“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.
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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.
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, can range from $28,000 to $40,000 per year in tuition and fees. 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 $49,448, 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 in getting 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.
- 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. The Chronicle of Higher Education revealed instructors of Legal Professions and Studies without a doctorate earned $64,785, while those with doctorate degrees earned $91,828 per year (2011). In a PayScale comparison, Ph.D. holders earned $98,300 per year, on average.
- 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 since $50,000-plus per year plus the difficulties of juggling work, studies, and family responsibilities will break a lesser 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 in diligently looking 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.
The Rotary Foundation Global Grant Scholarships
Type of Scholarship: Annual
Amount: $30,000 up to 400,000 (international coursework or research of up to 4 years)
Deadline of Application: Rolling (depends on the country)
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.
Newberry Consortium in American Indian Studies Faculty Fellowship
Type of Scholarship: Annual
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, 2023 (Long-term fellowship); January 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 presentation, seminar participation, and consultation with other NCAIS Graduate Student Fellows.
AIA Fellowship for Study in the U.S.
Type of Scholarship: Annual
Amount: Varies
Deadline of Application: November 1, 2023
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, and 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.
NSF Graduate Research Fellowship
Type of Scholarship: Annual
Amount: $50,000 (This represents the total dollars awarded every year. The actual amount given to fellows vary depending on their program)
Deadline of Application: November 1, 2023
The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship is for doctoral students pursuing NSF-supported STEM disciplines in accredited universities. If you wish to apply, follow the recommended application templates and formats to be considered. The application should include an essay, a recommendation letter, a personal statement, an official transcript, and a completely filled-up application form.
Note the different dates for submission to the National Science Foundation of the full proposal depending on the type of grant:
- October 16, 2023 – Life Sciences
- October 17, 2023 – Computer and Information Science and Engineering, Materials Research, Psychology, Social Sciences, STEM Education and Learning
- October 19, 2023 – Engineering
- October 20, 2023 – Chemistry, Geosciences, Mathematical Sciences, Physics and Astronomy
AWWA Abel Wolman Scholarship
Type of Scholarship: Annual (Renewable)
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: Opens September to December 2023 for the 2024 awards
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
Type of Scholarship: Annual
Amount: $7,000/student
Deadline of Application: Opens September to December 2023 for the 2024 awards
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.
YIVO – Joseph Kremen Memorial Fellowship
Type of Scholarship: Annual
Amount: $5,000
Deadline of Application: Opens in September 2023 for the 2024-2025 fellowship period
The Joseph Kremen Memorial Fellowship is available for postgraduate researchers studying Eastern European Jewish arts, theater, and music. Keep in mind that only one exemplary scholar will be chosen annually, so it’s highly competitive. The chosen fellow can spend the stipend on expenses related to his/her research in YIVO’s archives and library collections.
Every fellow is also required to deliver a public lecture regarding his/her 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- Dora and Meyer Tendler Fellowship
Type of Scholarship: Annual
Amount: $5,000
Deadline of Application: Opens in September 2023 for the 2024-2025 fellowship period
Yet another sought after YIVO scholarship is the Dora and Mayer Tendler Endowed Fellowship, a scholarship program for individuals in doctoral and post-doctoral research. Only one exemplary fellow is chosen every year.
The research should focus on American Jewish history with the selection committee giving preferential consideration to research proposals related to the Jewish labor movement. As with all YIVO fellowships, the selected fellow should conduct 2-3 months of research in YIVO’s archives and library, as well as make a public lecture.
AERA Minority Dissertation Fellowship
Type of Scholarship: Annual (Non-renewable)
Amount: $25,000
Deadline of Application: November 1, 2023
The American Educational Research Association Dissertation Fellowship is open for doctoral students belonging to the minorities. These include African Americans, American Indians, Alaskan Natives, Hispanics, Asians, and Pacific Islanders. Both U.S. citizens and permanent residents in the U.S. can apply for as long as they are in a doctoral program in an accredited university.
