Are you a graduate student looking for funding, mentorship, or global opportunities to deepen your research or leadership impact? Fellowships for graduate students go beyond covering tuition. These competitive, merit-based awards often provide monthly stipends, research grants, travel allowances, and direct access to influential networks in academia, government, and industry.
Unlike general scholarships, graduate fellowships are structured to support specific goals: whether it’s conducting fieldwork abroad, advancing public policy, driving innovation in STEM, or influencing social change. They often include mentorship, workshops, and leadership training, making them as much about professional development as they are about financial support.
Graduate fellowships can be institution-specific or externally funded by governments, foundations, and various organizations. These opportunities are open across disciplines, from medicine and law to education, climate science, tech, and the arts.
Top 10 Fellowships for Graduate Students
Pursuing a graduate degree can be intellectually enriching, but also financially demanding. That’s where fellowships come in. Graduate fellowships are prestigious, merit-based opportunities that support students pursuing advanced degrees across a wide range of disciplines. These programs often provide more than just tuition coverage; they offer research funding, professional development, international experience, and access to influential networks of scholars, policy leaders, and industry experts.
Whether you’re conducting groundbreaking research, addressing social and environmental challenges, or shaping the future of public policy, graduate fellowships can elevate your impact and career trajectory. Many fellowships also include mentorship, leadership training, and the chance to collaborate with global peers, making them a catalyst for both personal growth and professional advancement.
In this curated list of the top 10 fellowships for graduate students, you’ll find opportunities designed to support excellence in public service, science, education, global affairs, and more. Whether you’re applying to grad school or already enrolled, these fellowships can unlock the resources and recognition to help you reach your full potential.
Here’s the table formatted with the top 10 fellowships for graduate students:
| Fellowship Program | Duration | Eligibility Requirements | Application Requirements | Institution | Location | Deadline |
| Rhodes Scholarship | 2–3 Years | Graduating seniors or recent grads; exceptional academic & leadership | Academic transcript, personal statement, 5–8 letters of recommendation, interview | University of Oxford | UK | October 2025 |
| Gates Cambridge Scholarship | 1–3 Years | Non-UK citizens applying for a postgraduate degree at Cambridge | Academic excellence, leadership, fit for Cambridge, 2 references, research proposal | University of Cambridge | UK | December 2025 |
| Truman Scholarship | 3 Years (Grad School Support) | U.S. citizens; college juniors; commitment to public service | Policy proposal, strong academics, leadership record, nomination | Any accredited U.S. university | United States | February 4, 2025 |
| Ford Foundation Fellowship | Up to 3 Years | U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents; underrepresented students in academia | Statement of purpose, GRE, 3 letters of recommendation, transcripts | Any U.S. institution | United States | December 2025 |
| NSF Graduate Research Fellowship | 3 Years | U.S. citizens or nationals; early-career grad students in STEM | Research proposal, personal statement, 3 reference letters | Any accredited U.S. grad institution | United States | October 2025 |
| Marshall Scholarship | 1–2 Years | U.S. citizens; bachelor’s degree with GPA of 3.7+, leadership and ambassador potential | Personal statement, references, university endorsement | Any UK university | UK | September 2025 |
| NIH Oxford-Cambridge Scholars Program | 4 Years (PhD) | U.S. citizens or permanent residents with strong research interest | Research proposal, letters, GRE (optional), transcript | NIH + University of Oxford/Cambridge | UK & US | December 2025 |
| DAAD Research Grant | 1–2 Years | Foreign students with a bachelor’s/master’s in hand, applying to German institutions | Research proposal, German host letter, transcripts, references | Any German university | Germany | November 2025 |
| Schwarzman Scholars Program | 1 Year | Under 29 years old; bachelor’s degree; strong leadership & academic excellence | Essays, recommendations, video intro, interview | Tsinghua University | China | September 2025 |
| Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowship | 2 Years | New Americans (immigrants or children of immigrants) pursuing graduate study | Two essays, recommendations, resume, transcripts, interview | Any U.S. grad school | United States | October 2025 |
1. Rhodes Scholarship
Program duration: 2 years (with a possible extension to 3 years)
Type of scholarship: International Merit-Based Fellowship
Level of study: Graduate (Master’s or second undergraduate degree at the University of Oxford)
