Computer science students can receive $10,000 through the Generation Google Scholarship. The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers awards $25,000 for STEM degrees. These opportunities will reduce your educational costs by a lot. The Fulbright and Schwarzman Scholarships offer full funding for research and studies both in the US and internationally.
Medical school, engineering, or any other advanced degree candidates can benefit from our complete list of 27 high-value scholarships. These opportunities will revolutionize your graduate school experience. Most programs go beyond tuition coverage and provide great field experience through fellowships and assistantships.
National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship
Image Source: NSF Graduate Research Fellowship
The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship is one of America's top graduate student scholarships. Since 1950, it has supported exceptional research in STEM fields. The program's alumni include more than 40 Nobel Prize winners and 400 National Academy members [1].
Program Overview
This fellowship wants to build a stronger scientific workforce in America by supporting talented graduate students who pursue research-based master's or doctoral degrees. NSF welcomes applications from underrepresented communities to bring different points of view to STEM fields [2].
Award Details
Your fellowship package has:
Annual stipend of $37,000 for three years [2]
Education allowance of $16,000 paid to your institution annually [2]
Five-year window to use three years of funding [2]
Access to supplemental funding for medical deferrals [3]
Application Requirements
You need to be a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident to qualify for this chance [4]. You should be enrolled or planning to enroll in a research-based graduate program at an accredited U.S. institution. You can apply as an undergraduate senior or during your first two years of graduate school [4].
The selection process looks at your potential to achieve important research results based on two main criteria: intellectual merit and broader effects. Your application needs a detailed research proposal, personal statement, and 3-5 recommendation letters from faculty or research supervisors [5].
Ford Foundation Dissertation Fellowship
Image Source: National Academies
Originally designed to boost diversity in academia, the Ford Foundation Dissertation Fellowship provides significant support to doctoral candidates in their final year of study. This prestigious award helps you complete your dissertation and build valuable professional connections.
Fellowship Benefits
Your fellowship package has:
$28,000 stipend for one year [6]
Invitation to the Conference of Ford Fellows
Access to Ford Fellow Regional Liaisons network for mentoring
Professional development resources and networking opportunities
Eligibility Criteria
You must complete a research-based Ph.D. or Sc.D. degree and finish all requirements except dissertation writing and defense to qualify [6]. The program requires you to demonstrate:
Superior academic achievement
Steadfast dedication to teaching and research at college level
Knowing how to use diversity as an educational resource
U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, or DACA status [6]
Success Stories
The fellowship has launched many successful academic careers. To cite an instance, Naiima Khahaifa, a geography doctoral student, used her fellowship to research the intersection of mass incarceration and racial justice [7]. She ended up developing groundbreaking research on African American correctional officers while teaching at SUNY Empire State College as a SUNY PRODiG Fellow [7] .
Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Image Source: Fulbright Program
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program, America's leading international exchange program, lets you study, conduct research, or teach English in more than 140 countries. This prestigious chance helps you build lasting connections with your host country.
Program Structure
You can pick between two main paths: Study/Research grants to pursue your own international research project, or English Teaching Assistantships to teach English abroad. Both paths let you connect deeply with local communities and advance your academic goals.
Award Components
Your Fulbright grant has:
Round-trip transportation to the host country
Monthly room and board allowance
Accident and sickness health benefits
24/7 support services
Some countries offer many more benefits like research allowances, language study programs, and full tuition waivers.
Application Timeline
The application cycle opens in Spring 2025 for the 2026-2027 academic year. The selection process moves through several stages:
Original application submission (August-October)
National screening committee review (November-December)
Host country assessment (January)
Final notifications (March-April)
Your application success depends on showing both academic excellence and cultural engagement skills. The program assesses your project proposal, qualifications, and knowing how to promote mutual understanding between nations.
AAUW International Fellowship
Image Source: AAUW
The AAUW International Fellowship program, now 106 years old, has invested more than $146 million to support over 14,000 women worldwide [8]. This fellowship helps you complete your graduate studies in the United States and prepares you for leadership roles in your home country.