Since this is a write-up fellowship, applicants should be working full-time on their course requirements and be writing their dissertations. There are three components to the award: a $25,000 stipend that can be used for tuition and fees, books and supplies, equipment and software, living expenses and travel, and other direct research-related expenses; a research presentation at the 2025 AERA Annual Meeting; and participation in the AERA Minority Fellows Mentoring and Career Development Workshop.
National Gem Consortium Ph.D. Science Scholarship
Type of Scholarship: Annual
Amount: $16,000 living stipend plus a paid summer internship
Deadline of Application: November 10, 2023
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, as well as be able to maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA and get promising GRE scores.
NAEd Spencer Dissertation Fellowships
Type of Scholarship: Annual
Amount: $27,500/fellow (Up to 35 fellowships are awarded every year)
Deadline of Application: October 5, 2023 at 5pm Eastern Time
The National Academy of Education (NAEd) awards its Spencer Dissertation Fellowships to exemplary doctoral students pursuing studies in the history, theory and analysis, and practice of formal education. The amount should be used in the completion of each fellow’s dissertation and should be spent within two years and under the proposed work plan.
Eligible candidates must have completed all pre-dissertation requirements and be enrolled in a graduate school in the U.S. Applicants are required to submit their respective research proposal and two reference letters, as well as demonstrate an interest in education research.
National Gem Consortium Ph.D. Engineering Fellowship
Type of Scholarship: Annual
Amount: $16,000 living stipend for the first academic year plus a paid summer internship
Deadline of Application: November 10, 2023
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 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.
Michael J. Barrett Doctoral Dissertation Grant
Type of Scholarship: Annual
Amount: $10,000 (Up to two awards are granted every year)
Deadline of Application: October 15, 2023 (Winners are announced by December 15, 2023)
The Michael J. Barrett Doctoral Dissertation Grant is exclusively for doctoral candidates pursuing accounting, auditing, and business programs in accredited colleges and universities. Only complete applications will be accepted with the required submissions, including the dissertation proposal, detailed cover letter, and two letters of recommendation from relevant professors.
Applicants should also demonstrate an intention to teach auditing for a minimum of two years, attend a relevant doctorate program, have either completed or within a year of completion of pre-dissertation requirements, and be in the dissertation writing stage.
Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) Doctoral Award
Type of Scholarship: Annual
Amount: $20,000 annual stipend and a maximum of five years of full tuition and fees coverage (Except when the university/college disallows fee waivers)
Deadline of Application: Opens in January 2024 for the 2024 DSP Fellowship
The SREB Doctoral Award is a package consisting of two components. First, the scholar will get three years of direct support. Second, he/she will also get two years of institutional support from his/her college/university – a $20,000 annual stipend. During these five years, he/she will also enjoy full coverage of tuition and fees, with some exceptions as needed.
Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) Dissertation Award
Type of Scholarship: Annual
Amount: $20,000 annual stipend, maximum of five years of full tuition and fees coverage (Except when the university/college disallows fee waivers) and $500 research allowance
Deadline of Application: Opens in January 2024 for the 2024 DSP Fellowship
The SERB Dissertation Award is a short-term program (only one year), but it’s among the most generous programs we’ve come across. The scholar will be provided with direct financial support, as mentioned above, as well as professional development support and an invitation to the Compact for Faculty Diversity Institute on Teaching & Mentoring.
Eligible applicants should have completed all their required coursework and exams, as well as either will defend or have successfully defended their respective dissertation prospectus before the academic year starts. Enrollment in a participating college/university in a participating state is a must.
(ISC)² Graduate Cybersecurity Scholarship
Type of Scholarship: Annual (Renewable but applicant must go through the process again)
Amount: $1,000 – $5,000 (Up to 20 awards will be given for this cycle)
Deadline of Application: Opens January 15, 2024 and closes February 29, 2024 11:59 pm EST
The (ISC)² Graduate Scholarship program is offered to individuals planning to pursue or pursuing doctoral degrees in cybersecurity or information assurance. Eligibility requirements include a minimum of 3.5 GPA or equivalent, may be enrolled in face-to-face or online classes, maybe a part-time or full-time student, and maybe attending a school in the U.S. or abroad. Non-U.S. citizens may also apply.