Eligibility: Open to exceptional students from eligible countries (including the U.S., Canada, India, Germany, Nigeria, etc.) who have completed or are completing their undergraduate degree and are typically between 18–24 years old (age limits vary by constituency)
Requirements: Outstanding academic record (typically GPA 3.7+ or First Class Honors), proven leadership, character, and commitment to service; must meet Oxford’s admission requirements for selected course
The Rhodes Scholarship is one of the oldest and most prestigious international fellowships in the world, established in 1902 through the will of Cecil Rhodes. It provides exceptional students from across the globe the opportunity to study at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom. Rhodes Scholars are chosen not only for their academic excellence, but also for their integrity, leadership, and commitment to making a positive impact in the world. Scholars pursue postgraduate degrees at Oxford and join a lifelong network of distinguished leaders, innovators, and changemakers. The program also provides leadership development and ongoing community engagement during and beyond the Oxford experience.
Institution: University of Oxford
Location: United Kingdom
Deadline: between July and October annually
Award amount: Covers all university and college fees, a living stipend, travel expenses to and from Oxford, and additional research or travel grants
Where to apply: https://www.rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk
Application process: Direct online application via Rhodes portal; requires a personal statement, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, proof of eligibility, and an interview for shortlisted candidates.
2. Gates Cambridge Scholarship
Program duration: 1–3 years (depending on the length of the postgraduate course)
Type of scholarship: Fully Funded International Scholarship
Level of study: Graduate (Master’s or PhD)
Eligibility: Open to non-UK citizens applying to pursue a full-time postgraduate degree (excluding certain courses) at the University of Cambridge
Requirements: Exceptional academic performance (First Class or equivalent), leadership potential, commitment to improving the lives of others, and a strong alignment between the applicant’s goals and the Cambridge program
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship was established in 2000 through a donation from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and is awarded to outstanding applicants from countries outside the UK. This highly competitive and fully funded scholarship allows scholars to pursue a full-time postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge while joining a vibrant international community of change-makers. Beyond financial support, the program offers leadership development, mentorship opportunities, and access to a global network of scholars and alumni committed to solving global challenges.
Institution: University of Cambridge
Location: United Kingdom
Deadline: Varies by applicant’s citizenship and course.
- U.S. citizens: October 2025
- International applicants: December 2025 or January 2026, depending on the course deadline
Award Amount: Full tuition, maintenance allowance (£20,000+ per year), airfare, visa costs, and access to discretionary funding for academic and professional development
Where to Apply: https://www.gatescambridge.org
Application Process: Application for admission to Cambridge and the Gates Scholarship submitted together via the Cambridge application portal; includes personal statement, academic references, and interview for shortlisted candidates.
3. Truman Scholarship
Program Duration: Typically covers the final year of undergraduate study and funding for graduate studies
Type of Scholarship: Government-Funded Scholarship
Level of Study: Undergraduate (leading to graduate-level support)
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or U.S. nationals from American Samoa, currently enrolled at a U.S.-based accredited institution, in their penultimate year of study (for candidates graduating in four years or more) or in their final year (for candidates graduating in three years or fewer)
Requirements: Strong academic performance (typically top 25% of class), demonstrated leadership abilities, extensive record of public and community service, commitment to a career in public service, and nomination by the institution’s Truman Faculty Representative
The Truman Scholarship is a prestigious merit-based award established in 1975 as a living memorial to President Harry S. Truman. It recognizes and supports the next generation of public service leaders in the United States. Each year, the program selects promising college juniors who have shown exceptional leadership abilities, academic excellence, and a commitment to making a difference through public service. Truman Scholars receive funding for graduate or professional school, leadership training, and access to career and internship opportunities in public service. It is one of the most competitive and transformative scholarships for students passionate about civic engagement and policy change.
