, Operations Management, and Marketing (quantitative area)
  • Evidence of solid training in math, econometrics and statistics within the application
  • Recommended math courses include calculus, linear algebra, probability and mathematical statistics

Behavioral/Sociological-based PhD programs

  • These programs include Marketing, Management & Organizations, and a joint program between Management & Organizations & Sociology
  • Evidence of statistics for social scientists and quantitative thinking, as well as a strong understanding of central concepts of probability and statistics
  • Background in social psychology and sociology

Dual application with Weinberg Economics

Applicants seeking to enroll in an economics-based doctoral program have the option to submit a second application for review to the Economics PhD Program. Kellogg PhD programs participating in this dual application option include, Accounting Information & Management, Finance, Managerial Economics & Strategy and Marketing (quantitative area).

More details about this option are available on The Graduate School website.

Financial aid

Kellogg offers a five-year financial aid package to all admitted doctoral students that includes a stipend, tuition scholarships, health insurance, moving allowance and a subsidy to purchase a computer.

Contact CollegeNET Technical support for help with its online application .

Get a sense for Kellogg faculty expertise, academic research and published work.

  • Faculty directory
  • Northwestern Scholars database
  • To apply for a Kellogg PhD, you will need an updated version of your resume or CV, transcripts from all academic institutions, test scores, an academic statement, a personal statement and three recommendation letters.

How to write your application

Your resume or cv.

Your resume or CV should summarize all of your qualifications, honors, educational accomplishments, and if applicable, current research papers.

Please list all schools where you were registered for courses at the college level, including community colleges, study abroad institutions and current registrations whether or not in a degree program.

Provide one transcript from each college/university you have attended that documents each course taken beyond high-school level, whether or not within a degree program. Certification of degrees received, including the date the degree was awarded, should be noted on the transcript and/or diploma. Please note:

  • The Kellogg PhD application requires unofficial transcripts . There is no need to send official transcripts prior to enrollment. Official transcripts are needed only if you decide to enroll
  • For applicants who studied at international institutions, transcripts must be accompanied with an official English translation, if applicable

Form for courses taken

The Courses Taken form lets anyone applying to our economics-based programs highlight advanced university courses that directly support their chosen field of study and proficiency in the subject matter. The form allows for up to six advanced courses in each specific area. If you cannot access our form, you may create and upload a form that contains the same information in applicable areas of study.

Download the following forms if you plan to apply to one of these programs. Forms are required with your application submission:

  • Accounting Information & Management
  • Financial Economics
  • Operations Management

If you plan to apply to either of these programs, we highly recommend you fill out one of these forms:

  • Managerial Economics & Strategy
  • Marketing (quantitative)

Standardized tests

All applicants are required to submit either the GRE or the GMAT regardless of previous experience and/or advanced degrees. We take a holistic approach to the application-review process, meaning there is no minimum score required for eligibility. Test scores are reviewed within the context of the entire application.

GRE required for:

  • Management & Organizations & Sociology

GRE or GMAT required for:

  • Management & Organizations

The Finance program prefers the GRE, but will accept the GMAT.

The GRE At Home and the GMAT Online exams are accepted. GRE and GMAT scores are valid for five years from the date taken. The institution code for GMAT is: 6WZ-3J-54 (PhD Program, Kellogg). The institution code for GRE is: 1565 (Northwestern Graduate School).

Unofficial test score reports are used during the application review process; however, official GRE and GMAT test scores are required if admission is recommended.

English language proficiency tests

If your native language is not English, The Graduate School requires that you certify proficiency in the English language in one of the following ways:

If your native language is not English, Northwestern requires that you certify proficiency in the English language in one of the following ways:

  • TOELF:  We accept 600 or higher on the paper-based exam, 250 or higher on the computer-based exam, or 100 or higher on the Internet-based exam. TOEFL scores through at-home testing service are accepted. The TOEFL institution code is: 1565 (The Graduate School)
  • IELTS:  Unofficial score report, submitted at the time of application, for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) . The IELTS Academic test must be taken no more than two years before the intended quarter of entry (fall quarter). IELTS test takers should score 7.0 or higher. IELTS scores submitted through its at-home testing service are accepted
  • MET:  We accept Michigan English Test scores of 70 or higher
  • Earning an undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited institution where the language of instruction is English. Please note, Kellogg provides the waiver after an application is submitted and transcripts have been reviewed. No additional documentation is required. Applicants will see the waiver noted within their online account
  • Automatically Waived:  Applicants that are citizens from the following countries where English is the native language will have the requirement automatically waived upon submission of the application (Australia, Barbados, Bermuda, Great Britain, Gibraltar, Israel, Jamaica, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands)

Standardized exams must be taken no more than two years before the intended quarter of entry. Unofficial scores are used during the review process. Official test scores are required only if admission is recommended.

