24 College Scholarships for Postdoctoral Students (2026 - 2027)

Postdoctoral Scholarship Snapshot

We currently have 24 open and verified scholarships tagged for Postdoctoral students , representing a combined award value of over $1,056,850

This snapshot draws from CollegeWhale’s scholarship database and focuses on scholarships specifically available for Postdoctoral students. Use it as a quick view of how much funding is available at this stage, which opportunities to prioritize, and how to plan your scholarship search alongside everything else on your academic timeline.

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1

NASA Space Grant

The National Space Grant College and Fellowship Project—commonly known as NASA Space Grant—is a nationwide program established in 1989 to promote education, research, and public engagement in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), with a particular emphasis on aerospace and

Award: Varies Deadline: Rolling Est. Application Time: Med (78 min)
2

Elizabeth Munsterberg Koppitz Child Psychology Fellowship

Name: Elizabeth Munsterberg Koppitz Child Psychology Graduate Student Fellowship Award Amount: Five fellowships of $23,900 each. Overview: The...

Award: $23,900 Deadline: November Est. Application Time: Med (33 min)
3

DOE Postdoctoral Fellowship

Name: DOE Fusion Energy Sciences Postdoctoral Research Program Award Amount: Annual stipend of $90,000. Additional allowances for health...

Award: $90,000 Deadline: Rolling Est. Application Time: Med (48 min)
4

Ruth Lilly and Dorothy Sargent Rosenberg Poetry Fellowships

The Ruth Lilly and Dorothy Sargent Rosenberg Poetry Fellowships are among the most prestigious awards available to emerging poets in the United States. Administered by the Poetry Foundation, these fellowships were created to recognize extraordinary poetic talent, support early-career authors,

Award: $27,000 Deadline: April Est. Application Time: Low (13 min)
5

Ethereum Foundation Academic Grants Program

The Ethereum Foundation Academic Grants Program supports researchers, academics, and institutions working on cutting-edge studies and innovations in blockchain technology, Ethereum development, and decentralized systems. This program provides funding and resources to advance the academic understanding of Ethereum and related

Award: Varies Deadline: Rolling Est. Application Time: Low (10 min)
6

MSS Graduate Student/Postdoctoral Research Awards

The MSS (Meteorological Society of Japan) Graduate Student/Postdoctoral Research Awards are granted to graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in meteorology and related fields. The award supports research that contributes to the advancement of meteorological sciences. Eligibility Requirements: Must be a

Award: $2,000 Deadline: March Est. Application Time: Med (48 min)
7

Postdoctoral Earth and Planetary Sciences Fellowship

The Postdoctoral Earth and Planetary Sciences Fellowship supports scientific research in planetary geologic and geophysical processes. The Center for Earth and Planetary Studies (CEPS) at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum is involved in NASA and ESA planetary missions,

Award: $74,950 Deadline: March Est. Application Time: Low (13 min)
8

Daniel and Florence Guggenheim Fellowship

The Daniel and Florence Guggenheim Fellowship at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space Museum (NASM) is a highly competitive research fellowship designed to support original scholarship in the history of aviation and spaceflight. This prestigious fellowship provides scholars with

Award: $30,000 Deadline: Rolling Est. Application Time: Med (33 min)
9

Charles A. Lindbergh Chair in Aerospace History

The Charles A. Lindbergh Chair in Aerospace History is a competitive 12-month fellowship open to senior scholars with distinguished publication records, who are working on or planning to work on books in aerospace history. The fellowship encourages interaction with Museum

Award: $100,000 Deadline: December Est. Application Time: Low (13 min)
10

A. Verville Fellowship

The A. Verville Fellowship is a competitive, nine- to twelve-month in-residence fellowship focused on analyzing major trends, developments, and accomplishments in the history of aviation and space studies. Fellows will collaborate with staff from the Aeronautics and Space History Departments,