Submissions should include either the most recent or current unofficial transcripts, a letter of recommendation, an updated curriculum vitae, and an essay. Take note that funds will only be disbursed upon proof of enrollment and receipt of official transcripts.
ASA Minority Fellowship Program
Type of Scholarship: Annual
Amount: $20,000 stipend for a full academic year (August 1 – July 31)
Deadline of Application: Opens on November 5, 2023 and ends on January 31, 2024
The American Sociological Association (ASA) established its Minority Fellowship Program (MFP) to provide financial support for sociologists of color, particularly in the pursuit of advanced studies or specialization. Candidates can be U.S. citizens or permanent residents or eligible under DACA rules, and they should either be attending or have completed a full academic year in a sociology doctorate program.
Aside from the annual stipend, ASA also makes arrangements for tuition payments to the concerned departments or universities. Funds for travel to the ASA annual meetings are also available, albeit limited.
YIVO – Fellowship in East European Jewish Studies
Type of Scholarship: Annual
Amount: $20,000 stipend
Deadline of Application: Opens in September 2023 for the 2024-2025 fellowship period
The combined Professor Bernard Choseed Memorial Fellowship and the Natalie and Mendel Racolin Memorial Fellowship come with many benefits. Aside from the financial stipend, its recipient has three months of free access to the YIVO Library and Archives for his/her research. He/she, on the other hand, will be required to deliver at least two public lectures on Jewish studies.
YIVO – Fellowship in Baltic Jewish Studies
Type of Scholarship: Annual
Amount: $4,000 stipend
Deadline of Application: Opens in September 2023 for the 2024-2025 fellowship period
This is a combination of scholarships with a $4,000 combined stipend. The scholarship supports original doctoral research in Baltic Jewish studies for 2-3 months. The research should be conducted at the YIVO Library and Archive and the recipients are required to give a public lecture.
YIVO – Fellowship in Polish Jewish Studies
Type of Scholarship: Annual
Amount: $4,000 stipend
Deadline of Application: Opens in September 2023 for the 2024-2025 fellowship period
The Fellowship in Polish Jewish Studies is also a combined scholarship with a cumulative $4,000 stipend for 2-3 months. The recipient should spend the scholarship duration on research at the YIVO Library and Archives, and the dissertation should touch on Polish-Jewish history, relations, and cultural exchanges. He/she will also be required to give a public lecture on the topic.
YIVO – Fellowship in East European Jewish Literature
Type of Scholarship: Annual
Amount: $4,000 stipend
Deadline of Application: Opens in September 2023 for the 2024-2025 fellowship period
The Fellowship in East European Jewish Literature is also a combined scholarship with a specific focus on Eastern European Jewish literature. The recipient can focus his/her research on the Jewish diaspora regardless of location. As with the other YIVO scholarships, it comes with a stipulation for 2-3 months of research at YIVO’s library and archives, as well as a public lecture.
YIVO – The Dina Abramowicz Emerging Scholar Fellowship
Type of Scholarship: Annual
Amount: $3,000 stipend
Deadline of Application: Opens in September 2023 for the 2024-2025 fellowship period
This is a fellowship for post-doctoral research on Eastern European Jewish studies. The research should result in a notable scholarly publication on the topic, although the fellowship can also be applied to doctoral dissertation revision. The fellowship, which has the same 2- to 3-month research at the YIVO library and a public lecture, can be awarded as is or combined with other YIVO fellowships.
YIVO – The Workers Circle
Type of Scholarship: Annual
Amount: $10,000 stipend
Deadline of Application: Opens in September 2023 for the 2024-2025 fellowship period
The Workers Circle/ Dr. Emanuel Patt Visiting Professorship in Eastern European Jewish Studies may also be combined with other fellowships, or it can be awarded separately. It’s also designed to provide financial support for up to three months of post-doctoral research by the visiting faculty member/recipient who, in turn, is required to give a public lecture.
Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. (NEF)
Type of Scholarship: Annual
Amount: Varies
Deadline of Application: Opens October 2, 2023 and ends on February 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.