DuoLingo or TOEFL Essentials are not accepted. Kellogg does not require the Test of Spoken English (TSE).

This is your opportunity to share the depth and breath of your academic education. In addition to the tactical and practical elements, think about how each experience helped you grow into the candidate you are today.

Academic statement 

You have a max limit of 1,000 words to answer the following questions:

  • What are your academic interests, and why do you wish to pursue graduate studies in this specific program?
  • How has your academic and professional background prepared you for graduate study? (Include any research, training, or educational experiences that align with the program you are applying to)
  • How will our program help you achieve your intellectual and professional goals?
  • What scholarly questions do you wish to explore in the program? (Make sure to include any specific faculty members whose research interests align with your own)

Personal statement 

Write a statement that addresses the following prompt (500 words max):

The Graduate School values diverse backgrounds, approaches, and perspectives, understanding them as essential ingredients for true academic excellence. As a Northwestern graduate student, how would you contribute to an intellectual community that prioritizes equity, inclusion, belonging and cultural humility?

Your answer may draw upon past or present experiences, whether in academic work, extracurricular or community activities, or everyday life.

While a paper is not required for admission to Kellogg’s PhD programs, the Sociology Department does require one, where the applicant is the sole-author, for consideration to the joint program in Management & Organizations and Sociology.

We do not require a writing sample to be submitted with the application; however, you may include one writing sample (30-page maximum) with your application. Hyperlink this paper and any other papers you have on your resume. *Please note: Only one writing sample will be reviewed. Do not upload more than one paper.

We require three letters. Additionally, we ask all recommenders to include Northwestern University’s Graduate Applicant Assessment Form found within the application. Recommendation letters from professors or instructors could include:

  • A description of the nature of your relationship. Did you take one or more classes with the professor?
  • A description of a research project or honors thesis, discussing the quality of the work, technical and writing skills, research methods used, data analysis, originality, depth of research undertaken, questions/problems raised, contribution to the field, etc.
  • The letter should also provide a ranking — how you compared to other students

Recommendation letters from employers and business associates could include:

  • Insights into your aptitude, character and working style — ability to work on your own, self-starter, complete a project on time, etc.
  • Any research or data analysis you have done within the scope of your work

All letters must be submitted online through our web-based application, CollegeNET . Directions for uploading letters and accessing the Graduate Applicant Assessment Form will be sent to recommenders once the applicant has entered the contact information within the application. We are not able to accept recommendation letters by email.

A $95 non-refundable fee must be paid by credit or debit card within the online application. For those participating in the dual application option with the Economics PhD Program, the application fee is $175. The Graduate School (TGS) at Northwestern University administers the fee waiver program. If you wish to be considered for a fee waiver, please refer to The Graduate School’s website on Application Fees .

After you submit

You’ve invested time, energy and resources into completing your application, so no doubt you’ll want confirmation that your application was received. And we want you to have that peace of mind, too.

So, once you submit your application, you can log back into CollegeNet at any time to view the status and double check that all sections were successfully completed.

We welcome anyone who is interested in reapplying to the doctoral program. Additional time can frequently further cement your research goals and application strength. However, we are unable to provide specific application feedback if you applied in the past.

All candidates can reapply in future years, but you must submit a new application, supporting documents and application fee.

Application dates and deadlines

Application deadline Decision released
Round 1 Dec. 15, 2024

Application questions? We’re here to help

student phd scholarships

Center for Digital Scholarship

University-Wide Requirements for the Ph.D. Dissertation

Dissertations must comply with the specifications set by the Library, by the author's department, and by the University. Departments, divisions, and schools may have requirements in addition to those described in this booklet. Students are responsible for informing themselves of these additional requirements.

The Dissertation Office provides information on the University’s dissertation policies. We help doctoral students understand dissertation formatting and submission requirements, and we assist with the submission process. Students are welcome to contact us with questions.

