Top Graduate Research and Fellowship Scholarships for 2025

Why Graduate Research Scholarships Matter

Here, we’re going to feature 10 of the best graduate research scholarships 2025 has to offer. You’ll also know how to apply for these scholarships and succeed.

Why is funding for graduate research important in the first place? First, money supports the people behind research projects and the resources they need.

As a graduate student, you’ll need money to:

• Access specialized facilities, such as laboratories, and their equipment
• Conduct surveys and polls
• Buy research materials like software, datasets, and supplies
• Attend conferences, workshops, and seminars for research and professional development

Second, money also supports your studies and living expenses. Like it or not, pursuing a master’s degree or a doctoral degree is expensive.

The cost of a master’s degree averages within $44,640 and $71,140. Master’s degree holders have $46,796 in student loan debt, on average.

If you’re a doctoral degree candidate, you’re looking at education expenses of $50,000/year, on average. Then, there’s the $84,540 average student loan debt for doctorate holders.

Fortunately, fellowship scholarships for graduate students reduce the financial burden. You can use the free money for your tuition, fees, books and supplies, and even room and board. Many scholarship programs also provide free money for research activities and travel expenses.

You can focus more on achieving your academic and research goals. There’s less need for external employment that otherwise can take away your focus.

You’re less likely to take out student loans, too, when you have graduate scholarships. Smaller student loans mean more career flexibility and life stability.

The bottom line: You must explore and apply to the best graduate fellowships 2025 has to offer.

Related Articles:

• Graduate Research Fellowships for First-Generation Students
• How to Apply for Graduate Fellowships: A Step-by-Step Guide for Researchers
• How to Write a Winning Research Proposal for Graduate Fellowships
• Social Sciences and Humanities Fellowships: Opportunities for Graduate Researchers

Top Graduate Research and Fellowship Scholarships for 2025

National Science Foundation Research Fellowships for Graduate Students

• Application Deadline: April 15, 2025
• Award Amount: Up to $55,000/student
• Eligibility Criteria:
  • U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents
  • Intend to enroll or currently enrolled full-time in a research-based STEM program
  • Haven’t earned a doctoral degree in any field.
• How to Apply:
  • Submit an online application,
  • Include supporting documents, including a research proposal and academic transcripts, among others.

The NSF GRFP offers fully funded graduate research scholarships for master’s and doctoral degree students. Awards vary, but they can support tuition and fees, travel, and other costs.

Research areas include public health, ecosystems, and safer chemicals.

James Buchanan Fellowship

• Application Deadline: April 15, 2025
• Award Amount: Up to $8,000 (Includes a stipend, travel and lodging, and required reading materials)
• Eligibility Criteria:
  • Earned a doctoral degree within the last six years
  • Keep an academic or research position
• How to Apply:
  • Submit an online application with supporting documents
  • Include a research statement, CV, and writing sample, among others.

This is among the top graduate scholarships for 2025 for candidates in the social and other sciences. Selected fellows tackle the Virginia, Austrian, and Bloomington schools of political economy.

Besides the money, fellows also enjoy networking opportunities.

Presidential Graduate Research Fellowship at San Diego State University

• Application Deadline: March 31, 2025 (Regular Cycle)
• Award Amount: Non-resident Tuition Waiver (NRTW) or $444/credit
• Eligibility Criteria:
  • Non-resident or international student
  • Nominated by the graduate program director
  • Proof of academic excellence and other merits
• How to Apply: Request for nomination by the graduate program director or advisor to start the process

SDSU offers many graduate school funding opportunities that lessen college costs. The Presidential Graduate Research Fellowship is among the most competitive. This is a university-wide competition that evaluates applicants based on their potential for excellence in research, scholarship or creative activities (RSCA).

