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Call for Dissertation Grant Proposals AERA Grants Program Seeks Proposals for Dissertation Grants

Deadline: May 30, 2024

With support from the National Science Foundation, the American Educational Research Association (AERA) Grants Program seeks proposals for Dissertation Grants. The AERA Grants Program provides advanced graduate students with research funding and professional development and training. The program supports highly competitive dissertation research using rigorous quantitative methods to examine large-scale, education-related data. The aim of the program is to advance fundamental knowledge of relevance to STEM education policy, foster significant science using education data, promote equity in STEM, and build research capacity in education and learning. Since 1991, this AERA Program has been vital to both research and training at early career stages.   

The Grants Program encourages the use of major data sets from multiple and diverse sources. It emphasizes the advanced statistical analysis of data sets from the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the National Science Foundation (NSF), and other federal agencies. The program also supports studies using large-scale international data systems (e.g., PISA, PIRLS, or TIMMS) that benefit from U.S. federal government support. In addition, statewide longitudinal administrative data systems (SLDS) enhanced through federal grants are also eligible for consideration. The inclusion of federal or state administrative information that further expands the analytic capacity of the research is permissible. The thrust of the analysis needs to be generalizable to a national, state, or population or a subgroup within the sample that the dataset represents.

The Grants Program is open to field-initiated research and welcomes proposals that:

• develop or benefit from advanced statistical or innovative quantitative methods or measures;
• analyze more than one large-scale national or international federally funded data set, or more than one statewide longitudinal data system (SLDS) or incorporate other data enhancements;
• integrate, link, or blend multiple large-scale data sources; or
• undertake replication research of major findings or major studies using large-scale, federally supported or enhanced data.

The Grants Program encourages proposals across the life span and contexts of education and learning of relevance to STEM policy and practice. The research may focus on a wide range of topics, including but not limited to such issues as student achievement in STEM, analysis of STEM education policies, contextual factors in education, educational participation and persistence (pre-kindergarten through graduate school), early childhood education and development, postsecondary education, and the STEM workforce and transitions. Studies that examine issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion across STEM topics and/or for specific racial and ethnic groups, social classes, genders, or persons with disabilities are encouraged.

Applicant Eligibility Dissertation Grants are available for advanced doctoral students and are intended to support the student while analyzing data and writing the doctoral dissertation. Proposals are encouraged from the full range of education research fields and other fields and disciplines engaged in education-related research, including economics, political science, psychology, sociology, demography, statistics, public policy, and psychometrics. Applicants for this one-year, non-renewable award should be advanced doctoral students at the dissertation writing stage, usually the last year of study. Applicants may be U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents enrolled in a doctoral program. Non­U.S. citizens enrolled in a doctoral program at an U.S. institution are also eligible to apply. Underrepresented racial and ethnic minority researchers as well as women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.

Data Set Eligibility The dissertation research project must include the analysis of large-scale data. The data set can originate from one or multiple sources, including (1) federal data bases, (2) federally supported national studies, (3) international data sets supported by federal funds, or (4) statewide longitudinal administrative data systems (SLDS) enhanced through federal grants. Although the emphasis is on large-scale education data sets and systems, other social science and health-related databases that can advance knowledge about education and learning are eligible for consideration.

Many national data resources, including important longitudinal data sets, have been developed or funded by NCES, NSF, the U.S. Department of Labor, the U.S. Census Bureau, the National Institutes of Health, or other federal agencies. International datasets such as PISA, PIAAC, TIMMS, and others are supported. If international data sets are used, the study must include U.S. education.

NCES has enhanced and improved SLDS through grants to nearly every state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and America Samoa. This federal investment has produced state-level data from pre-K to grade 12, through higher education, and into the workforce. Many SLDS are available for analysis and can be used to address salient issues in education research or linked with other data sets.

Data Set Access The data set(s) of interest must be available for analysis at the time of application. Use of public or restricted-data files is permissible. Prior to receiving funding, students must provide documentation that they have permission to use the data for the research project. In many cases, graduate students will gain access to restricted files through a faculty member or senior scholar.

Data Sharing All data or data-related products produced under the AERA Grants Program must be shared and made available consonant with ethical standards for the conduct of research. Grantees are expected to place article-related data, [1] codebook or coding procedures, algorithms, code, and so forth in an accessible archive at the time of publication. Also, at a reasonable time after completion of the dissertation research, all data or data-related products must be archived at the AERA-ICPSR Data Sharing Repository supported by NSF and located at the Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research (ICPSR) at the University of Michigan. AERA provides guidance to facilitate the data sharing and archiving process.

Dissertation Grant Award

Award Component 1, $27,500 Stipend . AERA will award each grantee up to a $27,500 stipend to study education, teaching, learning, or other education research topics using one or multiple large-scale databases. The funds can be used for research-related expenses such as tuition, living expenses, travel to secure data enclaves or scholarly conferences, books, computer equipment, and other expenses directly related to conducting this research. As part of the proposal, applicants provide a budget that outlines anticipated research-related expenses. AERA encourages cost sharing from universities in the form of tuition assistance, office space, university fees, and other expenses. In accordance with AERA's agreement with NSF, institutions cannot charge overhead or indirect costs to administer the grant funds. In addition to the funding, grantees will be paired with a Governing Board member who will serve as a resource and provide advice and feedback to grantees and monitor grantees’ progress.

Award Component 2, AERA Research Conference. Grantees will participate in an AERA research conference held in Washington, DC. During this 2-day conference grantees will participate in seminar-type sessions on substantive, methodological, and professional issues. Also, they will have the opportunity to network and interact with the Grants Program Governing Board, senior scholars and researchers, other graduate students who use large-scale datasets in their research, and representatives from key federal agencies such as the National Center for Educational Statistics, the National Science Foundation, and the U.S. Department of Education. The award will cover all travel and lodging expenses for grantees to participate in the conference.

Award Component 3, AERA Annual Meeting Capstone Research Institute. Each spring AERA holds its Annual Meeting which brings together over 15,000 researchers, scholars, and policy leaders to present their research, share knowledge, and build research capacity through over 2,000 substantive sessions. Grantees will take a data analysis or appropriate methods course while attending the AERA Annual Meeting. The grantees will present their research in an invited poster session along with other graduate students who received dissertation support from AERA and other prestigious fellowship programs. Finally, grantees will participate in a Capstone conference directly after the Annual Meeting that will address issues such as building a research agenda, searching for a faculty appointment, and publishing research. Grantees must include travel and lodging expenses to the Annual Meeting in their budget.

Informational Webinar Applicants are encouraged to watch the informational webinar to learn more about the AERA Grants Program and discuss the application process..

Project Dates AERA is flexible on research project start dates, depending on what is best for the applicant. The earliest date a grant may start is approximately three months following the application deadline. Alternatively, an award start date several months or more after that may be requested.

Funding Restrictions Dissertation Grantees may not accept concurrent grant or fellowship awards from another agency, foundation, institution or the like for the same dissertation project that is funded by the AERA Grants Program. If the awardee is offered more than one major grant or fellowship for the same project for the same time period, in order to accept the AERA Grants Program Dissertation Grant, the other award(s) must be declined. Awardees may accept Research Assistant or Teaching Assistant appointments at their doctoral institutions and may have additional employment.

If the applicant is employed by a contractor of NCES, NSF, other federal agency, state agency, or other entity that provides the dataset proposed for the project, the dissertation research must not be considered part of the applicant's work responsibilities. An additional letter from the applicant's employer is required as part of the application submission, stating that the dissertation project is separate from the applicant's job duties. This letter must be sent electronically by the deadline to [email protected] .

Evaluation Criteria Evaluation criteria include the significance of the research question, the conceptual clarity and potential contribution of the proposal, the relevance to an important STEM education policy issue, the strength of the methodological model and proposed statistical analysis, and the applicant’s relevant research and academic experience. Additionally, the review criteria include the following: What is already known on the issue? How might this project inform STEM education policy? How does the methodology relate specifically to the research question? Does the applicant know the data set? Does the analytic plan fit the question and the data? How does this project promote equity in STEM education and learning? Is the applicant qualified to carry out the proposed study? Reviewers will be members of the AERA Grants Program Governing Board. Due to the large volume of applications received, the AERA Grants Program is unable to provide individual feedback on unfunded proposals.

Reporting Requirements Dissertation Grantees will be required to submit a brief (3-6 pages) progress report midway through the grant period. A final report will be submitted at the end of the grant period. The final report consists of an extended dissertation abstract (3-6 pages), a statement of research dissemination and communication activities and plans (1-3 pages), and the complete approved dissertation. It should be submitted electronically to [email protected] . All reporting requirements and deadlines are outlined in the award letter.

Funding Disbursement Funding will be linked to the approval of the progress report and final report. Grantees will receive one-half of the total award at the beginning of the grant period, one-quarter upon approval of the progress report, and one-quarter upon approval of the final report. Grants are awarded through the grantee’s institution. In accordance with AERA's agreement with NSF, institutions cannot charge overhead or indirect costs to administer the grant funds.

Considerations in the Development of the Proposal Applicants are strongly encouraged to read Estimating Causal Effects: Using Experimental and Observational Designs , by Barbara Schneider, Martin Carnoy, Jeremy Kilpatrick, William H. Schmidt, and Richard J. Shavelson prior to submitting a dissertation grant proposal. Selection bias is a recurring issue during the review process and should be addressed in the proposal.

Applicants should choose research topics that can be supported by the samples and variables contained in the proposed data set(s). Applicants should also be familiar with the User Guides and/or Manuals (e.g., use of design weights and design effects) of the specific data sets. Applicants should be familiar with statistical methods and available computer programs that allow for sophisticated analyses of the selected data.

Applicants should explicitly address the curricular content when it applies. Applicants are encouraged to capitalize on the capacity of large-scale data sets to examine diverse populations, including racial, ethnic, social class, and gender groups. Studies are encouraged that promote or inform diversity, equity, and inclusion for underrepresented population as well as across STEM topics. The proposed topic must have education policy relevance, and the models to be tested must include predictor variables that are manipulable (e.g., course work in mathematics, instructional practices used by teachers, parental involvement). Studies focusing on STEM education policy are strongly encouraged. Studies that model achievement test data should clearly define the achievement construct and identify the kinds of items to be used to operationalize the topic of interest. Also, when planning to use existing sub-scales, the applicant should describe why these sub-scales are appropriate and how they will be applied. Existing sub-scales provided by NCES or other agencies may not be appropriate for the proposed construct.

Dissertation Grant Application Guidelines AERA Grants Program

Application Deadline All applications for the AERA Grants Program must be completed using the AERA online application portal by 11:59pm Pacific time on May 30, 2024 . An applicant may submit only one proposal to the AERA Grants Program for review at any one time. Due to the large volume of applications received, the AERA Program is unable to provide individual feedback on unfunded proposals.

Submission Information Please enter the background information requested in the proposal submission portal. This includes the applicant’s contact and background demographic information. Also, enter the proposal title, amount of funding requested, and the start and end dates of the project.

Dataset(s) used: Name data set(s) used (e.g., ECLS­K, ELS:2002, IPEDS, CCD, AddHealth, SLDS-State, PISA, and so forth). Proposals must include the analysis of at least one large-scale federal, international, or state administrative data system.

Dissertation abstract Enter the abstract of your proposed research project (250 words maximum).

Contribution to the field Briefly describe the potential contributions this research will make to the field of education (250 words maximum). You may cut and paste or type into the text box.

• Statement of how this research advances the current state of knowledge in the field, substantively and/or methodologically
• Theoretical or conceptual framework for the research
• Brief review of relevant research/policy literature
• Research questions, hypotheses to be tested
• Description of methodology including the data set(s) and justification for selecting data file to address research question; any additional or supplemental data sample (e.g., groups used, exclusions to sample, and estimated sample sizes); rationale for variables used; and specification and clarification of variables and analytic techniques
• Data analysis plan and/or statistical model or formulas, appropriately defined
• Brief dissemination plan for this research including proposed conferences to present the findings and potential scholarly journals to publish the research  
• Variables list: A categorized list of the variables from the NCES, NSF, or other data set(s) that will be used in this research project. (2 single-spaced pages maximum)  
• References cited (not part of page limit)  
• Budget . Awards for Dissertation Grants are up to $27,500 for 1­year projects. The budget must include funds to attend the AERA Annual Meeting. The funds can be used for research-related expenses such as tuition, living expenses, travel to secure data enclaves or scholarly conferences, books, computer equipment, and other expenses directly related to conducting this research. AERA encourages cost sharing from universities in the form of tuition assistance, office space, university fees, and other expenses. In accordance with AERA's agreement with NSF, institutions cannot charge overhead or indirect costs to administer the grant funds. There is no specific template for the budget. It may be a simple 2­column format or a more complex spreadsheet. (no page limit)  
• Research and academic employment history
• Relevant graduate courses in statistics and methodology
• Relevant publications and presentations
• Relevant professional affiliations and/or memberships

Please combine items 1-5 as one PDF document and upload on online application.

Letter(s) of support: The letter(s) must be sent separately, by the faculty member. One substantive letter of support is required from the applicant's primary faculty dissertation advisor that includes an indication of the applicant's current progress toward the degree and expected date of completion, and of the student's potential for success in his or her anticipated career path.

If the applicant is from a discipline other than education, a second letter of support from a faculty advisor who has an education research background is also required if the primary faculty advisory does not specialize in education research. Although this second letter should focus mainly on the applicant's qualifications, research experience, and potential, it should also include a brief paragraph on the advisor's own education research experience.

