EXTERNAL RESEARCH FUNDING FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS: STEM
Note: This is not a comprehensive list of opportunities. Deadlines and program availability vary.
Open to All, Including International Students
IBM PhD Fellowship
The IBM PhD Fellowship Awards Program is an intensely competitive worldwide program, which honors exceptional PhD students who want to make their mark in promising and disruptive technologies. All applicants must be nominated by a doctoral faculty member.
- Category: Multiyear
- Deadline: Varies
Link Foundation Fellowship in the Energy Field
For students pursuing a doctorate related to the societal production and utilization of energy.
- Category: Multiyear
- Deadline: December
NIJ Graduate Research Fellowship Program
For students at U.S. institutions pursuing a doctorate broadly related to forensic techniques and analysis, criminal behavior, crime prevention, or victim services. Funds dispersed after dissertation approval.
- Category: Multiyear
- Deadline: December
American Heart Association Predoctoral Fellowship
For students with research broadly related to cardiovascular function and disease and stroke, or related to clinical, basic science, bioengineering or biotechnology, or public health problems, including multidisciplinary efforts.
- Category:Pre-Dissertation
- Deadline: September
Josephine de Karman Fellowship
De Karman dissertation completion fellowships are open to students in any discipline who will graduate by June of the fellowship year.
- Category: Dissertation Completion
- Deadline: January
Other Awards
GEM Fellowship
Financial support for MS and PhD students in STEM, as well as connections to internship and hiring opportunities. GEM has a solid success record in implementing effective programs to increase the recruitment, retention, and graduation of diverse students.
- Category: Multiyear
- Deadline: November
Graduate Fellowships for STEM Diversity
Up to six years of support for US citizens pursuing graduate degrees in the physical sciences and related engineering fields, emphasizing recruitment of a diverse applicant pool. Nomination required.
- Category: Multiyear
- Deadline: November
Awards for Domestic Students
National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program
For first- and second-year graduate students at U.S. institutions doing research in fields broadly related to STEM, including education (HPS qualifies). Three years of support.
- Category: Multiyear
- Deadline: October
Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Prestigious fellowship that allows for a study, research, or ESL teaching abroad. Encourages STEM students to apply.
- Category: Academic Year, Study Abroad
- Campus Deadline: August
Department of Defense National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowships
A portable three-year fellowship for first- and second-year graduate students who intend to pursue a doctoral degree in STEM.
- Category: Multiyear
- Deadline: December
Department of Defense SMART Scholarship
Full scholarships for U.S. citizens studying STEM. Includes summer DOD internships and a DOD-supported job upon degree completion.
- Category: Multiyear
- Deadline: March
Department of Energy Nuclear Energy University Program Fellowship
Fellowships for first- and second-year graduate students in science and engineering programs related to nuclear energy. A 10-week internship at a secondary DOE or IUP facility is required.
- Category: Multiyear
- Deadline: Varies
Department of Energy National Nuclear Security Admin. Stewardship Science Graduate Fellowship
For first- and second-year PhD students with research related to stewardship science, nuclear energy, and physics. Fellowship is accompanied by practical work experience at DOE NNSA research facilities.
- Category: Multiyear
- Deadline: January
Department of Energy Computational Science Graduate Fellowship
For first-year graduate students in STEM-related disciplines using math and computing to tackle research problems.
- Category: Multiyear
- Deadline: Varies
NASA Space Technology Research Fellowship
Supports up to three years of graduate research to be completed both on campus and in a NASA-affiliated lab. For STEM and related fields.
- Category: Multiyear
- Deadline: November and May (two phases)
Hertz Foundation Fellowship
Up to five years of support for first-year PhD students in applied physical, biological, and engineering sciences willing to make a moral commitment to employ their technical skills in a national emergency.
- Category: Multiyear
- Deadline: November
NIH Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Awards for Individual Predoctoral Fellows (F31)
Support for promising doctoral candidates who will be performing dissertation research and training in scientific health-related fields relevant to the missions of the participating NIH Institutes and Centers.
- Category: Pre-Dissertation
- Deadline: Fall, spring and summer phases
Thermo Scientific Pierce Scholarship Program
For students in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or a related life science field. Quick and easy application; funding can be “stackable” with other awards.
- Category: Academic Year
- Deadline: July
PhRMA Foundation Pre-Doctoral Fellowships
Funding for PhD students who expect to graduate within two years of the award and with research related to health or informatics.
- Category: Multiyear
- Deadline: Varies
Presidential Management Fellowship
Government-based leadership development program at the entry level for advanced degree candidates.
- Category: Fellowship
- Deadline: Varies