College Scholarships for Doctoral Studies Students (2025 - 2026)

Scholarships for Doctoral Students

Doctoral students play a critical role in advancing knowledge, research, and innovation across every academic discipline. To support their work, a wide range of scholarships, fellowships, and grants are available for students pursuing Ph.D., Ed.D., or other doctoral-level degrees. These awards are often based on academic merit, research impact, and professional goals, helping reduce the financial burden of tuition, research costs, and dissertation expenses.

Whether you’re conducting groundbreaking research or preparing for a career in academia, the following scholarships for doctoral students can help you secure the funding you need to complete your studies and make a lasting contribution to your field.

What College Scholarships Are Available for Doctoral Studies?

Doctoral students can access funding from a range of sources including institutional awards, private foundations, and government programs. Examples of top college-based scholarships for PhD students include:

• Provost’s PhD Fellowship: Offered by many universities to recruit top doctoral candidates; includes tuition remission and living stipends.
• Spencer Foundation Dissertation Fellowship: Supports doctoral students completing dissertations related to education research.
• Doctoral Assistantships: Most research universities offer graduate assistantships with full or partial tuition coverage and monthly stipends in exchange for research or teaching work.

Tip: Contact the graduate school or department at your chosen university to learn more about institutional awards and assistantship options.

What Federal Grants Are Available for Doctoral Students?

Federal and national fellowships offer substantial support for U.S. doctoral students, especially those conducting research. Notable programs include:

• Fulbright U.S. Student Program: Funds doctoral research or teaching abroad in over 140 countries.
• National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship: Offers three years of funding for students in STEM fields.
• Jacob K. Javits Fellowship (archived): Previously supported arts and humanities PhDs; check for alternative federal support in these fields.

Tip: Many of these programs are highly competitive and require detailed research proposals. Start applications early and seek mentorship from faculty.

What Scholarships Are Available for Female Doctoral Students?

There are several prestigious scholarships and fellowships designed to support women pursuing doctoral degrees across disciplines. Examples include:

• AAUW American Fellowships: One of the largest and most respected awards for women doctoral candidates in the U.S.
• PEO Scholar Awards: Supports women in advanced stages of doctoral study with awards up to $20,000.
• Margaret McNamara Education Grants (MMEG): For women from developing countries pursuing higher education to improve women’s and children’s lives.

Tip: Many of these programs value leadership, community impact, and academic excellence—highlight these in your personal statement.

What Doctoral Scholarships Are Available for Minorities?

Scholarships for underrepresented minority PhD students aim to increase diversity in academia, research, and professional leadership. Top programs include:

• Ford Foundation Predoctoral, Dissertation, and Postdoctoral Fellowships: Supports underrepresented students committed to a career in teaching or research.
• National GEM Consortium Fellowship: Offers full funding and internships for minority students in STEM graduate programs.
• Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) Graduate Program: Provides financial aid and career development resources for Hispanic graduate students.

Tip: Many programs look for community involvement, mentoring, or a demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion—make sure to highlight this in your application.

What PhD Scholarships Are Available for Black Students?

There are several competitive scholarships and fellowships designed to support Black doctoral students, particularly those pursuing careers in academia and research. Key programs include:

• UNCF/Mellon Doctoral Fellowship: Supports African American students pursuing PhDs in the humanities and social sciences.
• Thurgood Marshall College Fund Graduate Scholarship: Offers financial support for students enrolled in graduate programs at public HBCUs.
• Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) Doctoral Scholars Program: Provides mentorship, research funding, and professional development to underrepresented minority PhD candidates.

Tip: Highlight your research goals, commitment to diversity in higher education, and teaching aspirations in your application.

What Scholarships Are Available for Doctoral Students in Educational Leadership?

Doctoral students in Educational Leadership can access scholarships that support their advancement as administrators, policymakers, or education researchers. Notable programs include:

• UCEA Barbara L. Jackson Scholars Program: Provides mentorship and networking for underrepresented doctoral students in educational leadership.
• AASA Educational Administration Scholarship: Awards funding to aspiring school superintendents and K-12 administrators.
• American Educational Research Association (AERA) Fellowships: Offers dissertation funding and research grants for doctoral students in education policy and leadership.

Tip: These awards often look for evidence of leadership experience, research potential, and a commitment to educational equity.

What External Funding Is Available for PhD Students?

In addition to university funding, PhD students can apply for competitive external fellowships that provide full or partial support for tuition, research, and living expenses. Examples include:

• Soros Fellowship for New Americans: Supports immigrants and children of immigrants pursuing graduate degrees in the U.S.
• National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship (NDSEG): Provides full funding for students in STEM fields relevant to national defense.
• American Heart Association Predoctoral Fellowship: Funds research training for doctoral students studying cardiovascular or stroke-related topics.

Tip: Start early—external fellowships typically require research proposals, recommendation letters, and alignment with the funder’s mission.

What Scholarships Are Available for PhD Students in the USA?

PhD students studying in the United States can apply for a wide range of national and institutional scholarships. These include:

• NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP): Provides three years of funding for students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.
• Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans: Offers up to $90,000 in funding to immigrants or children of immigrants pursuing graduate study.
• Harvard University PhD Scholarships: Most Harvard PhD programs provide full funding for tuition and living expenses for up to five years.

Tip: Check with your program’s graduate school office—many top U.S. universities offer full-ride funding packages automatically to admitted PhD students.