Further Questions Contact George L. Wimberly, Co-Principal Investigator, AERA Grants Program ( [email protected]) or 202-238-3200 if you have questions regarding the application or submission process. NOTE: All awards are contingent upon AERA's receiving continued federal funding.

Visit the AERA Grants Program Website at http://www.aera.net/grantsprogram .

[1] Awardees with access to data under restricted access provisions are expected to archive a detailed specification of the data set so that others can request the same data under the same or similar restricted conditions. 

PhD Student Funding Overview

At Yale, you can earn your doctorate at our expense. 

Our funding packages for Yale PhD students are among the most generous in the world. Every PhD student receives a fellowship for the full cost of tuition, a stipend for living expenses, and paid health coverage, though the details of your funding package will differ depending on your academic program. On average, doctoral students receive more than $500,000 in tuition fellowships, stipends, and health premium benefits over the course of their enrollment. Full PhD funding normally extends for a minimum of five years, unless your doctoral program is of shorter duration, e.g., Investigative Medicine, Law, Nursing, and Public Health. 

The main categories of funding available to PhD students are detailed below. Our Programs & Policies handbook contains additional information about funding and fellowship opportunities available at the Graduate School, along with applicable policies. 

If you have questions about your funding, you can ask your program registrar or DGS, Graduate Financial Aid, or Associate Dean Robert Harper-Mangels.

Types of Funding for PhD Students

University Fellowships (UFs) are provided through the Graduate School and do not require teaching in Yale's Teaching Fellow Program. UFs are often used during the initial year(s) of your doctoral program to cover your stipend and tuition, when you are engaged in coursework and identifying an adviser.

For official policies governing University Fellowships, including information on deferring a UF, please see our Programs & Policies Bulletin .

In subsequent years and in most programs, your stipend will be funded by a teaching fellowship or a research assistantship.

Teaching Fellowships (TFs) are contingent on teaching Yale's Teaching Fellow Program (TFP). While you are on a TF, a portion of your stipend is compensation for teaching. The rest of your stipend will come from other sources, depending on your department or program. See the Teaching Fellow Funding page for more information.

The teaching portion of your stipend is subject to federal tax withholding, so you will notice a difference in your paycheck in teaching versus non-teaching semesters.

In lieu of teaching in the Teaching Fellow Program, PhD students in the humanities and social sciences may choose to undertake one of the available Professional Development Opportunities . These positions allow you to gain professional experience at a library, museum, or other office on campus relevant to your studies. 

If you are in the natural sciences, your funding will likely come from training grants and faculty research grants at some point during your enrollment. In most programs, you may only join a research group that has active grant funding. Please consult with your DGS, if you have questions about this aspect of your funding package.

We strongly encourage you to compete for external fellowships. Winning an external award in a national competition, whether sponsored by a public or private agency, is a significant honor. External fellowships may be subject to our Combined Award policy. Please be sure to review our External Fellowships & Awards page to understand how external awards interact with university funding.

An external fellowship may also offer you added flexibility in your program. 

• If you are a student in the natural sciences, an external fellowship may allow you to pursue a project or idea that is otherwise not eligible for financial support through your adviser’s research funding. 
• If you are a student in the humanities or social sciences, an external fellowship might allow you to defer a University Fellowship (UF) to a subsequent term or year. 

You can search for external fellowships through the Yale Student Grants Database , other university search engines (e.g., UCLA ), and commercial sites .

You must notify the Graduate School of any external awards you receive. 

• Send a copy of your award letter to the Financial Aid Office at [email protected] .
• If your award is subject to the Combined Award policy, then you will receive a combined award letter via email when your award has been processed, outlining your updated funding package. 

For any questions and concerns regarding your combined award letter, please contact the Graduate School Financial Aid Office via email at [email protected]. Associate Dean Robert Harper-Mangels can also advise regarding our Combined Award policy.

Additional GSAS Financial Support

Phd stipends.

An overview of information relevant to the PhD stipend.

Health Award

The Graduate School provides Yale Health Basic Coverage at no cost to all students (Master's and PhD) who are enrolled at least half-time in degree-seeking programs. In addition, all PhD students registered at least half-time receive a Health Fellowship Award that covers the cost of Yale Health Hospitalization/Specialty Care Coverage.

Featured Resource

Family Support Subsidy for Parenting PhD Students

PhD students who are registered full-time in any year of study are eligible for the family support subsidy to assist with child-related expenses.

Dean's Emergency Fund

The Dean’s Emergency Fund enables terminal master’s and PhD students in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences to continue making academic progress despite unanticipated, extreme financial hardships that cannot be resolved through fellowships, loans, or personal resources. The maximum award for eligible requests is $2,000.

Conference Travel Fellowship (CTF)

https://gsa.yale.edu/ctf

By partnering with the MacMillan Center and the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, graduate students with representatives in the Graduate Student Assembly are eligible for annual conference travel funding of up to $800.

PhD Student Travel Health Fellowship

If you are a PhD student traveling for dissertation research, the Graduate School provides a Travel Health Fellowship to cover the cost of required immunizations and prescription drugs at Yale Health.

Graduate Financial Aid Office

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Top 10 PhD in Education Programs

Karla Ibarra is a content writer at Scholarships 360. She has worked as an English teacher and writing tutor. As a writing tutor, she has experience editing scholarships and college application essays. Karla graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in Communication and a minor in English.

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Maria Geiger is Director of Content at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.

Earning a PhD in any field is both time intensive and expensive. While the required time to earn a PhD is a given, paying for one is not! Fully funded PhD programs offer students a chance to focus on their studies without worrying about going into debt long (sometimes decades) after graduation. With the average cost of a PhD at nearly $82,000 , potential PhD students should do everything possible to secure a spot in fully funded programs. Keep reading to learn about some of the top fully funded PhD programs in education! 

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First, exactly what is a “Doctorate of Philosophy” degree?

A PhD, which is the abbreviated form of “doctorate of philosophy,” is among the highest level degrees one can earn in the United States. Students earn a  PhD after the completion of a lengthy research and writing project known as a “dissertation.” While most students earn PhDs in the humanities or social sciences, they can earn a PhD in a variety of fields. 

Further reading: What is a PhD?

How we chose the fully funded PhD in Education programs on this list

All of the programs on the following list have stellar reputations in the education space. It is not surprising that the most reputable programs offer plentiful resources that are invaluable to PhD students. PhD students are able to fully focus on their studies in well stocked and up-to-date libraries. Students have access to the most distinguished education professors in their respective specialty fields. Upon graduation, students will have strong connections to help launch their own careers. 

All of the fully funded programs included offer full tuition coverage. Most offer living stipends and health insurance as well. Make sure that you read the details of exactly what to expect from each program. Students may be required to contribute to their education by becoming a graduate assistant or working in some capacity at the school they are enrolled in. 

Let’s take a look at some of the top fully-funded PhD in Education programs, which are in no particular order. 

Columbia University Teachers College PhD program in Education Policy 

Columbia University Teachers College PhD program in Education provides students with rigorous academic training and research opportunities. The program offers a range of specializations, including curriculum and teaching, educational leadership, higher education, international and comparative education, psychology in education, and special education.  

• Location: New York City, New York
• Focus of study : Curriculum and teaching, education policy and social analysis, health education, and cognitive studies in education.
• What is included : Tuition coverage for the first, second, and third year

Harvard University PhD in Education

Harvard University offers a PhD program in Education through the Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE). The program offers students specializations in three concentrations: Culture, Institutions, and Society; Education Policy and Program Evaluation; and Human Development, Learning and Teaching.  

• Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
• Focus of study : Human development, instructional practice, institutions and society, learning and teaching, and policy analysis and evaluation
• What is included : Full financial support for tuition, health insurance fees, and basic living expenses for a minimum of five years

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Stanford phd program in education.

The Stanford Graduate School of Education PhD program in Education prepares scholars to advance knowledge about learning and education, with a focus on improving educational outcomes for all students. Academic areas students can focus on include curriculum studies and teacher education (CTE), developmental and psychological sciences (DAPS), social sciences, humanities, and interdisciplinary policy studies in education (SHIPS), and other cross-area specializations. 

• Location: Stanford, California
• Focus of study : Educational leadership, education policy analysis, learning and teaching, and quantitative and qualitative research methods
• What is included : Full tuition aid, fellowship stipend, and assistantship salary

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign PhD program in Education

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign offers a Ph.D. program in education that provides students with a strong foundation in educational theory, research methodologies, and practical applications. Students may specialize in a variety of different areas of study. These include educational policy, leadership and administration, curriculum and instruction, educational psychology, and human development. 

• Location: Champaign, Illinois 
• Focus of study : Curriculum and instruction, educational policy, educational psychology, higher education, learning sciences, and special education
• What is included : Full tuition waiver, a partial fee waiver, and a stipend in the first five years of enrollment

University of Michigan PhD program in Educational Studies  

The University of Michigan offers a Ph.D. program in Education through its School of Education. Students have the opportunity to specialize in diverse fields such as educational psychology, curriculum and instruction, educational leadership, and policy. Additionally, the University of Michigan provides a vibrant intellectual community and a wide range of resources, including libraries, research centers, and partnerships with local schools and educational organizations. 

• Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
• Focus of study : Cross-specialization concentration, educational foundations and policy, educational policy, leadership, and innovation, learning technologies, literacy, language, and culture, mathematics education, science education, and teaching and teacher education
• What is included : Full tuition waiver, health insurance, and a generous stipend package 

University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education PhD program in Education

The University of Pennsylvania offers an interdisciplinary and prestigious Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program in Education housed within the renowned Graduate School of Education (GSE). Students can choose one of the five programs available: 1) educational linguistics 2) human development & quantitative methods 3) literacy, culture, and international education 4) policy, organizations, leadership, and systems and 5) teaching, learning, and leadership. The GSE also has numerous research centers and institutes, providing opportunities for collaboration and engagement with experts. 

• Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• Focus of study : Educational technology, language and literacy, higher education, policy analysis, teacher education, and urban education
• What is included : A full scholarship, a stipend, and student health insurance for the first four years of study

Vanderbilt University Ph.D. program in Learning, Teaching, and Diversity

Vanderbilt University offers a Ph.D. program in Learning, Teaching, and Diversity through its Peabody College. The program aims to place a strong emphasis on research and provides students with numerous opportunities for professional development and networking. The program offers four areas of specialization: language, literacy, and culture; justice and diversity in education; mathematics and science education; and learning and design. 

• Location: Nashville, Tennessee
• Focus of study : higher education, learning and instruction, language and literacy, educational policy, and more
• What is included : Full tuition support, health insurance, and graduate assistantships that cover living expenses

The University of Texas at Austin College of Education PhD

Within the College of Education at UT Austin , the Curriculum and Instruction department includes a variety of PhD programs to choose from like bilingual education, cultural studies in education, early childhood education, language and literacy studies, learning technologies, social studies education, and more. Other departments in the college of education include: Curriculum and Instruction; Educational Leadership and Policy; Educational Psychology; Kinesiology and Health Education; and Special Education.

• Location: Austin, Texas
• Focus of study : Bilingual/Bicultural Education; Cultural Studies in Education; Early Childhood Education, Language and Literacy Studies; Learning Technologies; Physical Education Teacher Education; Social Studies Education; STEM Education; and Urban Teachers Program
• What is included : Full tuition waiver, a stipend for living expenses, and health insurance for up to five years

New York University Steinhardt

The Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development at New York University offers many PhD programs in the field of education. Popular concentrations include learning sciences, literacy education, educational psychology, policy studies, and teaching and learning. A PhD in education from New York University offers students a variety of specializations with the added bonus of a fully funded program.  

• Focus of study : Bilingual Education; Childhood Education; Early Childhood Education; Education and Jewish Studies; Educational Communication and Technology; and more
• What is included : Tuition coverage for required course work, an annual stipend, and health insurance through the fifth year 

Washington University in St. Louis, PhD in Education

Washington University in St. Louis offers a Ph.D. in Education through its Graduate School of Arts & Sciences. PhD students may choose from two major strands of study; educational policy studies and educational psychology. Students in the Educational Policy Studies concentration focus on analysis of educational policy, address systemic inequities, and study qualitative, quantitative projects. The Educational Psychology program helps students in their focus on psychological research and theories relating to learning and motivation. 

• Location: St. Louis, Missouri
• Focus of study : Educational Policy Studies and Educational Psychology
• What is included : Full tuition remission and a monthly stipend five to six years

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Frequently asked questions about fully funded PhD programs in education

How do i know which phd program in education is right for me.

• If you had to pick one, what would be your main professional goal?
• What’s the reputation of the faculty?
• What research options are available?
• What environment is right for me?

Does a fully funded PhD in education include housing?

Is there an age limit for earning a phd in education, can i earn an online fully funded phd program in education, scholarships360 recommended.

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The School of Information is UC Berkeley’s newest professional school. Located in the center of campus, the I School is a graduate research and education community committed to expanding access to information and to improving its usability, reliability, and credibility while preserving security and privacy.

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The School of Information offers four degrees:

The Master of Information Management and Systems (MIMS) program educates information professionals to provide leadership for an information-driven world.

The Master of Information and Data Science (MIDS) is an online degree preparing data science professionals to solve real-world problems. The 5th Year MIDS program is a streamlined path to a MIDS degree for Cal undergraduates.

The Master of Information and Cybersecurity (MICS) is an online degree preparing cybersecurity leaders for complex cybersecurity challenges.

Our Ph.D. in Information Science is a research program for next-generation scholars of the information age.

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The School of Information's courses bridge the disciplines of information and computer science, design, social sciences, management, law, and policy. We welcome interest in our graduate-level Information classes from current UC Berkeley graduate and undergraduate students and community members.  More information about signing up for classes.