EWC Graduate Fellowship

• Application Deadline: December 1, 2025 (11:59 pm HST)
• Award Amount: Varies
• Eligibility Criteria:
  • Citizen of the U.S., Russia, or country in Asia and the Pacific (or has permanent residency in these countries).
  • Earned a four-year bachelor’s degree
  • Scored at least a 3.0 GPA,
• How to Apply
  • Be accepted or currently enrolled at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa by December 1, 2025.
  • Apply to the EWC Graduate Fellowship program by January 10, 2026.

If you’re looking for generous merit-based fellowships for graduate students, this is it. Funding covers:

• Full-time tuition and fees
• Residence hall, single occupancy housing
• Stipend
• Book allowance
• Health insurance subsidy

Russell Sage Foundation Research Grants

• Application Deadline: Varies depending on the program
• Award Amount: Varies
• Eligibility Criteria:
  • Must have a doctorate
  • The proposed research must have a U.S. focus
• How to Apply: Submit your Letter of Inquiry (LOI) to the RSF online portal.

The Russell Sage Foundation offers graduate scholarships with high award amounts. The Trustee Grants have a $200,000 cap, while the Presidential Grants have a $50,000 cap. These are disbursed over a two-year period and may or may not cover indirect costs.

Application requirements include LOI, proposal, and budget and budget justification. Pass your CV, memo, and proof of IRB approval, too.

Google PhD Fellowship Program

• Application Deadline: May 15, 2025, 11:59:59pm AoE (UTC-12) (Applications open April 10, 2025)
• Award Amount: $85,000/year
• Eligibility Criteria: Enrolled full-time in a PhD program
• How to Apply: Applicant must be nominated by their universities (U.S.)

Google offers generous financial aid for graduate students that reduces their out-of-pocket costs. Selected fellows enjoy up to two years of financial support. The funds can be used for direct costs ($70,000) and indirect costs ($15,000). Fellows also receive support from a Google Research Mentor.

Organization of American States Academic Scholarship Program

• Application Deadline: Varies
• Award Amount: Up to $10,000/academic year 
• Eligibility Criteria:
  • Citizens and permanent residents of an OAS Member State
  • Strong academic record; field of study aligned with priority development areas
• How to Apply: Submit applications via the OAS official website.

The OAS, a regional organization with 35 member countries, offers PhD and master’s research funding. Deadlines vary, such as the University of Northern Iowa (April 20, 2025) and Western Illinois University (April 30, 2025). Candidates in in-person, hybrid, and online programs are welcome.

Department of Defense SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program

• Application Deadline: Application opens on August 1, 2025
• Award Amount: Varies
• Eligibility Criteria: U.S. citizens pursuing a graduate degree in a STEM field and willing to commit to a service obligation
• How to Apply: Apply online at the SMART Scholarship Portal.

DoD offers STEM graduate research scholarships because of its generous funding. Selected scholars receive these benefits:

• Full tuition
• Annual stipend ($30,000-$46,000 based on degree level)
• DoD summer internships

Scholars also have guaranteed DoD employment after graduation.

Charlotte W. Newcombe Doctoral Dissertation Fellowships

• Application Deadline: November 1, 2025 (Application opens August 1, 2025)
• Award Amount: $31,000
• Eligibility Criteria: Candidates for PhD degrees be ABD, be in the writing stage of their dissertation; and complete between April 1 and August 31.
• How to Apply: Complete an online application.

If you’re looking for humanities and social sciences fellowships, this is it. Your dissertation must tackle areas of religion, ethics, values, or morals.

Candidate evaluations are based on “scholarly excellence; quality and originality of the project; and commitment to research.”

Margaret E. Lucas “Full-Blooded Wolfpack” Memorial Scholarship

• Application Deadline: May 15, 2025
• Award Amount: $12,000 (1 winner)
• Eligibility Criteria:
  • Pursuing a degree in special education at Meredith College at North Carolina State University
• How to Apply: Submit your application via Bold.org.

The scholarship honors the life of Margaret E. Lucas, who was known for her NC State loyalty. She was also passionate about working with people with developmental disabilities.

