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50 Best Scholarships and Fellowships for Doctoral Students (Updated Dates)

Written by Grad School Center Team We are a passionate team of experienced educators and advisors at GradSchoolCenter.com, dedicated to guiding students through their graduate education journey. Our experts, with advanced degrees across various disciplines, offer personalized advice, up-to-date program information, and practical insights into application processes.

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Updated: April 9, 2026, Reading time: 20 minutes

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In this article, we will be covering...

October 2026November 2026December 2026January 2027February 2027April 2027May 2027June 2027July 2027Year-Round ScholarshipQuick Reference: All 30 Scholarships by Deadline

Data Points:

“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 ranges from $79,790 (EdD) to $80,210 (PhD). 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 $57,328 (2025-2026), 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?

Here’s why.

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

50 Best Scholarships and Fellowships for Doctoral Students (Updated Dates)

Grad School Center is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

October 2026

Sallie Mae Scholarship

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. They select a winner each month to help them in their college journey.

ScholarshipOwl No Essay Scholarship

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 2026. Applicants must be residents of any 50 United States, District of Columbia, or U.S. Territories, except for Rhode Island and Michigan.

November 2026

Wenner-Gren Foundation Dissertation Fieldwork Grant

This Dissertation Fieldwork Grant supports funding for the advancement of anthropological studies. Doctoral students are eligible for this scholarship, and you must be enrolled in a doctoral program. Unsuccessful applicants in the past can continue to reapply. Applicants should mention their dissertation adviser who will guide them through in their projects. Review and selection of the winner usually takes six months.

“Be Bold” No-Essay Scholarship

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.

NCTM & AMTE Early Career Research Grant

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. No more than one award per academic year will be given to the chosen candidate.

Newberry Consortium in American Indian Studies Faculty 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.

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 2025 or spring 2026 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

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. Students need to have a GPA of 2.8 on a 4.0 scale in order to qualify for the scholarship.

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.

National Gem Consortium Ph.D. Engineering and Science Scholarship

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.

Lawren H. Daltroy Preceptorship in Health Communication

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.

NCTM Emerging Teacher-Leaders in Elementary School Math Grant

Elementary school teachers are welcome to apply for this grant. However, those who have applied in the past can no longer reapply. Only one teacher per school will only be granted the funding. The funds can be used for the teacher to finance their materials, content needs, registration fees, and teacher stipends.

NCTM Partnership for Transition to College Readiness

NCTM awards an organizational award to either a high school math teacher or a team in the school. In order to qualify, the teacher or a team member should be affiliated with NCTM.

In the grant application, the primary applicant may indicate which organization will administer the grant funds. This award must be reported to the IRS on the primary applicant’s personal tax return if they administer the grant’s finances.

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

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.

December 2026

American Cancer Society Post-doctoral Fellowships

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:

The application is open to U.S. citizens or non-citizens with an appropriate visa and within four years of obtaining a doctoral degree.

SMART Scholarship Program

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.

AWWA Abel Wolman Scholarship

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

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.

Frances C. Allen Fellowship

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

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. Results will be announced in January of the following year.

January 2027

YIVO Institute for Jewish Research Fellowships

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:

$3,000 awards:

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

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.

February 2027

Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. (NEF)

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.

April 2027

John Santos Distinguished Program Development in Clinical Gerontology Award

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.

May 2027

Separations Division Graduate Student Research Award

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.

Sheep Heritage Foundation Memorial Scholarship

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. They should submit an application, two letters of reference, and a proof of graduate school enrollment or acceptance.

June 2027

Dr. James T. Mellonig Regeneration Research Award

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.

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.

The AAP Foundation Board of Directors, officers, and selection committee members, as well as their immediate families, cannot apply for the fellowship. Award funds cannot be used to replace institutional support.

July 2027

MNF Mississippi Car Tag Stipend Program

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 Mississippi Car Tag Stipend Program, which is best fit for nursing students.

Year-Round Scholarship

Lou Hochberg Thesis and Dissertation Awards

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.

Quick Reference: All 30 Scholarships by Deadline

MonthScholarshipAmountDeadline
October 2026Sallie Mae Scholarship$2,000Oct 31, 2026
ScholarshipOwl No EssayUp to $50,000Oct 30, 2026
November 2026Wenner-Gren Dissertation Fieldwork Grant$25,000Nov 1, 2026
“Be Bold” No-Essay Scholarship$25,000Nov 2, 2026
NCTM & AMTE Early Career Research Grant$10,000Nov 1, 2026
Newberry Consortium American Indian Studies$5,000/monthNov 1, 2026
AIA Fellowship for Study in the U.S.VariesNov 1, 2026
National GEM Ph.D. Engineering Fellowship$16,000+Nov 14, 2026
National GEM Ph.D. Science Scholarship$16,000+Nov 8, 2026
Lawren H. Daltroy PreceptorshipUp to $15,000Nov 1, 2026
NCTM Emerging Teacher-Leaders Grant$6,000Nov 1, 2026
NCTM Partnership for College Readiness$8,000Nov 1, 2026
Norman S. Baldwin Fishery Science$3,000Nov 1, 2026
David M. Dolan Scholarship$3,000Nov 1, 2026
December 2026American Cancer Society Post-doc$66,000-$70,000Dec 1, 2026
SMART Scholarship Program$30,000-$46,000Dec 5, 2026
AWWA Abel Wolman Scholarship$30,000Dec 20, 2026
AWWA Larson Aquatic Research$7,000 (doctoral)Dec 20, 2026
Frances C. Allen Fellowship$3,000/monthDec 8, 2026
Gil Kushner Memorial Travel Award$750Dec 20, 2026
Newberry Short-term Fellowship$5,000/monthDec 15, 2026
January 2027YIVO Institute Fellowships$3,000-$5,000Jan 17, 2027
YIVO East European Jewish Studies$20,000Jan 17, 2027
February 2027Nurses Educational Funds (NEF)VariesFeb 2, 2027
April 2027John Santos Clinical Gerontology Award$1,500Apr 1, 2027
May 2027AIChE Separations Division Award$200 + plaqueMay 1, 2027
Sheep Heritage Foundation Scholarship$3,000May 31, 2027
June 2027Dr. James T. Mellonig Research Award$10,000Jun 1, 2027
Patty and Paul Levi Research Award$5,000Jun 1, 2027
July 2027MNF Mississippi Car Tag Stipend$5,000Jul 30, 2027
Year-RoundLou Hochberg Thesis Award$1,000Continuous
GSC - Proud of Scholarship

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October 2026November 2026December 2026January 2027February 2027April 2027May 2027June 2027July 2027Year-Round ScholarshipQuick Reference: All 30 Scholarships by Deadline