Looking for funding to support your graduate education? The path to an advanced degree is exciting but often financially challenging. With rising tuition costs and the demands of academic life, finding the right grants can make all the difference in your educational journey.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover:
The most valuable grants available to graduate students across all disciplines
Detailed eligibility requirements and application deadlines for each opportunity
Expert strategies to craft compelling grant applications that stand out
P.S. We tested all these application strategies using Grantboost, so if you want to skip the guesswork and create compelling grant applications more efficiently, our AI-powered platform can help you customize applications while maintaining quality across submissions.
For individuals and teams looking to secure more funding with less effort. Streamline your grant-writing process, stay organized, and achieve better results with proven templates and AI-driven support.
Grant Name | Amount | Eligibility |
---|---|---|
TEACH Grant | Up to $4,000/year | Enrolled in TEACH-eligible program, GPA ≥ 3.25 or test score ≥ 75th percentile |
Fulbright U.S. Student Program | Varies (typically full travel, stipend, insurance) | U.S. citizens with bachelor’s degree applying for study/research/teaching abroad |
NSF Graduate Research Fellowship (NSF GRFP) | $37,000 stipend + $12,000 tuition for 3 years | U.S. citizens pursuing STEM research-based grad programs |
NIH Predoctoral Fellowships | $25,000–$30,000/year | Graduate students in biomedical or behavioral research |
DOE Computational Science Grad Fellowship | $45,000/year + tuition | Doctoral students in high-performance computing-related fields |
NY Math & Science Teaching Incentive Scholarship | Up to full tuition (~$7,070/year) | NY residents in grad education programs committed to teaching |
Teach Illinois Scholarship | Up to $5,000/year | Minority students in IL teacher education programs |
Florida Fund for Minority Teachers | $4,000/year | Minority graduate students pursuing teaching degrees in Florida |
California State University Grant | Up to $6,000 (Cal A/B), $4,000 (Cal C) | CA residents with financial need in eligible graduate programs |
Ford Foundation Predoctoral Fellowship | $27,000/year (3 years) | Minority PhD students committed to diversity in academia |
Spencer Foundation Dissertation Fellowship | Varies (~$25,000 avg.) | Doctoral candidates in education-related research |
APA Dissertation Grant | $2,000 | Psychology graduate students |
ABA Legal Opportunity Scholarship | $15,000 over 3 years | Diverse law students |
AMA Valuing Diversity Scholarship | $1,000–$2,500 | Minority marketing PhD students |
SSRC Fellowships | Up to $120,000 over 3 years | Social science research fellows |
Woodrow Wilson Dissertation Fellowship | $5,000 | Humanities PhD candidates finishing dissertations |
Kim Beneschott Creative Arts Scholarship | $2,000 | Students in creative arts programs |
Fulbright-National Geographic Fellowship | +$20,000 additional to Fulbright | Research storytelling abroad |
NYFA Fellowship | $8,000 unrestricted | NY-based artists or Tribal Nation residents |
Soros Fellowship for New Americans | Up to $90,000 total | Immigrants or children of immigrants in graduate programs |
Greater Hickory Kennel Club Vet Scholarship | $5,000 | Veterinary grad students |
Dr. Sami Shafiq-Barker Memorial Scholarship | $2,000 | Graduate students in pharmacy |
NIH Ruth Kirschstein NRSA | Varies (~$25K–$30K) | Health-related graduate research |
Dr. Jade Education Scholarship | $2,500 | African American women in grad school working full-time |
Betsy V. Brown Vet Scholarship | $14,196 | BIPOC veterinary students |
GEM Fellowship | Tuition + $4,000/semester | URM STEM graduate students |
AAUW Fellowships | Up to $30,000 | Women in grad/postgrad education |
P.E.O. Scholar Awards | Up to $20,000 | Women in doctoral programs |
SWE Scholarships | Varies (~$1,000–$15,000) | Women in engineering or technology programs |
Google Lime Scholarship | Up to $10,000 | Students with disabilities in CS |
NFB Scholarships | $3,000–$12,000 | Blind/visually impaired graduate students |
AMVETS National Scholarship | $4,000 | Military veterans in graduate school |
While often used interchangeably, these funding types have important distinctions:
Funding Type | Primary Basis | Typical Requirements | Common Sources |
---|---|---|---|
Grants | Financial need | Demonstrated financial need; specific demographic criteria | Government agencies, universities, private foundations |
Scholarships | Merit or specific criteria | Academic achievement; specific talents or backgrounds | Universities, professional organizations, private donors |
Fellowships | Academic/research merit | Research proposal; academic excellence; career goals | Universities, research institutions, government agencies |
The key difference is that grants are typically need-based, scholarships are merit-based, and fellowships often include research or teaching responsibilities alongside financial support.
