What are Fellowships?
A fellowship is a type of merit-based scholarship awarded to students pursuing a graduate or doctorate degree without considering their financial needs. Fellowships can be for one or more years and typically cover a students tuition; many also include stipends that can be used for living or other expenses.
Because fellowships can be so financially rewarding, they tend to be very competitive. It is important to remember, though, that there are hundreds, if not thousands, of fellowships available every single year. You just need to know a few details so you will know where to look and how to apply.
Types of Academic Fellowships
Fellowships come in all shapes and sizes and research is required to find the ones that might be a good fit for you. Initially, you need to become familiar with the two primary types of fellowships: Portable fellowships and institutional fellowships.
Portable fellowships are those awarded by the federal government or various organizations and institutions that can be applied to almost any school or field of study. Institutional fellowships are awarded by specific universities or colleges for study or research that must be completed at their school.
Fellowship Eligibility
In many cases, the only requirement for eligibility is an undergraduate degree and the desire to continue your education further. Fellowships are very competitive and candidates are typically evaluated based on grade point average, prior school, prior degrees, chosen field of study, and potential to contribute to that field. Sometimes, other factors will be considered, such as community service work.
Finding a Fellowship: Educational Contacts
If you are considering applying for a fellowship, you should talk to current professors or advisors at your undergraduate school. Many of them, being in an academic field, will know of available opportunities that might not be advertised. These advisors, professors or other academics that know you will also know your field of study and ambitions, factors that shape the types of fellowships you will be best suited for.
Many schools also have financial aid offices with individuals that specialize in fellowships or offices that are specifically for the pursuit of fellowships. If your school has one, contact them. When you earn a fellowship, it helps you and your education, but it also looks good for the school you are coming from. Many of these offices hold information sessions specifically targeted towards you.
Even if you graduated or earned your degree years ago, you should start by contacting this office as, at many schools, the benefits continue long after you have left.
Finding a Fellowship: Online Research
Internet research is another major part of finding available fellowships. You may want to visit the Web sites for schools you are considering attending for your advanced education and see if they have a fellowship or financial aid office that you can contact. Start there and branch out, taking detailed notes of specific fellowships that are recommended to you along with the application deadlines and any other details that might be important should you decide to pursue them.
Many fellowships consider similar things and because of this, you can start by answering a number of questions for yourself that can then be applied to all of your applications: What are your academic strengths?; Who, in academia, knows you and your work well and might you ask for a recommendation?; What else are you passionate about?