Applicants must submit an essay answering the prompt, “Tell us what inspired your career in special education and what your plans are after graduation?”. Your essay must be 400-600 words and highlight your ambition.

How to Apply for Graduate Fellowships and Research Scholarships

Keep in mind that these financial aid opportunities have competitive criteria. Academic performance and research relevance are the topmost criteria. Professional work experience, leadership skills, and personal character are crucial considerations, too.

Careful planning and execution are then a must for success. Here are effective steps on how to apply for graduate fellowships to get started.

Read and understand the eligibility requirements first.

Every program has its specific eligibility requirements. Read and understand them first before you start the application process. You want to apply to programs where you’re eligible. Otherwise, you’re wasting your time and energy.

Common eligibility requirements include:

• Admission to or current enrollment in an accredited graduate degree program
• Citizenship or residency
• Commitment to leadership and service, among others
• Minimum GPA, usually 3.0
• Research experience that aligns with the program’s focus areas

Gather the required application documents.

Again, read and understand the application process and deadlines. You want to follow the application process to the letter. Then, you must submit your application packet on or before the deadline.

Every program has its specific required application documents. The most common are as follows:

• Research proposal
• Resume or curriculum vitae
• Personal statement
• Letters of recommendation
• Academic transcripts

Many programs also have online application forms with email attachments.

• Submit your application packet and follow up. 

The ideal time to follow up is about 2-4 weeks after the deadline. But do so only if you haven’t received an update or a confirmation. Check the application portal, too, for updates. Email or call the appropriate person and office. Express your thanks regardless of the decision (i.e., acceptance or rejection).

Remember these effective application tips for graduate fellowships, too.

• Start ASAP. Don’t wait until the last minute to explore your scholarship options.
• Submit a tailored application packet to every program.
• Secure strong letters of recommendation.
• Always proofread and edit your application documents.
• Seek feedback on your application documents from peers and mentors.

Yes, you’re applying as an individual. But you don’t have to be alone in the application process. Seek help whenever necessary.

Tips for Securing Funding for Your Advanced Research

Graduate fellowships and scholarships are free money but these aren’t easy money. Keep these tips in mind to boost your chances of getting them.

• Strengthen your application

The strength of your application is the sum of its parts. Think of your application from a holistic perspective instead of in a piecemeal way.

• Align your research proposal and personal statement with the program’s funding goals.
• Highlight the impact of your research on critical issues in the field
• Showcase your research experience, including presentations and publications
• Emphasize your leadership and teamwork skills

Be sure to follow the instructions in the letter, too. It shows your attention to detail and respect.

• Write a compelling research statement.

Your research statement can make or break your application:

• Start with a clear and concise question.
• Explain your approach, expected outcomes, and methodology.
• Highlight the impact and significance of your research.
• Use professional language.

Again, make a clear connection between your research and the program’s goals.

• Leverage faculty recommendations and networking.

Your success doesn’t rest only on your brilliance. Other people must also attest to it in the form of letters of recommendation, among others.

• Build strong relationships with your professors, advisors, and mentors ASAP.
• Join professional organizations.
• Attend industry conferences and seminars.
• Request letters of recommendation that highlight your achievements and your research impact.

Acknowledge that getting funding for your graduate research isn’t a one-man job. You’ll have a better chance of getting the money.

Final Thoughts: Making the Most of Graduate Scholarships

In conclusion, there’s still time to meet the deadlines for 2025 graduate fellowships. But you must stay on top of these deadlines – late submissions equal missed opportunities. Keep a detailed calendar for your applications and set reminders to do so.

Furthermore, apply to as many fellowships and scholarships as you can. The more applications you send in, the more chances of getting funding.

You must also diversify your fellowship and scholarship applications. Prioritize your college and local community programs. Then, look to professional associations, nonprofits, and government agencies. Use online databases, such as Fastweb, for more financial aid opportunities.

In the end, scholarships and fellowships for graduate students are free money, but you must work for it, too.