A fellowship is an award that provides funding for educational or professional development opportunities, usually over a period of one year or less. Fellowships are typically given to individuals who have already completed their initial professional training and who wish to pursue further study in their field. Fellowships for graduate students are often used to finance research projects, travel, or other activities related to the recipient’s professional development.
Graduate fellowship programs may be awarded by colleges and universities, foundations, or other organizations. Fellowships for graduate students are usually given based on merit, meaning that they are awarded to individuals who have demonstrated excellence in their field. Some fellowships may also be given based on financial need. According to the NCES, by2030, postbaccalaureate enrollment is projected to be 6 percent higher than in 2020 (3.3 million vs. 3.1 million students).
Different types of organizations offer these fellowship opportunities:
American College of Physicians
Math for America
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Smithsonian Fellowships
National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine
Are Fellowships Paid?
Most fellowships are paid, meaning that the recipient often receives a stipend to help cover their living expenses while they are pursuing their fellowship opportunity. Fellowships may also include funding for travel or other related expenses. Some fellowships may be unpaid, but these are usually reserved for highly competitive opportunities.
Fellowships for graduate students are generally not considered to be employment, so recipients are not usually eligible for benefits such as health insurance or retirement plans. However, some fellowships may offer health insurance subsidies or other benefits.
Different Types of Fellowships For Graduate Students
There are many different types of fellowships, each with their own eligibility requirements, benefits, and application process. Here are some examples of different types of fellowships for graduate students:
Research Fellowships: These fellowships are typically awarded to graduate students or recent graduates who wish to pursue research in their field. Funding from a research fellowship may be used to cover expenses such as travel, research materials, or living costs.
Teaching Fellowships: These fellowships are typically awarded to recent graduates who wish to pursue a career in teaching. Funding from a teaching fellowship could be used to cover expenses such as travel, course materials, or living costs.
Service Fellowships: These fellowships are typically awarded to recent graduates who wish to pursue a career in public service. Funding from a service fellowship may be used to cover expenses such as travel, research materials, or living costs.
Creative Fellowships: These fellowships are typically awarded to artists, writers, or other creative professionals who wish to pursue a project or body of work. Funding from a creative fellowship might be used to cover expenses such as materials, studio space, or living costs.
How Long Is A Fellowship?
Fellowships typically last for one year or less. Some graduate fellowship programs may be renewed for an additional year, depending on the recipient’s progress and the funding available.
What Are The Benefits Of Fellowship?
These awards may be harder to secure but come with many potential benefits. Here are seven benefits of fellowship programs:
1. FINANCIAL AID
Some students use these awards to help them fund grad school. The allowance might be helpful for reducing the cost of a master’s, doctoral, and post doctoral work.
2. INCENTIVES
Fellows might receive health insurance, student loan repayment assistance, and money for housing. Some graduate student fellowships may also provide research support and travel expenses.
3. TAX BENEFITS
You might receive tax free money to cover tuition, fees, books, supplies, and equipment. If you use the money to pay for other expenses, it may also count as taxable income.
4. GAIN TRAINING AND EXPAND YOUR PROFESSIONAL NETWORK
The projects may also come with professional connections. Some offer the chance to work with an experienced mentor. You might be able to get the attention of future employers with work done as a fellow.
5. GAIN HANDS ON EXPERIENCE
You may have a chance to use your classroom training in real world settings. Projects often allow you to learn by doing. Some could also require you to take on a lot of responsibility.
6. DEVELOP PROFESSIONAL AND LEADERSHIP SKILLS
Programs may offer access to academic seminars and training opportunities. Many skills could also be developed in this setting like:
Leadership
Community organizing
Public speaking
Grant writing
Media relations
7. DEVELOP CULTURAL COMPETENCY
The experience may introduce you to other cultures. Global fellowships could also offer broader cultural experiences. As a fellow, you may work with field experts. You might form professional connections with differing perspectives.
How To Get A Fellowship In College?
One way to get a fellowship is by being proactive and doing your research. There are many resources available to help you find the perfect opportunity for you.
1. Talk to your professors, academic advisors, and career counselors.
2. Attend information sessions and workshops offered by your school’s fellowship office or career center.
3. Utilize your school’s fellowship database and search engines.
4. Read books and articles about fellowships and the application process.
5. Connect with alumni who have received graduate student fellowships.
6. Attend conferences and networking events related to your field of interest.
7. Start early and give yourself plenty of time to prepare your application.
What Is The Difference Between Fellowship and Scholarship?
Fellowships and scholarships are both types of financial aid that could help you pay for college. The main difference between the two is that scholarships are usually based on academic merit, while fellowships are usually based on financial need. Scholarships may also be available to students at any level of study, while fellowships are typically only available to graduate students. If you want to know more about scholarships, you can check some other scholarship facts.
What Is The Difference Between Fellowships and Grants?
The main difference between a fellowship and a grant is that a fellowship is usually awarded to an individual, while a grant is usually awarded to an organization. Fellowships for graduate students may be used to cover expenses such as tuition, fees, books, supplies, or living costs, while grants are typically used to fund research or other projects. Grants may also be awarded by the government, while fellowships are usually awarded by private foundations or organizations.
This award is available for U.S. graduate students who are attending an accredited institution in New England. Students must have completed either one semester of coursework at the master’s level or three years of doctoral coursework and must be pursuing a career related to the environment.
This fellowship is open to U.S. and Canadian Ph.D. or Th.D. students currently in their first or second year of doctoral study. Eligible proposals should describe the applicant’s commitment to the Christian church and theological education and suggest how his/her doctoral work would be an appropriate preparation of a career in theological school teaching.
The American Anthropological Association Minority Dissertation Fellowship is available to minority students who are pursuing a doctorate in anthropology.
The Fannie and John Hertz Foundation is available to graduate students majoring in physical sciences at select partner universities of the foundation. The list of eligible schools can be found at www.hertzfoundation.org/dx/Fellowships/Guidelines/Schools.aspx. All applicants are evaluated on merit only.
This $5,000 award is given to honor three former enslaved women knowns as the Mothers of Gynecology. The award will be given to one (1) African-American woman who is a known descendant of American slaves, and is enrolled in an accredited US medical school program. Finalists will be interviewed by Dr. Thornton.
This scholarship is available to citizens of Belize who are accepted to the University of North Florida in the College of Education and Human Services as undergraduate or graduate students. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
Fellows receive $10,000 a year for three years to help defray the cost of law school. Scholars receive a one-time award of $10,000 to assist with their first-year expenses. In the three years since the program was launched, MCCA has awarded more than 30 fellowships and more than 20 scholarships.