Contact the Dissertation Office

Web: phd.lib.uchicago.edu Email: [email protected] Phone: 773-702-7404 Visit: Suite 104D, Center for Digital Scholarship, Regenstein Library

Routine Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Actual hours vary to accommodate meetings, workshops, and training. The office is often closed during the interim between quarters.

Dissertation Requirements

Doctoral dissertations are original contributions to scholarship. As a condition for receipt of the doctorate, all students are required to submit their dissertations to Knowledge@UChicago, the University’s open access repository. If a dissertation includes copyrighted material beyond fair use, the author must obtain permission from the holder of the copyright.

The public sharing of original dissertation research is a principle to which the University is deeply committed, and dissertations should be made available to the scholarly community at the University of Chicago and elsewhere in a timely manner. If dissertation authors are concerned that making their research publicly available might endanger research subjects or themselves, jeopardize a pending patent, complicate publication of a revised dissertation, or otherwise be unadvisable, they may, in consultation with faculty in their field (and as appropriate, research collaborators), restrict access to their dissertation for a limited period of time according to the guidelines outlined by the Dissertation Office. If a dissertation author needs to renew an embargo at the end of its term or initiate an embargo after graduation, the author must contact the Dissertation Office with the embargo request. Embargo renewals may be approved only in rare instances, and in general no more than one renewal will be allowed.

All dissertations must follow the formatting and submission requirements stated in the University-Wide Requirements for the Ph.D. Dissertation , available from the Dissertation Office on the first floor of the Joseph Regenstein Library in the Center for Digital Scholarship.

University-Wide Requirements

Academic Policies

Students in the Graduate Visiting Student program take classes alongside matriculated Columbia University degree students. Admissions to this program is highly competitive, and we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Learn more about the application process, deadlines, and requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS

WPBF 25 News and Weather

  • SUBSCRIBE TO EMAIL
  •   Weather

Search location by ZIP code

Palm beach county teen gets scholarship to play esports at keiser university.

The first graduate to get an esports scholarship from Palm Beach Lakes Community High School signed his letter of intent Thursday.

  • Copy Link Copy {copyShortcut} to copy Link copied!

student phd scholarships

GET LOCAL BREAKING NEWS ALERTS

The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox.

Previous coverage: Keiser's eSports team provides unique opportunity for gamers

Beckham Llewellyn will play Super Smash Bros. Ultimate for the Keiser University eSports team after graduating earlier this year from the eSports Academy at Palm Beach Lakes Community High School.

“My mom has always been supportive in my life, so anything I tell her she will support me," Llewellyn said. "I told her it is more than video games; it’s all about the curriculum and technology that you’re doing."

The esports program at Keiser University has doubled in size since Denzel Vaughan, the head coach, took over in 2019.

"We went from right around 16 to 17 student-athletes on the actual varsity team, and now we’ve grown to 30 or 40-plus, and we also have another 100 students who come in for our club league," he said.

At Palm Beach Lakes Community High School, more than 100 students are involved in the esports club, in addition to its students who are part of the academy.

Top headlines:

Tracking the Tropics

Stay up-to-date: The latest headlines and weather from WPBF 25

Get the latest news updates with the WPBF 25 News app. You can download it here .

International Master’s Award of Excellence (IMAE)

Award type: Scholarships

Award description:

Effective May 1, 2019 (spring 2019 admissions cycle), the International Master’s Award of Excellence, valued at $2,500 per term for a maximum of five full-time terms within the allowable program time limits (6 terms), will be awarded to eligible international master’s students normally entering a research-based graduate program at the University of Waterloo. Faculties will nominate eligible students based on the Faculty’s award allocation. Students will be selected based on academic excellence as demonstrated through their application for admission to the graduate program.

Value description:

Award valued at $2,500 per term for a maximum of five terms.

  • International students who are registered full time and assessed international tuition fees. 
  • Normally given to students in research-based programs (thesis or major research paper). 
  • Will normally only be given to students entering the first term of their program (term 1.0).
  • Students must demonstrate academic excellence through criteria established by the Faculty.
  • Students must meet the academic progress requirements of their program and not have outstanding probationary admission requirements. 
  • This award could be in addition to other internal or external scholarships (e.g., UW Graduate Scholarship, OGS,  etc).   Note: scholarships are different than sponsorships – see next bullet.
  • Normally, students should not be concurrently receiving foreign government or agency sponsorship (e.g., China Scholarship Council, Libyan sponsorship, etc) or be fully or partially self-funded in excess of the Faculty minimum levels of support.  
  • Students grandparented under the existing IMSA program cannot be nominated for an IMAE; however, a student previously awarded an IMSA for a previously completed master’s degree can be nominated for an IMAE.
  • Students will be automatically considered for this award based on their application for admission. Departments and/or Faculty will define their own internal process by which they select recipients based on the eligibility criteria and allocation.
  • Faculties may impose stricter eligibility criteria as appropriate.