Award: $55,000 Deadline: December Est. Application Time: Low (13 min)
11

James Smithson Fellowship Program

The James Smithson Fellowship invites applications with the theme of “Migration,” encompassing topics ranging from the movement of species to the diaspora of humans. Migration is central to evolutionary dynamics, ecosystems, and cultural identity, making it a rich topic to

Award: $62,000 Deadline: February Est. Application Time: Low (13 min)
12

Smithsonian Artist Research Fellowship (SARF)

The Smithsonian Artist Research Fellowship (SARF) program, launched in 2007, offers outstanding visual artists from around the world the opportunity to work with Smithsonian museums, research sites, collections, and scholars to conduct research that inspires new artwork. Fellows spend one

Award: $5,000 Deadline: October Est. Application Time: Low (13 min)
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Postdoctoral Scholarships and Fellowships

Postdoctoral researchers play a vital role in advancing knowledge, innovation, and discovery across every academic discipline. To support continued research and professional development, many universities, government agencies, and foundations offer postdoctoral scholarships and fellowships. These awards provide funding for research projects, travel, and living expenses, allowing scholars to deepen their expertise and contribute to their fields at a professional level.

How Can You Get Funding as a Postdoc?


To get funding as a postdoc, you can apply for fellowships, grants, or institutional funding. Popular options include the NIH Postdoctoral Fellowship, the NSF Postdoctoral Research Fellowship, and university-sponsored postdoctoral awards. Networking with faculty and identifying grant opportunities in your field is essential.

How Can You Find Postdoc Funding?

Postdoc funding can be found through national organizations like the National Science Foundation (NSF), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Department of Energy (DOE). Additionally, many universities have postdoc offices that provide information on available fellowships, and professional organizations in your discipline often list funding opportunities.

How Can You Get a Postdoc Scholarship?


To get a postdoc scholarship, research fellowships relevant to your field and prepare a strong application. Programs like the Fulbright Postdoctoral Award and the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions provide scholarships for postdoctoral researchers worldwide. A compelling research proposal and strong references are critical for success.

Are There Postdoc Grants for Non-U.S. Citizens?

Yes, non-U.S. citizens can apply for grants like the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (Europe), the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program, and the Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships (Canada). Many U.S. programs, such as NIH-funded T32 training grants, also accept international applicants.

What Is the DOE Postdoctoral Fellowship?


The DOE Postdoctoral Fellowship is offered by the U.S. Department of Energy to support early-career researchers working on energy-related topics. Examples include the Office of Science Graduate Student Research Program and fellowships at DOE national laboratories. These programs fund cutting-edge research in energy, physics, and related disciplines.

What Is the NSF Postdoctoral Fellowship?

The NSF Postdoctoral Research Fellowship supports early-career scientists conducting independent research. Programs like the Mathematical Sciences Postdoctoral Research Fellowship and the Earth Sciences Postdoctoral Fellowship provide funding for salary, research expenses, and professional development opportunities.

Are There Postdoc Fellowships for International Students?

Yes, postdoc fellowships for international students include the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation Fellowships (Germany), and the Commonwealth Rutherford Fellowships (UK). These programs are designed to support global collaboration and research mobility.

What Is a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Education?

A postdoctoral fellowship in education provides funding for researchers studying education policy, pedagogy, or learning sciences. Programs like the AERA Research Grant and the Spencer Postdoctoral Fellowship are popular options for education-focused scholars.

What Is the NIH Postdoctoral Fellowship?

The NIH Postdoctoral Fellowship, or NRSA Fellowship (F32), provides funding for postdocs pursuing biomedical or behavioral research. This fellowship supports salary, training, and research expenses, and is open to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and select international applicants.

What Are the Eligibility Requirements for the NSF Postdoctoral Fellowship?

Eligibility for the NSF Postdoctoral Fellowship typically requires applicants to have completed their PhD within the past two years. U.S. citizenship or permanent residency is required for most NSF fellowships, though some programs may allow exceptions for international collaborations. Strong proposals with innovative research plans are essential.

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