Federal grants represent some of the most substantial and accessible funding sources for graduate students. These programs are backed by the U.S. government and often provide significant financial support.
The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant provides up to $4,000 per year to students who plan to teach in high-need fields at schools serving low-income students.
Eligibility requirements:
Must complete FAFSA
Meet academic achievement requirements (typically scoring above the 75th percentile on college admissions tests or maintaining a GPA of at least 3.25)
Enroll in a TEACH-Grant-eligible program
Sign a TEACH Grant Agreement to Serve
Important consideration: If you don’t fulfill the teaching service requirement (four years within eight years of graduating), your grant converts to a Direct Unsubsidized Loan that must be repaid with interest.
The Fulbright Program offers grants for graduate students to conduct research, study, or teach English abroad. These prestigious awards cover travel, living expenses, health insurance, and sometimes tuition.
Key features:
Available for over 140 countries worldwide
Typically covers 8-12 months of international experience
Application deadline is usually in October for programs starting the following academic year
Highly competitive but incredibly valuable for your academic and professional development
Application tip: Start preparing at least 6-12 months before the deadline, as applications require detailed research proposals, personal statements, and letters of recommendation.
Several other federal programs provide funding for graduate students in specific fields:
National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program** (NSF GRFP):** Provides three years of support for graduate students in NSF-supported STEM disciplines. The award includes a $37,000 annual stipend and $12,000 cost-of-education allowance.
National Institutes of Health (NIH) Predoctoral Fellowships: Various grants for students pursuing biomedical, behavioral, or clinical research, with stipends ranging from $25,000 to $30,000 annually.
Department of Energy Computational Science Graduate Fellowship: Supports students pursuing doctoral degrees in fields using high-performance computing, providing up to four years of funding including a $45,000 yearly stipend.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the gateway to most federal financial aid, including grants:
Create an FSA ID at studentaid.gov if you don’t already have one
Complete the FAFSA as early as possible after October 1 for the following academic year
List all schools you’re considering attending
Review your Student Aid Report (SAR) when it arrives
Respond promptly to any requests for additional information
Pro tip: Even if you don’t think you’ll qualify for need-based aid, complete the FAFSA anyway. Many universities require it for consideration for other types of institutional funding.
Beyond federal funding, your university and state government may offer substantial grant opportunities specifically for graduate students.
Most universities provide internal grants to support their graduate students. These can include:
Departmental grants: Specific to your field of study
Research grants: Supporting specific research projects or initiatives
Conference travel grants: Funding to present your research at academic conferences
Dissertation completion grants: Financial support during the final stages of your doctoral program
How to find them: Check with your department’s graduate coordinator, the university’s graduate school office, and the financial aid office. Many universities also maintain searchable databases of internal funding opportunities.
Application tip: University grants often have less competition than national programs, making them excellent targets for your funding strategy.
Many states offer grants to residents pursuing graduate education, often with the goal of building the professional workforce in high-need areas. Examples include:
Northeast: New York’s Math and Science Teaching Incentive Scholarship provides grants up to full tuition for students pursuing master’s degrees in education who commit to teaching math or science in NY schools. For the 2024-2025 academic year, the award was equal to the average SUNY tuition rate of $7,070 per year or actual tuition.
Midwest: The Teach Illinois Scholarship program encourages students to become teachers at elementary and secondary schools that have identified staff shortages, as determined by the Illinois State Board of Education. The program offers up to $5,000 per year for minority students in teacher education programs.
South: The Florida Fund for Minority Teachers provides grants to minority graduate students pursuing teaching degrees. The annual amount of the Minority Teacher Education Scholarship is $4,000.
