The Graduate School at UMBC Dissertation Fellowship Summer 2026 Announcement
Application Deadline: Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Overview: The UMBC Dissertation Fellowship provides promising doctoral candidates with the financial support necessary to focus on writing and completing their dissertations. This fellowship grants students the critical time and resources needed to expedite the final stages of their degree.
Eligibility & Conditions:
Except in extraordinary circumstances, these awards are limited to one term per student. To be considered, Ph.D. candidates must be in good academic standing. Additionally, they must have:
No other financial support: This fellowship is strictly for students who do not have UMBC-administered financial support (such as an assistantship) during the summer term. Note: Funding status will be verified prior to application review and applicants with a GA contract through summer 2026 will not be reviewed.
Time to commit and focus on writing: Recipients must commit at least 20 hours per week exclusively to dissertation writing for the entire summer term. No other work assignments, besides dissertation writing, may be associated with this fellowship.
Award Details (Summer 2026):
The fellowship is awarded for the summer term only and includes:
A maximum stipend of $5,000.
Tuition remission for 9 credits of course 899 (billed at 2 credits). Please note: The university provides tuition remission for the cost of 899 tuition only. Fellowship recipients are required to pay all mandatory fees associated with 899 registration.
Selection Criteria:
A committee selected by the Graduate School Leadership Team will review applications. Priority will be given to students who demonstrate that this award will provide the critical support needed to complete their writing, finalize revisions, and successfully defend their dissertation within the fellowship period (by the end of the summer term). Selection is based heavily on the applicant's readiness to finish, and the quality and feasibility of their management plan.
Application Materials: Submit the following documentation with the Application Form as a single PDF:
Letter of Support from the Chair of the Dissertation Committee that:
Management Plan (1–2 pages), written by the applicant and signed by the Chair of the Dissertation Committee. This must describe the dissertation format (regular or 3-essay/paper), status of the dissertation work, remaining steps, and a timeline for completion of those steps.
Research Abstract for Lay Audience (maximum 1 page), written by the applicant in plain language for a non-expert audience, describing their research and its relevance.
Curriculum Vitae (CV) (most recent version). Example of CV.
Employer Documentation (if applicable): If employed outside the university, written evidence from the employer indicating a willingness to reduce the student's job hours and duties during the fellowship.
Optional Statement: A brief response to the prompt: "Is there anything else you would like the committee to know about your situation and the need for a Dissertation Fellowship?"
Submission & Deadlines
Deadline: Applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. EST on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.
How to Apply: Email your completed application as a single PDF to dissertationfellowship@umbc.edu.
Notification: Recipients will be announced by May 1, 2026.
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