Pursuing a graduate degree is a major investment, but it doesn’t have to come with overwhelming debt. From federally funded grants to university fellowships and full-ride scholarships, graduate students today have access to a wide range of financial aid opportunities. Whether you’re pursuing a master’s, doctoral, or professional degree, understanding your options can make the difference between taking on large loans and graduating debt-free.
This guide breaks down the most trusted and competitive sources of funding for graduate students — including federal grants, university scholarships, research fellowships, and specialized awards for women and underrepresented groups. Each section highlights well-known programs and explains how to identify, apply for, and maximize these funding opportunities.
Yes. Many graduate students qualify for grants through federal, state, and institutional programs. One of the most recognized options is the TEACH Grant, which provides funding to education students who agree to teach in high-need areas after graduation. In addition, universities frequently award institutional grants based on academic merit or financial need. Graduate students in research-intensive fields—especially STEM disciplines—can also pursue federal research grants from organizations such as the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Yes, full scholarships for master’s programs are available, though they are highly competitive. Prestigious international awards like the Fulbright Program and Gates Cambridge Scholarship cover tuition, travel, and living costs for top students. Elite U.S. universities such as Harvard, Stanford, and Yale also provide full funding packages for high-achieving students in select graduate programs. Many professional and academic master’s programs now include assistantships that combine tuition remission with stipends for teaching or research work.
While the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) does not directly award Pell Grants to graduate students, completing the FAFSA is still essential. It determines eligibility for federal loans—including the Direct Unsubsidized Loan and Grad PLUS Loan—and is required by most schools for institutional aid consideration. Some universities use FAFSA data to allocate need-based scholarships and grants at the graduate level.
Yes. Graduate students are often eligible for individual research grants and fellowships that support original scholarly work. Leading sources include the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP), the American Psychological Association (APA), and the NIH Research Training Grants. Many universities also provide internal mini-grants or travel stipends to help students fund fieldwork, conference presentations, and dissertation projects.
Full-ride scholarships are among the most prestigious forms of graduate funding. Programs such as the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program at Stanford University, the Rhodes Scholarship at Oxford, and the Truman Scholarship for public service students provide complete coverage for tuition, fees, and living expenses. These programs are extremely competitive but can eliminate all financial barriers to advanced study.
Several prominent scholarships specifically support women pursuing advanced degrees. The American Association of University Women (AAUW) Fellowships fund graduate and doctoral research across disciplines. The PEO Scholar Award and Margaret McNamara Education Grants (MMEG) focus on women demonstrating academic excellence and leadership potential. Many universities and private foundations also offer targeted fellowships for women in STEM, law, and business programs.
Yes. The U.S. government and its affiliated agencies offer competitive graduate scholarships and fellowships in areas vital to national interests. Examples include the National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship (NDSEG), the Boren Fellowship for language and international study, and the Fulbright U.S. Student Program for global research and teaching opportunities. These awards provide both funding and professional recognition.
“Free money” for graduate school generally comes in the form of grants, scholarships, and fellowships that do not require repayment. Students should explore opportunities such as the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship, institutional merit awards, and private foundation grants. Building a strong academic record, writing compelling research proposals, and applying early can significantly increase your chances of receiving funding.
There are numerous programs designed to promote diversity in graduate education. The Ford Foundation Fellowship, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund Graduate Scholarship, and the Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) Graduate Program all provide generous support for students from underrepresented backgrounds. Additional scholarships are available through professional associations and cultural organizations that aim to expand access to advanced degrees.
Yes. Graduate school grants may come from federal programs, universities, or private organizations. Examples include the TEACH Grant for future educators, NSF research grants for science and engineering fields, and NIH Training Grants for students in health-related disciplines. Many institutions also offer need-based aid or departmental research grants that help cover tuition and living costs.
Some of the most competitive and respected scholarships for graduate students include the Rhodes Scholarship, the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program, the AAUW Fellowships, and the Fulbright Program. These awards stand out for their comprehensive funding, leadership training, and international prestige—often opening doors to elite research and career opportunities.