West: California’s State University Grant Program covers a portion of tuition fees for graduate students with financial need. Eligible Cal Grant A and B students may receive an access award of up to $6,000 and Cal Grant C students may receive an access award of up to $4,000.
Eligibility note: Most state grants require you to be a resident of that state and often include service commitments (like teaching or practicing in the state for a certain period after graduation).
Feeling overwhelmed by the grant application process? Grantboost’s AI-powered grant writing platform analyzes grant requirements and generates tailored proposals based on your specific background and goals.
By completing a simple form about your educational journey, you can quickly create compelling applications that speak directly to what funders are looking for.
To maximize your institutional grant opportunities:
Start early: Begin researching at least 6-12 months before you need funding
Build relationships: Connect with faculty in your department who may know about or control funding sources
Check deadlines: Create a calendar of application deadlines, as institutional grants may have rolling deadlines throughout the year
Tailor your applications: Customize each application to align with the specific goals of the grant program
Private foundations offer some of the most generous and prestigious grants for graduate students. These organizations often focus on specific fields, demographics, or research areas.
Several major foundations provide substantial funding for graduate students:
Ford Foundation Fellowship Programs: Offers predoctoral, dissertation, and postdoctoral fellowships to increase diversity in college and university faculties. Awards range from $27,000 to $50,000 annually.
Spencer Foundation: Supports individuals whose dissertations show potential for bringing fresh and productive perspectives to the history, theory, analysis, or practice of formal or informal education
Mellon Foundation: Provides various fellowships for humanities students, particularly in fields like art history, classics, and literature.
Gates Foundation: Offers multiple grants and scholarships focused on global health, education, and development.
Application strategy: Research each foundation’s mission and priorities thoroughly. Successful applications clearly demonstrate how your work aligns with the foundation’s goals.
Many corporations offer grants to graduate students, particularly in fields related to their industry:
Google PhD Fellowship Program: Supports graduate students doing exceptional research in computer science and related disciplines.
Microsoft Research PhD Fellowship: Provides financial support to outstanding PhD students in computing-related fields. The program covers tuition fees for two academic years and also a stipend to help with living expenses while in school for two academic years.
Intel Fellowship Program: Offers funding for graduate students in electrical engineering, computer science, and related fields. The fellowship includes a cash award (one academic year tuition plus stipend) and a travel grant.
Pfizer Graduate Student Awards: Supports students in pharmaceutical sciences and related health fields.
Networking tip: Many corporate grants aren’t widely advertised. Attend industry conferences and connect with professionals in your field to learn about these opportunities.
Professional associations in virtually every field offer grants and fellowships for graduate students:
American Psychological Association (APA): Offers numerous grants for psychology graduate students, including the $2,000 F.J. McGuigan Dissertation Award (deadline: June 5, 2025).
American Bar Association (ABA): Offers scholarships and grants for law students. The program grants $15,000 of financial aid to 20 - 25 incoming diverse law students over their three years in law school.
American Medical Association (AMA): Provides the $1,000- $2,500 AMA Valuing Diversity PhD Scholarship Program for minority students in marketing doctoral programs.
Membership benefit: Many associations offer discounted student memberships that give you access to their grant programs and valuable networking opportunities.
Want to make your grant application process smoother? Grantboost’s Free Plan lets you access best practice templates with the AI assistant—perfect for students getting started.
If you’re applying for multiple opportunities, the Pro Plan at just $19.99/month gives you unlimited access to all features, helping you stay on top of your applications and increase your chances of success
Different academic disciplines have unique funding landscapes. Understanding the opportunities specific to your field can significantly increase your chances of securing grants.
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields benefit from substantial grant funding:
Byte into STEM Scholarship: Supports Black learners pursuing STEM across traditional and non-traditional pathways with $4,250 awards (deadline: October 9, 2025).
National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program: Provides three years of support with an annual stipend of $37,000 plus a $12,000 education allowance.
Department of Energy Computational Science Graduate Fellowship: Offers up to four years of support with a $45,000 annual stipend for students using high-performance computing.
NASA Space Technology Graduate Research Opportunities: Supports graduate students researching innovative space technologies with up to $84,000 annually.
