Student Grants

Grants for Graduate School

One of the biggest obstacles that students face when searching for graduate school programs is cost. Graduate programs can be quite expensive, and may require that students focus entirely on school and restricting them from getting an outside job. However, there are many different types of grants available to students looking to pursue a Masters or a PhD program.

Some of these grants are federally-funded, whereas others are funded by independent organizations. Individual educational institutions also offer funding for graduate students in the form of scholarships, fellowships, or research grants. Below is a list of different types of graduate school grants available to help students pay for their studies in these programs.

Federally-Funded Scholarships

Various departments of the United States government provide funding for graduate students in fields including disease prevention and control, economics, international relations, social sciences, engineering and technological development, arts, humanities, and more. Some of these grants require students to demonstrate financial need as based on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Others are based on primarily on a student’s academic achievements and their research project proposals during graduate school.

One of these federally-funded graduate grant options is the Department of Energy Computational Science Graduate Fellowship, which provides funding for students who plan to attend graduate school for computational sciences or engineering. This grant covers all of the costs of a student’s graduate program tuition and fees and includes a yearly stipend of $36,000.

Students are also provided the opportunity to participate in yearly conference events to present their research and to enhance their educational experience. To apply for this fellowship, students must be full-time students attending or planning to attend a PhD program in computational sciences or engineering. This grant is renewable for up to four years.

US DOE Fellowships

Another federally-funded scholarship program is the U.S. Department of Education Jacob K. Javits Fellowships, which provide money for students attending a graduate program in the humanities, arts, or social sciences. These fellowships are open to students of many different disciplines, including anthropology, education, history, fine arts, and many others.

The Jacob K. Javits fellowships pay for the cost of a graduate program in terms of tuition and fees and provide students with a stipend. These are also renewable for up to four years.

These are just two examples of the types of federally-funded scholarships and grants available for students who are attending graduate school. There are many others that provide funding for every field imaginable, including pre-medical and medical students and research, environmental research, advanced technologies, and more.

Graduate Scholarships from Individual Institutions

Aside from federally-funded graduate school scholarships, students also have the option of applying for scholarships from independent organizations. These may come from philanthropic organizations, businesses, academic societies, or other companies that see value in graduate-level education and who provide funding for students.

These programs vary widely and include scholarship funding for students of all fields. Some are based on community involvement or financial need, although many focus on the student’s academic achievements and their determination to attend a graduate program.

One of these programs is funded by the Ford Foundation. The Ford Foundation funds around 2,000 grants each year to individuals and groups. For students attending graduate school, the Ford Foundation provides funding to help students complete their dissertation and research. The goal of this program is to create well-trained and educated professionals to enter into the university system as professors.

The Ford Foundation offers these grants to both US and international students in the hopes of increasing diversity at the college and university levels. Students who are predoctoral, working on their dissertation, or postdoctoral are eligible to apply for these grants.

Hertz Foundation

The Hertz Foundation also offers graduate scholarships to students studying in a PhD program for engineering or physical sciences. Students who receive these awards are granted funds for tuition and fees as well as a personal stipend. Students who have children as dependents are eligible for an extra stipend to help cover the cost of living while they complete their education.

The Hertz Foundation grants are also available for renewal for up to five years, providing students with an excellent opportunity for academic advancement.

Woodrow Wilson Fellowship

The Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation is another excellent grant opportunity for students pursuing a dissertation project in Women’s Studies. This scholarship program provides $3,000 for seven students each year to help cover the costs of researching and writing a dissertation in this field of study.

This is a wonderful scholarship opportunity for students in the humanities and social sciences. The applicants for the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation are expected to demonstrate how their projects will include an interdisciplinary approach to Women’s Studies and how it will be relevant research. Students who receive these fellowships are provided funds to help them complete their dissertation and their research.

Scholarships for Minorities

Graduate schools are always looking for ways to provide students with a more diverse and enriching environment. As a result, there are many scholarships available for students of minority groups, including minority ethnic groups and women. These come from a variety of sources, including higher education institutions, independent companies and research institutions, and governmental organizations. Students who belong to a minority group should try applying for some of these scholarship funds to help pay for their advanced education.

