Top Fellowships and Grants for U.S. PhD Students

Doing also PhD is also very expensive and takes years of hard work. But getting a PhD is a big achievement. The good news is that there are fellowships and grants available to let students focus on their studies without worrying about finances. These programs provide financial aid, coaching, and incredible chances. Let’s discuss in detail some of the most popular fellowships available to PhD students in the U.S.

NSF Graduate Research Fellowship (GRFP)

The National Science Foundation (NSF) gives this fellowship to students studying science, technology, engineering, or math.
Benefits:

• $37,000 per year to help with living costs
• $16,000 per year for tuition and fees

DoD NDSEG Fellowship

The Department of Defense provides the NDSEG Fellowship to students conducting research that could benefit national defense. Some of them study computer science, engineering, or physics.
Benefits:

• Full tuition coverag
• About $40,800 per year as a stipend
• Extra funds for travel and health insurance

Hertz Fellowship

The Hertz Foundation provides assistance to students majoring in applied sciences or engineering. It’s one of the most difficult fellowships to get. But one of the most generous.
Benefits:

• Up to $250,000 over 5 years
• Flexible use—you can combine it with other awards
• Mentorship and a network of top scientists

Soros Fellowship for New Americans

This one-of-a-kind fellowship is open to immigrants and their children in the United States. It is open to many disciplines, not simply science and engineering.
Benefits:

• Up to $90,000 over two years
• Support for tuition and living expenses
• Community and mentoring from other fellows

AAUW International Fellowship

This is for women from other countries who want to do a PhD in the U.S. It supports students in many fields.
Benefits:

• Up to $50,000 per year
• Help with tuition, books, and living costs

Google PhD Fellowship

Google provides this fellowship to students conducting cutting-edge research in technology fields such as artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Benefits:

• Full tuition and fees
• A generous living stipend
• Mentorship from Google researchers

FAQs – Top Fellowships and Grants for U.S. PhD Students

What are some of the most popular fellowships for U.S. PhD students?

Some of the most well-known fellowships include the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship (NSF-GRFP), Ford Foundation Fellowship, Fulbright U.S. Student Program, and the Hertz Fellowship. These programs provide funding, mentorship, and research opportunities for doctoral students.

Do fellowships cover full tuition for PhD students?

Many fellowships cover tuition, research expenses, and living stipends, but the level of support varies. Some fellowships are comprehensive, while others only provide partial funding.

How do grants differ from fellowships for PhD students?

Fellowships usually provide personal support and stipends for students, while grants often fund specific research projects, equipment, or fieldwork. Both are valuable sources of financial assistance.

Who is eligible to apply for PhD fellowships in the U.S.?

Eligibility depends on the program. Generally, applicants must be enrolled or admitted into a U.S. PhD program, maintain strong academic performance, and meet citizenship or residency requirements.

Are international students eligible for U.S. PhD fellowships?

Some fellowships, like the Fulbright Program, are open to international students. However, many U.S. government-funded fellowships are limited to U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

What fields of study are supported by PhD fellowships?

PhD fellowships exist across a wide range of disciplines, including STEM fields, social sciences, humanities, education, and public policy. Some fellowships are field-specific, while others are open to all areas of study.

How competitive are PhD fellowships in the U.S.?

Fellowships are highly competitive, with acceptance rates often below 20%. Strong academic records, research proposals, publications, and recommendation letters are key to success.

When should students apply for fellowships and grants?

Most fellowship applications open 6–12 months before the academic year begins. Students are encouraged to start preparing early, as applications often require detailed research proposals and faculty endorsements.

Can PhD students receive multiple fellowships or grants at the same time?

It depends on the funding agency. Some fellowships allow students to combine awards, while others require exclusive funding. Students should always check the conditions of each award.

Where can students find fellowship and grant opportunities?

PhD students can search for opportunities through university funding offices, government websites, academic associations, and databases like ProFellow, Grants.gov, and the National Academies Fellowships Office.