Intercollegiate Studies Institute Graduate Fellowships
Type of Scholarship: Annual
Amount: $5,000 to $15,000
Deadline of Application: January 19, 2024
ISI awards up to 15 graduate fellowships for doctoral students pursuing degrees in either the social sciences or humanities. Applicants must be U.S. citizens with plans of full-time enrollment in the 2024-2025 academic year and intend to teach at the post-secondary level. Applicants who weren’t granted fellowships in their previous application can reapply; previous fellows are ineligible for application.
Application requirements include 1,250- to 2,500-word original essay on the topic of, “What is the relationship between liberal education and a free society?”; autobiography; academic writing sample, and two academic letters of recommendation.
Fellowship amounts can be used for tuition, books, and living expenses, among other program-related expenses at the awardee’s discretion. Fellows must attend annual weekend colloquium with their expenses paid for by ISI.
Newberry Consortium National Endowment for the Humanities Fellowships
Type of Scholarship: Annual
Amount: $5,000/month
Deadline of Application: November 1, 2023
The long-term fellowship lasts between four and nine months during which time the recipient will perform scholarship activities relevant to the collections owned and maintained by The Newberry Consortium. Applicants must possess a PhD degree or its equivalent on or before the application deadline, as well as be either a U.S. citizen or a foreign national with at least three years of continuous residence in the country.
NCTM & AMTE Early Career Research Grant
Type of Scholarship: Annual
Amount: $10,000 each, maximum
Deadline of Application: November 1, 2023
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.
Midwest Nursing Research Society (MNRS) Seed Research Grant
Type of Scholarship: Annual
Amount: One $5,000 maximum
Deadline of Application: October 18, 2023
The MNRS Seed Grant will support researchers engaged in quantitative and qualitative research in nursing science-related topics. Applicants must perform their research in the Midwest. Nursing researchers are eligible to apply regardless of their time from dissertation and previous funding history. Current and active membership in the MNRS is a must to be considered for eligibility.
Zonta International Amelia Earhart Fellowship
Type of Scholarship: Annual (Non-renewable)
Amount: $10,000 with up to 30 awardees
Deadline of Application: November 15, 2023
Established in 1938, the Amelia Earhart Fellowship promotes equal access to resources for women in the fields of aerospace engineering and space sciences. Awardees are chosen based on their superior academic record and applied research in aerospace engineering and space sciences.
Applicants must be women pursuing doctoral degrees in these fields with the award amount allowed for use at any accredited college or university and for postgraduate courses and degrees. Strict eligibility requirements, such as club members and their family members as well as previous fellows being disqualified, are implemented.
Wenner-Gren Foundation Dissertation Fieldwork Grant
Type of Scholarship: Annual (Non-renewable)
Amount: $25,000
Deadline of Application: November 1, 2023
While the Dissertation Fieldwork Grant doesn’t have any particular preferences for research topics, methodology and location, the Wenner-Gren Foundation welcomes interdisciplinary proposals. Applicants must demonstrate their capacity and passion for the advancement of anthropological knowledge that increases the depth and breadth of our understanding of being human. The award amount should be used for doctoral research in this regard.
Applicants must be doctoral students and must designate a dissertation advisor on their application. Previous applicants may reapply via a resubmission.
MNRS Step-Up Grant
Type of Scholarship: Annual
Amount: $2,500
Deadline of Application: October 18, 2023
The MNRS will select one awardee for the Step-up Grant from funds generated through its MNRS Foundation Annual Walk-a-Thon. The award amount can be used for qualitative and quantitative research in any nursing-related topic, but there’s a preference for research into the health inequalities and discrepancies in the Midwest.
Doctoral students will only be considered for dissertation grants. Strict policies are in place for the use of the grant amount.
MNRS Founders Circle Dissertation Grant
Type of Scholarship: Annual
Amount: $2,500
Deadline of Application: October 18, 2023
The MNRS Founders Circle Dissertation Grant will be awarded to just one doctoral student but can only be used as a dissertation grant. The grant is intended for the promotion of nursing science and practice including quantitative and qualitative research among researchers in the Midwest.
Only current and active MNRS members will be considered during the application and selection process.