American Psychological Association Minority Fellowship Program (MFP)

This fellowship program is designed for minority students studying psychology. Students may be studying clinical, school, counseling, or any other form of psychology and be eligible for funding from this fellowship program.

The program is run by the American Psychological Association, which is an organization dedicated to understanding human psychology and implementing programs to help people work in their field and to expand their skills and education. The Minority Fellowship Program is open to doctoral students of a racial or ethnic minority, and the program provides money to cover the costs of tuition and fees plus a yearly stipend for up to three years.

American Sociological Association Minority Fellowship Program

This program is very similar to the American Psychological Association’s Minority Fellowship Program in that it provides funding for students of graduate degree programs in any area of sociological studies. The American Sociological Association uses money it receives from sister organizations and membership donations to help fund these valuable fellowship programs.

In order to apply, students must be currently enrolled or accepted in PhD programs of study that are geared towards their academic goals. Students must demonstrate financial need as well as academic achievement and abilities, and they must belong to a racial or ethnic minority group. The funding from this program provides students with money for tuition and fees, although this fellowship does not cover the costs of dissertation writing and publication.

U.S. National Institutes of Health Predoctoral Graduate Fellowship Awards for Minority Students

Another grant for minorities that is funded by the federal government is the Predoctoral Graduate Fellowship Award for Minority Students. This fellowship helps students of racial and ethnic minorities, disabled students, and students from disadvantaged backgrounds to complete their doctoral degree in behavioral or biomedical sciences.

The money helps students attend a US institution of higher education and is renewable for up to five years. The fellowship covers the costs of tuition and fees and provides students with a stipend to help cover the costs of living expenses, books, health insurance, and other daily life events. Applications for this grant are accepted at several dates throughout the year, so students have multiple opportunities for their applications to be submitted.

American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Minority Doctoral Fellowships

This fellowship opportunity is another excellent opportunity for students wishing to pursue a doctoral degree in accounting. In order to apply for this fellowship, students must have either completed a master’s degree in accounting or have completed a minimum of three years of full-time work experience in the field.

The Certified Public Accountants Minority Doctoral Fellowships provide minority students with up to $12,000 for their doctoral education and research. Funding for this fellowship program comes from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, an organization that seeks to educate and employ well-trained students in the field of accounting.

Institutional Grants and Fellowship Opportunities

In addition to these external sources of funding for graduate school, many higher education institutions also provide scholarship or grant money for students enrolled or accepted into their programs. These schools try to reward their students for their hard work and dedication, and there are several types of funding available for students at the master’s or PhD levels.

These types of funding opportunities vary greatly from school to school and between different degree programs. Students looking for these types of funding should speak with an adviser from their institution, although there are some general types of graduate funding as well as some examples that will be covered here.

Teaching Assistant-ships or Research Assistant-ships

Many graduate students who enroll in a master’s or PhD program pay for their education by working for the school. Sometimes, these students teach introductory courses or surveys of their subject area. Others work directly with professors or research teams on a specific topic of study. These programs are great for graduate students for a couple of reasons.

First of all, they provide students with essential experience that will help them in their long-term educational goals. Secondly, they allow students to pay for their education and to receive a stipend to help them pay for the costs of living. Graduate students often find that completing an assistant-ship is an important experience for them because they learn the research and analytical skills they need to work with others on academic research projects. Students who teach are also able to learn how to create a syllabus and run a classroom effectively.

Research Fellowships and Departmental Scholarships

Students who demonstrate excellent academic achievements and who present a proposal for a graduate research project are often eligible for research fellowships or departmental scholarships to help them finance their education. These are often available in all areas of study, and applications are available from individual academic departments. These fellowships may provide funds for a study abroad program for research, or they may help students learn another language.

