Graduate school can be expensive, whether you’re pursuing a master’s degree, PhD, MBA, law degree, nursing degree, or another professional qualification.
The good news is that there are scholarships, fellowships, and research funding opportunities designed to support graduate students. Some are open to students across academic disciplines, while others focus on particular fields, research interests, or career goals.
This guide brings together major graduate funding opportunities to help students identify programs worth exploring.
Who is this guide for?
- U.S. citizens and eligible permanent residents pursuing graduate education.
- Students applying to master’s, doctoral, and professional degree programs.
- Current graduate students looking for fellowships and research funding.
Some programs also accept international students studying at U.S. universities. Their eligibility is identified where applicable.
Important deadline note: Deadlines refer to the 2026–2027 application cycle where published. Some programs have already completed their application period, while others have different deadlines by field or institution. Save this guide and revisit the official websites for future application cycles. Do not assume that a date will remain the same every year.
PART 1: Graduate Scholarships and Fellowships for Multiple Majors
These opportunities support graduate education across a range of academic disciplines, although some have specific eligibility requirements.
| Scholarship / Fellowship | Award | Who Can Apply? | 2026–2027 Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans | Up to $90,000 over two years | Immigrants and children of immigrants who meet the program’s New American requirements. Applicants must be 30 or younger and plan to pursue an eligible graduate or professional degree in the U.S. Any field of study. | October 29, 2026 |
| Ford Foundation Predoctoral Fellowship | $27,000 annual stipend for three years, plus tuition support | Eligible doctoral students pursuing research-based PhD or ScD programs who demonstrate academic excellence and commitment to a career in university teaching and research. Citizenship and residency requirements apply. | Usually November–December; verify the current cycle |
| Fulbright U.S. Student Program | Funding varies by country and grant | U.S. citizens pursuing graduate study, research, or English teaching opportunities abroad. Includes opportunities across many academic disciplines. This is funding to go abroad, not a general scholarship for graduate school in the U.S. | October 2026 for the 2027–2028 competition |
| Truman Scholarship | Up to $30,000 toward graduate or professional school | College students planning careers in public service, government, or related fields. Students apply during their undergraduate studies before entering graduate school. | February 2, 2027 nomination deadline |
| AAUW International Fellowships | $20,000 master’s; $25,000 doctoral; $50,000 postdoctoral | Women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents pursuing graduate or postgraduate study in the U.S. | Check the next application cycle |
| P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship | Up to $12,500 | Women from countries outside the U.S. and Canada pursuing graduate study in the U.S. or Canada. Financial need and other eligibility requirements apply. | Check the annual application calendar |
Important eligibility distinctions:
- The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowship is particularly relevant to immigrant communities. It is open to eligible immigrants and children of immigrants, including qualifying DACA recipients. It is not open to every international student simply because they study in the U.S.
- The Ford Foundation Predoctoral Fellowship supports doctoral research, not ordinary terminal master’s or professional degree programs. It has specific eligible-field and citizenship requirements.
- The Fulbright U.S. Student Program is for Americans pursuing opportunities abroad. International students who want to study in the U.S. should explore the Fulbright Foreign Student Program through their home country’s Fulbright office.
- The Truman Scholarship is applied for during college and helps fund future graduate or professional education. It is not a scholarship students apply for after starting graduate school.
PART 2: Graduate Scholarships by Field of Study
In addition to broad graduate fellowships, students should search for funding specifically related to their intended profession, research area, or graduate degree.
1. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
Students pursuing graduate degrees in computer science, engineering, mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, and related research fields should explore the following opportunities.
| Scholarship / Fellowship | Award | Who Can Apply? | 2026–2027 Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship (NSF GRFP) | $37,000 annual stipend plus $16,000 cost-of-education allowance, for three years of support over five years | Eligible U.S. citizens, nationals, and permanent residents pursuing research-based master’s or doctoral degrees in eligible STEM fields. | October 19–23, 2026, depending on field |
| National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship (NDSEG) | Tuition and fees plus a monthly stipend | U.S. citizens pursuing eligible doctoral research in science and engineering fields important to national defense. | Check the current solicitation |
| Hertz Fellowship | Full graduate funding, subject to program terms | Students pursuing PhD-level research in applied physical, biological, and engineering sciences. U.S. citizenship and other eligibility requirements apply. | Check the annual application calendar |
| Department of Energy Computational Science Graduate Fellowship | Tuition, stipend, professional development, and research opportunities | Graduate students pursuing computational science and engineering research in eligible disciplines. | Check the annual application calendar |
| PhRMA Foundation Predoctoral Fellowships | $30,000 per year for up to two years for the Drug Discovery Fellowship | U.S. and non-U.S. citizens pursuing eligible doctoral research at accredited U.S. universities. Specific research-area and academic-progress requirements apply. | October 30, 2026 for the second 2027 Drug Discovery funding-cycle letter of intent |
Additional STEM funding: Explore research grants and fellowships through the National Institutes of Health, Department of Energy, NASA, and professional engineering associations.
2. Healthcare, Medicine, Nursing, and Public Health
Graduate students pursuing advanced nursing degrees, medical research, public health, biomedical sciences, and healthcare leadership should explore these opportunities.
| Scholarship / Fellowship | Award | Who Can Apply? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| NIH Ruth L. Kirschstein NRSA Individual Predoctoral Fellowship (F31) | Stipend and institutional research-training support, subject to NIH terms | Eligible doctoral students conducting biomedical, behavioral, or health-related research. Citizenship and residency requirements apply. | Varies by NIH institute and submission cycle |
| FNSNA Graduate Nursing Scholarships | Varies by award | Eligible nursing students pursuing graduate nursing education, including advanced nursing pathways. | Check the current scholarship calendar |
| American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Scholarships | Varies by program | Nursing students enrolled at participating AACN member institutions. Some awards are limited to particular degree levels or schools. | Varies by scholarship |
| AHRQ Research Training and Career Development Awards | Varies by award | Graduate researchers and early-career professionals pursuing health services research and related fields. | Varies by funding announcement |
3. Business, MBA, Accounting, and Finance
Students pursuing an MBA, master’s in finance, accounting, business analytics, or other business-related graduate programs should explore these resources.
| Scholarship / Fellowship | Award | Who Can Apply? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forté Foundation MBA Fellowships | Varies by participating business school | Women pursuing MBA programs at participating business schools. Awards and selection processes vary by institution. | Varies by school |
| The Consortium for Graduate Study in Management | Potential full-tuition fellowship at participating MBA programs | Eligible applicants pursuing MBA degrees who meet the Consortium’s mission and participating-school requirements. | Varies by admission cycle |
| AICPA Foundation Scholarships | Varies by scholarship | Accounting students pursuing qualifying undergraduate or graduate study and planning to enter the accounting profession. | Varies by award |
| Toigo Foundation Fellowship | Varies by program and partner | Eligible graduate students pursuing careers in finance and investment management. | Check the current fellowship calendar |
4. Law, Public Policy, and Government
Students pursuing a JD, public policy, international affairs, political science, public administration, or related degrees should explore:
| Scholarship / Fellowship | Award | Who Can Apply? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Bar Association Legal Opportunity Scholarship | Up to $15,000 over three years | Eligible incoming first-year law students who meet the program’s requirements. | Check the next application cycle |
| Truman Scholarship | Up to $30,000 toward graduate or professional school | Undergraduate students preparing for graduate education and careers in public service. | February 2, 2027 nomination deadline |
| Rangel Graduate Fellowship | Up to $42,000 per year for graduate education, plus professional development | U.S. citizens pursuing graduate study and a career in the U.S. Foreign Service. | Check the annual application calendar |
| Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship | Graduate-school funding and professional development | U.S. citizens pursuing graduate education and a career in the U.S. Foreign Service. | Check the annual application calendar |
5. Education, Humanities, and Social Sciences
Students pursuing graduate degrees in education, history, economics, sociology, psychology, anthropology, literature, and related disciplines should consider:
| Scholarship / Fellowship | Award | Who Can Apply? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Foundation Predoctoral Fellowship | $27,000 annual stipend for three years, plus tuition support | Eligible PhD and ScD students in approved research fields who intend to pursue academic teaching and research careers. | Usually November–December; verify current cycle |
| American Educational Research Association (AERA) Grants | Varies by grant | Doctoral students and researchers conducting eligible education research. | Varies by program |
| American Psychological Foundation Scholarships and Grants | Varies by program | Graduate students and researchers pursuing eligible psychology-related research and professional development. | Varies by award |
| AAUW Fellowships and Grants | Varies by fellowship | Women pursuing eligible graduate, doctoral, or postdoctoral study. Some awards are limited to U.S. citizens or permanent residents, while International Fellowships serve other applicants. | Varies by program |
6. Architecture, Arts, and Design
Students pursuing graduate degrees in architecture, design, visual arts, performing arts, and related fields should explore:
| Scholarship / Organization | Award | Who Can Apply? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architects Foundation Scholarships | Varies by scholarship | Students pursuing architecture and eligible related graduate programs. | Varies by program |
| College Art Association Professional Development Fellowships and Awards | Varies | Graduate students and emerging professionals in art history, visual arts, and related disciplines. | Varies by opportunity |
| National Endowment for the Arts Grants | Varies by program | Primarily supports organizations and projects; individual eligibility depends on the specific funding program. | Varies by program |
7. Agriculture, Environment, and Natural Resources
Graduate students interested in agriculture, conservation, environmental science, climate research, and natural resources can explore:
| Scholarship / Fellowship | Award | Who Can Apply? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture Fellowships and Grants | Varies by program | Graduate researchers and institutions working in agriculture, food systems, natural resources, and related fields. | Varies by funding announcement |
| Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Fellowships and Funding | Varies by opportunity | Graduate researchers pursuing eligible environmental science, public health, and sustainability research. | Varies by program |
| Society for Conservation Biology Grants and Awards | Varies | Graduate students and researchers pursuing conservation science and related work. | Varies by award |
Other Ways to Fund Graduate School
Scholarships and fellowships are not the only ways to pay for a graduate degree. Students should also explore the following funding options.
1. Graduate Research Assistantships (GRA)
Universities hire graduate students to support faculty research. Depending on the school and department, the position may include a stipend, tuition assistance, and research experience.
2. Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTA)
Students assist professors with teaching, grading, tutoring, and leading discussion sections. Many universities provide a stipend and tuition benefits.
3. Graduate Fellowships
Some universities provide competitive fellowships to incoming master’s and PhD students. These may cover tuition, living expenses, or both.
4. Employer Tuition Assistance
Some employers pay part or all of an employee’s graduate education costs. Check your employer’s education benefits before enrolling.
5. University-Specific Scholarships
Always check the financial aid office, graduate school, and academic department of the university you plan to attend. Some of the largest graduate funding packages are offered directly by universities.
Tips for Applying to Graduate Scholarships
- Start searching at least 6–12 months before your intended enrollment date.
- Identify whether you are pursuing a master’s, PhD, or professional degree because eligibility can differ.
- Prepare your résumé or academic CV.
- Request recommendation letters from professors, supervisors, or research mentors early.
- Prepare a strong statement of purpose that explains your academic interests and career goals.
- Look for research and teaching assistantships at the universities you are applying to.
- Check citizenship, residency, age, academic, and field-of-study requirements.
- Apply to multiple funding opportunities instead of relying on one scholarship.
Final Thoughts
Graduate education can be a significant financial investment, but students should not assume they have to pay for everything out of pocket.
Explore national fellowships, professional associations, university funding, research opportunities, and employer-sponsored education benefits.
If you’re pursuing a master’s degree or PhD, start researching funding opportunities early. Some fellowships require applications before you even begin graduate school.
Level Up Habesha is committed to helping students access educational resources, make informed financial decisions, and build successful careers.