Fellowship Coverage
The fellowship support varies based on your academic level:
Master's/Professional degree: $20,000 annually
Doctoral studies: $25,000 annually
Postdoctoral research: $50,000 annually [9]
The funding takes care of your educational expenses, living costs, and dependent child care. You can use up to 10% of the fellowship amount to attend professional conferences [10].
Selection Process
Your application will be reviewed based on:
Academic excellence and research originality
Professional qualifications
Your dedication to advancing women in your home country
Financial need [9]
The committee gives special attention to candidates from developing countries who show promise to affect their communities positively [10].
Application Tips
These elements will make your application stronger:
Create a clear project plan before writing your proposal
Set realistic goals and objectives
Include detailed budget information
Ask someone to review your completed proposal [9]
Your application should showcase your academic achievements and demonstrate your steadfast dedication to enabling women and girls through your community service or research work [9].
Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowship
Image Source: Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans
The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowship stands out from other graduate student scholarships because it helps New Americans - immigrants and children of immigrants who want advanced degrees. The fellowship network now has 805 Fellows from 103 countries of heritage [11].
Award Benefits
Your fellowship package gives you:
$90,000 total support over two years [1]
Up to $25,000 annual stipend [1]
50% of required tuition and fees (up to $20,000 per year) [1]
Access to an active alumni network
Participation in the annual Fall Conference in New York City
Eligibility Requirements
You need to be 30 years or younger to apply [3]. You qualify if:
You're a naturalized citizen, green card holder, or refugee/asylee
Your birth parents were born outside the US as non-US citizens
You graduated from both high school and college in the US (including DACA recipients)
You must also plan to enroll in a full-time graduate program at an accredited US institution [3].
Past Recipients
Fellows have studied at top institutions nationwide. Stanford University leads with 106 Fellows while MIT has supported 44 Fellows [5] . The fellowship's alumni include remarkable achievers like U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy and leading Ebola researcher Pardis Sabeti [12]. The program helps people who will make the most important contributions to American society, culture, and academia.
GEM Fellowship
Image Source: GEM Fellowship
The GEM Fellowship program partners with over 75 major corporations to help underrepresented STEM students pursue advanced degrees.
Fellowship Details
Your fellowship support depends on your degree:
MS Engineering: $16,000 annual stipend plus full tuition [13]
PhD Program: $24,000 stipend for first year [14]
Complete tuition and fee coverage for both programs [13]
You'll receive guaranteed paid summer internships with leading tech companies along with financial support. The program has helped more than 4,000 students complete their GEM Fellowships successfully [14].
Application Process
The application follows a clear timeline. You must submit your materials by the second Friday in November [15]. Late submissions will need to wait until the next cycle. Your application should include:
Statement of purpose
Unofficial transcripts
Three recommendation letters
Minimum 3.0 GPA for PhD programs [16]
Industry Connections
GEM's extensive corporate network makes it unique. Most fellows (over 80%) accept full-time offers from their sponsoring employers [14]. Summer internships let you build professional relationships while getting hands-on experience. The program connects your skills with employer partners' technical needs, which creates meaningful research and development career opportunities.
Hertz Foundation Fellowship
Image Source: Hertz Foundation
The Hertz Foundation Fellowship distinguishes itself with a remarkable requirement: Fellows must make their expertise available to the United States during national emergencies [17].
Award Components
The fellowship package provides $250,000 in total support spread across five years [18]. You can pick between two funding options:
Option 1: $38,000 annual stipend plus full tuition to cover 5 years [18]
Option 2: A coordinated plan with other fellowships plus a $6,000 annual supplemental stipend [19]
Selection Criteria
The foundation reviews candidates based on these key qualities [20]:
Deep, integrated knowledge beyond grades
Creative problem-solving abilities
Active leadership capabilities
Commitment to greater good
Track record of achievements
Success Rates
The selection process is highly competitive. Each year, around 800 candidates compete for just 10 spots, which means an acceptance rate of 1.5% [21]. Candidates go through two rounds of technical interviews. About 180 candidates move to the first round, while 70 advance to the second [22]. The foundation has awarded fellowships to 1,271 fellows since it began. MIT leads with 309 fellows, followed by Stanford with 255 fellows [21].
