Advancing the Field | Southern Methodist University

How to Find PhD Scholarships and Grants

Written by Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies | October 24, 2023 at 12:15 PM

Paying for a PhD can be challenging, but you don’t have to navigate the process alone. Scholarships and grants can significantly ease the financial load, even if finding them feels overwhelming. 

In this blog, we’ll explore various PhD funding options for students and share practical tips to help you secure the support you need—so you can focus on your research and academic success. 

In This Blog:

Read more: A Guide to Choosing and Applying to Ph.D. Programs

Exploring PhD Funding Options

Finding and securing PhD funding can be stressful, but scholarships and grants are available if you know where to look.

Grants and Scholarships for Doctoral Students

When funding your PhD, scholarships and grants are two of the most common options—and both have distinct advantages.

  • Scholarships are financial awards you don’t need to repay, often based on merit, demographics, or career goals. They typically don’t require service in return, but competition can be high, and they may demand exceptional qualifications.
  • Grants are similar in that they don’t require repayment, but they are often awarded based on financial need, academic merit, or your field of study. Grants can cover significant educational expenses, though eligibility requirements and competition can be challenging.

Understanding these differences can help you identify which PhD funding options best fit your goals. From universities and professional associations to government programs, industry partners, and international scholarships, there are multiple paths to securing financial support for your doctoral studies:



PhD funding at the
university-level

Many universities offer scholarships, research grants, and assistantships to support PhD students. For example, SMU provides a range of funding options for doctoral students through the Moody School for Graduate and Advanced Studies.


Grants for doctoral students from professional associations

Depending on your field of study, professional associations often offer grants for doctoral research. Check your discipline’s association website or contact them directly to learn about available opportunities.


PhD funding from government and non-government organizations

Both government and non-government organizations provide grants to promote research across various fields. Resources like Grants.gov and the U.S. National Science Foundation are good starting points.


PhD funding from
industry partners

Many companies collaborate with universities to fund research in their sector, supporting specific projects, initiatives, or areas of study. These partnerships can also provide valuable networking and career opportunities.


International PhD
scholarship opportunities

International students can access scholarships for PhD studies in the U.S., including programs like Fulbright and DAAD, which provide funding and research opportunities for students from around the world.

 

Assistantships and Fellowships for Doctoral Students

Assistantships and fellowships are other common ways to fund a PhD, each with distinct benefits and expectations.

  • Assistantships usually involve teaching or research roles in exchange for a stipend and tuition waiver. They provide hands-on experience but may require significant time commitments.
  • Fellowships are merit-based awards that do not require repayment or work in return. They often offer generous funding specific to your field of study and allow greater flexibility for independent research, though competition is high and the application process can be rigorous.

You can find assistantships and fellowships through your university’s graduate school or department website, academic program offices, and professional associations in your field. Many universities list available opportunities for incoming and current PhD students, while some fellowships are offered nationally or internationally and may require separate applications.

How to Apply for Doctoral Degree Scholarships 

Applying for doctoral scholarships and grants can be competitive, but following strategic steps can help you stand out and increase your chances of success.

Essential PhD Degree Scholarship Application Tips

  1. Start Early: Securing funding takes time, so begin your search as soon as possible. Scholarship and grant deadlines often fall well before your program’s application deadline, so early preparation can make a big difference.
  2. Be Thorough and Organized: Managing multiple funding applications can become overwhelming quickly. Keep track of deadlines, required materials, and submission details by creating a clear system, ensuring all your information is organized and easily accessible.
  3. Tailor Your Applications: Customize each application to the specific sponsor or funding organization. Highlight why your research, background, and goals align with their priorities, showing clearly that you are an ideal candidate for their support.
  4. Leverage Your Network: Tap into your academic network—professors, colleagues, and alumni can be invaluable resources. They may provide recommendations, insider tips, or even direct connections to funding sources.

Find PhD Scholarships and Funding Opportunities at SMU

Finding and securing funding for your PhD is crucial in shaping a stress-free and productive doctoral journey. Scholarships and grants can play a key role, but they are just part of a broader funding landscape that also includes assistantships and fellowships.

These funding options are designed to help ease your financial commitments, so take the time to explore each option, align them with your academic and research goals, and create a solid plan to support your studies.

Want to learn more about how SMU invests in graduate students? Get to know the Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies—a hub for groundbreaking research, competitive funding opportunities, and meaningful professional and community engagement.
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