Research focus tip: STEM grants often prioritize innovative research with practical applications. Highlight the potential real-world impact of your work in your applications.
While sometimes perceived as having fewer funding options, humanities and social sciences have several dedicated grant programs:
American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) Fellowships: Supports research in humanities and related social sciences.
Social Science Research Council (SSRC) Fellowships: Offers various programs supporting research across social science disciplines. Fellows receive salaries of $120,000 with benefits and annual salary increases for up to three years.
Woodrow Wilson Dissertation Fellowships: This fellowship provides a stipend of $5,000 to graduate scholars in the humanities during their final year of dissertation writing.
National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Grants: Offers various funding opportunities for humanities research and projects.
Interdisciplinary approach: Many humanities grants now prioritize projects that bridge multiple disciplines or address contemporary social issues. Consider how your research connects to broader societal concerns.
For individuals and teams looking to secure more funding with less effort. Streamline your grant-writing process, stay organized, and achieve better results with proven templates and AI-driven support.
Creative disciplines have unique funding opportunities:
Kim Beneschott Creative Arts Scholarship: Supports students in creative arts programs with $2,000 awards (deadline: August 25, 2025).
Fulbright-National Geographic Storytelling Fellowship: Student Program applicants may apply for the Fulbright-National Geographic Award Program and propose up to $20,000 in additional grant funds from the National Geographic Society to expand their research and/or help bring their stories to life.
New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) Grants: Provides funding for artists across disciplines. The Fellowship offers a $8,000 unrestricted cash grant to artists living in New York State or in the Tribal Nations.
Soros Fellowships for New Americans: Supports immigrants and children of immigrants pursuing graduate degrees in creative fields.
Portfolio importance: For arts grants, your portfolio or work samples are often as important as your written application. Invest time in creating high-quality documentation of your creative work.
Health-related fields offer numerous specialized grant programs:
Greater Hickory Kennel Club Future Veterinarian Education Scholarship: Provides $5,000 for veterinary students (deadline: June, 15).
Dr. Sami Shafiq-Barker Memorial Scholarship: Offers $2,000 for pharmacy graduate students (deadline: September 22, 2025).
NIH Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA): Supports predoctoral students in health-related fields.
American Nurses Foundation Research Grants: Provides funding for nursing graduate students conducting healthcare research.
Clinical focus: Many medical grants prioritize research with direct clinical applications. Be sure to articulate how your work might improve patient care or health outcomes.
Many grants aim to increase diversity in academia by supporting students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Several programs specifically support minority graduate students:
Dr. Jade Education Scholarship: Supports African American women attending graduate school while working full-time with $2,500 awards (deadline: January 1, 2026).
Betsy V Brown Veterinary Scholarship: Provides $14,196 for BIPOC students in veterinary programs (deadline: June, 15.
Ford Foundation Predoctoral Fellowships: Offers $27,000 annually for three years to minority students pursuing PhDs.
GEM Fellowship: Provides full tuition and fees plus a stipend for underrepresented students pursuing graduate degrees in STEM. The fellows receive a $4,000 living stipend per full-time semester for up to 4 semesters ($8K per academic year – 3 quarters)
Application advice: When applying for these grants, thoughtfully address how your background has shaped your academic journey and how you plan to contribute to diversity in your field.
Women pursuing advanced degrees can access several targeted grant programs:
American Association of University Women (AAUW) Fellowships: Offers various grants for women pursuing graduate and postgraduate education.
P.E.O. Scholar Awards: Provides up to $20,000 awards to women in doctoral programs.
Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Scholarships: Offers numerous awards for women in engineering and technology fields.
Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund: Supports low-income women age 35 and older pursuing technical and vocational education, associate degrees, or bachelor’s degrees.
Leadership focus: Many grants for women emphasize leadership potential. Include examples of your leadership experience in academic, professional, or community settings.
Students with disabilities can access specialized funding programs:
American Foundation for the Blind Scholarships: Offers various grants for visually impaired students.
Google Lime Scholarship: Provides up to $10,000 for students with disabilities pursuing degrees in computer science.
National Federation of the Blind Scholarships: Awards multiple scholarships ranging from $3,000 to $12,000.