Department of Energy Computational Science Fellowship
Image Source: Krell Institute
The Department of Energy Computational Science Graduate Fellowship started in 1991. This program equips students to solve complex science and engineering problems through high-performance computing [4].
Program Benefits
Your complete support package has:
$45,000 annual stipend [23]
Full tuition and required fees coverage
$1,000 yearly professional development allowance
12-week practicum at one of 21 DOE laboratories [24]
Research Areas
Students can choose between two distinct tracks [25]:
Science & Engineering Track: Focuses on applying high-performance computing to research problems
Math/Computer Science Track: Emphasizes developing emerging HPC systems
Both tracks use artificial intelligence and machine learning elements to tackle national computing challenges.
Application Guidelines
U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents can apply for full-time doctoral studies at an accredited U.S. university [26]. Your application package needs:
Official transcripts from all universities attended
Three reference letters
Detailed program of study
Research proposal
The 2025-26 cohort applications are due by January 16, 2025 [27]. The program ended up supporting more than 675 students from 85 U.S. universities [4] , building a strong network of computational science leaders.
NIH F31 Predoctoral Fellowship
Image Source: NIH Grants and Funding
The Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (F31) enables doctoral students to conduct dissertation research with mentored training in health-related fields [28].
Funding Details
The fellowship package offers complete support that can last up to 5 years [2]. Your funding has:
Annual stipend for living expenses
60% coverage of tuition and fees (up to $16,000 annually) [29]
$4,750 institutional allowance for research expenses [29]
Research Focus Areas
Research must match NIH's mission to boost health understanding and treatment [2]. Doctoral candidates can receive support in:
Biomedical sciences
Behavioral research
Clinical studies
Application Strategy
Strong applications showcase academic excellence and dedication to becoming an independent researcher [2]. You need to submit:
Research training plan
Three to five reference letters
Sponsor statement
Detailed project timeline
U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled in Ph.D. or equivalent research degree programs can apply [30]. Students must dedicate 40 hours per week to their research [2]. Successful applications demonstrate the candidate's potential to become productive, independent research scientists [28].
Gates Cambridge Scholarship
Image Source: Gates Cambridge
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation made a historic $210 million donation to establish the Gates Cambridge Scholarship program. This program enables exceptional students worldwide to pursue graduate studies at the University of Cambridge [6].
Scholarship Coverage
The complete funding package has:
Annual maintenance allowance of £21,000 [6]
Full tuition coverage at appropriate rate
Round-trip airfare
Visa costs and health surcharge
Academic development funding up to £2,000 [6]
Selection Process
The selection committee assesses your application through a three-stage process [31]. The four main criteria are:
Outstanding intellectual ability
Reasons for course choice
Commitment to improving lives
Leadership potential
The program awards about 80 full-cost scholarships each year, and PhD students receive approximately two-thirds of these awards [6]. Students go through departmental nomination, shortlisting, and a 20-25 minute interview [31].
Scholar Experience
You will become part of a vibrant community of about 250 Scholars from 50 countries at Cambridge [6]. The program provides:
Professional development events
Annual research symposia
Scholar-led initiatives
Global alumni network of 1,700+ leaders [6]
The program wants to build a worldwide network of future leaders who are dedicated to improving lives. Scholars receive both financial and non-financial support throughout their Cambridge experience [6].
Rhodes Scholarship
Image Source: Rhodes Trust - University of Oxford
The 120-year old Rhodes Scholarship stands as the world's oldest international graduate scholarship program [32]. You have a chance to join this prestigious community at Oxford University with exceptional benefits and a powerful alumni network.
Award Benefits
Your complete funding package has:
Full Oxford University tuition coverage
Monthly stipend of £19,092 (approximately $24,000) [33]
Round-trip flights to and from the UK
Student visa fees and health coverage
Access to Rhodes House facilities
Application Requirements
We look for candidates who excel academically and show strong leadership potential. You need:
Outstanding academic record (typically 3.85+ GPA) [34]
Strong character and commitment to service
Leadership capabilities
Citizenship or permanent residency in your constituency
The selection process moves through multiple stages, with final interviews in November [35]. Your application should have a personal statement, academic statement, and five referrals [34].