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Research by faculty members and doctoral students keeps the I School on the vanguard of contemporary information needs and solutions.

The I School is also home to several active centers and labs, including the Center for Long-Term Cybersecurity (CLTC) , the Center for Technology, Society & Policy , and the BioSENSE Lab .

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I School graduate students and alumni have expertise in data science, user experience design & research, product management, engineering, information policy, cybersecurity, and more — learn more about hiring I School students and alumni .

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On the March 27th episode of PBS’s documentary series Nova titled “A.I. Revolution,” correspondent Miles O’Brien...

A group of scholars from the School of Information are tackling the issue of illegal sand mining with the help of a...

When the Bancroft Library received over 100,000 Japanese-American internment “individual record” forms (WRA-26) from...

The Goldman School of Public Policy, the CITRIS Policy Lab, and the School of Information hosted the inaugural UC...

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Funding Your Ph.D. Education

At the I School, all our Ph.D. students receive funding packages with a minimum of six years of financial support through a combination of fellowships, research positions, and academic student employment. Details of individual funding packages may vary; in order to take full advantage of offered funding, students need to remain in good academic standing and advance to doctoral candidacy in normative time to degree, and may need to meet other funding conditions of specific fellowships or positions.

In the first year, I School Ph.D. students receive fellowship support to cover all tuition and fees, including Non-Resident Supplemental Tuition and the Student Health Insurance Fee, and a stipend for living expenses. For the academic year 2023–2024, the minimum first-year I School Ph.D. student 12-month stipend is $40,000.

After the first year, Ph.D. students are typically funded through graduate student academic appointments or research positions for up to four years (eight semesters). In addition to an hourly wage, students receive fee remission that offsets a portion or all of their tuition and fees. For more information, see Graduate Student Academic Appointments and Fee Remission .

Some students continue their research positions during the summer. The I School also offers limited summer grant opportunities for Ph.D. students who have no other summer funding sources secured.

After Ph.D. students pass their qualifying exam and advance to doctoral candidacy, the Berkeley Doctoral Completion Fellowship (DCF) provides eligible students with one year (two semesters) of tuition remission and a stipend for living expenses. Students are expected to make every effort to meet DCF eligibility conditions in order to take advantage of this funding opportunity.

The University also awards through competition a limited number of merit- and need-based fellowships each year. See University Fellowships for further details.

Tuition and fees listed reflect currently approved amounts; these figures may not be final. Actual tuition, fees, and charges are subject to change. Students should expect fees to increase moderately each fall term.

* Students may opt out of the UCGPC fee .

** Students have the option to waive the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) if they have other major medical health insurance that meet the SHIP waiver criteria and don't wish to have dual coverage. For waiver qualifications, instructions, forms, and FAQs, please see Waiving SHIP .

*** The Document Management Fee is a one-time fee charged in the first term of enrollment.

For additional information on the cost of attendance, please visit: Financial Aid and Scholarships Office Cost of Attendance .

California residents, for purposes of registration, are those who have been legal residents of California for at least one year immediately before the opening day of the semester for which they register. Legal residence is a combination of physical presence and the intention of making the state one’s permanent home, coupled with the relinquishment of legal residence in any other state.

Eligible Ph.D. students are expected to establish California residency for tuition purposes by their second year of the program.

International students with F-1 visas cannot be classified as California residents for tuition purposes.

More Information:

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Graduate students may apply for need-based loans and work-study through the Financial Aid Office. The programs are based on demonstrated financial need and require a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Only U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens (those holding permanent resident cards) may apply for funds administered by the Financial Aid Office. Financial aid can include work-study, loans, the Native American Opportunity Plan , and other sources of financial aid.

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If you are employed by a U.S. federal, state, local, or tribal government or not-for-profit organization, you may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Learn more  here .

Additional Fellowships

In addition to the first-year fellowship and academic student employment, Ph.D. students may supplement their funding by applying for additional internal and external fellowships. Some university restrictions on combining funding opportunities apply; students are encouraged to consult our admissions staff with questions about specific conjunctions of funding.

Fellowships for I School Students

All admitted Ph.D. applicants will automatically be considered for the Hal Varian endowment .

The I School awards a variety of fellowships to I School students.

List of I School fellowship opportunities

External Fellowships

Students are encouraged to apply for external fellowship opportunities as relevant. Below are several examples of external fellowships that our I School Ph.D. students have successfully obtained:

• Facebook Fellowship
• Fulbright Study/Research Award
• Hertz Fellowship
• Marcus Foster Fellowship
• NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program
• Peter Lyman Fellowship for New Media
• Soros Fellowships for New Americans
• UC Berkeley Mentored Research Award

Our Ph.D. students have also received grants from the following organizations and centers:

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• MICS Program
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The Division of Graduate Education (DGE) provides funding to support graduate students and the development of novel, innovative programs to prepare tomorrow's leaders in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields.

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• Information on the EHR Core Research (ECR) Program  Read More ›
• Graduate Research Fellowship Program Quick Facts  Read More ›
• DGE Panelist Information  Read More ›

Funding Opportunities

• National Science Foundation Research Traineeship Institutional Partnership Pilot (NRT-IPP) Program (NSF 24-566) Posted April 23, 2024
• NSF Regional Innovation Engines (NSF 24-565) Posted April 16, 2024
• Cyberinfrastructure for Public Access and Open Science (PD  24-7414) Posted April 8, 2024

Upcoming Due Dates

• ADVANCE: Organizational Change for Gender Equity in STEM Academic Professions (NSF 20-554) Preliminary Proposal: April 25, 2024, IT-Preliminary proposal Target Date - preliminary proposals are only required for institutions of higher education that want to submit a full Institutional Transformation proposal. IT-preliminary proposals are accepted before and after the target date.
• NSF Innovation Corps Hubs Program (NSF 24-532) Full Proposal: April 25, 2024, I-Corps Hub awards (Track 1 and 2)
• Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education Organizational Postdoctoral Research Fellowships (NSF 23-545) Full Proposal: April 26, 2024

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Fellowships & Grants

HGSE offers a wide range of fellowship, scholarship, and grant opportunities to help make our programs more accessible to students from a variety of backgrounds. In addition to providing tuition support many also include co-curricular programming that allows for additional community building, experiential learning, and collaboration grounded in HGSE’s mission to make the broadest impact possible by putting powerful ideas and evidence-based research into practice.

*Unless otherwise specified all funding below is applied to billed tuition.

Fellowships

Barakett family fellowship.

For exceptional Ed.M. students.

The James Bryant Conant Fellowship

For teachers and administrators in Boston and Cambridge public schools.

Harvard Fellowship for Teaching

For qualified students in the Teaching and Teacher Leadership Program.

Leadership in Education Fellowship

For top Ed.M. students with strong leadership experience and potential.

Pforzheimer Fellowship

For graduates of Harvard/Radcliffe College who demonstrate significant commitment to public service.

The Urban Scholars Fellowship

For exceptional Ed.M. students with a demonstrated commitment to improving urban education.

The Saul Zaentz Fellowship Program

For talented Ed.M. students invested in early childhood education.

Zuckerman Fellowship

For outstanding students with a background in business, law, or medicine.

Grants, Scholarships, and Funding

Hgse need-based grant.

For qualified Ed.M. financial aid applicants.

Ed.L.D. Funding Program

For admitted Ed.L.D. students.

Harvard University Restricted Scholarships

For full-time residential Ed.M. students that meet various preference criteria.

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Teach.com / Online Education / Education Degrees / Explore the Best Online EdD Programs for You / Scholarships for Doctor of Education (EdD) Students

Education Doctorate (EdD) Scholarships and Grants Guide

Developing your knowledge as an educator with a Doctor of Education (EdD) may help you grow your career. A doctorate is the most advanced degree you can earn in the education field. 

If you’re considering this degree path, you may be wondering, can you get a scholarship for a doctorate? Yes, as you’ll see in this guide, there are grants and doctoral scholarships in education that may help you cover the expenses of your doctoral program.

Tuition for a Doctorate in Education Program

EdD program tuition to earn a Doctor of Education may vary depending on a variety of factors, including your school of choice, whether or not you reside on campus, whether the school is private or public, and other factors. For example, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, private nonprofit school tuition tends to cost more than private for-profit school tuition and tends to cost much more than public school tuition.

Students may pay for their EdD education in a variety of ways. Some EdD programs may provide a stipend through an assistantship. There may also be financial aid options like grants, which are funds given to students from the federal government for education based on financial need. 

EdD scholarships may also be available, based on factors like financial need, experience and achievements. Since each program may differ, you may use this guide to explore grant and scholarship options for EdD students.

Grants for Doctor of Education Students

Grants are a form of gift aid that come from the federal government, state governments, colleges, universities, career schools, private organizations and nonprofits. “Gift aid” means the grant generally doesn’t have to be repaid.

Most grants from the government are based on financial need. You’ll want to make sure you fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA ® ) form to be eligible for federal grants for doctoral students in educational leadership.

• One federal grant is the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant, which provides grants of up to $4,000 a year. You’re required to complete a teaching service obligation to receive the funds as grant money, which generally requires teaching in a high-need field and serving as a teacher at a school or educational service agency that serves low-income students. If you don’t fulfill the grant requirements, the financial aid may be converted to a loan with interest.
• The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Office of Planning, Research & Evaluation also offers various grants, which support research in areas including childcare, Head Start and Early Head Start, child welfare and other topics. Criteria vary depending on the grant category.
• The AFT Robert G. Porter Scholars Program provides 10 one-time $1,000 grants to members of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). The grants are solely merit-based and center on academic excellence while also considering volunteerism and activism at school and in the community.
• For graduate students working on their dissertation, the American Educational Research Association (AERA) Grants Program provides research funding and professional training and development. Students working on a variety of education-related research may apply.
• Another EdD grant awarded to support research related to a dissertation is the Children’s Literature Association (ChLA) Hannah Beiter Graduate Student Research Grants program. These grants are available for individual awards ranging from $500 to $1,500. To be eligible, winners must either be members of the ChLA or join before they receive the funds.
• For students focused on autism research, the Organization for Autism Research offers a $2,000 grant for doctoral candidates. Applicants must send a request for proposal in order to qualify.
• The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi has a Literacy Grants program, with grants of up to $2,500 to Phi Kappa Phi members who are working on ongoing literacy projects or are creating new initiatives.
• The SHAPE America Research Grant Program provides one or more annual awards of up to $2,000 for graduate students who are members of the Society of Health and Physical Educators. Primary consideration goes to the study of physical activity in natural environments, like schools, parks and home settings.
• Every month, the STEM education company Pitsco awards a $350 grant for education students who are focused on integrating engineering or technology in the classroom. Similarly, the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association (ITEEA) and its Foundation for Technology and Engineering Educators (FTEE) offer a variety of grants focused on the advancement of engineering and technology education.
• For EdD students who are also math teachers, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) offers a variety of math-focused grants with award amounts ranging from $1,500 to $24,000. Applicants generally need to be NCTM members to qualify.
• Various schools may also have grant programs for EdD students. One such grant is the Esther Katz Rosen Fund Grants program at Duke University. These grant amounts range from $1,000 to $5,000. Graduate students may be eligible when they do research or work related to the psychological understanding of gifted youth and children.
• Sigma Alpha Iota (SAI) has a grant program presented by SAI Philanthropies, Inc. Grants are available to SAI members, and most are focused on supporting music education.  
• The Steven A. Stahl Research Grant comes from the International Literacy Association (ILA) and is a $1,000 award granted to one recipient annually. Applicants must be graduate students conducting classroom research in reading to qualify.
• There are numerous TOEFL® grants and awards available for graduate students who are working in international higher education or foreign or second language assessment, research and teaching.

Guide to Scholarships for EdD Programs

Doctor of Education scholarships may be available based on financial aid, your particular career experience , your teaching goals, what type of research you want to do and other factors. Scholarships for EdD students generally don’t have to be repaid. 

Some EdD students may be able to supplement most or even all of their education by securing scholarships they’re eligible for. Consider the following:

• The A. Harry Passow Classroom Teacher Scholarship is available for teachers of grades K–12 who are dedicated to developing their teaching skills, particularly related to teaching gifted youth in a variety of educational settings. The scholarship application requires letters of recommendation and a summary of coursework and how it relates to the scholarship.
• For Rhode Island residents, the Antonio Cirino Memorial Scholarship from the Rhode Island Foundation comes in award amounts ranging from $2,000 to $12,000. Applicants must be graduate students focused on arts education or currently working in the arts with a desire to teach.
• For teachers in California, the California Teachers Association (CTA) offers scholarships for up to $5,000 for CTA members. Applicants should demonstrate high academic achievement in their college coursework.
• The Carmelita K. Williams VSRA Scholarship, up to $1,000, is available to EdD students studying at an accredited university or college in Virginia that has a degree program focused on the field of reading. Applicants must be members of a local council, the Virginia State Reading Association and the International Reading Association for at least a year prior to application.
• The Donald and Verna Duncan Special Education Scholarship is offered through the PDK Educational Foundation. The scholarship is for graduate students whose field of study has a major emphasis in special education/rehabilitation and mental health counseling. The award amount may vary.
• The Larry E. Frase Memorial Scholarship for Educational Research is a $1,000 award for doctoral students who are PDK members and who are pursuing study of the motivational factors in education. Requirements include a recommendation letter, an application form and official transcripts.
• For African American and Hispanic students who are interested in teaching at universities and colleges in the state of Florida, the McKnight Doctoral Fellowship Program covers up to $5,000 in annual tuition for each of three academic years, plus an annual stipend of $12,000, for fellowship members who study at one of nine participating Florida universities.
• The NAEd/Spencer Dissertation Fellowship Program provides $27,500 fellowships for EdD students whose dissertations show unique perspectives on formal or informal education anywhere in the world. In 2022, 35 dissertation fellowships will be awarded.
• The PDK Educational Foundation makes more than 100 scholarships available to educational students. You’ll be considered for all scholarships you’re eligible for with only one application. One-time and renewable awards range from $500 to $4,000. Applicants must be pursuing a career in public education, be enrolled for the fall semester of the application year and be a member of at least one of the following associations: Educators Rising, Pi Lambda Theta, Educators Rising Collegiate and/or PDK Association.
• AASA, the School Superintendents Association, offers Educational Administration Scholarships to graduate students who are pursuing an educational administration degree in order to become school superintendents. Applications require essays and letters of endorsement.
• The Intercollegiate Studies Institute offers fellowships of up to $15,000 for graduate students who intend to teach. Up to 15 fellowships are available for students pursuing advanced study in the social sciences or humanities.
• Pi Lambda Theta offers student support scholarships for up to $2,000 each. Applicants must be Pi Lambda Theta members in good standing.
• The Ruth Crymes TESOL Fellowship for Graduate Study is a $1,500 scholarship for TESOL members who are graduate students currently enrolled in a TEFL/TESOL graduate program. Applicants must plan on working on a graduate study project that’s relevant to TEFL or TESOL in an upcoming academic year.
• The AFCEA Educational Foundation offers STEM Teacher Graduate Scholarships with awards of $2,500 each to students who are pursuing graduate degrees for the purpose of teaching STEM to students in grades K–12. Applicants must be U.S. citizens who live in and intend to teach in the United States.