Disability Rights Advocates for Technology (DRAFT) Scholarships: Supports students with mobility disabilities.
Documentation note: These programs typically require documentation of your disability. Check specific requirements early in the application process.
Military veterans pursuing graduate education have access to several funding sources beyond the GI Bill:
Pat Tillman Foundation Scholarship: Provides funding for veterans and military spouses pursuing graduate degrees.
AMVETS National Scholarship Program: Offers scholarships of $4,000 to veterans pursuing higher education.
Army Women’s Foundation Legacy Scholarship: Supports women who have served or are serving in the U.S. Army.
Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant: Available to students whose parent or guardian died as a result of military service in Iraq or Afghanistan.
Service connection: When applying for veteran-specific grants, clearly articulate how your military experience informs your academic and career goals.
Here’s a curated list of graduate student grants with deadlines in the next 12 months, organized by application timeline.
Grant Name | Amount | Eligibility | Deadline |
---|---|---|---|
Pastor Thomas Rorie Jr. Furthering Education Scholarship | $1,500 | All graduate students | July 11, 2025 |
OMC Graduate Scholarships | $500 | Graduate students pursuing master’s degrees with 3.0+ GPA | July 25, 2025 |
Ultrafabrics Inc. Scholarship Award | $10,000 | Graduate students in design or engineering with 3.0+ GPA | August 1, 2025 |
Kim Beneschott Creative Arts Scholarship | $2,000 | Students in creative arts programs | August 25, 2025 |
Cariloop’s Caregiver Scholarship | $8,500 | Student caregivers from low-income backgrounds | September 1, 2025 |
Dr. Sami Shafiq-Barker Memorial Scholarship | $2,000 | Graduate students in pharmacy | September 22, 2025 |
Byte into STEM Scholarship | $4,250 | Black students pursuing STEM fields | October 8, 2025 |
Grant Name | Amount | Eligibility | Deadline |
---|---|---|---|
Dr. Jade Education Scholarship | $2,500 | African American women in graduate school working full-time | January 1, 2026 |
”Gutsy Graduate Student” Essay Scholarship | $1,000 | All graduate students | January 31, 2026 |
”Caretakers on the Climb” Scholarship for Nursing Students | $1,000 | Graduate students in nursing | January 31, 2026 |
The Boren Awards | Up to $30,000 | Graduate students studying abroad in regions critical to U.S. interests | January 21, 2026 |
Some grant programs accept applications throughout the year or have recurring deadlines:
Niche $15,000 “No Essay” Scholarship: Open to all students including graduate students, with monthly drawings.
Sallie $2,000 No Essay Scholarship: Awarded monthly to eligible entrants.
$10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship by Scholarships360: Deadline June 30, 2025, open to all grade levels.
Jump for Joy” InstaScholarship: $500 award with a deadline of June 30, 2025.
Application strategy: For rolling deadlines, apply as early as possible. Many programs award funds on a first-come, first-served basis until their budget is exhausted.
Wondering how to make your grant proposals stand out from the crowd? Grantboost incorporates proven, field-tested strategies that ensure your applications are compelling and funder-friendly.
With these strategies, you’re not just filling out a form, but instead you’re telling a powerful story that grabs attention and boosts your chances of securing funding
The quality of your application can make the difference between securing funding and being overlooked. Here’s how to craft compelling grant applications.
Before starting any application:
Read the entire application guidelines carefully, noting all requirements and restrictions
Confirm your eligibility for each specific grant
Note all required components and supplementary materials
Create a checklist of everything you need to submit
Mark all deadlines on your calendar, including internal university deadlines if applicable
Common eligibility factors:
Citizenship/residency status
Field of study
Degree program (master’s vs. doctoral)
Academic standing (GPA requirements)
Financial need
Demographic criteria
Research focus
Pro tip: Don’t waste time applying for grants where you don’t meet all eligibility requirements. Focus your efforts on opportunities where you’re a strong match.