Success Stories
Rhodes Scholars have achieved remarkable success in a variety of fields. The program's alumni list features Nobel Prize winners and over 400 National Academy members [32]. Past scholars have become influential figures in politics, journalism, and science who shape global policy and research [36]. You'll join a network of nearly 8,000 Rhodes Scholars who stand at the vanguard of government, education, arts, and research [37].
Marshall Scholarship
Image Source: Marshall Scholarships
The prestigious Marshall Scholarship, named after US Secretary of State George C. Marshall, builds stronger bonds between British and American nations through student exchange programs [38].
Program Overview
This scholarship lets you study at any British university with complete funding for your academic and living costs. Each year, up to 50 scholars receive this award [39]. We select future leaders who will strengthen UK-US relationships.
Selection Criteria
You need to meet these core requirements:
Minimum GPA of 3.7 (no exceptions) [40]
US citizenship status
Bachelor's degree from an accredited US institution
Graduation after April 2022 [39]
The selection team reviews three equally important categories:
Academic excellence
Leadership capabilities
Ambassadorial potential
Application Timeline
The 2025 application schedule runs as follows:
Submission deadline: September 24, 2024 (5 PM in your institution's time zone) [41]
Regional interviews: November
Final notifications: December [42]
Your funding package has university fees, living expenses, annual book grants, thesis support, and travel allowances [7]. The scholarship supports all graduate degrees except professional programs like MBA or second bachelor's degrees [41].
Schwarzman Scholars Program
Image Source: Schwarzman Scholars
The Schwarzman Scholars program at China's prestigious Tsinghua University is designed to shape future global leaders. This graduate student scholarship goes beyond academics. Students learn about China's expanding role in global affairs.
Program Benefits
Your fully-funded package has:
Tuition and fees coverage
Room and board at Schwarzman College
Travel to and from Beijing
Health insurance
Personal stipend of $4,000 [43]
Eligibility Requirements
You must meet these criteria:
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
Age between 18-28 as of August 1 of enrollment year [44]
Strong English proficiency (minimum TOEFL iBT score of 100 or IELTS score of 7) [45]
The program maintains a diverse cohort distribution: 40% from the United States, 20% from China, and 40% from the rest of world [46] .
Scholar Network
You'll become part of an elite community of global leaders. The program has built a network of more than 1,300 members from 104 countries and 459 institutions worldwide [47]. Students develop leadership skills through intensive coursework, cultural immersion, and mentorship opportunities. They learn about China's role in shaping global trends.
Knight-Hennessy Scholars
Image Source: Knight-Hennessy Scholars - Stanford University
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program at Stanford University helps you tackle complex global challenges. You'll get graduate education and leadership development that prepares you to make a real difference.
Scholarship Components
Your detailed funding package covers up to three years with full tuition and fees [48]. You'll get a stipend that covers living expenses, academic materials, and a yearly travel allowance for one round-trip to Stanford [48]. First-year scholars receive a one-time relocation stipend. Second and third-year scholars can ask for extra funds to support academic enrichment activities [48].
Selection Process
The selection committee reviews your application based on three key criteria:
Independence of thought - analytical ability and creative problem-solving
Purposeful leadership - drive to achieve meaningful results
Civic mindset - commitment to improving lives [49]
The process has an online application and video statement. Selected candidates take part in Immersion Weekend at Stanford [50]. Up to 180 candidates come to campus for final review [50].
Scholar Community
The King Global Leadership Program connects you with scholars from all seven Stanford schools [51]. This vibrant community brings together different cultures and points of view to promote meaningful connections and lifelong friendships [51]. Denning House serves as your collaboration hub where you can share ideas and experiences with fellow scholars [52].
SMART Scholarship
Image Source: SMART Scholarship
The Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship offers educational funding with guaranteed Department of Defense (DoD) employment. Students can work at any of the 181 mission-critical facilities [53].
