Fellowships, Assistantships, and Awards

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Due to the on-going global pandemic, PhD funding will be limited for fall 2021-2022 admission. We anticipate being able to fund very few new students. Potential applicants should consider this circumstance in making their decision to apply. In case of doubt, please contact the Director of Graduate Studies or the Director of Graduate Admissions. As circumstances change, this message will be updated.

We are pleased to support our students with funding at both the MA and PhD level. 

We offer a limited number of fellowships for MA students to help offset the cost of tuition and fees for up to three semesters. These fellowships are pro-rated by credit hour, and so students attending part time may still receive some support. In addition, based on availability, we offer some qualified MA students paid work as graders for undergraduate courses.

Doctoral students receive a guaranteed four years of funding as a teaching assistant, plus one year on a research fellowship as long as they remain in good standing. Highly qualified PhD students may receive additional fellowships and scholarships from the department and university upon acceptance. The department uses its own funds to offer PhD students an additional scholarship, given at the beginning of each Fall and Spring semester, to help cover or lessen the costs of university fees. As teaching assistants, PhD students are also entitled to health insurance organized through their union, the GSEU. Students are also encouraged to apply for additional funding in the form of fellowships and research stipends, offered by various offices and centers within the university, as they advance in their studies. Limited funding is available to PhD students to pay for travel and lodging costs to attend conferences on a case-by-case basis.

PhD Funding

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We are committed to recruiting the very best PhD students and preparing doctoral students for career success. UB features:

  • World-class faculty experts mentor PhD students in a dynamic research and learning environment. Students can focus on their research and scholarship alongside renowned faculty while preparing for the careers and professions that await them after graduation.
  • A city on the rise. Buffalo, N.Y. offers affordable housing, arts, culture and community. Learn more about Buffalo.
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PhD Funding Opportunities

  • Academic year stipends of $20,000 for all full-time, funded PhD students on 10-month academic teaching assistant, research assistant or graduate assistant appointments.
  • UB’s stipend levels are among the top five of public Association of American Universities (AAU) member institutions.
  • Additional Fellowship Opportunities:
    • Arthur A. Schomburg Fellowship Program: To be eligible for a Schomburg Fellowship, candidates must contribute to the diversity of the student body, and can demonstrate that they have overcome a disadvantage or other impediment to success in higher education. Only U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible to receive Schomburg Fellowships.
    • Presidential Fellowships: To be eligible for Presidential Fellowships, candidates must meet the criteria listed on the Presidential Fellowship page. Both domestic and international students are eligible, if they meet these criteria. For any questions regarding funding for academic year 2021–2022, contact the director of graduate studies or department chair.

Contact

Interested prospective students should contact staff assistant Amie Schirching.