Your personal statement is often the most important part of your application. To make it effective:
Tell your unique story: Share experiences that shaped your academic journey and career goals
Connect your background to your future: Explain how your past experiences inform your graduate work
Demonstrate passion and purpose: Show genuine enthusiasm for your field
Address the “so what?” question: Explain why your work matters beyond academia
Be specific about your goals: Outline clear, achievable objectives for your graduate studies
Example structure:
Introduction: Hook the reader with a compelling anecdote or question
Background: Briefly explain your academic and professional journey
Current work: Describe your current research or academic focus
Future plans: Outline your career goals and how this grant will help achieve them
Conclusion: Reinforce why you’re an ideal candidate for this specific grant
Read Next:
The Art of the Ask | Writing the Letter of Inquiry for a Grant
Writing a Letter of Support for Grants: Examples and Frameworks
Grant Letter of Intent: How to Write One, Examples + Templates
For grants requiring a research proposal:
Start with a clear problem statement: Identify the gap in knowledge your research addresses
Provide context: Briefly summarize relevant literature to show you understand the field
Outline your methodology: Explain how you’ll conduct your research
Discuss significance: Articulate the potential impact of your work
Include a realistic timeline: Show you’ve thought through the practical aspects of your project
Address potential challenges: Demonstrate that you’ve considered obstacles and have contingency plans
Formatting tip: Use headings, bullet points, and white space to make your proposal easy to scan. Grant reviewers often read dozens of applications and appreciate clear organization.
BTW, Grantboost makes it easy to tackle detailed grant applications. Just paste in the grant opportunity, and our AI will analyze the details, extracting the key elements and aligning them with your needs.
This ensures your responses are spot-on and tailored to each specific opportunity, so you can submit proposals that hit all the right marks with minimal effort
Staying organized is crucial when applying for multiple grants. Here’s how to manage the process effectively.
Develop a comprehensive timeline that includes:
Research phase: When you’ll search for and identify potential grants
Preparation phase: Time needed to gather materials and write applications
Internal deadlines: Your personal due dates for completing each application component
Submission deadlines: Official due dates for each grant
Follow-up dates: When to check on application status or submit additional materials
Tool recommendation: Use a digital calendar with reminders set 2-4 weeks before each deadline to ensure you have ample preparation time.
Create a system to keep track of your grant materials:
Digital folder structure: Create separate folders for each grant application
Document naming convention: Use consistent file names that include the grant name and document type
Application tracking spreadsheet: Record all grants you’re applying for, requirements, deadlines, and status
Template documents: Create templates for common application components that you can customize for each grant
Reference library: Maintain copies of transcripts, CV/resume, and other frequently requested documents
Version control tip: Date each draft of your application materials to ensure you’re always working with the most current version.
After submitting your applications:
Confirm receipt: Many grant programs send confirmation emails; if not, consider a polite inquiry
Note decision dates: Mark when you expect to hear results on your calendar
Prepare for interviews: Some grants require interviews; research common questions and practice your responses
Send thank-you notes: Express gratitude to your recommenders and mentors who helped with your application
Learn from rejections: If not selected, request feedback when possible to strengthen future applications
Persistence pays: Many successful grant recipients applied multiple times before receiving funding. Use each application as a learning experience to improve your next submission.
Even strong candidates can undermine their applications by making these common errors:
Generic applications not tailored to the specific grant
Focusing only on need rather than also highlighting merit and potential
Grammatical errors and typos that suggest carelessness
Vague or unrealistic goals that don’t connect to the grant’s purpose
Failing to demonstrate how the funding will make a difference in your education
Overlooking the importance of strong recommendation letters from appropriate sources
Read Next: How Long Does It Take to Get a Grant? Your Essential Timeline Guide
Looking to secure funding for your graduate education? Here’s what you need to remember:
Start your search early and create a calendar of grant deadlines
Focus on grants that specifically match your eligibility and needs
Prepare compelling applications that clearly demonstrate your qualifications and goals
Diversify your funding sources beyond just one type of grant
Document and share the unique aspects of your academic journey and research
For graduate students applying to multiple grant opportunities, consider how tools like Grantboost can streamline your process. With AI-powered grant writing assistance, you can create customized, compelling applications more efficiently, allowing you to focus more time on your studies and research and less on administrative tasks.
For individuals and teams looking to secure more funding with less effort. Streamline your grant-writing process, stay organized, and achieve better results with proven templates and AI-driven support.
Read Next: