Funding Sources for Students
The Brandeis financial aid program is only able to assist a small number of students. As such, it is strongly recommended that prospective students pursue all available avenues of funding. As students plan for further study, they need to take into consideration that the financial aid process can take up to 12 months. They are encouraged to start looking for funding as early as possible, as it increases chances of a timely response. Students who do not apply early enough for financial aid and who are not able to cover the full tuition costs may defer their acceptance for up to two years.
Databases to Search
American Association of University Women
Awards fellowships for full-time study or research to women. Both graduate and postgraduate study at accredited institutions are supported. Different funds are available for both U.S. and non-U.S. citizens. Closing date is Aug. 1.
Brandeis University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences External Funding Opportunities
Community of Science Funding Opportunities Database
Search for funding opportunities through this comprehensive resource of more than 15,000 funding sources from around the world. Updated daily.
The Foundation Center
The center's Web site provides links to private foundations, corporate grantmakers and public charities.
Illinois Research Information Service
Inddexes more than 8,000 current federal and private funding opportunities in the sciences, social sciences, arts and humanities; the IRIS Alert Service allows users to create a profile and regularly receive updated results via e-mail.
Social Science Research Council (SSRC) Fellowships
Provides support and professional recognition to innovators within fields and especially to younger researchers whose work and ideas will have longer-term impact on society and scholarship.
Funding for International Students Only
Advanced Training for Leadership and Skills
Provides opportunities to qualified candidates from Africa to pursue academic undergraduate and graduate programs in the United States. The education and leadership skills ATLAS participants gain strengthens their ability to contribute to development efforts in their home countries in areas such as business administration, public health, agriculture, education, the environment and democracy and governance.
Africa Educational Trust
Open to citizens of Africa who need assistance with tuition or emergency assistance, and to those interested in the advancement of language, literature and education in Africa.
Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme
Provides a limited number of scholarships each year for postgraduate studies to outstanding students from developing countries who have no other means of financing their studies. Scholarships are awarded on a 50 percent grant / 50 percent loan basis through a competitive application process once a year, in June. The foundation gives priority to requests for master’s level courses but is also willing to consider applications for the Ph.D. programs when doctoral degrees are necessary for the career objectives of the student. Requests will also be considered for travel and study awards for Ph.D. students doing their research in third world countries on topics judged to be of interest to the Aga Khan Development Network. Applications for short-term courses are not considered; neither are applications from students who have already started their course of study.
The Alavi Foundation
Awards scholarships, fellowships and loans to Iranian citizens who are students at, or have been accepted by, a U.S. college or university. Students must return to Iran not later than six months after graduation and must render services in Iran for a period at least twice the period of attendance.
American Association of University Women International Fellowships
Awards international fellowships for full-time study or research in the United States to women who are not United States citizens or permanent residents.
American Councils: Alumni Local Initiative Grants Program
Assists former participants of the Future Leaders Exchange Program (1994 to 2004) who are citizens of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russian Federation, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan to contribute to the social, economic and political development of their countries.
BAEF Fellowship for Graduate Study
Applicants must be Belgian citizens and have outstanding academic records and a strong command of the English language. Closing date is Oct. 31.
Becas Magdalena O. Vda. De Brockmann, AC
Available to Mexican citizens who will return to their country after earning a degree.
Bridge Fund
Need- and merit-based scholarships for Tibetan students.
Canadian Consortium on Human Security (CCHS)
Encompasses projects that address conflict prevention, humanitarian and peace support operations, security-related governance and accountability issues, as well as international norms and institutions that relate to this human-security agenda.
Chilean Economic Development Agency
Provides loans for students who wish to continue their studies both in Chile and abroad.
Colfuturo Foundation
Designed to finance a significant number of Colombian graduate students abroad.
Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan
A system of awards to men and women from all Commonwealth countries chosen for their high intellectual promise and their capacity to return to make a significant contribution to life in their own countries. One of its guiding principles is that it be based upon mutual cooperation and the sharing of educational experience among all countries of the Commonwealth. Closing date is Dec. 31.
Educational Portal of the Americas OAS Scholarships
Scholarships available to citizens of member states within the Americas for up to $30,000.
