What is a Fellowship?

National fellowships are competitive, merit-based awards that fund graduate study, usually in research programs (such as study leading to a Ph.D. in history—or study leading to a master’s degree when the master’s is the highest degree awarded in a given discipline).  Some fellowships fund study for professional degrees (such as study leading to a law or medical degree).  

Other fellowships support study abroad or experiential learning following the bachelor’s degree.

For students who plan to pursue a graduate degree, a few competitive national scholarships fund the last year or two of undergraduate education.

Developing a strong application for a fellowship should begin long before you decide that a given fellowship is the one you will pursue.  Ideally, you should meet with the fellowship advisor in your freshman or sophomore year to develop a plan of action for your undergraduate years that will build your skills and credentials (achievements for which you have been recognized or which are worthy of recognition).  These skills and credentials will enhance your choices when you apply to graduate school, and will help make you an attractive candidate for scholarships and fellowships.