Institution: Various U.S. universities (recipient must attend an accredited graduate school)
Location: United States
Deadline: February every year.
Award Amount: Up to $30,000 for graduate studies, plus leadership training, internships, and mentoring
Where to Apply: https://www.truman.gov
Application Process: Candidates must secure the nomination of their undergraduate institution. Once nominated, they must complete a comprehensive application, including a policy proposal, essays on leadership and public service, three letters of recommendation, and academic transcripts. Finalists are invited to regional interviews, after which Scholars are selected.
4. Ford Foundation Fellowship Program
Program Duration: Varies by fellowship type.
- Predoctoral Fellowship: 3 years
- Dissertation Fellowship: 1 year
- Postdoctoral Fellowship: 1 year
Type of Scholarship: Diversity-Focused Academic Fellowship
Level of Study: Graduate (Ph.D. or Sc.D. programs)
Eligibility: U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, U.S. permanent residents, individuals granted deferred action status under the DACA Program, Indigenous individuals exercising rights associated with the Jay Treaty of 1794, individuals granted Temporary Protected Status, asylees, or refugees. Applicants must be committed to a career in teaching and research at the college or university level in the U.S.
Requirements: Superior academic achievement, enrollment in or planning to enroll in a research-based Ph.D. or Sc.D. program, and a sustained personal engagement with communities that are underrepresented in the academy.
The Ford Foundation Fellowship Program aims to increase the diversity of the nation’s college and university faculties by increasing their ethnic and racial diversity. Administered by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, the program offers fellowships at the predoctoral, dissertation, and postdoctoral levels. Fellows receive financial support, access to a network of scholars, and opportunities for professional development.
Institution: Various U.S. institutions (fellows must attend an accredited graduate school)
Location: United States
Deadline: Applications open in early September 2025. Specific deadlines are as follows:
- Predoctoral Fellowship: Mid-December 2025
- Dissertation and Postdoctoral Fellowships: Early December 2025
- Supplementary Materials: Early January 2026
Award Amount:
- Predoctoral Fellowship: $27,000 per year for 3 years
- Dissertation Fellowship: $28,000 for 1 year
- Postdoctoral Fellowship: $50,000 for 1 year
Where to Apply: https://www.nationalacademies.org/our-work/ford-foundation-fellowships
Application Process: Applicants must submit an online application, including a personal statement, a statement of previous research and scholarly productivity, a proposed plan of graduate study and research, letters of recommendation, and academic transcripts. Finalists may be invited for interviews.
5. National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program (NSF GRFP)
Program Duration: 3 years of financial support over a 5-year fellowship period
Type of Scholarship: Government-Funded Research Fellowship
Level of Study: Graduate (Master’s and Ph.D. programs)
Eligibility: U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents pursuing full-time, research-based master’s or doctoral degrees in STEM or STEM education at accredited U.S. institutions
Requirements: Applicants must have completed no more than one academic year of graduate study (or meet specific criteria for those with prior graduate enrollment), demonstrate potential for significant research achievements, and submit a comprehensive application including personal and research statements, transcripts, and reference letters
The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) is one of the most prestigious fellowships in the United States, aimed at supporting outstanding graduate students in NSF-supported science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines. Established to ensure the vitality and diversity of the scientific and engineering workforce, the GRFP provides fellows with a three-year annual stipend of $37,000 and a $16,000 cost of education allowance to the institution. Fellows benefit from opportunities for international research and professional development, and the fellowship is portable to any accredited U.S. institution offering graduate degrees in eligible fields.
Institution: Various accredited U.S. institutions (fellowship is portable)
Location: United States
Deadline: Around October annually.