Students often apply for these types of funding when they apply to the graduate program. Some of these scholarships may cover all of the costs of education, whereas others may only support a particular research project. However, these funds are helpful to many students who are beginning a graduate program because they provide ways for students to complete their research without having to take out a lot of federal or private loans.

One example of this type of graduate funding is the Eliot-Pearson Department of Child Development Sydney Fellowship, provided by Tufts University. This fellowship provides students with money to pay for the costs of a master’s or Master of Arts in teaching (MAT) at Tuft’s University. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and a strong academic resume in order to be eligible for these funds.

Additional Opportunities

Many similar opportunities for graduate school fellowships and grants exist at private and public institutions, governmental agencies, and individual companies around the country. Students are by no means limited to the scholarship opportunities on this list, and are encouraged to seek financial assistance for their education wherever they can find funding.

This list provides only a few of the many opportunities for financial aid for graduate school, and other options, including federal or private loans, are available as well. Any graduate student seeking financial assistance should be confident that there are many ways to receive funding as long as they are willing to seek help and fill out the applications.

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24 Comments

  • Reply D. M. Latham May 22, 2011 at 1:38 am

    This information has been quite helpful and has enabled me to remain hopeful that there is a way I can continue my educational pursuit of a doctoral degree. My federal financial aid under Sallie Mae has reached its cap and I’m only in my second year of my doctoral journey. I was nearly deflated. But, your article has renewed my hope in the possibility of finding other tuition sources so that I don’t have to drop out, as I am a Senior Citizen and no longer work at a full time job. Thank you !

  • Reply Carlene Buchanan June 19, 2011 at 4:28 pm

    I am a PhD student in Higher Education Administration and I am interested in learning more about any scholarship, grants, fellowship which I could apply for.

    Thanking you.

    • Reply Paul Jaramillo December 4, 2011 at 3:53 am

      “…for which I could apply.” Not ending a sentence with a preposition would be a GREAT start to the application process.

  • Reply Berhanu Libdi September 26, 2011 at 11:14 am

    I ma Graduate student At addis Ababa University succefully completed my coureses in International Realtions about to start my MA thesis on “Land Grab and Enviromental consquences “. please am looking for thesis sponsor any who is interested you are well come
    thanks

  • Reply Francesca October 6, 2011 at 9:53 am

    I am a bilingual female minority student looking for some financial help with my tuition and books, thought I’d see if I qualified for anything out there. At this time anything helps.

  • Reply QM Rahman December 7, 2011 at 3:11 pm

    My federal financial aid under Sallie Mae has reached its cap and I’m only in my second year of my doctoral journey. I was nearly disheartened. But, your article has renewed my hope in the possibility of finding other tuition sources so that I don’t have to drop out, as I am a unemployed US citizen.

    Thank you !

  • Reply William Berry December 11, 2011 at 7:21 pm

    I am a graduate student enrolled in my 5th course with a 3.8 GPA. I am currently receiving an A in my current graduate course, and I am seeking scholarships and grants that are available to help to repay my graduate degree program (In the field of Education) finance charges.