Last updated in March 2022

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Graduate study is a major investment in your personal and professional future. We aid graduate students through a wealth of funding opportunities, and have a team of supportive staff who can help you navigate the process.

Students in most PhD programs are guaranteed to receive generous funding every year until degree completion. Master’s programs differ more widely, with many offering some merit aid awards, and a few offering need-based aid. You should review the specific details of the programs you are considering to determine what types of aid they offer. In addition, because of the prestige attached to holding a competitive award and because the University cannot offer funding to every candidate, students are always encouraged to explore outside funding in their field.

Information on external awards available to incoming students can be found in the  fellowships section . In addition, the University offers a wide array of opportunities, including on-campus student employment, educational benefits for veterans, teaching or research assistantships, fellowships or grants, and other financial aid.

How to Find Scholarships for Graduate School

Like for undergraduates, many scholarships and fellowships are available to students seeking a master's degree.

Finding Scholarships for Grad School

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Scholarships are usually merit-based – such as for a certain GPA, athletic ability or hobby – or based on a student's specific area of study or identity.

While it's well known that financial aid exists for undergraduates, many students are unaware that scholarships also are available for those seeking a graduate degree.

At San Diego State University , for instance, 29% of total scholarships were awarded to graduate students during the 2022-2023 cycle, says Kari Hooker, director of scholarships in the university's Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.

Funding amounts and availability of scholarships for graduate students – who make up about 15% of the higher education student population, according to a 2020 Center for American Progress  report  on graduate school debt – vary by program. But every dollar counts, experts say.

"Not surprisingly, private colleges and universities are able to fund more scholarships due to their hefty endowments," Nellie Gaynor, a graduate school and MBA admissions counselor at Ivywise, an educational consulting firm, wrote in an email. "However, students need to review these scholarship ‘discounts’ in relation to the overall package that is being presented to them including academics, student life, location , fit and cost. Ultimately, scholarships are one piece of a larger puzzle when deciding which admissions offers to accept."

The application process differs depending on the graduate scholarship, but may require filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA , writing an essay and submitting a letter of recommendation .

For prospective professional and graduate students, here are some points to consider when tracking down scholarships to pay for an advanced degree .

The Difference Between Grants and Scholarships

Grants and scholarships are forms of financial aid that don't need to be paid back, also known as "gift aid."

Northern Arizona University 's Louis H. and Betty J. Quayle Scholarship, for instance, provides up to $4,000 per semester to part- and full-time graduate students who are members of a federally recognized Native American tribe or nation.

"Scholarships can come in all kinds of amounts and students can apply for several at a time to help cover the cost of tuition," Suzanne T. Ortega, president of the Council of Graduate Schools, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit organization dedicated to improving and advancing graduate education, wrote in an email.

Grants, however, are typically awarded at the college , state or federal level based on financial need, like the federal Pell Grant for low-income students. Pell Grants are generally for undergraduate students, but graduate students may be eligible for other federal grants.

Where to Look for Graduate School Scholarships

As aspiring graduate students start their search process, it's important to "really focus on the scholarships that are most appropriate for them and not put effort into scholarships where they are not truly eligible," Hooker says.

Different types of national graduate school scholarships are listed on database search websites, like Fastweb , Cappex and Unigo . GoGrad is another online resource that lists niche scholarships for prospective and current grad students.

"Often, what is called a scholarship in the undergraduate sphere is frequently called a fellowship in the graduate sphere," Ortega says. "So be sure to look for fellowships as well."

Institutional Scholarships

Students can reach out to the school's financial aid office or talk with a program department head or adviser to learn about degree- or research-specific scholarships, like teaching. As part of the Urban Teaching Apprenticeship Program's Humanities Teaching Fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania , for example, fellows are awarded a $32,000 scholarship.

"Most students will have to supplement their financial aid package with student loans (both federal and private), graduate assistantships, or work-study programs, Gaynor says. "With that being said, we have seen an increase in graduate and adult programs therefore leading to an increase in applications for graduate school admissions. Given the competitiveness in this space, schools are using school scholarships as a way to attract talent to their school."

Local Scholarships

Graduate students should not look past applying to local scholarships , which are usually less competitive than national scholarships, experts say. A student's employer , parent's employer or even place of worship, like a church or synagogue, may offer scholarships.

Another option is to find and join professional associations in a field of interest. For instance, undergraduate and graduate members of the National Black MBA Association, Inc., can apply for an award of up to $5,000.

The American Bar Association also awards $15,000 of financial aid over three years to underrepresented first-year law school students. About 10 to 20 incoming students receive the Legal Opportunity Scholarship each year.

When to Apply for Scholarships for Grad School

Deadlines for scholarships vary, but Ortega advises students to start their search as soon as they're accepted into a graduate program – if not before.

"You can apply to scholarships year-round, so always be on the lookout for new ones that pop up," she says. "Even if you planned to take out a student loan , you can still apply for scholarships to help reduce the amount of loan you need."

What's the Best Strategy to Win a Scholarship?

If there are short answers or essay questions in the application, Hooker advises students to write about what makes them unique.

"Try to be sincere and share what you are going through and how a scholarship would benefit you," she says. "We have a lot of students that work 20 plus hours a week. They need to let those committees know because those are the students that we want to support."

Before submitting a scholarship application, have a peer or undergraduate adviser review the application for grammar mistakes and other errors, experts say.

"An advantage of applying for scholarships as a graduate student versus an undergraduate is that you have more life and educational experience to draw from when writing a scholarship essay ," Ortega says. "Since graduate school programs are more focused on a specific area, it’s easier to speak to why you are pursuing this degree or area of research, which may be a compelling story for the scholarship application."

Searching for a grad school? Get our  complete rankings of Best Graduate Schools.

Grad Degree Jobs With $100K+ Salaries

Tags: scholarships , graduate schools , financial aid , students , education , paying for graduate school

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•       Financial Aid       Grants for Graduate School Students

Grants for Graduate School Students

Tips for securing funds for advanced degrees.

For those who want to advance in their careers, graduate school can be a good investment to help them meet their goals. However, this investment can be extremely costly, so students may rely on different types of financial aid to help them pay for their advanced education. Grants are an excellent form of financial aid because, like scholarships, they do not have to be paid back. This guide discusses the places where students can find grants and how they can increase their chances of winning them.

FAQ: Understanding Grants for Graduate School

Students who are looking for funding for their graduate studies may have many questions about how to receive grants. The following are the answers to some of those questions.

What is a grant for graduate school?

Grants are a form of financial aid that do not have to be repaid and are often provided to students based on their financial need. In some cases, the organization providing the grant may also consider other factors, like academic performance, when awarding these funds.

Who is eligible to receive a grant in grad school?

Generally, students must be enrolled in an accredited college or university in order to be eligible to receive a grant. Also, depending on the award, there may be other eligibility requirements, such as minimum grade point average, type of degree program, and research goals.

What’s the difference between grants and fellowships?

Grants are generally offered to students based on their financial need, while fellowships are often based on academic achievement and research.

What is the application process like?

The application process for grants is similar to that of scholarships. In some cases, as with some governmental awards, students can be considered by filling out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid. In other cases, students are required to fill out a separate application to receive a grant, and in addition to being asked for financial information, they may be required to submit a statement about their academic achievements and goals.

What are the different types of grants for grad students?

Grants can be provided by public and private sources, such as government agencies, professional organizations, corporations, and the schools that students attend. Some grants are provided based on the students’ demographic or the field of study they’re pursuing.

• Federal. The federal government offer grants to graduate students that are based on financial need, including the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant , Fulbright Grants , and Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants .
• State. Just as students can receive grants from the federal government to fund their graduate studies, they may also be able to receive grants from the state they live in. For example, the Colorado Graduate Grant provides up to $5,000 for students who demonstrate financial need, and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources offers $2,000 grants for earth science graduate students to conduct research.
• School specific. Schools want to attract the best students to their graduate programs, so they may offer grants to help those who show promise pay for their education. For example, the State University Grant Program is available to graduate students attending schools in the California State University system, and Michigan State University provides funding for master’s and doctoral fine arts students through its University Fellowship Programs .
• Organization and corporate grants. Professional and non-profit organizations, as well as private companies, offer grants to help students get the advanced education they need to enter their professions—which goes a long way toward building a strong workforce.
• By demographic. Demographics may also play a role in the grants that graduate students can receive. Some grants are provided to members of a certain race, for example, to help bridge the gap of underrepresentation in a specific field.
• By field. Colleges and universities, as well as professional organizations, may offer grants based on what program the student is enrolled in.

Recommended Online Programs

Students can find grants in a variety of untapped places. There are community-based organizations that provide scholarship support in various interest areas (e.g., business) and there are small trusts/foundations often administered by community foundations and local banks. In addition, many national organizations provide scholarship and grant support for students who meet their defined criteria. Students should monitor philanthropy websites and take the time to do Internet searches. A number of professional organizations also sponsor writing/research competitions that often come with scholarships or cash prizes.

Patricia E. Salkin, Provost and CAO of Graduate and Professional Divisions at Touro College

18 Grants for Graduate School

Grants for graduate school can come from a variety of sources, so students should be aware of all of their options in order to win as many awards as they can. The following are some examples of these grants, and the qualifications students are expected to have in order to win them.

Federal Grants for Graduate Students

U.s. department of education: teacher education assistance for college and higher education (teach) grant.

Award: Up to $4,000

Deadline: Late October

Graduate students who are studying to become teachers can receive this grant in exchange for committing to work at schools in low-income areas for a minimum of four years. Students are eligible to receive this award if they are preparing to teach in numerous subject areas, such as mathematics, foreign language, science, special education, and English. In addition, applicants must have at least a 3.25 grade point average or score above the 75th percentile on college admissions exams.

U.S. Department of Education: Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant

Award: Up to $6,095

Deadline: Varies

This grant is available to students whose parent or guardian died during military service in Afghanistan or Iraq after September 11, 2001. Applicants must be under the age of 24 or enrolled in college when their parent or guardian died.

U.S. Department of State: Fulbright Grants

Award: Varies

Fulbright Grants are designed to promote international studies and research projects. Some of the countries that students may use the grant to study in include Australia, Germany, Uganda, Indonesia, and Portugal.

Fellowships for Graduate Students

Dolores zohrab liebmann fund: dolores zohrab liebmann fellowships.

Award: Full tuition plus $18,000 stipend

Deadline: Early January

Based on academic performance and financial need, these fellowships are available to students enrolled in graduate programs in the natural sciences, humanities, or social sciences. Students must attend one of the organization’s designated colleges or universities in order to receive this annual award. Fellowships are renewable for up to three years.

Institute for Humane Studies: Humane Studies Fellowship

Award: Up to $15,000

Deadline: Mid-February

Designed to support teaching and scholarship in the humanities and social sciences, this fellowship is available to students enrolled in doctoral programs on a full-time basis. In order to qualify, students should be studying areas such as sociology, history, political science, economics, and law. Applicants should describe the research they intend to conduct and explain how it will advance classical liberal ideas.

National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine: Ford Foundation Fellowship Programs

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine provides predoctoral, dissertation, and postdoctoral fellowships through the Ford Foundation Fellowship Programs. These awards are available to students in a variety of academic disciplines, including archaeology, history, earth sciences, computer science, and art and theater history. In addition, students must demonstrate high academic performance and the ability to contribute to the field as a teacher or researcher.

Organization & Corporate Grants for Graduate Students

American cancer society: doctoral training grants in oncology social work.

Award: $20,000

Deadline: Mid-October

This grant is available to doctoral students studying social work who want to conduct oncology research. This is a two-year award that may be renewable.

Geological Society of America: Graduate Student Research Grants

Award: Up to $5,000

Deadline: Early February

The Geological Society of America offers grants for students in geological sciences master’s and doctoral programs who are conducting research. Applicants must be a member of the organization in order to receive the award.

University Film and Video Association: Carole Fielding Student Grant

Award: Up to $1,000

Deadline: Mid-December

Graduate students enrolled in film and televisual arts programs are eligible to receive this grant. Applicants should provide an in-depth description of their research project with information on proposed budget, how the project will advance the field, and how they plan to present their findings. Students must be sponsored by a professor who is a member of the University Film and Video Association.