For information regarding international funding programs, please visit the Graduate Studies   International Funding webpage .

Level: Masters Program: Open to any program Citizenship: International/study permit student Selection process: Student selected automatically by Faculty/Department Term: Winter, Spring, Fall

Contact person:

Department Graduate Co-ordinator

  • Scholarships ,
  • Open to any program ,
  • International/study permit student ,
  • Student selected automatically by Faculty/Department ,

IMAGES

  1. PhD Scholarship

    student phd scholarships

  2. 9+ Best Scholarships For Graduate Students To Apply For

    student phd scholarships

  3. Top 5 Fully Funded PhD Scholarships in Australia [2024]

    student phd scholarships

  4. UEA PhD International Scholarships in the UK, 2021

    student phd scholarships

  5. PhD Scholarships in Diplomacy and International Governance, UK

    student phd scholarships

  6. PhD International Scholarships in the UK for the session 2021

    student phd scholarships

VIDEO

  1. Fully Funded Scholarship of MS and PHD in Mehran University

  2. How to get a paid PhD in Germany 2024

  3. Day in PhD

  4. How to Secure a PhD Scholarship in Australia?

  5. Us Scholarships For Bs Ms and Phd/All International Students Apply/Automatic Scholarship

  6. Day in PhD

COMMENTS

  1. 50 Best Scholarships for Ph.D. Students

    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.

  2. Scholarships & Grants for PhD & Doctoral Students

    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.

  3. Top 100+ Graduate School Scholarships in August 2024

    Here are our editors' picks for the top 10 grad school scholarships overall: Ayn Rand Institute Novel Essay Contest (Atlas Shrugged) - For students who submit an essay about the novel Atlas Shrugged. Worth $25,000. Stokes Scholarship Programs - For students pursuing fields relevant to work in the CIA. Worth $25,000.

  4. Graduate School Scholarships: Students Guide to Scholarships in '18

    The Truman Scholarship foundation provides graduate students with up to $30,000 to pursue careers in education, advocacy, nonprofit leadership, or public service. This prestigious program is the oldest fellowship in America, offering a fully paid two-year education at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom.

  5. Find PhD Scholarships

    Find Education Scholarships for PhD Students. Every little bit helps, get a head start funding your doctoral degree using the U.S. News scholarship database. Apply for money now. Preference is ...

  6. 214 Phd Scholarships in United States

    The American Association of University Women awards fulltime research/study fellowships in US to non-US women who are graduate at the US bachelor's degree level. The fellowship is worth $18000, $20000, and $30000 for Master's, PhD and postdoctoral students respectively.

  7. How to Find Scholarships for Graduate School

    At San Diego State University, for instance, 29% of total scholarships were awarded to graduate students during the 2022-2023 cycle, says Kari Hooker, director of scholarships in the university's ...

  8. PhD Scholarships Worth Over $225 Million in 2024

    Scholarships for PhD Students 2024 List . Road to Recovery Scholarship. The Road to Recovery Scholarship is available for undergraduate and graduate students in the U.S. who submit an original essay of at least 750 words in length. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. Total: $1000.

  9. PhD Student Funding Overview

    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 ...

  10. Financial Support for PhD Students

    Financial Support for PhD Students. The Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (Harvard Griffin GSAS) offers incoming PhD students full financial support—including tuition, health insurance fees, and basic living expenses—for a minimum of five years (typically the first four years of study and the completion year).

  11. Graduate School Scholarships, Grants and Fellowships

    The median earnings for master's degree holders is $77,844—nearly $13,000 more than those with a bachelor's degree. However, the cost of graduate school can be steep. The National Center for ...

  12. Scholarships for Graduate Students

    Scholarships are available through organizations, companies, states, and more. They can be need-based or merit-based, but you must apply for them. Scholarship award amounts for graduate students tend to be more modest than for undergrads, but they can add up. An extra $1,000 - $2,000 can help reduce your living expenses for a month.

