Graduate Research Fellowships for First-Generation Students

This article will explore the top graduate research fellowships for first-generation students.

Understanding Graduate Research Fellowships

In graduate school, academic research is one of the most important (and difficult) experiences you’ll encounter. As an indicator of your deep understanding of a specific topic, this experience is something you need to complete. This research typically takes over a year, in addition to the two to five years spent in the program, depending on the field of study and the coursework requirements.

Graduate school is expensive and time-consuming, often leaving you no time for a side hustle. For highly motivated students, securing graduate research fellowships can be a valuable way to help fund their advanced education. As a first-generation student, you are qualified for more graduate fellowships than you know.

But what exactly are graduate research fellowships?

Many would say that they are like scholarships. While it’s partially true that fellowships are also designed to help you finance your education, there’s still a big difference.

A fellowship is a merit-based scholarship designed for postgraduate students in a specific academic field. This financial aid provides you with a monetary stipend. However, unlike scholarships, fellowships do not require students to work in exchange for the stipend.

Some people might also mistake fellowships for fully funded graduate programs. While these programs cover your full tuition plus stipend, you’re often required to work. They are awarded to top applicants or through a Graduate Assistantship (also called Studentship or Instructorship). You are required to work 10-20 hours a week. You can be assigned to research, teaching, or administrative roles.

Graduate fellowships fall into two categories:

1. Internal Fellowships. The graduate school offers these, often with full or partial funding. Unlike institutional scholarships, internal fellowships require a separate application. Although less common, some graduate schools also provide needs-based scholarships/fellowships.
2. External Fellowships. Foundations, non-profits, companies, and government agencies offer them.

Here are a few important facts you need to know about first-generation graduate student scholarships:

1. The Strict Deadline. Unlike scholarships, where you can apply for and use financial aid in the same year, graduate research fellowships are different. Fellowships have strict deadlines, so you must apply as early as possible (a year before you start your graduate studies). Deadlines usually fall between October and February for funding the following academic year.
2. The Duration of The Funding. Some graduate research fellowships are non-renewable. They only cover a single academic year, which can be problematic if you’re in a multi-year program.
3. The Competition. External fellowships are much more competitive than internally funded fellowships. This is because, in internal fellowships, your competition is limited—only those enrolled in the same program as you are eligible to apply. External fellowships, however, attract applicants from many universities and fields.
4. Fellowships Often Come from Internal University Sources. Very few graduate students are awarded external fellowships to fund their studies fully. As a result, it’s wise to focus on universities offering full funding and Assistantships to a significant portion of their accepted students, especially for PhD candidates.
5. Online Graduate Students Are Often Not Eligible. Universities prioritize on-campus students over online students. Online programs are typically offered to generate revenue for the university, so students enrolled in them are usually ineligible for internal funding.

Attending graduate school full-time may make you eligible for fellowships and other funding options, potentially making it a more affordable choice in the long run.

Related Articles:

• Top Resources to Find First-Generation Scholarships
• How to Apply for Graduate Fellowships: A Step-by-Step Guide for Researchers
• Top Graduate Research and Fellowship Scholarships for 2025
• How to Write a Winning Research Proposal for Graduate Fellowships
• Social Sciences and Humanities Fellowships: Opportunities for Graduate Researchers

Top Fellowships for First-Generation Graduate Students

Now that you have understood graduate research fellowships, it’s time to explore the top research funding for first-generation students. You need to know that some are not exclusively designed for first-generation students. Yet, being a first-gen student may make your application stronger (if you also have the grades to back up your application).

National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship

The NSF-GRFP is one of the most applied fellowships for first-generation college students. This fellowship is designed for prospective and current graduate students with exceptional potential for significant contributions to research in science and engineering. NSF-supported fields include:

• social sciences
• chemistry
• computer science
• engineering
• geosciences
• life sciences
• materials research
• mathematics
• physics and astronomy
• psychology (non-clinical)
• STEM education research.

This three-year fellowship, which can be utilized over up to five years, provides the following benefits:

• A $37,000 annual stipend
• $16,000 towards tuition and fees (with the remaining balance covered by the Graduate School)

Application deadlines typically fall in late October (with specific dates varying by discipline).

Eligibility Requirements:

Applicants must:

• Be U.S. citizens/nationals/permanent residents.
• Be pursuing a research-based master’s or Ph.D. program in a field supported by the NSF.
• Be enrolled at an accredited U.S. graduate institution with a U.S. campus by the fall following their application submission.
• Have completed no more than 12 months of full-time graduate study (or its equivalent) by the application deadline, or meet the criteria for extenuating circumstances outlined in Section IV of the Program Solicitation.

Ford Foundation Fellowship Program

The Ford Foundation Fellowships aim to enhance the diversity of college and university faculties nationwide. They do this by promoting ethnic and racial diversity. Here are the fellowships available:

• Ford Foundation Predoctoral Fellowships
• Ford Foundation Dissertation Fellowships
• Ford Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowships
• Ford Foundation Senior Fellowships

Each of the programs seeks to maximize the educational benefits of diversity. To achieve these goals, the Ford Foundation offers a range of fellowships supporting various academic career stages. In addition to the financial assistance, they also provide several more benefits, including:

• mentorship
• professional development
• a robust network of alumni

Eligibility Requirements:

The eligibility requirements vary depending on which fellowships you’re applying for. However, to ensure that you’re qualified, make sure that you demonstrate superior academic achievements, such as:

1. GPA
2. class rank
3. an honor or similar designation
4. a commitment to teaching and research careers at the college or university level

Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans

Another sought-after first-generation graduate student financial aid is the Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans (PD Soros). This is mainly for immigrants and/or their children pursuing a graduate or professional degree program in an accredited U.S. college or university.

