Predoctoral (Dissertation) Fellowships

Why should I apply?

1. Annual stipend

2. Tuition

3. Institutional allowance for research costs

4. The experience will prepare you for life after school; you will have a leg up on your colleagues when applying for a position

5. It is prestigious

When should I apply?

Now! Timing is everything.

There are three standard investigator-initiated dates due dates for the NIH: April, August, and December.

However, it will be several months before you find out if you are funded. You will then need to wait for the summary statements so you can resubmit.

Foundations operate on their own timelines so it is important to research how to fund your research.

Where should I apply?

There are several opportunities for dissertation funding including, but not limited to:

NIH F31 (NRSA)

NIH F31 Diversity Fellowship

NIH/NIDA R36

AHRQ R36

CDC R36

NSF Graduate Research Fellowship

Ford Foundation

American Association of University Women

Guggenheim Foundation

Know the Guidelines

Funding opportunities can vary by:

Length of award

Eligible Costs

Total Costs

Examples:

The NIH F31 covers only 60% of the fellow’s tuition (where do I get the other 40%?)

Many do not allow consultants

Some restrict your ability to work as an RA/TA

Know the Guidelines (Continued)

Federal dissertation awards follow the published stipend limits: $22,920 per year

This amount is adjusted periodically to account for a cost of living increase.

You are paid as a fellow, not an employee so taxes are not withheld.

What should I do now if I want to make this happen?

Talk to your mentor

Discuss with your committee

Work through the timeline (most students need at least 6 months to do this well)

Plan for resubmission

Proceed with cautious optimism