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Grant Awards

Below are a few grant awards that students can apply for. Please follow each associated link for further information about the award and due dates.

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Internal Grant Awards

Presidential Fellowship

This fellowship is funded by the President of the University and awarded by The Graduate School.

The award is for 24 months for PhD students starting in the fall quarter of the award period and includes:

  • Tuition Payment
  • Monthly Stipend
  • $1,000 research award (for each academic year of award)
  • Up to $1,000 for travel (for each academic year of award) 

For more information about the application process, please click here.

John N. Nicholson Fellowship

The John N. Nicholson Fellowship provides support for Northwestern graduate students enrolled in PhD programs in the sciences, engineering, and management.

The award covers tuition and a stipend for one academic year, but students may re-apply. 

For more information about the application process, please click here.

Achievement Rewards for College Scientists

ARCS Illinois Scholars pursue master's and doctoral degrees in a wide range of subjects. Representative departments within ARCS recipients' schools eligible to sponsor ARCS Scholars include artificial intelligence, biochemistry, biology, cell and molecular biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering, geological science, immunology, mathematics, medicine, and physics. In order to receive an ARCS scholarship, students are recommended by deans and/or department chairmen at the university.

Award Amount: $7,500 scholarship

For more information, see their website.

External Grant Awards

Below is a brief list of external grant awards that students can apply for. Please visit the Office for Fellowships for further grant opportunities. Follow each associated link for further information about the award and due dates.

Ruth L. Kirschstein Nation Research Service Award, National Institutes of Health (NIH)

This award typically provides 2-3 years of support for research training that leads to the PhD or equivalent research degree. Pre-doctoral NRSA awards include an annual stipend as well as funds for tuition, fees, health insurance, and training related expenses.

This F31 program only supports dissertation research training. For additional information and eligibility requirements please review the program solicitation.

For dual-doctoral degree students, please review the F30 fellowship program solicitation.

Submission Due Dates: April 8, August 8, December 8 (by 5:00pm)

Graduate Research Fellowship, National Science Foundation (NSF)

The Graduate Research Fellowship provides three years of support for graduate study leading to research-based master's or doctoral degrees and is intended for students who are at the early stages of their graduate study.

Eligibility: Applicants must be United States citizens or nationals, or permanent residents of the United States.

Award Amount: $37,000 annual stipend and tuition allowance of $16,000 towards an advanced degree in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or social sciences for 3 years.

For additional information and eligibility requirements, please check their website.

Predoctoral Fellowship Program, American Heart Association (AHA)

Fellowship program's objective is to help students initiate careers in cardiovascular and stroke research by providing research assistance and training.

Science Focus: Research broadly related to cardiovascular function and disease and stroke, or to related clinical, basic science, bioengineering or biotechnology, and public health problems, including multidisciplinary efforts.

For additional information and eligibility requirements, please check their website.

American Dissertation Fellowship, American Association of University Women (AAUW)

The American Dissertation Fellowship is open to women scholars in all fields of study. The purpose of the Dissertation Fellowship is to offset a scholar’s living expenses while she completes her dissertation.

Award Amount: $25,000

For additional information and eligibility requirements, please check their website.

Gilliam Fellowship for Advanced Study, HHMI

The Gilliam Fellowships for Advanced Study promote the development of scholars who will assume leadership roles in science, especially among college and university faculties responsible for developing the next generation of scientists. The fellowships are open to PhD students who are: motivated toward careers as academic scientists; from racial, ethnic, and other underrepresented groups in science, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds; and, committed to the advancement of diversity and inclusion in science.

Eligibility: Applicants must be United States citizens or nationals; permanent residents of the United States; DACA recipients; or international students eligible to study and receive funding at their institution.

Award Amount: Annual stipend, discretionary allowance, and tuition allowance.

For additional information and eligibility requirements, please check their website.

 

Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans

The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans supports thirty New Americans, immigrants or the children of immigrants, who are pursuing graduate school in the United States. Each Fellowship supports up to one to two years of graduate study in any field and in any advanced degree-granting program in the United States.

For additional information and eligibility requirements, please check their website.