Grants for Graduate Minorities

American anthropological association: aaa minority dissertation fellowship program.

Award: $10,000

Deadline: Early March

This grant is available for doctoral anthropology students. Applicants must be a member of an underrepresented racial group, such as Pacific Islander, African American, Latino, and Asian American. In addition, students must demonstrate academic excellence.

American Society of Criminology: Ruth D. Peterson Fellowship for Racial and Ethnic Diversity

Award: $6,000

The Ruth D. Peterson Fellowship for Racial and Ethnic Diversity is available to minority students--such as Asians, Latinos, and African Americans--enrolled in a doctoral criminal justice or criminology program. Students must demonstrate acceptance in a criminology or criminal justice Ph.D. program, as well as financial need.

Wisconsin Higher Educational Aids Board: Indian Student Assistance Grant

Award: Up to $1,100

This grant is available to Wisconsin graduate students who are at least 25 percent Native American. In order to receive this award, students must be enrolled at the University of Wisconsin, independent colleges and universities, proprietary institutions, or tribal colleges in the state.

Grad School Grants for Women

American association of university women: career development grants.

Award: Up to $12,000

Deadline: Mid-November

This grant is designed to help women get the education they need to advance in their careers. Eligibility requirements include enrollment in an advanced degree program and financial need.

American Physical Society: M. Hildred Blewett Fellowship

Award: Up to $45,000

Deadline: Early June

The American Physical Society provides this fellowship to female physics students who are returning to their studies after a hiatus. In order to be eligible, students must have completed some work toward their physics doctoral degree.

Zonta International Foundation: Amelia Earhart Fellowship

This award is designed to encourage women to pursue the aerospace sciences or aerospace engineering fields. Students should be enrolled in an aerospace studies doctoral program to receive this award.

Field-Specific Grants for Grad School

American psychological association: grants in aid for students.

Deadline: Late September

The American Psychology-Law Society, which is a division of the American Psychological Association, offers grants to graduate students who want to conduct research on psycholegal issues. Applicants must submit information describing their project and its significance.

National Science Foundation: Graduate Research Fellowship Program

Award: $34,000

This fellowship is for students enrolled in research-based science, technology, engineering, and mathematics graduate degree programs. Applicants must be enrolled in an eligible degree program in order to be considered for the award.

Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program: Graduate Student Grant Program

This grant is provided for master’s and doctoral students who want to do research related to sustainable agriculture issues for their degree program. Students who receive funding may work on their projects for up to 36 months.

When students seek funding (that will not need to be repaid) for graduate studies, they typically look at two sources: graduate assistantships and fellowships. However, graduate assistantships tend to be the most plentiful funding source. Students can be awarded one of three types of competitive graduate assistantships: graduate teaching assistantships, graduate research assistantships, and graduate administrative assistantships. These assistantships pay students' tuition and/or a monthly stipend.

Kimberly L. Douglass, Associate Dean at Middle Tennessee State University College of Graduate Studies

7 Expert Tips to Landing Grad School Grants

Once students have found the graduate school grants they are eligible for, they need to present themselves in the best way in order to win them. The following tips can help students increase their chances of winning these awards.

Search organizations that cater to a profession.

Pay attention to writing., explain a low grade point average., tailor information., incorporate history., build a relationship with faculty members., always look for funding opportunities., additional resources to help pay for grad school.

Graduate students can never have too much information about funding their education. The following are additional resources that students can use to help them find financial aid.

• Understanding Financial Aid for Graduate School
• Top Scholarships for Graduate Students
• Paying for Your Master’s Degree

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The U.S. National Science Foundation offers hundreds of funding opportunities — including grants, cooperative agreements and fellowships — that support research and education across science and engineering.

Learn how to apply for NSF funding by visiting the links below.

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Learn about NSF's funding priorities and how to find a funding opportunity that's right for you.

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Learn about the pieces that make up a proposal and how to prepare a proposal for NSF.

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Learn how to submit a proposal to NSF using one of our online systems.

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Learn about NSF's merit review process, which ensures the proposals NSF receives are reviewed in a fair, competitive, transparent and in-depth manner.

NSF 101 answers common questions asked by those interested in applying for NSF funding. 

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Learn about interdisciplinary research, convergence research and transdisciplinary research.

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Using long-term research associated data (ultra-data), national science foundation research traineeship institutional partnership pilot program, joint national science foundation and united states department of agriculture national institute of food and agriculture funding opportunity: supporting foundational research in robotics (frr), nsf regional innovation engines (nsf engines).

Enhancements to PhD Education

Vanderbilt University is committed to recruiting, supporting and investing in exceptional graduate students. This Enhanced Funding and Support Model for Doctoral Education launched in May of 2022 with a $5 million annual investment in graduate education.

Enhancements to Doctoral Education Funding

• Increased stipends : 4-21% increase in annual stipends across schools/colleges from AY23-24 to AY24-25 (*Peabody College saw a 21% increase). This brings the annual base stipend for Ph.D. students to $34,000-$38,000 (varies by program/school).
• Regalia reimbursement: Through funding from the Graduate School, a ll graduating Ph.D. students receive a free regalia rental or a $200 discount on the purchase of regalia .    

Launching Student Success Stipend (for incoming PhD and MFA students):   Newly enrolled Ph.D. and MFA students receive a one-time stipend of $2,000 to help them prepare for the upcoming academic year.  

Candidacy Success Supplement: All students who reach candidacy receive $500 as recognition of progress to degree.  

Vanderbilt Awards for Doctoral Discovery (VADD) : In Spring 2023, schools and colleges with Ph.D. programs receive d and distribute d funding from the Provost and Graduate school to assist students in attending conferences, visiting labs for training , and doing fieldwork.  

Graduate School Honors Fellowships: The Graduate School Honors Fellowships (“Topping Awards”) are paid out in two lump sums (one at the start of each semester) to Ph.D. students giving them flexibility to utilize funds at their discretion.  Honors Fellowships were awarded to 382 students in AY23-24; award per student ranges from $2,500 to $10,000. 

Endowed Awards for PhD Students : Each year, the university recognizes students for their outstanding research and provides over $90,000 of endowed scholarship funding.  

Provost Pathbreaking Discovery Award: These $2,500 awards recognizes doctoral students who exhibit exceptional academic excellence in areas such as publications, awards, patents, and other forms of national/international distinction.

• Grant Writing Resources : The Graduate School created a comprehensive, multi-part grant funding "mini-course” in Brightspace, available to all students. This asynchronous course includes discipline-specific resources as well as information on best practices for seeking and writing grants.  

WriteOn!: The Graduate School launched a writing accountability group which provides guided programming and helps them set weekly and monthly progress goals. 

• Dissertation Enhancement Grants: Grants of up to $2,000 are awarded to Ph.D. students with outstanding potential to accelerate progress on their research, adding depth or breadth to their dissertation.

SEC Emerging Scholar s : This  career development program  is designed to prepare scholars for tenured faculty positions in higher education within the Southeastern Conference. 

• Mentoring Awards : This award recognizes the vital role mentorship plays in student success and encourages faculty and doctoral students to develop strong and supportive mentoring relationships.

Department and Student Connections : The Graduate Student Council and the Graduate School are collaborating to provide funding for departments to go toward hosting a dinner or providing refreshments for doctoral students to foster community and belonging. 

Honors Banquet and Doctoral Student Awards: The Graduate School hosts a honors banquet each spring to celebrate student scholarly excellence. Three students receive Outstanding Doctoral Student Awards.  

Friday Fuel: One Friday each month, the Graduate School hosts an informal gathering in the Graduate Student Lounge in Alumni Hall for students to build community and learn about campus resources. 

Graduate Student Appreciation Week: Each spring, the Graduate School hosts various events to celebrate graduate students. This includes the first Graduate Career Closet to provide interview-ready attire to students preparing for the job search. 

• Dental Insurance and Annual Vision Exam: Beginning in AY 23-24, dental insurance and an annual vision exam as part of Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP). The annual plan cost per student covered by schools as part of a comprehensive doctoral student financial aid package is $3,977. 

Student Care Network Supports : A number of additional support mechanisms were implemented by the Office of the Dean of students to promote student wellbeing: 

• The Dean of Students in partnership with the Faculty Senate developed a training for faculty and staff regarding support for student mental health. 
• Drop-in consultation hours at the University Counseling Center   are available for graduate and professional students. 
• The Student Care Assistance Program through the  Office of Student Care Coordination (OSCC)  supports graduate students with medical costs. 
• The Student Care Network offers  expanded telehealth options , including physical and behavioral health, as well as nutrition and lactation consultations. 

Enhanced Programming for Career Development: In partnership with Vanderbilt’s Career Center, there are fall and spring colloquia focused on career development specific to doctoral students. This partnership continues  to grow . 

Tr acking Ph.D. Placements: Vanderbilt invested in an innovative university-wide longitudinal tracking of Vanderbilt Ph.D. alumni using data from Academic Analytics regarding PhD placements.  This effort is central to our collective success in meeting our institutional objective of recruiting the best scholars and supporting their career trajectories in top positions across top-tier institutions of higher education as well as the public and private sectors. 

Clarifying the VU/VUMC dual identity process : We are assisting students connected to both Vanderbilt University and the Vanderbilt University Medical Center with dual identity .

At Vanderbilt, we never stop growing or achieving. It is the Vanderbilt Way. As part of our commitment to our mission, the Graduate School is actively working on ways to better support doctoral education and training at Vanderbilt. Stay tuned for more updates on how we are using the annual investment to improve the lives and access to research and funding for our graduate students and the faculty that support them. 

The Path Toward Program Enhancements

In the Spring of 2021, Provost Cybele Raver announced a new $5 million annual investment in graduate education to show Vanderbilt’s commitment to training and mentoring the next generation of scholars and thought leaders.  

I am honored to support research, scholarship, and professional development in a place that actively seeks opportunities to continuously improve the experience and outcomes of all students. Dean Christie-Mizell

The process involved many listening sessions, conversations, suggestions and feedback with Ph.D. students and faculty . Among the many themes that emerged as a result of a year-long effort to gather information and collaborate across students, faculty, staff and university leadership were the following:

• Financial enhancements to assist with additional non-tuition related costs 
• Support, funding and external grant and workshop opportunities  
• Graduate community enhancements 
• Partnerships to support graduate students 

New Funding Supplements

Five funding supplements were created to promote discovery and collaboration, inspire scholarly excellence and augment student support structures.

This supplement provides support for faculty in Ph.D. programs to bridge the gap between fellowship/grant support and enhanced stipends for doctoral students.    

This award will recognize doctoral students who exhibit exceptional academic excellence in areas such as publications, awards, patents and other forms of national/international distinction. 

This funding mechanism will help recruit highly qualified, diverse Ph.D. candidates by providing five years of financial support through a premium stipend to outstanding students.

This fund invests in cross-disciplinary scholarship and partnerships to support intellectual communities across Ph.D. disciplines and groundbreaking discovery.    

This enhancement invests in necessary support services to enrich the student experience. 

These increased investments in graduate education are critical to advancing our bold innovation and discovery while also advancing Vanderbilt to a new level of global visibility and impact. Provost C. Cybele Raver

Responsible Committees

Executive Sponsors 

• Daniel Diermeier, Chancellor 
• Cybele Raver, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs 

Executive Committee  

• André Christie-Mizell, Vice Provost for Graduate Education 
• Elizabeth Boyd, Executive Director of Operations, Graduate School 
• Kurt Shepherd, Associate Vice Chancellor of Finance  
• John McLean, Associate Provost for PhD Programs 
• John Geer, Dean, College of Arts & Science 
• Camilla Benbow, Dean, Peabody College 
• Philippe Facuhet, Dean, School of Engineering 
• Emilie Townes, Dean, Vanderbilt Divinity School 
• John Kuriyan, Dean, School of Medicine Basic Sciences 
• Pam Jeffries, Dean, Vanderbilt School of Nursing 
• Xavier Purdy, Deputy Chief of Staff, Director of Projects, Office of the Provost 
• John McLean, Associate Provost for PhD Programs, Graduate School 
• Anna Thomas, Director of Events and Communications, Graduate School 
• Amber Palmer-Halma, Deputy Director of University Communications, Division of Communications  
• Terrah Akard, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Graduate School 
• Jennifer Gourley, Director of Finance, Division of Finance 
• Stacey Satchell, Director of Graduate and Postdoc Academic Success, Graduate School 
• Irene Wallrich, Assistant Director of the Graduate Leadership Institute, Graduate School 
• Alayna Hayes, Assistant Provost and Senior Director of the Career Center 
• David Wright, Dean for Graduate Education and Research, College and Arts and Science 
• Duco Jansen, Senior Associate Dean for Graduate Education and Faculty Affairs, School of Engineering 
• Jeanette Mancilla-Martinez, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Graduate Education, Peabody College 
• Kathy Gould, Senior Associate Dean for Biomedical Research Education and Training, School of Medicine Basic Sciences 
• Mariann Piano, Senior Associate Dean for Research, School of Nursing 
• Jimmy Byrd, Associate Dean for Graduate Education and Research, Divinity School 
• Emily Ritter, Director Graduate Studies, Political Science, College and Arts and Science 
• David Cliffel, Director Graduate Studies, Chemistry, College and Arts and Science 
• Antony Reed, Director Graduate Studies, English, College and Arts and Science 
• Cindy Reinhardt-King, Director Graduate Studies, Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering 
• Dan Work, Director Graduate Studies, Civil Engineering, School of Engineering 
• Sean Corcoran, Director Graduate Studies, Community Research and Action, Peabody College 
• Bob Hodapp, Director Graduate Studies, Special Education, Peabody College 
• Jin Chen, Director Graduate Studies, Cancer Biology, School of Medicine Basic Sciences 
• Richard O-Brien, Director Graduate Studies, Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine Basic Sciences 
• Christine Konradi, Director Graduate Studies, Pharmacology, School of Medicine Basic Sciences 

Recent News

Want to Offer Feedback?