The PD Soros fellowships provide selected students with funding for up to two years of graduate study. The award can be as high as $90,000, including a $25,000 annual stipend. It can also cover up to 50% of your tuition and fees.

Aside from the monetary award, you will also receive a strong, supportive community Fellows. You’ll also have access to the Paul & Daisy Soros Fellows Association (PDSFA), allowing you to participate in nationwide events for like-minded professionals.

Application deadline is October 30, 2025.

Eligibility Requirements:

The application is free!

• Apply when applying to graduate or professional school or within the first two years of the program for which you’re seeking funding.
• You can apply more than once.
• Applicants must be 30 or younger by the application deadline.
• PD Soros supports all types of full-time degrees at accredited U.S. institutions.

The GEM Fellowship Program (The National Consortium for Graduate Degrees for Minorities in Engineering & Science)

The GEM Fellowship program is among the top funding opportunities for first-generation students in engineering and science. Its fellowship programs are designed to help with the recruitment, retention, and professional development of engineering and science minority students.

As a first-generation student, as long as you have proven academic and professional excellence, you can land one of their fellowship programs:

• MS Science and Engineering Fellowship: This program highlights the value of a master’s degree in the industry. GEM Fellows receive practical summer work experiences through employer sponsorship and a portable academic year fellowship covering tuition, fees, and a stipend.
  • Benefits:
    • up to 4 semesters of a $4,000 living stipend per full-time semester
    • Up to two paid summer internships
• Ph.D. Science and Engineering Fellowship: This program offers doctoral fellowships to underrepresented minority students who have completed a master’s in engineering, are currently enrolled in one, or have been admitted directly to a Ph.D. program from a bachelor’s degree.
  • Benefits:
    • 16,000 stipend in the first academic year
    • Full tuition and fees
    • A living stipend up to the 5th year of the PhD program
    • A paid summer internship with a GEM Employer Member

Eligibility Requirements:

To ensure that you qualify, make sure that you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident with:

• High GRE scores
• Admission to a GEM member university program

The American Indian Graduate Center (AIGC) Fellowships

If you’re an American Indian or Alaska Native first-generation student, we highly suggest you take your chances with AIGCFellowships. Spending an average of $1,200,000 in fellowships annually, AIGC has become one of the leading programs for students like you. Each year, the AIGC fellowship chooses 400 American Indian and Alaska Native students to receive $1,000 to $5,000.

The submission deadline is July 01, 2025.

Eligibility Requirements:

To be eligible for the AIGC Fellowship, applicants must:

• Be a full-time graduate or professional student at an accredited U.S. institution.
• Demonstrate financial need by submitting the AIGC Financial Need Form.
• Be an enrolled member of an Alaska Native group or American Indian tribe that is federally recognized, or provide documentation of at least one-fourth degree Indian blood, verified by a Tribal Eligibility Certificate.

Eligibility Criteria & Application Process

Who Qualifies for These Fellowships?

The majority of graduate school scholarships for first-gen students are open to students who are in the later stages of their graduate program (think: second year or beyond). However, some fellowships are open to early-stage grad students or even postgraduates.

Application Deadlines to Watch For

Aside from ensuring that you meet the fellowship’s eligibility requirements, you also need to make sure that you meet the deadlines. Having the best qualification will mean nothing if you do not submit it on time.

Do not get too comfortable! Many students procrastinate because the deadline is six months from now. However, not preparing early can lead to missing important requirements or documents. It’s better to start early and avoid the stress and mistakes later on.

Common Fellowship Requirements

For grad students, you’ll often need to submit the following:

• solid research proposal
• letters of recommendation
• proof of academic progress

Basic application materials are transcripts and personal statements.

How to Write a Strong Research Proposal

It’s important to keep in mind that graduate research fellowships are very competitive. Unlike undergraduate scholarships, graduate programs often have lesser funding. It’s important to do your best with each application. Here’s a quick guide on how to apply for graduate fellowships using a strong research proposal:

Tip #1: Your research proposal should lay out what your project is all about—what problem you’re tackling, the goals you want to achieve, and how you’re going to do it.

Tip #2: Crafting a strong research proposal means keeping it simple and to the point. Your proposal should include an intro to your research topic, a background or literature review, your methods, what results you expect, and a conclusion.

Tip #3: Make it clear that you’ve got the skills and confidence to handle your project. Highlight any past research experience, relevant courses, and any special skills.

Final Tips for Securing a Research Fellowship

Here are a few additional tips on how to land the best fellowships for first-generation students:

1. Avoid common mistakes like missing deadlines or unclear goals.
2. Double-check everything before submitting.
3. Ask your professors or mentors for feedback—they can help make your proposal stronger.
4. Stay organized throughout the process—create a checklist, track deadlines, and keep your documents in order.
5. Show how passionate and prepared you are for the research. A clear, well-organized application with strong support can make all the difference!