Graduate students pursuing careers in education can access several specialized funding opportunities. The TEACH Grant supports those committed to teaching in high-need schools, while the NEA Foundation Learning & Leadership Grant funds professional development for educators. Additionally, the AASA Educational Administration Scholarship assists aspiring school leaders working toward advanced credentials in administration or policy.
Reviewed by CollegeWhale Editorial Team on November, 2025. Content is updated regularly to reflect current scholarship deadlines and verified data from official sources.
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The Ann Kleist Scholarship honors the long-time contributions of Ann Kleist, former vice president and CFO of the Graduate School of Banking (GSB). Retiring in 2012 after 37 years of service to GSB, this scholarship was created to recognize her
Award: $1,500 Deadline: Rolling Est. Time: Med (~33 min)
The Deloitte Foundation Accounting Scholars Program collaborates with designated universities to offer full scholarships to students pursuing a master's degree in accounting, taxation, or related fields. The program aims to support students interested in careers in public accounting and obtaining
Award: Varies Deadline: Rolling Est. Time: Low (~13 min)
The EFWA Postgraduate Scholarship is designed to support women who are pursuing advanced studies or professional certifications in accounting. This scholarship is open to women who have already completed a bachelor’s degree and are enrolled in a postgraduate program, including
Award: $2,500 Deadline: March Est. Time: Med (~78 min)
The IMA Graduate Scholarship is designed to support women who are pursuing a graduate-level degree in accounting, finance, or a related field. Sponsored by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), this scholarship aims to assist students who are interested in
Award: $1,500 Deadline: March Est. Time: Med (~78 min)
The Laurels Fund Scholarship supports women who are pursuing a PhD in accounting at an accredited institution. This scholarship aims to help alleviate financial challenges that women face in pursuing advanced academic research in the field of accounting. The scholarship
Award: $3,000 Deadline: March Est. Time: Med (~78 min)
The Roy Scrivner Memorial Research Grant was established to support research that explores the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly in the context of family life, relationships, and therapy. The purpose of this grant is to advance scientific understanding of the
Award: $10,000 Deadline: Rolling Est. Time: Low (~10 min)
Name: LAGRANT Foundation Graduate Scholarships Award Amount: $3,750. Overview: The LAGRANT Foundation Graduate Scholarships aim to increase the...
Award: $3,750 Deadline: February Est. Time: Med (~88 min)
Name: APF Trauma Psychology Grant Award Amount: One grant of $3,000. Overview: The APF Trauma Psychology Grant provides funding for graduate...
Award: $3,000 Deadline: Rolling Est. Time: Med (~48 min)
Name: APF Violet and Cyril Franks Scholarship Award Amount: One scholarship of $1,000. Overview: The APF Violet and Cyril Franks Scholarship...
Award: $1,000 Deadline: Rolling Est. Time: High (~103 min)
Name: APF Queen-Nellie Evans Scholarship Award Amount: One scholarship of $4,000. Overview: The APF Queen-Nellie Evans Scholarship supports...
Award: $4,000 Deadline: January Est. Time: High (~103 min)
Name: Beth N. Rom-Rymer Scholarships Award Amount: 9 scholarships of $5,000 each. Overview: The Beth N. Rom-Rymer Scholarships provide financial...
Award: $9 Deadline: February Est. Time: Med (~48 min)
Name: Dr. Nicholas Vacc Scholarship Award Amount: Award amount varies depending on available funding and the number of selected...
Award: Varies Deadline: Rolling Est. Time: Med (~78 min)This comprehensive collection of Graduate Level scholarships and grants for the 2026 - 2027 school years, curated from our regularly updated databases. To explore all available scholarship matches, visit our Scholarship Database and Grant Database, which both offer easy-to-use filters, current deadlines, and detailed eligibility information to help you discover the best Graduate Level scholarship opportunities.
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