Ford Foundation International Fellowship Program (IFP)
Provides opportunities for advanced study to exceptional individuals who will use this education to become leaders in their respective fields, furthering development in their own countries and greater economic and social justice worldwide. To ensure that fellows are drawn from diverse backgrounds, IFP actively seeks candidates from social groups and communities that lack systematic access to higher education. Closing date varies by country.
Fulbright Program for Non-U.S. Students
Supports educational exchanges that strengthen understanding and communication between the United States and over 140 countries. Closing date varies by country.
Global Development Network Awards Competition
Open to scholars and practitioners based in developing countries.
International Student Loans
Offers up to the total cost of education in U.S. dollars, flexible repayment options and up to 20 years to repay the loan. Students are required to have a U.S. citizen or permanent resident as a co-signer to guarantee the loan.
Israeli-Arab Scholarship Program
Margaret McNamara Memorial Fund
Applicants must be female from a developing country with the intention of returning to their country within two years. Closing date is Feb. 1 annually.
Edmund S. Muskie Graduate Fellowship Program
A merit-based program for citizens or national or permanent residents qualified to hold a valid passport issued by the countries of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russian Federation, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine or Uzbekistan.
Neelan Tiruchelvam Trust
A Sri Lankan grant-making body devoted to sustaining Neelan Tiruchelvan’s activist-intellectual legacy by stimulating and supporting projects that promote peace, reconciliation, human rights and multiculturalism in Sri Lanka and abroad. Scholarships are available for students affected by conflict and violence.
Robert G. Nelson Fellowship Fund
Assists deserving, needy and underrepresented South African men and women who are members of ALASA to complete their doctorate or master’s degrees.
NEWW Economic and Social Policy Fellowship
Works to build the capacity of young female activists and women's organizations throughout CEE/NIS to advocate more effectively for women's rights.
Organization of American States (OAS) Graduate Fellowships
Open to citizens or permanent residents of OAS member states who hold a university degree and who meet the requirements to pursue advanced studies or research in a chosen field.
PEO International Peace Scholarship
Provides scholarships to international female students to pursue graduate study in the United States and Canada.
Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship
The world’s largest privately-funded international scholarships program.
Leo S. Rowe Pan American Fund Scholarships
Awards student loans to competent persons from Latin American and Caribbean countries and members of the Organization of American States to help them finance their higher-education studies in the United States with the understanding that, upon completing those studies, they will be in a position to give their respective countries the benefit of their training.
Russell Train Fellowship Program
Applicants must be citizens or legal residents of a participating country; have a minimum of two years' work experience in conservation; be enrolled in, admitted to or have applied to an institution of higher education; and prepared to begin their studies within one year from the application deadline for their respective countries. Closing date varies by country.
Tan Kah Kee Foundation Postgraduate Scholarship
Open to Singapore citizens and permanent residents who are pursuing a full-time master's degree or Ph.D. in any discipline, regardless of race or religion.
Tibet Fund Fulbright Tibetan Scholarship Program
Additional aid for Tibetan students from India applying to U.S. schools.
U.S.-South Pacific Islands Scholarship Program
A competitive, merit-based scholarship program that provides opportunities for degree study at U.S. institutions of higher education. Candidates from specific countries who meet specific selection criteria are eligible for the program.
Women's Leadership Scholarship (WLS)
Creates educational opportunities for women who are grassroots leaders, organizers and activists from the Global South and/or from indigenous groups. WLS invests in women's leadership by supporting nondoctoral graduate education in human rights, sustainable development and public health. Closing date is March 14.
World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
Applicants must be between the ages of 25 and 45 and have at least two years of recent full-time professional work experience, preferably in a public sector. The scholarship does not support permanent residents or nationals of industrialized countries. Additionally, the applicant must not have refugee or asylum status. Closing date is March 31.
Funding Available to Both International Students and Students Who Are U.S. Citizens
Abe Fellowship Program
Provides funding for individual research on global issues, problems common to advanced industrial societies and other issues that pertain to U.S.-Japan relations. Closing date is Sept. 1 annually.
