Dissertation Fellowships

The Graduate School sponsors a competitive fellowship program. This is for doctoral students entering or currently in the dissertation stage of their program.

Tuition and Funding

Information and Eligibility Criteria

The Dissertation Fellowship provides:

  • A $20,000 stipend (mid-August to mid-May).
  • Tuition waiver covering up to 6 credits of xxx799 each semester (fall and spring). The waiver covers only the number of 799 credits the students still need to complete their degree program. Any fees or tuition charges not covered by the fellowship are the responsibility of the student.

To qualify, a student must:

  • Be currently/continuously enrolled in a UNC doctoral program in CEBS, NHS or PVA that requires a dissertation.
  • Be in good standing with at least a 3.0 GPA; however, students with a 3.75 or higher will receive priority consideration for the award.
  • Have successfully completed both written and oral comprehensive exams, with the results recorded by the Graduate School.
  • Have a successful proposal on record in the Graduate School by the spring semester deadline before the start of the fellowship. You may apply for the fellowship in anticipation of meeting the proposal deadline.
  • Have a solid record of research, teaching, or work-related activities.
  • Have the enthusiastic support of faculty.
  • Submit a completed fellowship application and all related documents by the deadline.
  • Intend to focus on completing the dissertation during the term of the fellowship.

Application process:

  • You must complete the Dissertation Fellowship application. This includes:
    • An abstract or summary (no more than 500 words) of the dissertation proposal.
    • Two letters of recommendation from faculty. One letter must be from the Research Advisor. If your recommenders decide to send a joint letter, both must sign it. Send these to Cindy Wesley, Ph.D., via email at cindy.wesley@unco.edu and copied to franklina.addae@unco.edu by the March 23, 2026, application deadline.
    • An impact statement of no more than 500 words. Explain the significance of your dissertation research for your discipline and beyond.
    • Resume or Curriculum Vitae emailed to cindy.wesley@unco.edu (and copied to franklina.addae@unco.edu) by the application deadline.
  • All application materials must be received in the Graduate School no later than March 23, 2026.
  • The Awards Committee of the Graduate Council will review applications. A list of recommended recipients will then be sent to the Graduate School leadership for final review.

You are not eligible if:

  • You are a previous winner of the fellowship.
  • You intend to hold any form of assistantship or other UNC scholarship at the same time.
  • You will be in full-time paid employment.
  • You do not submit the dissertation proposal and all required documents by the spring semester deadline.

Please note: Students in part-time or full-time practicum, internships or externships are eligible if their supervised site allows students to schedule time for their dissertation work. If there are two equally qualified students, the one not enrolled in a full-time practicum, internship or externship may receive preference.