Program Benefits
The funding package gives you:
Full tuition coverage at any U.S. accredited institution
Annual stipend between $30,000-$46,000 based on degree level [53]
Health insurance allowance up to $2,500 yearly [54]
Book allowance of $1,000 annually [54]
Paid summer internships at DoD facilities
Service Commitment
The program uses a straightforward one-for-one commitment structure. Each year of scholarship funding requires one year of civilian employment with the DoD. The program's success speaks for itself with a 91% completion rate for service commitments [53].
Application Process
Students can apply from August 1 to the first Friday in December each year [53]. You need to:
Be a U.S. citizen
Maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA
Pursue one of 24 approved STEM disciplines [55]
The selection committee reviews applications in February to choose semi-finalists. Finalist notifications go out in April [54]. The program has awarded 5,233 scholarships [53]. Scholars now work as pioneers in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and cyber technologies.
NASA Space Technology Graduate Research
Image Source: NASA
NASA's Space Technology Graduate Research Opportunities program lets you work on groundbreaking space innovations during your advanced degree studies. You'll work directly with NASA's leading experts and use their facilities.
Research Areas
Your research should match NASA's strategic framework for space technology development. The program focuses on four key areas:
Rapid and safe space transportation
Access to surface destinations of all types
Environmentally responsible living in space
Revolutionary space missions
Funding Details
The support package has:
$40,000 annual stipend [56]
Full tuition and fees coverage
Health insurance allowance
Conference attendance support
Research experience at NASA Centers
Application Guidelines
You need to be a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident to apply [57]. The program is open to students pursuing or planning to pursue a master's or doctoral degree in relevant space technology disciplines at an accredited U.S. university. The application deadline is November 1, 2024 [56].
Your faculty advisor leads as the Principal Investigator, and a NASA researcher becomes your technical collaborator [57]. This partnership helps you learn more about space technology applications and share research results with the NASA community. The program has supported over 700 awards at 110 universities in 42 states [56].
Fannie and John Hertz Foundation
Image Source: Hertz Foundation
The Hertz Foundation scholarship stands out among thousands of graduate student opportunities. Only 1.5% of applicants make the cut [21], and you'll need to show real talent in science and technology to join this select group.
Fellowship Benefits
You can pick between two funding options worth $250,000 over five years [58]:
Option 1: $34,000 nine-month stipend plus full tuition
Option 2: A combined funding package with other institutions that includes a $40,000 stipend during Hertz period and an $8,000 extra stipend when partner institutions step in
Research Focus
The foundation looks for innovators who can tackle pressing global challenges [20]. Your research should blend with applied physical, biological, or engineering sciences. The selection team will review your potential based on your knowledge integration, problem-solving creativity, and ability to lead.
Success Stories
Fellows have made their mark at top institutions, with 309 at MIT and 255 at Stanford University [21]. You'll build connections with a network of 1,300+ talented peers through special events and symposia [17]. These relationships have led to many successful startups, research projects, and technology ventures [59]. Hertz Fellows have substantially shaped national security, applied biological sciences, and artificial intelligence development.
DOD NDSEG Fellowship
Image Source: NDSEG
The National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship enables students to advance research vital to national security through doctoral studies in military-relevant fields. The program awards three-year fellowships to 100-150 new recipients each year [60].
Award Components
Your funding package has:
A $40,800 annual stipend [61]
Coverage of full tuition and mandatory fees
A $5,000 budget to support professional development travel [61]
-
A $1,400 health insurance allowance per year [61]
Research Areas
Your research must line up with DoD's strategic interests in disciplines of all types:
Aeronautical and astronautical engineering
Biomedical and computational sciences
Materials science and engineering
Naval architecture and ocean engineering [62]
Application Strategy
Your success hinges on a strong research proposal that shows DoD relevance. The merit-based evaluation considers these components:
Research proposal (65% of evaluation) [63]
Academic achievements (10%) [63]
Reference evaluations (15%) [63]
Personal statement (10%) [63]
The research proposal needs these specific formatting requirements:
Three pages, single-spaced
One additional page for citations
Times New Roman font, 11-point [63]
The FY2025 cycle accepts applications from August 1st through November 1st [64].