MNRS Joseph & Jean Buckwalter Dissertation Grant
Type of Scholarship: Annual
Amount: $2,500
Deadline of Application: October 18, 2023
Established in honor of the husband-and-wife duo, the Joseph & Jean Buckwalter Dissertation Grant supports researchers in the Midwest whose interests are in mental health and chronic illnesses.
MNRS/Council for Advancement of Nursing Science (CANS) Dissertation Grant
Type of Scholarship: Annual
Amount: Up to $5,000
Deadline of Application: October 18, 2023
Only one awardee will be selected for the MNRS/CANS Dissertation Grant. Applicants, who must be current and active MNRS and CANS members to be considered, will be evaluated based on their quantitative and qualitative research into the advancement of nursing science and practice.
Stantec Scholarship
Type of Scholarship: Annual
Amount: $10,000
Deadline of Application: Opens September to December 2023 for the 2024 awards
Stantec Inc., a well-known provider of engineering consulting services with specializations in construction management, architectural and environmental services, offers the Stantec Scholarship in partnership with the American Water Works Association (AWWA). The scholarship supports a student pursuing a PhD in water treatment science and engineering.
Note that the AWWA-Stantec Scholarship is part of the Stantec Equity and Diversity Scholarship, which promotes equity, diversity and inclusion for positive impact in the industry.
The Mellon Foundation Fellowship
Type of Scholarship: Annual
Amount: $5,000/month
Deadline of Application: November 1, 2023
This is a long-term fellowship offered by The Newberry with fellows getting financial support for a period between four and nine months. Fellows must be engaged in scholarship in any field pertaining to its collection.
Richard H. Brown/William Lloyd Barber Felowships
Type of Scholarship: Annual
Amount: $5,000/month
Deadline of Application: November 1, 2023
The long-term fellowship program welcomes applicants with a PhD degree on or before the application deadline. The Richard H. Brown/William Lloyd Barber Fellows must spend between four and nine months on studying American history, particularly on topics related to The Newberry’s collection.
The Evelyn Dunbar and Ruth Dunbar Davee Fellowship
Type of Scholarship: Annual
Amount: $5,000/month
Deadline of Application: November 1, 2023
The long-term Evelyn Dunbar and Ruth Dunbar Davee Fellowship program offered by The Newberry supports scholarships in its music-related collection. Fellows will be awarded the monthly stipend for 4-9 months.
Lloyd Lewis Fellowships in American History
Type of Scholarship: Annual
Amount: $5,000/month
Deadline of Application: November 1, 2023
Past fellows of the Lloyd Lewis Fellowships in American History offered by The Newberry performed scholarly activities related to American history as it pertains to its collection. The long-term fellowship program requires commitment for 4-9 months and a PhD degree to be considered.
The Audrey Lumsden-Kouvel Fellowship
Type of Scholarship: Annual
Amount: $5,000/month
Deadline of Application: November 1, 2023
Yet another long-term fellowship program offered by The Newberry, the Audrey Lumsden-Kouvel Fellowship supports scholars-researchers studying the history and literature of Romance cultures and the colonial Americas from the late medieval to the early modern periods. Fellows have a PhD degree and receive a monthly stipend during the duration of the fellowship, usually 4-9 months.
The Monticello College Foundation Fellowship for Women
Type of Scholarship: Annual
Amount: $5,000/month
Deadline of Application: November 1, 2023
The Newberry-administered Monticello College Foundation Fellowship for Women supports one female fellow who must hold a PhD on or before the application deadline. The fellow receives a monthly stipend for 4-9 months and must demonstrate scholarly productivity during her in-residence tenure at the Newberry.
Rudolph Ganz Fellowship
Type of Scholarship: Annual
Amount: $5,000/month
Deadline of Application: November 1, 2023
Named in honor of American pianist, conductor, composer, and music educator Rudolph Ganz, The Newberry-administered long-term fellowship provides financial support for researchers engaged in the study of Ganz’s papers in its collection. These include Ganz’s musical compositions as well as lectures, speeches, essays and recordings.
Most of the long-term fellowships (4-9 months’ duration) are open for scholars regardless of their nationality; the notable exception is the National Endowment for the Humanities-funded program. International scholars possessing the J-1 visa are also eligible for long-term fellowships.
