Pursuing a graduate degree can be financially demanding. However, numerous scholarships are available to help alleviate these costs. Below is a list of 11 notable scholarships for graduate students:
1. Fulbright Program
Overview: The Fulbright Program offers grants for individually designed research projects, graduate study, or teaching English abroad. It aims to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and other countries.
Eligibility: U.S. citizens who hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent before the start of the grant.
Application Deadline: Typically in October.
More Information: Fulbright Program
2. Rhodes Scholarship
Overview: The Rhodes Scholarship provides full financial support for students to pursue a degree at the University of Oxford. It is one of the most prestigious international scholarship programs.
Eligibility: Applicants must be between 18-24 years old, have completed a bachelor’s degree, and demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to service.
Application Deadline: Varies by country; for U.S. applicants, typically in October.
More Information: Rhodes Trust
3. Marshall Scholarship
Overview: The Marshall Scholarship finances young Americans of high ability to study for a graduate degree in the United Kingdom. It aims to strengthen the relationship between the U.S. and the UK.
Eligibility: U.S. citizens with a minimum 3.7 GPA who have obtained their bachelor’s degree within the past two years.
Application Deadline: Typically in early October.
More Information: Marshall Scholarships
4. Gates Cambridge Scholarship
Overview: Established by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, this scholarship covers the full cost of studying at the University of Cambridge. It also provides additional funding for professional and personal development.
Eligibility: Applicants must be non-UK citizens applying for a full-time postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge.
Application Deadline: Varies; typically in December or January.
More Information: Gates Cambridge
5. National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program
Overview: The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship provides three years of financial support for graduate study in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.
Eligibility: U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents pursuing research-based master’s or doctoral degrees in NSF-supported fields.
Application Deadline: Varies by field; typically in late October.
More Information: NSF GRFP
6. Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans
Overview: This fellowship supports immigrants and children of immigrants pursuing graduate education in the United States. It provides up to $90,000 in financial support over two years.
Eligibility: Applicants must be 30 years old or younger, a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or DACA recipient, and have a bachelor’s degree.
Application Deadline: Typically in early November.
More Information: PDSoros
7. American Association of University Women (AAUW) International Fellowships
Overview: AAUW offers International Fellowships for women pursuing full-time graduate or postdoctoral study in the United States. Awards range from $18,000 to $30,000.
Eligibility: Women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
Application Deadline: Typically in mid-November.
More Information: AAUW
8. Hertz Foundation Graduate Fellowship
Overview: The Hertz Foundation offers merit-based fellowships to support graduate students working towards a PhD in applied physical and biological sciences, mathematics, or engineering.
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
Application Deadline: Typically in late October.
More Information: Hertz Foundation
9. Ford Foundation Fellowship Program
Overview: The Ford Foundation offers predoctoral, dissertation, and postdoctoral fellowships to increase diversity in college and university faculties.
Eligibility: U.S. citizens, nationals, permanent residents, or individuals granted deferred action status under DACA.
Application Deadline: Typically in December.
More Information: Ford Foundation Fellowships
10. “Be Bold” No-Essay Scholarship
Overview: This $25,000 scholarship is awarded to students with the boldest profiles, emphasizing earnestness, determination, and moving beyond adversity.
Eligibility: Students at any education level, field of study, and GPA will be considered.
Application Deadline: Annually on February 28th.
More Information: Bold.org
11. AAUW Selected Professions Fellowships
Overview: These fellowships support women pursuing full-time study in master’s or professional degree programs in fields where women are underrepresented, such as STEM and law.
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
Application Deadline: Typically in December.
Finally
Graduate school can be expensive, but numerous scholarships can help reduce financial burdens. Many programs consider academic excellence, leadership, community service, and specific career fields.
To improve your chances of winning a scholarship:
- Start searching for scholarships early.
- Keep track of deadlines and application requirements.
- Apply for multiple scholarships to increase your chances.
- Write strong essays and secure strong letters of recommendation.
Funding is available for students in various fields, including STEM, humanities, business, and law. By taking advantage of these opportunities, graduate students can focus more on their studies and worry less about financial stress.