American Heart Association Predoctoral Fellowship
Image Source: Professional Heart Daily - American Heart Association
The American Heart Association Predoctoral Fellowship enables you to push cardiovascular health forward through groundbreaking research.
Research Focus
Your research should focus on cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, or stroke. The scope spans basic, clinical, translational, or population sciences [65]. This fellowship wants to help you become an independent researcher and contribute to better cardiovascular health worldwide.
Award Details
The detailed funding package has:
Annual stipend of $28,224 [66]
Health insurance allowance of $4,550 per year [66]
Project support funding of $2,000 annually [66]
International travel support without prior approval [66]
Application Requirements
We welcome students enrolled in a post-baccalaureate PhD, MD, DO, DVM, PharmD, DDS, DrPH, or PhD in nursing program [67]. The fellowship is open to:
U.S. citizens and permanent residents
DACA status holders
International students with appropriate visas [67]
You need to submit three reference letters, a research training plan, and a sponsor statement [68] . The fellowship has one unique rule - you must get your own AHA membership because you can't use your mentor's credentials [69]. Successful applications show strong research potential and steadfast dedication to advancing cardiovascular health.
Google PhD Fellowship
Image Source: Google Research
Google's PhD Fellowship recognizes outstanding research talent in computer science and gives you an opportunity to shape technology's future during your doctoral studies.
Program Benefits
The fellowship support depends on where you are in your PhD journey. Early-stage students receive $50,000 each year for up to four years [70]. Late-stage doctoral candidates get a one-year fellowship of $10,000 [70]. Students at both levels work with a dedicated Google Research Mentor who provides professional guidance.
Research Areas
Your research should match Google's interests in computer science. The key focus areas include:
Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence
Natural Language Processing
Privacy and Security
Quantum Computing
Systems and Networking
Human-Computer Interaction [10]
Application Process
Applications start in March 2024 and end on May 8, 2024 [70]. Your complete application needs:
Resume with publication links
Research proposal (maximum 3 pages)
Academic transcripts
2-3 recommendation letters [70]
You must stay enrolled full-time throughout the fellowship period [70]. The selection committee looks at your research proposal strength, academic achievements, and potential contributions to the field [71].
Microsoft Research PhD Fellowship
Image Source: Microsoft Research PhD Fellowship - Microsoft Research
The Microsoft Research PhD Fellowship has equipped more than 700 fellows in research of all types worldwide [72].
Fellowship Components
The complete support package has:
$15,000 research funding for academic year 2023-24 [73]
12-week paid internship at Microsoft Research labs [73]
Professional mentorship opportunities
Access to Microsoft's research teams
Research Focus
Your research should line up with Microsoft Research themes in:
Machine Learning and AI
Natural Language Processing
Systems and Networking
Human-Computer Interaction
Application Timeline
The selection process reviews your potential through these stages:
Department nomination (maximum 4 per department)
Research proposal submission
-
Technical review by Microsoft researchers
Departments that nominate multiple candidates should ensure all but one of these nominees represent underrepresented communities in computing [74]. The proposal needs to showcase your academic achievements and how your research will affect the field. Strong recommendation letters are vital - you need 2-3 references to support your application [73].
Facebook Fellowship Program
Image Source: Meta Research
Meta Research PhD Fellowship program selects promising PhD students to support their groundbreaking research in computer science and engineering. The program attracts over 3,200 applications from more than 100 universities worldwide [75].
Award Benefits
The detailed funding package has:
Full tuition and fees coverage for two academic years
$42,000 annual stipend for living expenses [75]
Conference travel support
Paid visit to Meta headquarters for Fellowship Summit
Chances to work with Meta researchers
Research Areas
Your research should match Meta's key interests in:
Machine Learning and AI Systems
Privacy and Data Use
Programming Languages
Security and Privacy
AR/VR Technologies
Human-Computer Interaction
Selection Criteria
The selection committee reviews applications based on:
Research statement strength
Publication record
Recommendation letters [76]
Strong applications show clear research goals and potential to make a difference. You must be enrolled in a PhD program at an accredited university [77]. Applications close in September, and results come out in January [78] . The fellowship has helped more than 200 PhD candidates worldwide [75].
