Fellowships

Fellowship are very similar to Scholarships, but there is some work involved while in the program. The idea of a fellowship is to help students transform from schools into their professional fields. Generally fellowships are reserved for students with special qualifications, such as academic, athletic, science, or artistic talent.

The number of available fellowships to recent college graduates in public policy, arts, education, and other nonprofit fields is increasing.

Apply Now For Fellowships

The actual term fellowship is used in verity of scenarios, but most of the time fellowships are short opportunities for students lasting for few months or years. They focus on the professional development of the student. They are sponsored by a specific organization that wants to expand leaderships in a given field.

Fellowships do not have to be repaid. They support many different activities:

Training Students (Fellows)   Study In a Specific Field, Mostly Graduate Studies   Advanced Research On a Particular Subject   Starting Initiatives, Communities, Organizations   Explore Particular Fields Related To The Sponsor   Support For Leadership In a Particular Group Or Region

The best way to apply is to find them on this website or find them online. Once you find the fellowship you can contact the administrator for that program and find out how to apply correctly. Try looking into job listings for the keyword "fellowship". Sometimes they advertise there.

The competition for fellowship money is really strong. Just like with Scholarships, do not waist your time and effort applying for fellowships that are not in your field.

There are many different deadlines for fellowships. They mostly occur early each calendar year. The application process is at full speed by summer or early fall. Due to high competition the deadlines are hard and fast. You will need to contact the founders of the program directly in order to create your own calendar of deadlines.

Applications often include a resume, transcript and letters of recommendation. They also require writing samples, essays or written proposals.

Both graduate and undergraduate students can apply for fellowships. However, most fellowships are designed for graduate students seeking to take their careers further.

Some fellowships seek applicants with outstanding academic achievement, others do not. Some seek fellows with experience in the issue the program addresses, others not really. They all seem to look for motivation, self-direction and personal integrity with demonstrated leadership and potential for continued leadership.

  Stipends From $10,000 To Up To $25,000 For a 1 Year Program
  Healthcare Coverage
  Employment Benefits
  Student Loan Repayment Programs
  School Credits
  Housing Stipends
  Paid Travel Or Relocation Expenses

These programs were built to provide work experience. In the fellowship, the participants are expected to take on a great deal of responsibility. Generally, fellows are provided with real world experience. That experience is not typically available to an entry-level position.

From program to program students learn different things. Some of them include:

  Independent Projects
  Team Projects
  Field Placements In Different Segments Of The Public Affairs Area
  Internship In An Organization Chosen By The Fellow
  Research Projects
  Apprenticeship With a Senior Level Nonprofit Professional

Important Questions

Q:  Do fellowships for undergraduate students exist?
Yes, There are fellowship programs for both: undergraduate and graduate students.

Q:  If I receive fellowship money, can I apply for more financial aid?
Sure. The idea is to apply to everything possible. Worst case scenario you are going to hear "No".

Q:  Will I be working at the fellowship programs?
Most fellowships is nothing, but work. You are being put on deep water and the responsibility is there. Treat it as a real job after graduation.

Q:  Can the fellowship be performed out of state where I'm enrolled?
There should be no problem with working out of state. Ask your specific school just in case.

Q:  How do I receive fellowship money?
In most cases the money comes to your bank account.

Q:  Are there any cons with fellowships?
Fellowships do not pay much for work. It's possible to get a real job and make more in the same time.

View All Questions

Fellowship is a preparation for your career. You will be performing real job tasks while in the program. The money earned from the fellowship does not have to be repaid. Make sure to Apply only for programs that fit your career path. Otherwise you will be rejected and you'll lose valuable time. For a similar program, but with more financial reward please visit our Scholarships section.

We advise our financial aid candidates to use our tools below and see how much college is going to cost, how to plan or save for college, how to find financial aid, and calculate loan amounts.

Loan Calculator		Budget Planner		Save Money WIZARD		Financial Aid WIZARD		How Much For College

Related Resources
Fellowships FAQ
Fellowships Glossary
Fellowships Facts
Fellowships News and Articles
Fellowships Discussion
Fellowships Questions


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