Fellowships for Environmental Science and Policy Graduates
Available Fellowships by Granting Agency
Center for Plant Conservation
Catherine H. Beattie Fellowship in Conservation Horticulture
This grant enables a graduate student in biology, horticulture, or a related field to conduct research on a rare or endangered U.S. plant. Preference is given to students focusing on the endangered flora of the Carolinas or Southeastern U.S.
Environmental Research and Education Foundation (EREF)
Waste Management Scholarships
Scholarships are awarded to recognize excellence in graduate-level waste management research and education for masters and doctoral students. Candidates must demonstrate interest in waste management research. Scholarships provide stipends from the time of the award until the time of graduation.
Fulbright U.S. Student Program
English Teaching Assistantships (ETA)
The ETA program allows students to travel overseas and be placed in a classroom environment to supplement English language instruction and provide native speaker experience. The U.S. Fulbright Program has sent students to over 160 different countries and is open to students of all majors/backgrounds. Students must have a Bachelor's degree by the time of the experience abroad.
Study/Research Awards
Candidates must design a specific proposal for a research project or graduate program abroad. Study/Research Awards are available in 140 different countries around the world; programs and requirements will vary based on the country of interest. Applicants must have a Bachelor's degree by the time of the experience.
Gates Cambridge
Gates Cambridge International Scholarship
This opportunity provides full-cost scholarships for students to pursue a graduate degree in any field of study at the University of Cambridge. Those with a commitment to improving the lives of others and with the potential for outstanding leadership will be great candidates. Students should be able to make a strong case for why their proposed graduate degree is important and why it should take place at the University of Cambridge.
Marshall Scholarship Program
Marshall Scholarship
One of the most prestigious scholarships, the Marshall is awarded to top American students for 2-3 years of graduate study in the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland). The competition is open to students in all fields of study.
National Science Foundation (NSF)
NSF supports research-based graduate study at both the master’s and doctoral levels. Fellows are “expected to become knowledge experts who can contribute significantly to research, teaching, and innovations” in their respective fields.
Graduate Research Fellowship (GRFP)
The Graduate Research Fellowship provides 3 years of support for students who are in the early stages of graduate study. (Seniors may apply, but first-year graduate students are typically more successful.) Candidates may be engaged in interdisciplinary studies, mathematical sciences, computer and information sciences and engineering, geosciences, life sciences, engineering, chemistry, physics, and astronomy. Deadlines range from October 27-30th depending on what field you are in.
Economics Program
The Economics Program supports research designed to improve the understanding of the processes and institutions of the U.S. economy and of the world system of which it is a part. This program also strengthens both empirical and theoretical economic analysis as well as the methods for rigorous research on economic behavior. It supports research in almost every area of economics, including econometrics, economic history, environmental economics, finance, industrial organization, international economics, labor economics, macroeconomics, mathematical economics, and public finance. Graduating seniors may apply, but first-year graduate students tend to be more competitive.
Full proposals are accepted any time of the year.
Mathematical Sciences Graduate Internship
The Mathematical Sciences Graduate Internship provides the opportunity for doctoral students to intern at federal national laboratories and research facilities. This first-hand experience of using mathematics in a nonacademic setting is perfect for students who are interested in understanding the real-world application of advanced mathematical and statistical techniques.
Applications are due annually on January 31st.
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)
REU experiences are open to all undergraduate students across the country. Awarded students will participate in a research project at a host site (domestic or international) and work closely with faculty and mentors. Students will receive a stipend along with housing, food, and travel assistance.
Application materials and deadlines vary depending on the host site; prospective applicants can view available opportunities on NSF's website.
Rhodes Trust
Rhodes Scholarship
The best known of the prestigious scholarships, the Rhodes Scholarship is awarded to 32 top American students for 2-3 years of graduate study at Oxford University in the United Kingdom. The competition is open to students in all fields of study. Applicants are chosen for their academic achievements as well as "their character, commitment to others and to the common good, and for their potential for leadership in whatever domains their careers may lead."
Smithsonian Institution
Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program (SIFP)
The SIFP offers in-resident opportunities for graduate students and postdoctoral students to conduct independent research or collaborate with the Smithsonian staff on projects that align with the Institute's interests. Students with experiences in these fields are encouraged to apply: ecology, environmental science, anthropology, archaeology, linguistics, astronomy, earth sciences, evolutionary & systematic biology, history of science and technology, art history, materials research, molecular biology, sociology, and more.
- Graduate Student Fellowship: ten-week fellowship to conduct independent research. Stipend of $10,000.
- Predoctoral Fellowship: for students to conduct dissertation research. Stipend of $45,000 per year in addition to research allowances.
- Postdoctoral Fellowship: for students conducting research after obtaining a PhD. Stipend of $57,000 per year in addition to research allowances.
Applicants should submit a research proposal and explain why the Smithsonian Institute is the ideal place to conduct said research. Fellows are expected to spend most of their tenure in-residence at the Institute.
The Rotary Foundation
Ambassadorial Scholarships
Rotary scholarships fund international graduate study and/or research in countries that have Rotary clubs. The purpose is to build understanding and friendly relations among people of different countries. This opportunity includes 9 months of full-time study or vocational training that are not intended for language study, therefore candidates should be proficient in the language of the country.
Scholarship value and availability vary depending on local club. Contact your local Rotary club to get started on an application.
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
Pathways Programs
Undergraduates, recent graduates, and graduate students are offered internships and job opportunities through the DOE Pathways Programs. Successful completion of an internship while in school may set students up for full-time employment after graduation. This program is also a great way to discover what it's like to be in a federal agency work environment.
Deadlines and specific eligibility requirements differ depending on the opportunity.
DOE STEM
The DOE STEM program aims to build pathways for students to enter the STEM workforce by providing training, education, and engagement opportunities. Opportunities include internships, scholarships, fellowships, graduate research, and more.
Washington Sea Grant
Hershman Marine Policy Fellowship
This fellowship offers graduate students first-hand experience in crafting marine and natural resource policies. Selected students will spend 9 months working in Olympia with Washington State Ocean Caucus agencies. Graduate students who attend WA universities and are enrolled in a marine-related field including policy, law, social sciences, oceanography, and fishery sciences are encouraged to apply.
Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship
The Washington Sea Grant’s Knauss Fellowship program provides eligible graduate students a one-year work experience on the staff of the U.S. Congress or with a federal agency dealing with marine issues. Open to all graduate students with marine science or policy backgrounds. Applications open in the fall.