  • Reply DEBRA IRENE WILCOX January 21, 2012 at 9:19 pm

    I AM A SECOND SEMESTER MSW STUDENT WITH AN ADVANCED CLINICAL COMPONENT THROUGH SAINT LEO UNIVERSITY AND WHO IS IN DESPERATE NEED OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE. NOT ONE TO WHINE OR COMPLAIN, I HAVE APPLIED FOR SEVERAL SCHOLARSHIPS AND GRANT MONIES TO DEFRAY TUITION AND TEXTBOOK COSTS; I ALREADY HAVE STUDENT LOAN DEBT, WHICH I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO REPAY ON MY MEAGER INCOME (I AM RECEIVING A MODEST…LESS THAN $1000.00/ MO… SS DISABILITY BENEFIT CHECK FROM THE GOVERNMENT FOR AN INJURY RECEIVED ON THE JOB IN LAW ENFORCEMENT; THIS AND FOOD STAMPS IS WHAT IS COMING IN). BEING QUITE CLOSE TO HAVING TO FILE CHAPTER 7, WHICH WILL RENDER ME UNAVAILABLE TO RECEIVE ANY FUTURE AND FURTHER ASSISTANCE FROM FAFSA AND THE GOVERNMENT, I AM REQUESTING GRANT OR SCHOLARSHIP ASSISTANCE. LAST SEMESTER, I EARNED (2) A-‘S FOR MY CLASSES, OF WHICH, I AM MOST PROUD. THE TARGET POPULATION THAT I AM MOST INTERESTED IN WORKING WITH IS OUR NATIVE AMERICAN/ INDIGENOUS/ FIRST NATIONS PEOPLES OR OUR VETERANS THROUGH EITHER THE BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS-BEHAVIORAL HEALTH TEAM OR THROUGH THE VA. ANY HELP WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. I DON’T WANT CHARITY OR PITY; BUT, I DO NEED A CHANCE IF I AM TO SUCCEED. THANK YOU.

  • Reply Birhanu January 26, 2012 at 10:02 pm

    I am in Ethiopia.Also university student.my fimly is poor.no drink &smoke.I AM a man of God.I FEAR and respect my God./biresweet@gmail.com/help u will take from one day.i am honest boy for what ever b/c i fear God.

    Help me soon every bady+251922325769 call me God loves u

  • Reply jane anyu February 20, 2012 at 8:35 pm

    I AM INTERESTED IN PURSUING A MASTERS IN NURSING WITH A FOCUS ON PUBLIC HEALTH, AND TO CONTINUE TO A DOCTORAL PROGRAM WITH FOCUS ON EPIDIEMOLOGY. DISEASES THAT CONCERN WOMEN AND MINORITIES NEED MORE FOCUS GLOBALLY THUS I WOULD LIKE TO EVENTUALLY CARRY OUT RESEARCH IN THESE AREAS. OBTAINING A GRANT WILL MAKE THIS DREAM POSSIBLE

  • Reply MONKGOGI COXSON NTHUBU February 23, 2012 at 9:06 pm

    Please, I am seeking financial help from you. I am doing my masters degree at oakwood university and I am self-sponsored. I am from Botswana, and from a family of ten, I am the only one who went through university. Please help me to finish next year may.

  • Reply collins kabali March 21, 2012 at 9:50 am

    i am humbly requesting a financial aid in form of a grant to carry on my studies which i started last year in July at monash university of south Africa. i am the first in family to attend university and i face alot of hurdles in terms of Tution fees, accomodation and living expenses since i am self sponsored and got no more funds to drive on. your advise and grant will go a long way to benefiting the community and the world as the whole. my email contact is ckabali2010@yahoo.com cell +27786891706. God bless the works of your hands.

  • Reply Yalemeshet March 30, 2012 at 5:51 am

    I am 27 year woman from Ethiopia. I am doing my masters degree at Bahir Dar university and I am self-sponsored and i face a lot of hurdles in terms of tuition fees, and living expenses. Please help me at least tuition fee it needs $915.

    Thank you in advance!

  • Reply Melanie Lynette Lobdell May 2, 2012 at 7:35 pm

    I am a female minority disabled graduate student looking for fellowship/grant/scholarship support for myself and family. I am working on my seventh class in business with a 3.8 gpa. I am doing this online. Any help would be appreciated!

  • Reply ali ahmed June 4, 2013 at 9:42 am

    i’m a PhD candidate in AAU, Ethiopia. i have successfully defended my proposal entitled “energy,poverty and gender nexus” rightnow looking for financial help. could u….. ?

  • Reply Deidre Lippard January 10, 2014 at 11:46 pm

    My name is Deidre, I have a bachelor degree in Psychology with a minor in Forensic Psychology. I wish to pursue a graduate degree in Forensic Psychology. I have fulfilled the requirements, and am currently working, but it has no future and would like to get my Graduate degree to move forward. I am filing the necessary paperwork with UCO, Edmond, Oklahoma. I need help with grant money, so I can quit my job and put all my effort toward getting this degree. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

  • Reply Maxine Hurson March 26, 2014 at 2:12 pm

    My name is Maxine. I am in the Dissertation phase of my PhD. I have reached my financial aid cap and have not been able to return to school. I am determined to complete this journey. At present, I am not working for I am the sole caregiver for my 91 year old mother. I am in need of any assistance that I may qualify for.

