Fellowships For Graduate Students

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What Is A Fellowship?

A fellowship is an award that provides funding for educational or professional development opportunities, usually over a period of one year or less. Fellowships are typically given to individuals who have already completed their initial professional training and who wish to pursue further study in their field. Fellowships for graduate students are often used to finance research projects, travel, or other activities related to the recipient’s professional development. 

Graduate fellowship programs may be awarded by colleges and universities, foundations, or other organizations. Fellowships for graduate students are usually given based on merit, meaning that they are awarded to individuals who have demonstrated excellence in their field. Some fellowships may also be given based on financial need. According to the NCES,  by2030, postbaccalaureate enrollment is projected to be 6 percent higher than in 2020 (3.3 million vs. 3.1 million students). 

Different types of organizations offer these fellowship opportunities:

• American College of Physicians 
• Math for America 
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

• Smithsonian Fellowships
• National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine

Are Fellowships Paid?

Most fellowships are paid, meaning that the recipient often receives a stipend to help cover their living expenses while they are pursuing their fellowship opportunity. Fellowships may also include funding for travel or other related expenses. Some fellowships may be unpaid, but these are usually reserved for highly competitive opportunities.

Fellowships for graduate students are generally not considered to be employment, so recipients are not usually eligible for benefits such as health insurance or retirement plans. However, some fellowships may offer health insurance subsidies or other benefits. 

Different Types of Fellowships For Graduate Students

There are many different types of fellowships, each with their own eligibility requirements, benefits, and application process. Here are some examples of different types of fellowships for graduate students: 

1. Research Fellowships:  These fellowships are typically awarded to graduate students or recent graduates who wish to pursue research in their field. Funding from a research fellowship may be used to cover expenses such as travel, research materials, or living costs.

2. Teaching Fellowships:  These fellowships are typically awarded to recent graduates who wish to pursue a career in teaching. Funding from a teaching fellowship could be used to cover expenses such as travel, course materials, or living costs.

3. Service Fellowships:  These fellowships are typically awarded to recent graduates who wish to pursue a career in public service. Funding from a service fellowship may be used to cover expenses such as travel, research materials, or living costs.

4. Creative Fellowships:  These fellowships are typically awarded to artists, writers, or other creative professionals who wish to pursue a project or body of work. Funding from a creative fellowship might be used to cover expenses such as materials, studio space, or living costs.

How Long Is A Fellowship?

Fellowships typically last for one year or less. Some graduate fellowship programs may be renewed for an additional year, depending on the recipient’s progress and the funding available. 

What Are The Benefits Of Fellowship?

These awards may be harder to secure but come with many potential benefits. Here are seven benefits of fellowship programs:

1. FINANCIAL AID

Some students use these awards to help them fund grad school. The allowance might be helpful for reducing the cost of a master’s, doctoral, and post doctoral work.

2. INCENTIVES

Fellows might receive health insurance, student loan repayment assistance, and money for housing. Some graduate student fellowships may also provide research support and travel expenses. 

3. TAX BENEFITS

You might receive tax free money to cover tuition, fees, books, supplies, and equipment. If you use the money to pay for other expenses, it may also count as taxable income.

4. GAIN TRAINING AND EXPAND YOUR PROFESSIONAL NETWORK

The projects may also come with professional connections. Some offer the chance to work with an experienced mentor. You might be able to get the attention of future employers with work done as a fellow.

5. GAIN HANDS ON EXPERIENCE

You may have a chance to use your classroom training in real world settings. Projects often allow you to learn by doing. Some could also require you to take on a lot of responsibility.

6. DEVELOP PROFESSIONAL AND LEADERSHIP SKILLS

Programs may offer access to academic seminars and training opportunities. Many skills could also be developed in this setting like:

• Leadership
• Community organizing 
• Public speaking
• Grant writing
• Media relations

7. DEVELOP CULTURAL COMPETENCY

The experience may introduce you to other cultures. Global fellowships could also offer broader cultural experiences. As a fellow, you may work with field experts. You might form professional connections with differing perspectives.

How To Get A Fellowship In College?

One way to get a fellowship is by being proactive and doing your research. There are many resources available to help you find the perfect opportunity for you.

1. Talk to your professors, academic advisors, and career counselors.

2. Attend information sessions and workshops offered by your school’s fellowship office or career center.

3. Utilize your school’s fellowship database and search engines.

4. Read books and articles about fellowships and the application process.

5. Connect with alumni who have received graduate student fellowships. 

6. Attend conferences and networking events related to your field of interest.

7. Start early and give yourself plenty of time to prepare your application.

What Is The Difference Between Fellowship and Scholarship?

Fellowships and scholarships are both types of financial aid that could help you pay for college. The main difference between the two is that scholarships are usually based on academic merit, while fellowships are usually based on financial need. Scholarships may also be available to students at any level of study, while fellowships are typically only available to graduate students. If you want to know more about scholarships, you can check some other scholarship facts.

What Is The Difference Between Fellowships and Grants?

The main difference between a fellowship and a grant is that a fellowship is usually awarded to an individual, while a grant is usually awarded to an organization. Fellowships for graduate students may be used to cover expenses such as tuition, fees, books, supplies, or living costs, while grants are typically used to fund research or other projects. Grants may also be awarded by the government, while fellowships are usually awarded by private foundations or organizations. 

List of Fellowships

Check out over awards worth below.

UNF Kraft/Moore Family Fellowship

This fellowship is open to Florida graduate students who are enrolled at the University of North Florida College of Education and Human Services majoring in special education (deaf education concentration or exceptional student education concentration). Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.

Total:  $6400

Awards:  2

Deadline:  April 15

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UNF Ashley Barnes Memorial Fellowship for School Counseling

This fellowship is open to U.S. graduate students who are enrolled in the school counseling program at the University of North Florida’s College of Education and Human Services. Students must have completed at least one full year of coursework and have a grade point average of 3.75 or higher.

Total:  $500

Awards:  1

Deadline:  April 15

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ASA Minority Fellowship Program

This award is available for minority students who are currently enrolled in and have completed at least one year of a graduate program in sociology and are working toward a Ph.D. in the field.

Total:  $450000

Awards:  5

Deadline:  January 31

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NASA/Montana Space Grant Consortium Fellowship

This award is available for U.S. graduate students who attend one of the following Montana Consortium campuses: Blackfeet Community College, Carroll College, Chief Dull Knife College, Fort Belknap College, Fort Peck Community College, Little Big Horn College, MSU-Billings, MSU-Bozeman, MSU-Northern, Montana Tech, Rocky Mountain College, Salish Kootenai College, Stone Child College, the University of Great Falls, the University of Montana or the University of Montana-Western. Students must be enrolled in a field of study relevant to NASA’s mission. These fields include (but are not necessarily limited to): the biological and life sciences, chemistry, geological and planetary sciences, physics and astronomy, mathematics, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, electrical engineering, and the computer sciences.

Total:  $81000

Awards:  5

Deadline:  April 01

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