Dissertation Completion Fellowship Application

    Fall Call - Deadline October 17th, 2025


    Application Instructions & Information

    Overview 

    The Dissertation Completion Fellowship Award (DCFA) are designed to support doctoral students who are in the final stage of their dissertation research and anticipate completing their degree within the academic year of the award.

    Both the Dissertation Advisor and the Graduate Advisor must confirm the student’s dissertation timeline and their plan to graduate within the award period.

    Fellowship Details 

    The DCFA provides up to 2 quarters of stipend and tuition support ($11,500/quarter) to help students complete their Ph.D. during the current academic year. 
    For example, a DCFA awarded in Fall 25 may be used in     Winter 26and, if necessary,Spring 26.

    Eligibility Requirements

    • Must be a Ph.D. student who has advanced to candidacy. 
    • Must have a GPA > 3.5
    • Have no more than 7 units of incomplete coursework.
    • Must be making acceptable progress toward the degree. (For these purposes, acceptable progress for a Ph.D. student means advanced to candidacy within 15 quarters after entry and must complete the degree by the normative time to degree for the particular program plus 1 year at time of degree.)
    • Can be on leave to apply but must be enrolled as a full-time student (12 units) during tenure of fellowship. 
    • Open to both domestic and international students. 

    Application Procedure

    1. Follow your graduate program’s instructions and internal deadlines to complete the DCFA application form.
    2. Submit:
      • A research statement (maximum 1 page).
      • A detailed timeline towards your graduation. 
      • A letter of recommendation from your Faculty Mentor/Thesis Advisor which must confirm your plan to graduate within the award period.
    3. Graduate programs will forward the selected nominee’s application to the Graduate Division by October 17, 2025.

    Award Conditions

    • Employment supplementation is not allowable during the quarters of the award.
    • No employment is allowed following the conclusion of the award.
    • You must have graduated by the end of the award term.  

    For frequently asked questions about the DCFA and DYFA awards, please visit: Frequently Asked Questions

    Loading...