THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO
Student Research Funding Opportunities
Below is a non-exhaustive list of internal, federal, and non-federal grants and fellowships of interest to students in the social sciences and link to student research resources guides. For a more comprehensive database, visit the UChicagoGRAD Fellowships Database.
The University of Chicago’s centers, departments, and divisions offer grants and fellowships to graduate students. If you are interested in applying for funding, start with your academic department as some departments have internal funding opportunities that are not advertised to the campus at large.
The Weiss Fund for Research in Development Economics - Fall 2026 and Spring 2027
- Pilot and Travel Grants - February 1, May 1, August 3, November 1
Center for East Asian Studies - Expected April 2027
Chinese Studies Funding
Japanese Studies Funding
Korean Studies Funding
Center for International Social Sciences Research - Expected April 2027
Dissertation Completion Grants
Lloyd and Susanne Rudolph Field Research Award for Graduate Students
Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies - Expected March 2027
Mellon Research Travel Fellowship
Tinker Field Research Grant
Center for the Study of Gender and Sexuality (CSGS)
Dissertation Completion and Residential Fellowships - March 14, 2027
Research Grants - October 26, 2026, February 1, 2027, April 19, 2027
Center for the Study of Race, Politics, and Culture (CSRPC) - Expected March 2027
Dissertation Completion and Residential Fellowships
Research and Travel Grants
Committee on Southern Asian Studies
Dissertation Writing Support Fellowship
Summer Research and Travel Grants
France Chicago Center - Due January 26
François Furet Travel Grant
EHESS Exchange Fellowship
Sciences Po Exchange Fellowship
Greenberg Center for Jewish Studies
Research and Travel Grants - May 2
Conference Presentation Grants - Rolling
Nicholson Center for British Studies - Expected March 2027
Graduate Research Fellowships
Graduate Archival Research Grants
Pozen Family Center for Human Rights
Research Grants for PhD Students - Expected March 2027
Social Sciences Research Center
Graduate Student Fellowship Program - January 2027
Stigler Center for the Study of the Economy and the State
PhD Dissertation Award - January 2027
The Bike Shop: Request for Proposals - April 1, 2026
National Institutes of Health Ruth L. Kirschstein Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31)
Enables predoctoral students to obtain mentored research training while conducting dissertation research.
Deadlines: April 8, August 8, December 8
National Institute of Justice (NIJ) Graduate Research Fellowship Program
Provides 12 to 18 months of support for research on crime, violence, and other criminal justice-related topics.
Deadline: Spring
National Science Foundation Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement Grants (DDRIG)
Offered in a variety of disciplines, funding supports research and travel in order to improve dissertation quality.
Deadline: Most social and behavioral sciences programs are waiting for new publication; please contact UChicago Grad for more information.
National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program
Stipend and tuition support for graduate students in NSF-supported science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines who are pursuing research-based master’s and doctoral degrees.
Deadline: Most social and behavioral sciences programs are waiting for new publication; please contact UChicago Grad for more information.
Charlotte W. Newcombe Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship
Supports original and significant dissertation study of ethical or religious values in all fields of the humanities and social sciences.
Deadline: November 1
Fulbright Fellowship
Fellowships for 8–12 months of study or research abroad; criteria vary by country. UChicagoGRAD manages the internal application process.
First Deadline: Sept 1 LOI
Mellon/ACLS Dissertation Innovation Fellowship
Supports doctoral students pursuing innovative research in the humanities and interpretive social sciences and who show promise of leading their fields in important new directions.
Deadline: October 28, 2026
National Academy of Education / Spencer Foundation Dissertation Fellowships
Supports students whose dissertations bring fresh and constructive perspectives to the history, theory, or practice of education.
Deadline: October 8, 2026
For questions about funding, UChicagoGrad, your academic department, and the Dean of Students office can help provide answers. Identify the right resource for your question below.
UChicagoGRAD
Your Academic Department
Dean of Students Office