To offer feedback on the Enhanced Funding and Support Model for Doctoral Education, please email  [email protected].  

20 Great PhD Grants for Education and Teaching

• Published March 3, 2016
• Last Updated April 1, 2024
• special education director
• education researcher
• teaching at the college level

Some even become college deans and administrators with a high average salary of $101,910!

Invest in your professional development by applying for some of the following doctoral grants in education.

Top PhD Grants in Education and Teaching

1. aera doctoral dissertation grants.

Deadline: January 20th

American Educational Research Association gifts one-year Doctoral Dissertation Grants for $20,000 each. These are for PhD candidates at the dissertation stage of an accredited doctoral program . Students must be conducting research related to K-12 or college teaching. Priority is given to topics on student achievement in STEM and bilingual education. Applications must include a proposal narrative and reference list. A budget, curriculum vitae, and letter of recommendation are also required.

AERA Doctoral Dissertation Grants 1430 K Street NW Suite 1200 Washington, DC 20005 (202) 238-3200 [email protected] Scholarship Link

2. ASHF Student Research Grant

Deadline: May 22nd

Teachers studying speech-language pathology might qualify for this grant from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation . The $2,000 grant goes to fund studies related to early childhood language development. Eligible applicants must be master’s or doctoral students. They must attend a U.S. college and be enrolled full time. They must:

• major in the communication sciences
• write a 10-page research plan
• have IRB approval
• submit at least one letter of support

ASHF Student Research Grant 2200 Research Blvd. Rockville, MD 20850 (301) 296-8703 [email protected] Scholarship Link

3. Esther Katz Rosen Fund Grant

Deadline: March 1st

The Esther Katz Rosen Fund Grant is one of the most generous education grants available. The $50,000 grant is presented annually by the American Psychological Association. The grant goes to doctoral students whose dissertation is devoted to the needs of gifted and talented youth . Candidates must be affiliated with a U.S. college or university. They must have 10 years or less experience in the field. They must be interested in special education or school psychology. Finally, candidates must submit a seven page research proposal.

Esther Katz Rosen Fund Grant 750 First Street NE Washington, DC 20002 (202) 336-5843 [email protected] Scholarship Link

4. Federal TEACH Grant Program

Deadline: June 30th

The federal Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education is run by the Department of Education . The program is open to PhD and EdD students. They must be enrolled at participating graduate schools. To be eligible, candidates must be studying a high-need field. These include:

• foreign language
• special education

The $4,000 grant requires applicants to have a 3.25 GPA and complete FAFSA. Applicants must agree to serve full-time at a low-income school upon graduation.

Federal TEACH Grant Program 400 Maryland Avenue SW Washington, DC 20202 (800) 433-3243 Scholarship Link

5. Fulbright Distinguished Award in Teaching

Deadline: November 4th

This full-tuition grant is administered by the Institute of International Education. The Fulbright Distinguished Award in Teaching is available to doctoral students who have a master’s degree . The teacher’s master’s degree must be from a U.S. college or university. The Fulbright Award is for those who will study abroad for their doctorate degree. It covers full tuition and travel costs. Candidates must have five years of classroom experience and be fluent in English. They must also work full-time at an elementary school or secondary school.

Fulbright Distinguished Award in Teaching 1400 K Street NW Suite 700 Washington, DC 20005 (202) 326-7778 [email protected] Scholarship Link

6. Hannah Beiter Graduate Research Grant

Deadline: February 1st

The Hannah Beiter Graduate Research Grant provides up to $1,500. The grant is sponsored by the Children’s Literature Association (ChLA). It supports the work of graduate students completing a master’s thesis or doctoral dissertation . Their research must contribute to the field of children’s literature and literacy. Eligible PhD or EdD applicants must submit a cover letter and research proposal. Also required are:

• a rough budget outline
• updated resume
• one letter of reference from the dissertation advisor

Hannah Beiter Graduate Research Grant 1301 West 22nd Street Suite 202 Oak Brook, IL 60523 (630) 571-4520 [email protected] Scholarship Link

7. Head Start Graduate Student Research Grant

Deadline: Varies

This grant is managed by the Administration for Children and Families. The Head Start Graduate Student Research Grant has been awarded since 1998. The grant is awarded to doctoral students whose research concerns early childhood interventions for low-income children . This award is for $5,000. Candidates must be enrolled full time in their doctoral program. They must attend a U.S. university. They must also work in partnership with local Head Start programs and be interested in child development .

Head Start Graduate Student Research Grant 330 C Street SW 4th Floor Washington, DC 20201 (202) 727-2814 [email protected] Scholarship Link

8. ILA Teacher as Researcher Grant

Deadline: January 15th

The International Literacy Association awards $5,000 grants every year. The Teacher as Researcher Grant supports PreK-12 teachers who are carrying out research. This includes doctoral dissertations. The research must be focused on one of the following:

• literacy education

Applicants must be ILA members. They must have at least half-time teaching responsibilities. They must also be affiliated with a U.S. college. Applicants must submit a 10-page (max) research proposal online.

ILA Teacher as Researcher Grant P.O. Box 8139 Newark, DE 19714 (800) 336-7323 [email protected] Scholarship Link

9. AAUW Career Development Grants

Deadline: Nov 15th

The Career Development Grants support the professional development of undergraduate degree-holding women. The grant amount ranges from $2,000-$20,000. The grants are for women preparing to re-enter the workforce in education or STEM. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Their last degree must have been received before June 30th, 2015. The grants support course work beyond an initial bachelor’s degree.

American Association of University Women 1310 L St. Suite 1000 Washington, DC 20005 (202) 785-7700 Scholarship Link

10. Midwest Nursing Research Society Grant

Deadline: November 2nd

The Midwest Nursing Research Society offers unique PhD grants. These grants are for teachers wishing to become university faculty members. Specifically those who wish to teach undergraduate or graduate nurses. For the $2,500 grant, eligible applicants must be enrolled full-time in an accredited doctoral program in the United States . They must also be conducting dissertation research that advances nursing education. Online applications won’t be complete without:

• a maximum 20-page research proposal
• IRB approval
• budget plan
• two references

Midwest Nursing Research Society Grant 1120 Route 73 Suite 200 Mount Laurel, NJ 08054 (856) 380-6830 [email protected] Scholarship Link

11. NCTM Mathematics Study Grant

Deadline: November 6th

This National Council of Teachers of Mathematics grant is $6,000. The grant supports middle school teachers in grades 6-8 who are undertaking graduate study . Teachers must be focused on math education. Qualified recipients must:

• be current NCTM members 
• attend an accredited U.S. university
•  carry a minimum GPA of 2.5
• have at least three years of teaching experience
• provide a principal’s letter of support

NCTM Mathematics Study Grant 1906 Association Drive Reston, VA 20191 (703) 620-9840 [email protected] Scholarship Link

12. OAR Graduate Student Grants

Deadline: February 15th

The Organization for Autism Research distributes grants for $1,000-$2,000. Graduate student grants go to those researching:

• autism assessment
• intervention

Special education teachers can qualify. Applicants must send:

• a cover letter
• research abstract
• project timeline

They must also submit:

• evidence of IRB approval
• a signed letter of support

They must also explain the practical relevance of their research.

OAR Graduate Student Grants 2000 North 14th Street Suite 240 Arlington, VA 22201 (703) 243-3466 [email protected] Scholarship Link

13. Phi Kappa Phi Literacy Grants

Deadline: April 1st

The Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society offers Literacy Grants to graduate students. Students earning a master’s or doctoral degree in education who are starting a literacy project qualify . The project needs to be targeting groups from preschool children to adults in their local communities . For $2,500 in funding, eligible recipients must be active Society members. They must:

• attend an accredited U.S. college with a Phi Kappa Phi chapter
• demonstrate merit in championing literacy initiatives
• write a detailed five-page project proposal

Phi Kappa Phi Literacy Grants 7576 Goodwood Blvd. Baton Rouge, LA 70806 (800) 804-9880 [email protected] Scholarship Link

14. Pitsco/Hearlihy/FTEE Grant

Deadline: December 1st

This grant is awarded every year by the Foundation for Technology and Engineering Educators . The $2,000 grant goes to K-12 teachers returning to graduate school for a master’s or doctorate. The new degree must be in technology or engineering. Candidates must:

• be ITEEA members
• successfully integrate tech/engineering into their classroom
• show evidence of effective teaching
• be attending an accredited U.S. college

Pitsco/Hearlihy/FTEE Grant 1914 Association Drive Suite 201 Reston, VA 20191 (703) 860-2100 [email protected] Scholarship Link

15. Robert G. Porter AFT Member Grants

Deadline: April 15th

Robert G. Porter was the secretary-treasurer of the American Federation of Teachers for 28 years . This grant is awarded in his honor to 10 accomplished teachers with grants of $1,000. Teachers and early childhood educators going for their master’s or doctorate are eligible. Candidates must:

• be AFT members in good standing
• accepted to a U.S. college
• exhibit financial need 
• write an essay proposing ideas to strengthen unions

Robert G. Porter AFT Member Grants 555 New Jersey Avenue NW Washington, DC 20001 (202) 879-4400 [email protected] Scholarship Link

16. SHAPE America Student Research Grant

Deadline: December 4th

Since 1997, the Society of Health and Physical Educators America has awarded the Student Research Grant for $2,500 . The award goes to master’s and doctoral students who are conducting original research . The research must be in:

• health education
• physical education
• dance education

 Qualified candidates must:

• attend an accredited university
• be U.S. citizens or legal residents
• have genuine career goals in the HPERD professions
• promote physical activity through their research
• have SHAPE membership

SHAPE America Student Research Grant 1900 Association Drive Reston, VA 20191 (703) 476-3410 [email protected] Scholarship Link

17. Sigma Alpha Iota Doctoral Grant

Deadline: March 15th

The international music fraternity Sigma Alpha Iota gives $2,500 PhD grants to teachers . Recipients must be enrolled full-time in a doctoral program. The program must be for:

• music education
• music therapy
• ethnomusicology

Eligible music teachers must:

• be initiated SAI members
• be in good financial standing with the fraternity 
• attend an accredited U.S. college

Applicants must also have advanced to the final dissertation writing stage of their programs . This grant is only available to those who already hold an undergraduate degree in music.

Sigma Alpha Iota Doctoral Grant 1 Tunnel Road Asheville, NC 28805 (828) 251-0606 [email protected] Scholarship Link

18. Sol Hirsch Education Fund Grant

Deadline: June 3rd

This grant was created in memory of Sol Hirsch and his 30-year career with the Weather Bureau Satellite program . The grant fund was created by the National Weather Association. The grant is awarded to K-12 science teachers seeking professional development. Their goal must be to improve the education of their students in meteorology. Candidates must:

• exhibit financial need.
• include a grant proposal
• include a resume
• include a letter of support from a principal

Sol Hirsch Education Fund Grant 3100 Monitor Avenue Suite 123 Norman, OK 73072 (405) 701-5167 [email protected] Scholarship Link

19. Steve A. Stahl Research Grant

The Steve A. Stahl Research Grant awards $1,000 grants each year. The grant is administered by the International Reading Association. Promising doctoral students attending a U.S. university are eligible. They must:

• have at least three years of preK-12 teaching experience
• be IRA members
• have declared a major in reading education or literacy
• display research competence

Their dissertation must be devoted to finding strategies that improve classroom reading instruction.

Steve A. Stahl Research Grant P.O. Box 8139 Newark, DE 19714 (800) 336-7323 [email protected] Scholarship Link

20. TOEFL Graduate Student Research Grant

Deadline: March 31st

The Educational Testing Service has developed the TOEFL Graduate Student Research Grant. This grant provides $5,000 to scholars enrolled in accredited master’s or doctoral programs . The focus is on programs in:

• language education
• applied linguistics
• educational testing

Funded research must address topics related to the language development of ESL students. Applications must include:

• a cover letter and research abstract
• project schedule
• two letters of recommendation

TOEFL Graduate Student Research Grant 660 Rosedale Road Princeton, NJ 08541 (609) 921-9000 [email protected] Scholarship Link

Is earning a doctorate in education worth it?

Even when you find a great college deal, it’s tough to locate enough capital to cover your:

• research costs

Earning doctoral degrees is a rigorous academic journey typically requiring full-time devotion, causing your income to temporarily shrink. Since you’re likely already strapped with student loan debt from your undergraduate and graduate years, it’s best to minimize your borrowing. Grants are excellent sources of financial aid that can provide thousands of dollars at no cost.

What other sorts of grants or scholarships should I look for?

Well, grants for doctoral degrees are typically given based on your research. For example, an organization that strives to advance outcomes in Native American education performance might fund research into that topic. Especially if the person doing that research is also Native American. Research topics might cover anything from the effect of a public health crisis on students to the impact of sexual orientation on the educational experience.

One could even research the potential affect of different kinds of role models on educational outcomes. The matter of public health and its effect on education is one of great interest to the world. You might also research something like traditional education vs. liberal arts education at the grade school level.

Researching the importance of different subjects is also fair game. Maybe you want to see if introducing political science or more classes covering the federal government at the high school level makes a difference in how civic minded high school graduates are. Should we increase social sciences education? There are any number of research topics, and the more current your research topic is the more likely you will get your research funded.