IBM PhD Fellowship
Image Source: IBM Research
The IBM PhD Fellowship Program ranks among the most prestigious graduate student scholarships. Over the last several years, this program has encouraged innovation through academic partnerships. You can join this exceptional program by learning about its unique opportunities.
Program Overview
Your fellowship support depends on your location. Students in the United States receive $40,000 each year [79]. You'll work with an IBM mentor and can participate in internships to improve your research experience. Each university can submit four nominations, and they expect half of these to come from diversity candidates [80].
Research Priorities
Your research should line up with IBM's key focus areas:
Semiconductor Technology
Quantum Computing
Artificial Intelligence
Multi-Cloud Computing
Security
Responsible Computing [81]
Application Guidelines
You need a faculty nomination to apply because the program doesn't accept self-nominations [79]. The nomination window opens from July 15 to August 30, 2024 [79]. The evaluation team reviews your application based on:
Research excellence potential
Fit with IBM focus areas
Academic progress
Faculty endorsements [82]
You must stay enrolled full-time in a PhD program during the award period [79]. The program selects candidates who show academic excellence and can make valuable contributions to their research field.
Intel PhD Fellowship
Image Source: Intel
Intel's prestigious PhD Fellowship Program helps exceptional doctoral candidates pursue advanced technology innovation at select U.S. universities [9].
Fellowship Benefits
The support package has a full academic year of tuition plus stipend and a travel grant [83]. You'll work directly with an Intel technical leader who helps you understand industry challenges [83]. The program gives you priority access to internships and future employment opportunities at Intel [83].
Research Focus
Your research must line up with these key technology areas:
Hardware Systems Technology and Design
Semiconductor Technology and Manufacturing
Software Technology and Design
Social Research and Ethnography [83]
Application Requirements
Intel invites select U.S. institutions to nominate candidates [9]. You need to meet these criteria:
Full-time student status
Within 18 months of graduation
Completed qualifying exams
Unrestricted right to work in U.S. [83]
Intel's fellows and technical leaders review each application carefully [83]. The program values diversity and welcomes applications from underrepresented groups and women in technology [83]. You'll get to showcase your research at the annual PhD Fellowship Forum while networking with Intel executives and fellow scholars [83].
Cisco Research PhD Fellowship
Image Source: Cisco
Cisco Research collaborates with top universities to strengthen your doctoral trip with substantial funding and industry connections. The fellowship program shapes technology's future in multiple domains.
Award Components
The fellowship package offers detailed research funding and professional development opportunities. You will receive full tuition coverage and research grants through your university [8]. The program welcomes open innovation - you keep the rights to publish your findings and share software developments freely [84].
Research Areas
Your research should line up with Cisco's strategic priorities:
Distributed Systems and AI Applications
Quantum Networks and Security
Natural Language Processing
Semiconductor Reliability
Interactive Media Delivery [85]
Application Process
You need full-time faculty or research staff status at an accredited university to be eligible [8]. The evaluation looks at:
Research proposal fit with priority areas
Technology's potential impact
Academic credentials
The program follows a well-laid-out timeline and accepts proposals year-round [8]. Strategic collaborations with institutions like Cornell University have funded five faculty projects [84]. Georgia Tech has received support for 30 research initiatives [86] . These partnerships give you access to extensive resources and mentorship opportunities.
Adobe Research Fellowship
Image Source: Adobe Research
The Adobe Research Fellowship helps exceptional PhD students worldwide advance computer science by connecting academic research with ground application. PhD students have a chance to join this prestigious program that offers great benefits and industry connections.
Program Benefits
The fellowship award gives you $10,000 and a Creative Cloud subscription for one year [87]. You can get internship opportunities at Adobe and work together with world-class researchers in your field [1]. A dedicated mentor will give you valuable feedback on your research progress while you learn about ground applications.
Research Focus
Your research should line up with Adobe's key priorities:
Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
Computer Vision and Imaging
Human-Computer Interaction
Natural Language Processing
Graphics and Virtual Reality [88]
Application Timeline
Your research proposal should be two pages long with text and figures, not counting citations [88]. The proposal needs to show how your work adds to Adobe's mission. You'll need three recommendation letters, and your advisor must write one of them [88]. The selection team will assess your innovative work and future research plans [1].