Bella Abzug Advocacy Fellowship
Applicants must demonstrate an ability to advance the former U.S. congresswoman's work and vision to advance human goals and political alliances worldwide.
Armenian Students' Association (ASA) Scholarship
Students must be enrolled full time in four-year accredited colleges or universities in the United States. Open to both graduate and undergraduate students.
Citizens for Global Solutions
A contest for students, budding artists, mult-media designers and activists who are interested in making short Flash videos that can inspire, amuse and activate people who believe a better world is possible.
Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Graduate Scholarship Program
Applicants must be nominated by the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Faculty representative at their institution. Students may not apply directly to the foundation. Please see the guidelines for more details.
Cyprus-American Scholarship Program
Byron Hanke Fellowship
Available to graduate students working on topics related to community associations. Rolling admission.
The Hellenic Times Scholarship
Available to graduate students at any accredited university. Applicants must be of Greek descent and between the ages of 17 and 25.
Humane Studies Fellowship
The Institute for Humane Studies awards scholarships of up to $12,000 for undergraduate or graduate study in the United States or abroad. Rolling admission.
International Federation of University Women (IFUW) Fellowships
Applicants must be female graduates and either a member of one of IFUW’s 77 national federations and associations or, if living in a country where there is not yet a national affiliate, an independent member of IFUW or an international individual member of IFUW.
William Fulbright Scholarship
Available to all students, no matter their citizenship. Applicants must apply through their specific country. Closing date is Oct. 23.
Japanese American Citizens League National Scholarship and Awards Program
Applicants must be active National JACL members at either an individual or student/youth level.
Barbara Mandigo Kelly Peace Poetry Award
Developed to encourage poets to explore and illuminate positive visions of peace and the human spirit. This contest is open to anyone. Closing date: July 1, annually.
Rene Matos Scholarship Program
Promotes equal employment opportunity for Hispanics and other minorities and women who work for the FAA. Closing date is May 1 annually.
National Inventors Hall of Fame Collegiate Inventors Competition
An international competition that encourages college students to actively practice the skills of science, engineering, mathematics, technology and creative invention. Closing date is June 1.
Native Leadership Scholarship (NLS)
Creates educational opportunities for women around the world who are grassroots leaders, organizers and activists demonstrating financial need. NLS invests in women's leadership and leadership development by supporting nondoctoral graduate education in human rights, sustainable development and public health.
Open Society Institute Grants and Fellowships
A number of scholarships and grants are available. Restrictions apply.
Scirus Scholarship Essay Award
Applicants must be U.S. and U.K. citizens who are full-time undergraduate or part-time or full-time graduate students. Students must be currently enrolled in an accredited college or university. Majors in any field of study may apply. Closing date is Dec. 30.
Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans
Scholarships available to "new Americans," defined as someone who (1) is a resident alien; i.e., holds a Green Card, (2) has been naturalized as a U.S. citizen or (3) is the child of two parents who are both naturalized citizens.
Textbookx.com Scholarship
Applicants must be enrolled in good standing as undergraduate or graduate students attending an accredited college or university in the United States and be legal residents of the United States or possess a valid visa.
Available to full-time or part-time young female and transgender activists. Students applying for grants should also be involved as activists, artists or cultural workers addressing issues such as racism, homophobia, sexism or other forms of inequality.
Funding Available to U.S. Citizens Only
Americorps Alumni
The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) at Brandeis will waive the $55 application fee for AmeriCorps alumni applying to the Master's Program in Coexistence and Conflict. GSAS will also match AmeriCorps alumni education awards for any AmeriCorps graduate admitted to this program.
Boren Fellowship—National Security Education Program
Provides funding opportunities for U.S. students to study world regions critical to U.S. interests. All proposed programs must include formal study of an appropriate foreign language. The NSEP service requirement stipulates that an award recipient work in the Departments of Defense, Homeland Security or State or in the intelligence community for a minimum of one year. Awards are up to $30,000, depending on whether study takes place abroad or domestically. Applicants must be U.S. citizens.
Thomas R. Pickering Graduate Foreign Affairs Fellowship
Provides funding to participants as they prepare academically and professionally to enter the United States Department of State Foreign Service.