Award Amount: $37,000 annual stipend and $16,000 cost of education allowance per year, totaling $159,000 over three years
Where to Apply: https://www.research.gov/grfp/Login.do
Application Process: Applicants must submit their applications through the Research.gov portal, including:
- Personal Statement
- Graduate Research Plan Statement
- Three reference letters
- Academic transcripts
Applications are evaluated based on the NSF’s merit review criteria of Intellectual Merit and Broader Impact.
6. Marshall Scholarship
Program Duration: 1 to 2 years (with potential extension to a third year for doctoral studies)
Type of Scholarship: Government-Funded Graduate Scholarship
Level of Study: Graduate (Master’s or Ph.D. programs)
Eligibility: U.S. citizens who, at the time they take up their scholarship (September 2025), hold a first undergraduate degree from an accredited four-year college or university in the United States with a minimum GPA of 3.7. Applicants must have graduated from their undergraduate institution after April 2022 and must not have studied for or hold a degree or degree-equivalent qualification from a British University.
Requirements: Applicants must demonstrate academic merit, leadership potential, and ambassadorial potential. A nomination from the applicant’s undergraduate institution is required.
The Marshall Scholarship is a prestigious award that enables young Americans of high ability to study for a graduate degree in the United Kingdom. Established in 1953 as a gesture of gratitude for the Marshall Plan, the scholarship aims to strengthen the enduring relationship between the British and American peoples. Scholars are selected based on academic merit, leadership potential, and ambassadorial potential. The scholarship covers university fees, cost of living expenses, annual book grant, thesis grant, research and daily travel grants, fares to and from the United States, and, where applicable, a contribution towards the support of a dependent spouse.
Institution: Any accredited UK university
Location: United Kingdom
Deadline: For the 2026 application cycle, applications will open in late spring 2025.
Award Amount: Covers university fees, cost of living expenses, annual book grant, thesis grant, research and daily travel grants, fares to and from the United States, and, where applicable, a contribution towards the support of a dependent spouse.
Where to Apply: https://www.marshallscholarship.org
Application Process: Applicants must complete and submit their applications via the online system. The application must be endorsed by the President, Provost, or Academic Dean of the applicant’s U.S. undergraduate institution. The online application must be submitted and authorized by a designated member of staff at the applicant’s educational institution.
7. NIH Oxford-Cambridge Scholars Program
Program Duration: Approximately 4 years (split evenly between NIH and Oxford or Cambridge)
Type of Scholarship: Fully Funded Doctoral Research Program
Level of Study: Doctoral (Ph.D. or D.Phil.)
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a bachelor’s degree by the start of the program. Applicants should have significant research experience and a strong commitment to biomedical research careers.
Requirements: Applicants must demonstrate outstanding academic performance, substantial research experience, and exceptional promise for a career in biomedical research. Previous laboratory research experience is highly regarded.
The NIH Oxford-Cambridge Scholars Program is a highly individualized and accelerated doctoral training program for outstanding students committed to biomedical research careers. Scholars partner with two investigators, one at the NIH and another at the University of Oxford or University of Cambridge, to perform a single, collaborative dissertation project. The program is based on the British system, allowing students to complete the doctoral degree in approximately four years without required formal courses. Students divide their time evenly between the NIH and UK laboratories.
Institution: National Institutes of Health (USA) and University of Oxford or University of Cambridge (UK)
Location: United States and United Kingdom
Deadline: August – December 2025.
Award Amount: Full funding, including tuition, stipend, health insurance, and travel allowances.
Where to Apply: https://oxcam.gpp.nih.gov
Application Process: Applicants must submit the NIH Graduate Partnerships Program (GPP) application, including a personal statement, CV/resume, letters of recommendation, and information on research interests and potential mentors. Interviews are held in February, and selected students are notified by the end of February.