Students must be enrolled full-time in a PhD program throughout 2025 [87]. Applications are due in early December, and decisions come out next spring [87].
Comparison Table
Scholarship Name | Award Amount/Benefits | Duration | Research Focus/Areas | Key Eligibility Requirements | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NSF Graduate Research Fellowship | $37,000 annual stipend + $16,000 education allowance | 3 years | STEM fields | U.S. citizen/national/permanent resident; Undergraduate senior or first 2 years of graduate school | Not mentioned |
Ford Foundation Dissertation Fellowship | $28,000 stipend | 1 year | Not restricted to specific fields | Completed all requirements except dissertation; U.S. citizen/permanent resident/DACA | Not mentioned |
Fulbright U.S. Student Program | Monthly stipend + travel + health benefits | Not mentioned | Not restricted to specific fields | U.S. citizen | Spring 2025 |
AAUW International Fellowship | $20,000 (Master's), $25,000 (Doctoral), $50,000 (Postdoctoral) | 1 year | Not restricted to specific fields | International women students | Not mentioned |
Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowship | $90,000 total ($25,000 stipend + up to $20,000 tuition) | 2 years | Not restricted to specific fields | Age 30 or younger; New American status | Not mentioned |
GEM Fellowship | MS: $16,000 annual stipend, PhD: $24,000 first-year stipend + full tuition | Not mentioned | STEM fields | Underrepresented students in STEM | Second Friday in November |
Hertz Foundation Fellowship | $250,000 total value ($38,000 annual stipend + full tuition) | 5 years | Applied physical, biological, or engineering sciences | Not mentioned | Not mentioned |
DOE Computational Science Fellowship | $45,000 annual stipend + full tuition | Not mentioned | Computational science | U.S. citizen/permanent resident | January 16, 2025 |
NIH F31 Predoctoral Fellowship | 60% tuition coverage (up to $16,000) + $4,750 institutional allowance | Up to 5 years | Health-related fields | U.S. citizen/permanent resident | Not mentioned |
Gates Cambridge Scholarship | £21,000 annual maintenance + full tuition + travel | Not mentioned | All fields at Cambridge | Not mentioned | Not mentioned |
Google PhD Fellowship | $50,000 annually (early-stage), $10,000 (late-stage) | Up to 4 years | Computer science | Full-time enrollment | May 8, 2024 |
Microsoft Research PhD Fellowship | $15,000 research funding + paid internship | 1 year | Computing research | Not mentioned | Not mentioned |
Meta Research Fellowship | $42,000 annual stipend + full tuition | 2 years | Computer science and engineering | Enrolled in PhD program | September |
IBM PhD Fellowship | $40,000 annually | Not mentioned | AI, quantum computing, security | Faculty nomination required | July 15-Aug 30, 2024 |
Intel PhD Fellowship | Full tuition + stipend | 1 academic year | Hardware/software technology, semiconductor | Within 18 months of graduation; U.S. work authorization | Not mentioned |
Adobe Research Fellowship | $10,000 one-time award | 1 year | AI, computer vision, HCI | Full-time PhD enrollment | Early December |
Conclusion
These 27 prestigious graduate scholarships can provide $10,000 to $250,000 in funding for students in fields ranging from computer science to humanities. The programs don't just offer money - you'll also get great extras like mentorship, paid internships, and professional networking opportunities.
Each scholarship has its own set of requirements. The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship focuses on STEM fields, while scholarships like Gates Cambridge welcome students from all disciplines. You'll find options that match your academic goals, whether you're a domestic or international student.
You should start by finding scholarships that align with your field and check if you meet their criteria. Getting an early start on applications helps you prepare strong research proposals and get compelling recommendation letters. Remember that these programs are highly selective, with only 1-2% of applicants making the cut.
These graduate scholarships will help you achieve your academic goals through funding and career opportunities. Your best strategy is to apply to multiple programs that match your profile.