What are the most common ways to pay for your doctorate degree?

It’s not uncommon for students in PhD programs to teach at the university where they enrolled in their  program. Often this provides them with free or steeply discounted tuition. Federal student aid is pretty scarce for students in PhD programs. Generally it’s only available if you are researching an area the federal government is interested in. Unfortunately education research doesn’t get as much funding as:

• social science
• physical sciences
• environmental research

It’s still better funded than:

• social work
• international relations
• business administration
• public policy

Business administration likely gets the least federal funding. So the bottom line is the most common ways to pay for your PhD degree is to secure funding for your research, a fellowship ideally, or to teach at the college where you are earning your degree.

What can I do with my doctorate in education?

Most go into academia, which is research and teaching in college. Some go into administration at either the college or grade school levels. Typically a Ph.D. will qualify you to be a school district superintendent, though it is not always necessary. Or the headmaster of a private school. Principal is always on the table, though generally a Ph.D. is not required for that position. Basically, a doctorate is a terminal degree. A doctorate plus experience qualifies you for anything you might want to do in education. You could decide to go the political route and try to shape policy at the state or federal level. You could work in any number of positions at colleges, universities, or K-12 schools throughout the country. Really it just depends on what you want to do.

See also:  20 Great Scholarships for Master’s in Education

20 Great PhD Scholarships and Doctoral Grants for Minorities

20 Great Left Handed Scholarships

20 Great Doctoral Scholarships in Education

Updated March 2024

Small & PhD Research Grants (SRGs)

Open srg & phd funding calls.

Listed here are all open and upcoming calls for proposals for STEG funding and their respective deadlines.

How To Apply For An SRG

Find out which materials you need to prepare an SRG or PhD application.

Small Research Grants

Small Research Grants (SRGs) of between £10,000 and £25,000 are our primary funding vehicle.

SRGs can fund research assistance, data collection and/or purchase, and potentially research stipends/teaching buyouts (if sufficiently justified). Grants also support travel to field sites, even when secondary data is utilised. We view this kind of travel (with the possibilities for field visits and conversations with policymakers) as particularly important for researchers who lack prior experience in the countries that they intend to study. Please note that cost effectiveness and value for money are important evaluation criteria and submitted budgets must adhere to the SRG Budget Guidelines, available at the bottom of this page.

Find our open and upcoming SRG funding calls  here .

PhD Research Grants

While PhD students are eligible to apply to our Small Research Grant calls, we also issue special calls exclusively for PhD students in order to encourage broader participation in the programme. Applicants must be currently enrolled in a PhD programme to be eligible for these calls and will require a letter of support from their PhD supervisor sent no later than two weeks after the deadline to the STEG Team at [email protected] .

PhD Research Grants (PhD RGs)  of up to £15,000 can fund research assistance, data collection and/or purchase, and stipends. Stipends should only be requested if they allow the researcher(s) to reduce teaching/administrative duties and therefore free up time for research. Stipends are capped at £12,000 for PhD students in programmes located in high-income countries and the PPP equivalent for PhD students in programmes located in low- and middle-income countries. Grants will also support travel to field sites, even when secondary data is utilised. We view this kind of travel (with the possibilities for field visits and conversations with policymakers) as particularly important for researchers who lack prior experience in the countries that they intend to study. Please note that cost effectiveness and value for money are important evaluation criteria and submitted budgets will have to adhere to the STEG Budget Guidelines , available at the bottom of this document or this webpage .

The application process for PhD funding calls is the same as the process for SRG funding calls and uses the same proposal and budget templates. Find our open and upcoming PhD funding calls  here .

Country and Policy Relevance

Please note that an important criterion for funding of proposals is the relevance to policy in low-income countries, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. Proposals focused on middle- and/or high-income countries need to make a clear case for the relevance of the research to policy in specific low-income countries. Proposals are also evaluated on the extent to which the research findings (including those from comparative work or from studies in other geographies) might be relevant to policy in specific sub-Saharan countries.

All funded projects, regardless of location, will have to discuss within their final report and research note (see SRG Applicant Guide, available at the bottom of this page) the potential lessons for policymakers in low-income and sub-Saharan countries.

Eligibility

We welcome applications to our SRG and PhD calls from researchers all over the world, and encourage applications that propose collaboration between researchers from lower- and higher-income countries.

In view of the current political situation and the imposition of economic sanctions on various Russian entities by Western governments, we are not currently able to accept proposals for projects that include researchers or members of the research team who are based at Russian institutions.

Principal investigators applying to SRG calls should currently have a PhD or be enrolled in a PhD programme. In exceptional circumstances, we will consider applications submitted by principal investigators who do not fit these criteria, however, they must be able to demonstrate a history of high-quality academic and/or policy-relevant research. Although there are no formal qualification requirements for co-investigators, co-investigators on STEG-funded projects usually have a PhD or are enrolled in a PhD programme. The knowledge, expertise, and qualifications of the entire research team will be taken into account when evaluating the proposal.

PhD Letters of Support

For all PhD students acting as principal investigators, we require a letter of support from your PhD supervisor no later than two weeks after the deadline. A PDF of the letter can be sent to the STEG Team at [email protected] .

For the advisor: Please discuss the feasibility of the research proposal, the intellectual support which the student will receive from advisors and others, an assessment of the student’s ability to carry out the research, and of the student’s longer-term potential as a researcher.

COVID-19 Impacts

Researchers whose proposals rely on face-to-face surveys or interactions should clearly discuss the implications for the project of potential delays, and the alternatives to face-to-face fieldwork, in the event that the fieldwork is delayed by COVID-19. This can be included in the methodology section of the proposal template. Any fieldwork will need to be cleared by the researcher’s university and, where possible, in-country IRBs. Decisions on fieldwork should follow the advice of governments. Finally, any proposal that includes face-to-face interaction should also briefly make clear how the researchers intend to ensure the safety of researchers and any participants involved in the study.

Grant Contracts

SRGs and PhD RGs are designed to be contracted directly with individual researchers . The individual researcher is responsible for receiving, spending, and reporting on funds. However, where this raises significant complications, we can consider alternative mechanisms. These contracts are non-negotiable, and no overhead fees can be taken. Please look at our individual contract template, available at the bottom of this webpage, before applying.

Call and Grant Timeline

We aim to issue funding decisions within three months of the deadline for receipt of proposals. Successful proposals are then announced on the STEG website, together with a description of the work supported, no later than one month after contract signature.

An SRG or PhD RG is intended to be completed within 12 months. Please note that contracts should be signed within one month of the return of the final decision, which is also the expected project start date.

More detailed information on the call and grant timeline can be found in the SRG Applicant Guide, available at the bottom of this page.

Evaluation and Selection

Evaluation and selection are based on the following criteria:

• Quality of the proposed research
• Relevance to policy
• Feasibility and credibility of the proposal
• Value for money
• Contributions to expanding the field

More detailed information on the weighting of these categories and the evaluation and selection process can be found in the SRG Applicant Guide,  available at the bottom of this page.

Further Information

If you wish to read more about the structure of our SRG and PhD programmes, please consult our SRG Applicant Guide, SRG Budget Guidelines and SRG FAQs through the links below, or alternatively, contact the STEG Team at [email protected] .

Application Templates and Useful Documents

Steg research strategy, srg applicant guide, srg proposal template, srg budget template, srg budget guidelines, srg contract template, srg frequently asked questions.

Announcing the 2024 AI and Education Initiative Awards

Four faculty research grants and four graduate student fellows awarded.

The AI and Education Initiative  is pleased to announce the recipients of its Faculty Research Grants  and Doctoral Fellowships .  These two funding programs were launched to support  evolving research efforts at the intersection of  artificial intelligence (AI) and education at Boston University.   Join us as we celebrate and recognize the faculty and students selected for these awards. The AI and Education Initiative and  these awards are funded by Hariri Institute for Computing & Wheelock College of Education and Human Development . 

AI and Education Faculty Research Grants

Our 2024 Faculty Research Grant recipients are:  Leslie Dietiker, Associate Dean for Research and Associate Professor in Mathematics Education, BU Wheelock College of Education and Human Development;  Kathy MinHye Kim , Clinical Assistant Professor of TESOL & Applied Linguistics and Director of the Second Language Acquisition Lab, BU Wheelock College of Education & Human Development;  TJ McKenna , Director of the Center for STEM Professional Learning at Scale and Lecturer in Science education, BU Wheelock College of Education and Human Development; and  Zachary (Zach) Rossetti , Associate Professor of Special Education, BU Wheelock College of Education & Human Development

Learn more about our faculty grant recipients and their projects here . 

AI and Education Graduate Student Fellows

Our 2024 AI and Education Initiative Graduate Student Fellows are : Erin Barno , Ph.D. candidate, mathematics education, BU Wheelock College of Education & Human Development;  Erning (Henry) Chen , Ph.D. candidate, language & literacy education , BU Wheelock College of Education & Human Developmen;  Zhongkai Shangguan , Ph.D. candidate, electrical and computer engineering, BU College of Engineering; and  Hao Yu , Ph.D. candidate, computer science at BU College of Arts & Sciences.

Learn more about our 2024 AI and Education Initiative Doctoral Fellows here .

The AI and Education Initiative catalyzes research in AI-driven innovations that impact equitable learning, education, and human development. To learn more about the AI and Education Initiative, visit the website or email Naomi Caselli, director of the AI and Education Initiative, at  [email protected] . 

Financial assistance and grants

We know that financial stress can affect individual well-being and academic success..

MIT can provide some assistance to graduate students experiencing financial hardships arising from a variety of circumstances. The following financial assistance and grants are not loans, and do not need to be repaid. Funds disbursed are tax-reportable income and may reduce eligibility for educational loans. If you want to explore how this would impact you, you may talk to  Student Financial Services . 

Graduate students may be eligible for the following assistance programs:

• Guaranteed Transitional Support (for students who wish to change research advisors or groups)

MIT Grant for Graduate Students with Children

Graduate student short-term emergency fund .

• Doctoral Long-term Financial Hardship Funding
• Graduate veterans benefits

Have you lost funding or are you coming up short on tuition coverage? If you have gaps in funding, please speak first with your academic department or program. Faculty officers and staff in your program office will contact the OGE as needed to discuss funding gaps.

Additional support may be available through avenues such as  Childbirth Accommodation and Parental Accommodation  and the Graduate Student Council’s  funding for individuals .

Guaranteed Transitional Support

In spring 2021, MIT implemented Guaranteed Transitional Support for students who wish to change advisors or research groups. In Phase I, the focus is on unhealthy advising situations in which students experience bias, harassment, or discrimination. The guarantee of transitional support is intended to empower students to more freely exercise autonomy over decisions that will deeply impact their health and wellbeing, research progress and productivity, and future career after leaving MIT. The Institute is also dedicated to helping students transition research groups for other reasons, such as an evolution in research interest, changing research approaches, or a mismatch in early group choice.

Full Phase I details

The MIT Grant for Graduate Students with Children is a need-blind grant available to full-time PhD students. Master’s students who are eligible for summer tuition subsidy are also eligible for the grant. In order to qualify for the grant, the student’s child/children must reside with them at least half-time throughout the year. In fall 2023, MIT is pleased to offer a more substantive supplemental grant of up to $10,000 for the 2023-24 academic year for graduate students with children, based on need and eligibility. Grant funds may be used to cover expenses such as child care, health care, and housing. 

Grant amounts for the 2023-2024 academic year are:

• $6,500 – 1 dependent child
• $7,500 – 2 dependent children
• $8,500 – 3 or more dependent children

More information and application

Graduate Student Short-Term Emergency Funding is intended to be a resource for students who are experiencing one-time,  non-recurring financial emergencies,  including unexpected and unavoidable expenses, when they have exhausted all other resources. Each request will be considered individually and decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis.

This fund is not intended to cover program costs such as tuition, stipend, and student health insurance. If you have gaps in funding, please speak first with your academic department or program. Faculty officers and staff in your program office will contact the OGE as needed to discuss funding gaps.

Please note:  Students in MIT Sloan Master’s programs who are experiencing financial challenges should review the guidelines for the Sloan Immediate Needs Fund, accessible via the  MySloan portal .

If Graduate Student Short-Term Emergency Fund disbursements are granted, they do not have to be repaid. Graduate Student Short-Term Emergency Fund disbursements may be subject to taxation based on withholding rates set by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Application

Eligibility and application requirements

Doctoral Long-Term Financial Hardship Funding

Doctoral Student Long-Term Hardship Funding is intended to be a resource for students who are experiencing  recurring financial distress,  including unexpected and unavoidable expenses, when they have exhausted all other resources.

If MIT provides financial support, the award is in the form of a grant that does not have to be repaid. Awards are subject to taxation based on withholding rates set by the IRS.  The duration of any award made is for the academic term.

Eligibility and application requirements  on SFS site

Veterans benefits

Learn more about veterans benefits on the SFS site.

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If you require further information, please visit the Privacy Policy page.

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MORE FROM VAULT

Prodigy Student Loans Review 2024: Education Financing for International Students

Anna Baluch

Banking Expert

Anna Baluch is a freelance contributor to Newsweek’s personal finance team with a focus on personal loans, student loans, credit cards, and more. She has spent years writing for small businesses as well as large publications on various financial topics. Baluch lives in Cleveland, OH with her husband and two young daughters.

Greg Johnson

Contributor

Greg Johnson is a freelance editor for Newsweek’s personal finance team. He has been writing and editing personal finance, credit card and travel content for over a decade at his website—ClubThrifty.com—and other national publications. Greg lives in Indiana with his wife and two children.

