Fellowships, Assistantships, and Awards

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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

Join a community of scholars and researchers working together to solve pressing global problems. 

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.

PhD Funding Opportunities

  • Academic year stipends of $23,000 for all full-time, funded PhD students on 10-month academic teaching assistant, research assistant or graduate assistant appointments.
    • UB’s stipend levels are competitive among public Association of American Universities (AAU) member institutions.
  • Additional Fellowship Opportunities:
    • Arthur A. Schomburg Fellowship Program: Candidates are required to be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and must demonstrate how they have overcome a disadvantage or other impediment to success in higher education. Candidates must also demonstrate a commitment to contributing to the diversity of the student body by facilitating and enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in their academic programs and campus activities. Even though financial need is not a requirement for program eligibility, applicants may utilize economic disadvantage as a basis for eligibility. This scholarship program is open to any and all prospective candidates regardless of race, color, national origin, or sex, and is consistent with all current governing federal and state nondiscrimination law. All application submissions will be assessed and evaluated in accordance with the required eligibility criteria. Students may apply for the Schomburg Fellowship on the UB graduate application for their program.
    • 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 2025–2026, contact the director of graduate studies or department chair.

Contact

Interested prospective students should contact the Department of History.