Fellowship Opportunities

Students are encouraged to apply for competitive external awards such as NSF fellowships, industry awards and individual NIH Fellowships. Successful receipt of such awards will often result in additional stipend supplementation. Students should consult with the Office of Graduate Affairs (OGA) to determine which awards qualify for such supplementation.

The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program

The National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students in NSF-supported science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines who are pursuing research-based master's and doctoral degrees at accredited United States institutions. GRFP is intended to provide support for those at the beginning of their graduate career and individuals seeking to reenter graduate studies following an interruption of at least two consecutive years. The program recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students who are pursuing research-based master’s and doctoral degrees in fields within NSF’s mission. The GRFP provides up to three years of support for the graduate education of individuals who have demonstrated their potential for significant achievements in science and engineering research. 

The NIH Ruth L Kirschstein National Research Service Award (F31)

The National Institute of Health (NIH) Ruth L Kirschstein Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31) is to enable promising predoctoral students with potential to develop into a productive, independent research scientists, to obtain mentored research training while conducting dissertation research. The F31 is also used to enhance workforce diversity though a separate program.

The National Defense Science & Engineering Graduate Fellowship

The National Defense Science & Engineering Graduate (NDSEG) Fellowship is awarded to US citizens and nationals who intend to pursue a doctoral degree in one of fifteen supported discplines. Proof of citizenship will be required upon formal offer. Eligible applicants are enrolled in their final year of undergraduate studies through the second year of a traditional PhD program, as well as dual MD-PhD students. 

The Hertz Graduate Fellowship

The Hertz Graduate Fellowship Award is based on merit (not need) and consists of a cost-of-education allowance and a personal-support stipend. Successful applicants have the choice of two Fellowship options:

Option 1 - Funding from Hertz Foundation only

  • $34,000/ 9-month personal stipend
  • Full tuition equivalent
  • Renewable annually for up to 5 years
  • $5,000/ year additional stipend for Fellows with dependent children

Option 2 - Coordination with Other Major Fellowship

  • Often Hertz awardees are also chosen to receive fellowship support from other sources. Hertz supports acceptance of multiple awards and works with each awardee, on an individual basis, to ensure compliance with all funding agencies. 

The NCI Predoctoral to Postdoctoral Fellow Transition Award (F99/K00)

The NCI Predoctoral to Postdoctoral Fellow Transition (F99/K00) Award supports outstanding Ph.D. and other Research Doctoral candidates complete their dissertation research training (F99 phase) and transition in a timely manner to mentored, cancer-focused postdoctoral career development research positions (K00 phase). Applicants for the F99 should be 3rd - or 4th-year graduate students nominated by their institutions.

The HHMI Gilliam Fellowships for Advanced Study

The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Gilliam Fellowships for Advanced Study support exceptional graduate students who are committed to increasing diversity among scientific leaders, especially those students who will go on to become faculty members at colleges and universities. The Gilliam Fellowships for Advanced Study program promotes excellence in the life sciences and related fields by supporting

  • PhD students committed to a career in academic research, and
  • faculty and training programs dedicated to developing the talents of promising graduate students from underrepresented groups.

Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans

Each year, The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans supports thirty New Americans, immigrants or the children of immigrants, who are pursuing graduate school in the United States. The competition is merit-based. Selection criteria emphasize creativity, originality, initiative, and sustained accomplishment. The program values a commitment to the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. The program does not have any quotas for types of degrees, universities or programs, countries of origin, or gender, etc.