8. DAAD Research Grants – Doctoral Programmes in Germany
Program Duration: Up to 4 years
Type of Scholarship: Government-Funded Research Grant
Level of Study: Doctoral (Ph.D. or equivalent)
Eligibility: International students who have completed a Master’s degree (or in exceptional cases, a Bachelor’s degree) no more than six years before the application deadline. Applicants should not have started their doctoral degree more than three years prior to the application deadline.
Requirements: A well-planned and convincing research proposal agreed upon with a German academic supervisor, proof of academic qualifications, and language proficiency (German or English, depending on the research project).
The DAAD Research Grants – Doctoral Programmes in Germany support international doctoral candidates in pursuing research or a full doctoral program at a state or state-recognized German university or research institution. The program offers funding for up to four years, allowing scholars to undertake research in various fields under the supervision of German academic mentors.
Institution: Various German universities and research institutions
Location: Germany
Deadline: October 15, 2024, for the 2025–2026 academic year.
Award Amount: Monthly stipend of €1,300, plus health, accident, and personal liability insurance; travel allowance; research allowance; and potential additional benefits such as rent subsidy and family allowances.
Where to Apply: https://www.daad.de/en/
Application Process: Applications must be submitted online through the DAAD portal. Required documents include a research proposal, academic transcripts, proof of language proficiency, and a letter of acceptance from a German supervisor.
9. Schwarzman Scholars Program
Program Duration: One-year fully funded Master’s degree in Global Affairs
Type of Scholarship: Fully Funded Graduate Leadership Scholarship
Level of Study: Master’s (Global Affairs)
Eligibility: Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Age: Be at least 18 but not yet 29 years old as of August 1 of the enrollment year (for the Class of 2026–2027, as of August 1, 2026).
- Education: Hold an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university. Applicants currently enrolled must be on track to complete all degree requirements before August 1 of the enrollment year.
- English Proficiency: Demonstrate strong English skills. If the applicant’s native language is not English, they must have studied in English at an undergraduate or graduate program for at least two years.
Requirements: Applicants must demonstrate:
- Academic excellence.
- Exceptional leadership qualities.
- Entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to understand other cultures.
- Strong intellectual capacity and exemplary character.
The Schwarzman Scholars Program is a prestigious, fully funded one-year Master’s program in Global Affairs at Tsinghua University in Beijing, designed to prepare the next generation of global leaders. Inspired by the Rhodes Scholarship, the program brings together a diverse cohort of young leaders from around the world to foster mutual understanding and build strong ties between China and the rest of the world. The curriculum combines academic courses, leadership training, and cultural immersion, providing scholars with unparalleled opportunities to develop their leadership skills and expand their global networks.
Institution: Tsinghua University
Location: Beijing, China
Deadline: For the Class of 2026–2027:
- U.S. and Global Applicants: Application opens in April 2025 and closes in September 2025.
- Applicants with Chinese Passports: Application opens in January 2025 and closes in May 2025.
Award Amount: The scholarship covers:
- Tuition and fees.
- Room and board.
- Travel to and from Beijing at the beginning and end of the academic year.
- An in-country study tour.
- Required course books and supplies.
- Health insurance.
- A personal stipend.
Where to Apply: https://www.schwarzmanscholars.org
Application Process: Applicants must complete an online application and submit the following:
- A current resume or CV (maximum 2 pages).
- Two essays: a Leadership Essay (750 words) and a Statement of Purpose (500 words).
- Academic transcripts.
- Three letters of recommendation.
- A short video self-introduction (optional but recommended).
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews in October and November 2025.
10. Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans
Program Duration: 1 to 2 years
Type of Scholarship: Private Graduate Fellowship
Level of Study: Graduate (Master’s or Ph.D. programs)
Eligibility: Applicants must meet the following criteria as of the October 30, 2025, application deadline:
- Age: 30 years or younger.
- New American Status: An immigrant or the child of immigrants.
- Education: Planning to be enrolled full-time in an eligible graduate or professional degree program in the United States for the 2026–2027 academic year.
Requirements: Applicants must demonstrate:
- Creativity, originality, and initiative.