  13. Top 11 PhD Scholarships in the USA for 2024-25

    Iowa hosts a substantial graduate student population of 7,667, providing 119 graduate programs, including 13 online options. It is one of the best PhD scholarships in USA for international students. Eligibility Criteria: Aspiring graduate students need to have completed a bachelor's degree program with a GPA of 3.00 or higher out of 4.00.

  14. List of Fully Funded Ph.D. Scholarships in USA 2025

    3. 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.

  15. Top 30 PhD Scholarships to Apply for in August 2024

    Charles Cheesman's Student Debt Reduction Scholarship is a great option for PhD students who have a lot of debt from their undergraduate or graduate degree. Featured on this list are some of Bold.org's exclusive PhD scholarships that can't be found anywhere else. Upcoming deadlines throughout 2024.

  16. Top Fully Funded PhD Programs

    Updated: June 4th, 2024. 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 ...

  17. 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, $1,004 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 ...

  18. PhD Level Funding

    All full-time, fully funded PhD students on 10-month TA/RA/GA appointments receive a minimum of $23,000 for academic year stipends. Full-time, fully funded PhD students on 12-month appointments receive $29,900 as the campus minimum stipend. The university will centrally fund comprehensive fees on a recurring basis for TA and GA appointments ...

  19. Fully Funded PhD Scholarships for International Students 2025

    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.

  20. PhD Scholarships for International Students 2024-2025

    Rotary Foundation Global Scholarship Grants for Development. PhD Scholarships for International Students from Developing Countries 2024-2025. Find Doctoral Scholarships for PhD Students, PhD Degree Scholarships, PhD Positions, PhD Fellowships, PhD Jobs in USA, Europe, Australia.

  21. Scholarships and Grants

    You can use outside, private scholarships to reduce your summer savings expectation (Freshmen - $1,800; Returning students - $2,600) and work-study expectations ($2,700). If private scholarships exceed your total summer savings and work-study expectations, your Hopkins Grant will be reduced dollar for dollar.

  22. PhD Degree Scholarships for international students 2024

    The PhD Fully Funded Scholarships 2024 - 2025 for International Students provide a pathway to advanced studies in prestigious institutions across the USA, Canada, the UK, Europe (including Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Hungary), Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. These merit-based scholarships, which include the likes of Chevening ...

  23. Outside fellowships & scholarships

    Many outside organizations fund fellowships for graduate students. View external fellowship options on the OGE site. Other resources. Explore additional resources, curated by OGE that include targeted fellowship opportunities, financial aid planning tools, and scholarship and fellowship databases.

  24. How to Apply

    More details about this option are available on The Graduate School website. Financial aid. Kellogg offers a five-year financial aid package to all admitted doctoral students that includes a stipend, tuition scholarships, health insurance, moving allowance and a subsidy to purchase a computer.

  25. Cuts to race-based scholarships block path to college, students say

    The graduation rate for students who receive those scholarships and the university's other top merit-based scholarships ranges between 80 percent and 95 percent, the university said, compared ...

  26. University-Wide Requirements for the Ph.D. Dissertation

    Students are responsible for informing themselves of these additional requirements. The Dissertation Office provides information on the University's dissertation policies. We help doctoral students understand dissertation formatting and submission requirements, and we assist with the submission process.

  27. Academics

    Students in the Graduate Visiting Student program take classes alongside matriculated Columbia University degree students. Admissions to this program is highly competitive, and we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Learn more about the application process, deadlines, and requirements. QUALIFICATIONS

  28. PBC teen gets scholarship to play esports at Keiser University

    The first graduate to get an esports scholarship from Palm Beach Lakes Community High School signed his letter of intent Thursday. ... "We went from right around 16 to 17 student-athletes on the ...

  29. International Master's Award of Excellence (IMAE)

    Award type: Scholarships. Award description: Effective May 1, 2019 (spring 2019 admissions cycle), the International Master's Award of Excellence, valued at $2,500 per term for a maximum of five full-time terms within the allowable program time limits (6 terms), will be awarded to eligible international master's students normally entering a research-based graduate program at the University ...

  30. Find Graduate School Scholarships

    Find Education Scholarships for Graduate Program Students. Every little bit helps, get a head start funding your graduate school education with the U.S. News scholarship database. Apply for money ...