    Thank you

    • Reply CHIFINGA PATRICK WILLIAM December 25, 2015 at 11:35 pm

      please help me get financial assistance to pursue my master’s programe comencing in January, on 9th 2016.
      thankyou,

      patrick of Solwezi District, North Western Province, Zambia- Central Africa.

  • Reply Awar Nuru Birhan September 21, 2014 at 9:19 am

    I am Ethiopian .I graduated in Mekelle University, with computer science degree. Now I am living working in saudi Arabia. So I want to continues the master degree ,but I can’t because I poor , I can not gate sponsor fund , If support to me I am ready in any university to learn any department natural or social science . if you to contact to me=
    mobil=== 00966551518537

  • Reply Wanno Wallole November 16, 2014 at 2:30 pm

    I am Wanno Wallole from Ethiopia. I need fund to achieve my Doctor of Business Administration in Walden University. I would like to thank you for your support of fund to my post Graduate opportunity to the Doctor of Business Administration. This support of fund has a great benefit to complete the payment of my tuition fee and research work including expenses of travel, residencies at USA. It also use for data collection to my dissertation of PhD in Ethiopia and facilitates a valuable networking to my work at the University of Walden.
    If the fund available I use the money in accordingly for my PhD program only. The total Doctor of Business Administration course has 60 credits that will be multiplied by the tuition rate of $895. The separate budget has to be made for the 2 residencies (total cost of $2250). The cost of flight and accommodation is not included. And there is also have a technology fee of $160 that will be added each semester.
    As an example, my first course will be 3 credits multiplied by the tuition rate of $895 plus the technology fee. It costs of $1055 in each credit hour. The program takes minimum 36 months. Each semester I will take 2 courses. The total program cost is around $615 USD per month.
    The Walden University is covered 30% scholarship for the program which is a large saving of $15 840 USD for my study. I need the remaining 70% scholarship for the program which is $41,780 USD.
    I hope your organization has opportunity to share my problem in full of sponsorship and I hope and assure for your esteemed organization I will do my dissertation to your organization benefits in the near future.
    For your information the program budget plan here attached and if you need further clarification I will contact you any time when you are available. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact me at phone number +251-932-675-085, Office Phone +251-462-205-835 and email: wallolew@yahoo.com with any questions. Thank You.

  • Reply sintie November 22, 2014 at 6:40 pm

    Please, I am seeking financial help from you. I am graduated in radiation physics at Mekelle university and in 2013. I am from Ethiopia.Now I want to attend PhD program in physics.
    but I can’t because I am poor , I can not gate sponsor fund.please ,dear help me to get sponsorship as well as free scholarship.

  • Reply sintie welelaw November 22, 2014 at 6:45 pm

    I am in Ethiopia and I want to attend PhD program ,please help me to get sponsorship and free scholarship

  • Reply Aquib maqbool Khan November 25, 2014 at 1:54 pm

    I am Aquib Maqbool from Kashmir.presently doing BA arts.after that I have plan to crack civil service but being poor and needy so i am not in a position to achieve my dream.remember I am orphan doing nothing presently because of unemployment in the state.I am really needy.I know some helpers are still present to offer their help.I am suffering from difficult situation.my account no sbj 427..mobile no +919797122203…please please….I knew some one is who will help…………..

  • Reply Airforce Mukanangana October 23, 2015 at 8:56 am

    My name is Airforce Mukanangana from Zimbabwe currently a marketing student at Bindura University Of Science Education. Right now I am on attachment which is my third year. I left with three semesters for me to finish my program but i am now facing difficulties in paying my fees. May you please assist me.

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