- A commitment to and capacity for sustained accomplishment.
- A commitment to the values expressed in the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
- Promise of continued significant contributions.
The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans support immigrants and children of immigrants pursuing graduate education in the United States. Each year, 30 Fellows are selected for their potential to make significant contributions to U.S. society, culture, or their academic field. The Fellowship provides financial support and access to a lifelong community of New American Fellows.
Institution: Any accredited U.S. university
Location: United States
Deadline: October 30, 2025.
Award Amount: Up to $90,000 over two years, including:
- $25,000 annual stipend (up to $50,000 total).
- 50% of required tuition and fees, up to $20,000 per year.
Where to Apply: https://www.pdsoros.org
Application Process: Applicants must submit an online application, including:
- Resume.
- Two essays.
- Transcripts.
- Standardized test scores (if required by the graduate program).
- Three to five letters of recommendation.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited for virtual interviews in early 2026.
Pro Tips for Winning Competitive Graduate Scholarships and Fellowships
Graduate-level scholarships like the Rhodes and DAAD are among the most competitive awards in the world, offering not only financial support, but global networks, research funding, mentorship, and access to elite institutions. Whether you’re applying for a research-based grant, an international leadership program, or a public policy fellowship, success starts long before the deadline.
Here are proven tips to help you stand out in the graduate fellowship application process:
1. Know Your Why, and Make It Clear
Graduate fellowships seek candidates with purpose. Go beyond general career goals and articulate a clear mission: What problem are you trying to solve? Why now? Why this field? Tie your academic path, personal experiences, and future vision into one coherent story that shows intellectual curiosity, commitment, and impact.
2. Align with the Fellowship’s Core Values
Each scholarship supports a distinct kind of leader; NSF funds STEM researchers; some champions immigrants shaping U.S. culture; DAAD supports cross-cultural academic exchange. Read their mission statements and selection criteria closely, and frame your application to show how your work advances their vision.
3. Lead with Research, Results, or Real-World Impact
At the graduate level, committees want more than potential, they want proof. Highlight published work, policy impact, lab results, startups launched, or community programs led. Demonstrate that you’re not just passionate, you’re productive.
4. Craft a Statement of Purpose with Narrative Power
Your personal statement should balance intellectual rigor with storytelling. Clearly explain your academic journey, major influences, research goals, and the broader relevance of your work. Let your curiosity and vision shine through, but stay grounded in detail and structure.
5. Secure Strong, Field-Relevant Recommendations
Choose recommenders who can speak to your specific strengths in research, leadership, or innovation. If applying internationally (e.g., Rhodes or DAAD), select referees who understand the global context of your goals. Prep them with a tailored brief: your CV, draft essays, and the fellowship’s mission.
6. Polish Your Academic CV
Graduate fellowships expect a polished academic resume, highlighting research experience, publications, conference presentations, technical skills, teaching, and academic honors. Keep it focused, clean, and relevant to the opportunity.
7. Start Early and Seek Institutional Support
Many fellowships require campus nominations or pre-applications. Contact your university’s graduate fellowship advisor or research office months in advance. Attend info sessions, writing workshops, and mock interviews if offered.
8. Show Resilience and Growth
Not all success is linear. If you’ve faced setbacks, academic, personal, or professional, own them and explain how you adapted or grew. Selection panels value authenticity and self-awareness.
9. Prepare for Interviews with Purpose
If shortlisted, expect interviews that test your motivation, clarity of thought, and knowledge of your field. Practice concise answers to questions like “Why this program?”, “What’s your research about?”, or “How do you lead?”. Show that you’re thoughtful, grounded, and globally aware.
10. Apply Boldly and Widely
Don’t put all your hopes on one scholarship. Apply to multiple programs that fit your goals. Each application sharpens your story and broadens your chances. And remember, even if you don’t win, the process itself often leads to new mentors, opportunities, and clarity about your path.