Updated April 23, 2024 at 2:00 pm

Prodigy student loans are only available to international students pursuing graduate degrees. These loans come in a variety of repayment terms ranging from seven to 20 years. As long as you attend a school that the lender serves, you may apply without a co-signer or collateral. If you haven’t decided on an educational program, prospective borrowers may request several loan quotes for different schools to zero in on the most affordable option.

Newsweek Vault’s loan experts evaluated multiple data points to help our readers make sense of their borrowing options across student loans and personal loans. To narrow down the best available offers, we weigh the product pros and cons across five core categories, including:

•Application process •Eligibility requirements •Interest rates •Loan amounts (minimum and maximum) •Repayment flexibility

Prodigy Student Loans

Vault Verified

Expert Take

Prodigy Finance offers attainable student loans for promising, international students pursuing graduate programs. Prodigy student loans don’t require collateral or a co-signer, but they’re only available to international graduate students who attend certain schools.

• Geared specifically toward international students
• No co-signer or collateral requirements
• Flexible repayment terms
• No fixed interest rates
• Only for graduate students
• Not available in every state or school

Vault’s Viewpoint on Prodigy Student Loans

Prodigy offers live weekly webinars and supports international students with admissions, visas, funding, and other aspects of studying abroad. However, it can be difficult for Prodigy students to budget for their repayments in advance since its variable rates are relatively high and there are no fixed rate options.

The lender depends on a number of sources to fund its loans, but there is no guarantee that you’ll get approved. Borrowers must be matched with an investor first, and matching rounds happen on a weekly basis. If you don’t get matched, you’ll be placed on a waitlist and be considered for matching in a future round, so you might qualify eventually.

About Prodigy Student Loans

Founded in 2007 by MBA students, Prodigy Finance is a U.K-based company that offers international student loans for graduate students. Its loans are funded by investors who hope to make education more accessible to international students. 

Since its inception, Prodigy Finance has provided more than $2 billion in loans to over 40,000 students. These students have pursued master’s degrees at top universities in the U.S. , Canada, United Kingdom and other parts of the world.

When reviewing eligibility, Prodigy Finance focuses on future earning potential instead of solely on your credit score. That’s why students can get approved for a student loan even if they don’t have collateral or a creditworthy co-signer.

Who Are Prodigy Student Loans Best For?

International students who need money for graduate school may benefit from a Prodigy student loan. Since they may not qualify for federal student loans , they can apply with Prodigy and potentially get matched to an investor who is willing to lend to them. They won’t have to worry about finding collateral or a co-signer and can receive financial support for their study abroad journey. 

To get approved for Prodigy student loans, you must be from an eligible country and planning to study abroad in one of 18 eligible countries. The lender also requires that you’re accepted into a qualifying school and graduate program. Prodigy offers a prequalification tool, so it may be worth it to check potential offers to determine whether the lender is a good fit.

Who Should Consider an Alternative to a Prodigy Student Loan?

While Prodigy student loans don’t have a collateral or co-signer requirement, international students who prefer a low, predictable interest rate would likely be better off choosing a different lender. Compared to other lenders with competitive, fixed rates , Prodigy offers higher, variable rates that may increase over time.

The lender also charges an origination fee of 5% of the total loan balance, so it may not make sense for those who prioritize low to no fees. Plus, Prodigy only offers international graduate student loans , so it isn’t an option for undergraduates or non-international graduate students. Unless you’re an international student studying at one of the 1,600+ schools Prodigy supports, you’ll need to look elsewhere to fund your education. 

How Do Prodigy Student Loans Stack Up to Competitors?

As you search for private student loans , you’ll find that they vary greatly. Before you commit to a Prodigy student loan, you may want to consider these alternatives. 

Prodigy Student Loans vs. MPOWER

Like Prodigy, MPOWER specializes in private student loans for international students without requiring collateral or a co-signer. Both lenders also offer a six-month grace period and charge an origination fee of 5% of the total loan amount. But MPOWER differs from Prodigy in that its loans come with fixed interest rates that make it easy to budget for repayments in advance. Loans are also available for undergraduate students, not just graduate students.

MPOWER also provides free career services guidance and visa support. Where MPOWER falls short, however, is its lack of repayment flexibility. While Prodigy student loans come with terms between seven to 20 years, MPOWER only offers one option—a 10-year repayment term.

Prodigy Student Loans vs. Earnest

Prodigy student loans are only for international graduate students, whereas Earnest student loans cater to a variety of students—including U.S. undergraduate and international graduate students. With Earnest, borrowers can enjoy a generous nine-month grace period, compared to Prodigy’s six-month grace period, which is typical among private student loan lenders. 

Plus, unlike Prodigy, Earnest doesn’t charge origination fees. However, international graduate student loans are only available to students from a few select countries. Additionally, Earnest, looks for a credit score of at least 600 for an independent loan or a score of 650 for a co-signed loan. This can be difficult for international students to obtain. For this reason, a Prodigy student loan, which prioritizes future earning potential over credit may be more attainable. 

Prodigy Student Loans vs. Ascent

Similar to Prodigy, Ascent provides student loans to international students. But while Prodigy focuses on international graduate students, Ascent serves various international students as well as U.S. students. Ascent’s grace period is nine months for most types of loans, whereas Prodigy only offers six months.

Ascent is also unique in that it offers free success coaching for undergraduate borrowers and a 1% cash back graduation reward. In addition, Ascent supports students with hardship by offering 24 months of forbearance. While international students will likely find more perks with Prodigy, they may have to settle for higher rates. With that said, Ascent does require all international student loan applicants to have a creditworthy co-signer who lives in the United States, while Prodigy does not.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is prodigy student loans legit.

Yes, Prodigy Finance is a legitimate lender that offers student loans to international graduate students. They have helped over 40,000 students from around the world gain access to more than $2 billion in student loans toward their graduate studies abroad.

Does Prodigy Require a Co-Signer?

Prodigy does not require a co-signer for its international student loans. However, you may land a lower interest rate if you do apply with a creditworthy co-signer.

Can Prodigy Student Loans Be Forgiven?

Like most private student loans, Prodigy student loans can’t be forgiven. Unfortunately, they are not eligible for student loan forgiveness programs such as the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program or the Teacher Loan Forgiveness (TLF) Program.

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Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. We may earn a commission from partner links on Newsweek, but commissions do not affect our editors’ opinions or evaluations.

Public Scholarship and Engagement

Meet the New Public Scholars for the Future

• by Becky Oskin
• April 23, 2024

The Office of Public Scholarship and Engagement (PSE) is pleased to announce seven graduate students have been awarded Public Scholars for the Future fellowships.

The fellowship program prepares the next generation of public scholars to integrate community-centered theories, methods and techniques into their disciplinary field of study, research design and methods. Visit the PSE website for more information about each scholar.

The 2024 Public Scholars for the Future

• Hala Alkhatib - Human Development Graduate Group
• Diana Giraldo - Graduate Group in Ecology and the Center for Environmental Policy and Behavior
• Melissa Gomes - Department of Linguistics
• Izamar Ortiz-González - School of Education
• Elisabeth Sellinger - Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences and Bodega Marine Laboratory
• Carlos Torres-Astocóndor - Department of Spanish and Portuguese
• Nina Venuti - Graduate Group in Ecology and the Department of Plant Sciences

About UC Davis Public Scholarship and Engagement

Public Scholars for the Future was launched in spring 2022 in partnership with UC Davis Graduate Studies. Key elements include:

• A two unit, 10-week seminar during spring quarter where students collectively engage in readings and discussions focused on theories, methodologies and practices of community-engaged research.
• One-on-one mentoring by UC Davis faculty public scholars.
• $1,000 for research support.

Primary Category

RIT and UR partner to create accelerated graduate degree pathways for education and counseling students

Boris Sapozhnikov

Eligible students can begin their journey in these new accelerated degree pathways starting fall 2024.

Rochester Institute of Technology’s College of Liberal Arts and University of Rochester’s Warner School of Education have established new 3+2 and 4+1 admissions agreements , providing RIT undergraduate students with expedited pathways to launch their careers in teaching, higher education, or counseling. These agreements streamline the process for eligible students to earn both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees within a five-year timeframe.

In the 3+2 program, RIT students admitted and enrolled through this pathway will complete all required coursework for undergraduate majors in three years. This paves the way for a smooth transition to the Warner School’s mental health counseling and school counseling master’s programs. The first year at the Warner School concurrently fulfills the final year of their bachelor’s degree.

Similarly, the 4+1 program offers RIT undergraduate students the opportunity to finish all coursework for their undergraduate major within four years as planned. However, students in qualifying bachelor’s degree programs at RIT can also begin graduate-level coursework in their fourth year, earning six credits toward their master’s degree in either higher education or a teacher preparation program at the Warner School.

“This partnership represents an exciting opportunity to enrich the student experience at RIT,” said John Smithgall , assistant dean of the College of Liberal Arts. “These programs play a crucial role in expanding students’ perspectives about what they can achieve in terms of their educational and career aspirations. This is particularly significant in dismantling barriers and stereotypes about certain professions, empowering students to pursue their passions and make significant contributions to their chosen fields.”

Under the terms of the agreement, RIT students who meet the Warner School’s admissions requirements and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.25 in their third year for the 3+2 program and fourth year for the 4+1 program can obtain both degrees in five years. Moreover, students will benefit from tuition scholarships toward their qualifying graduate degree programs at the Warner School.

“We are thrilled to partner with RIT in offering these innovative admissions pathways,” says Sarah Peyre, dean of the Warner School. “This collaboration underscores our commitment to providing students with accessible and accelerated pathways to pursue their passions for teaching, higher education, and counseling. By combining our expertise and resources, we aim to empower students to excel in their academic journey and make meaningful contributions to their communities.”

RIT’s College of Liberal Arts Interim Dean Kelly Norris Martin adds, “We have an incredibly diverse community of students in the College of Liberal Arts who all have unique visions for their futures. Through this new partnership, we’re able to expand the opportunities available to our students so they can follow their passions. Additionally, these new educational pathways can better prepare our students to fill the increased need for teachers and counselors in our communities.”

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job opportunities for counselors and teachers are expected to increase through 2031. Whether individuals aspire to work in a K-12 school or clinical setting, or at the higher education level, RIT can provide students with a head start in becoming specialized educators or counselors. RIT’s culture of innovation and forward-thinking use of technology equips students to be adept at navigating and applying technological learning resources and tools to help their future students and clients excel.

From regional K-12 schools to top higher education and healthcare institutions, the Warner School’s graduate programs further prepare students to apply their comprehensive insights in classrooms, clinics, postsecondary institutions and communities worldwide to lead change for all. For more than 65 years, the Warner School has advanced the fields of education and counseling through innovative theories, experiences and leadership.

For more information about the accelerated pathways to careers in teaching, counseling and higher education, go to the Warner School’s partnerships program page or RIT’s College of Liberal Arts website.

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/images/cornell/logo35pt_cornell_white.svg" alt="grants for phd students in education"> Cornell University --> Graduate School

Donor’s new fund to support students, mentoring.

By Katya Hrichak

Inspired by his experience as a graduate student at Cornell, Meng Zhou, M.S. ’92, Ph.D. ’96, has established the Andrew Novakovic and Meng Zhou Ph.D. Scholars Fund to support doctoral students in applied economics and management (AEM).

The fund is named to celebrate the relationship between Zhou and his doctoral advisor, E.V. Baker Professor of Agricultural Economics Emeritus Andrew Novakovic. Zhou earned a competitive Winrock International Fellowship to sponsor his master’s degree at Cornell. After advancing to the doctorate program, the inadequate training in Western economics – a result of his academic upbringing in China – posed significant challenges that nearly pushed funding support beyond reach.

Despite what appeared to be insurmountable disciplinary and language barriers, Zhou passed his qualifying exam in due time. Seeing the great promise in this ambitious and hardworking young scholar, Novakovic nurtured his potential and identified funding support that fueled Zhou’s commitment to the finish line. Within a short four years, Zhou completed his Ph.D., against the typical timeline of five to six years. During his most difficult time at Cornell, the way in which Novakovic showed up for Zhou was crucial to how he felt seen, trusted, and invested in. Zhou is still immensely grateful for Novakovic’s encouragement, guidance, and the sense of community he had facilitated among his advisees.

After he earned his Ph.D., Zhou made a significant decision for his career—he changed his path from academia to the business world. According to Zhou, he got off to a bumpy start, but he eventually distinguished himself as a highly sought-after business executive and a Fortune 500 China-operation turnaround leader. Today, Zhou is CEO of the Weiming Education Group, one of China’s preeminent K-12 education groups with more than 40,000 students, 30 schools, and 30 kindergartens throughout the country.

“I have had a long wish to express my gratitude to Andrew, and I think this is the best way we can continue his care for students,” said Zhou, who is one of many advisees to have experienced Novakovic’s support. “I really want to help students to develop themselves, and this is the kind of spirit I want to be continued.”

The AEM director of graduate studies will be able to use the fund to make funding packages offered to prospective doctoral students more appealing, allowing Cornell to better compete with other institutions for top students. The fund will also bolster mentoring relationships by supporting programming to help students and mentors learn to work together more effectively and provide funding for research purposes, including conference travel.

“This funding is more vital now than ever before,” said Andrew Karolyi, Charles Field Knight Dean of the Cornell S.C. Johnson College of Business and Harold Bierman, Jr. Distinguished Professor of Management. “We at Cornell are so blessed and proud to have forward-thinking alumni like Meng Zhou.”

Gifts of any amount support graduate students in pursuit of their degrees. Visit Cornell’s  Giving website  to explore your options.