The Newberry Short-Term Residential Fellowships for Individual Research
Type of Scholarship: Annual
Amount: $3,000 for one month only
Deadline of Application: December 15, 2023
Eligible applicants are scholars and researchers in any field. Applicants who are in their graduate studies must have completed their academic requirements except for their dissertation (All But Dissertation or ABD) by December 15, 2023 to be considered.
The Newberry Fellows’ Fellowship
Type of Scholarship: Annual
Amount: $3,000 for one month only
Deadline of Application: December 15, 2023
The Newberry Fellows’ Fellowship program supports researchers/scholars with a demonstrated need for scholarly activities related to the Newberry collection. The short-term program welcomes scholars from all fields of study but graduate students who submit their application must be on ABD status by application deadline.
The Newberry The John S. Aubrey Fellowship
Type of Scholarship: Annual
Amount: $3,000 for one month only
Deadline of Application: December 15, 2023
The John S. Aubrey Fellowship is also a short-term program designed for scholars/researchers interested in studying the Newberry collection. Again, graduate student applicants must have completed academic requirements except for their dissertation.
The Newberry The Charles Montgomery Gray Fellowship
Type of Scholarship: Annual
Amount: $3,000 for one month only
Deadline of Application: December 15, 2023
PhD candidates who have yet to finish their doctoral dissertations but have complied with academic requirements are welcome to apply for the short-term fellowship. Note that postdoctoral scholars are also eligible. While the fellowship welcomes scholars/researchers from all fields of study, the Newberry gives preference to research projects related to the Renaissance and early modern periods, as well as legal history, European history, and English history.
The Newberry The Adele Hast Fellowship in American History
Type of Scholarship: Annual
Amount: $3,000 for one month only
Deadline of Application: December 15, 2023
The short-term Adele Hast Fellowships is particularly intended for scholars/researchers engaged in the study of American history as it relates to the Newberry collections. Both PhD students on ABD status and postdoctoral scholars are welcome to apply.
The Newberry The Arthur and Janet Holzheimer Fellowship in the History of Cartography
Type of Scholarship: Annual
Amount: $3,000 for one month only
Deadline of Application: December 15, 2023
Postdoctoral scholars and PhD students who have yet to complete their dissertation can apply for the short-term fellowship. But their research projects must be specifically related to cartography including its history, evolution and materials.
The Newberry The Anne Jacobson Schutte Fellowship in Early Modern Studies
Type of Scholarship: Annual
Amount: $3,000 for one month only
Deadline of Application: December 15, 2023
The short-term fellowship invites PhD students on ABD status and postdoctoral scholars to apply for the short-term fellowship. Preference is for researchers/scholars engaged in the study of the culture, society and other aspects of the early modern period (1300s-1700s). Scholars whose research projects are related to spirituality, Venice, and/or women’s studies are highly preferred.
For most, if not all, of the short-term fellowship programs administered by The Newberry, the application materials include a project abstract, project description and bibliography as well as a curriculum vitae and letters of recommendation. The letters of recommendation have a 10-day grace period for recommenders (i.e., up to December 25, 2023 only). Notices to applicants will be sent by late April or early May 2024.
For the long-term fellowships, The Newberry provides a ten-day grace period for the letters of recommendation (i.e., up to November 10, 2023 only). Applicants will be sent notification notices (accepted/rejected) in either late February or early March 2024.
MNRS/Sigma Research Grant
Type of Scholarship: Annual
Amount: Up to $3,500
Deadline of Application: April 1, 2024
Qualified nurses who are enrolled in doctoral programs are eligible to apply for the MNRS/Sigma Research Grant. The selected awardee must implement and complete their research projects within one year after receiving the funds and must agree to the terms in a Research Grant Agreement.
Are scholarships for Ph.D. applicants easy to obtain?
The availability of scholarships for Ph.D. applicants varies depending on the program and school. Generally, scholarships are more difficult to obtain than grants or fellowships, as there is often a limited amount of funds available and a more significant number of applicants competing for them.
However, several scholarships are available specifically for Ph.D. applicants, so it is worth researching what is available and applying for those that are a good fit.