Fellowship FAQ

Fellowships may be awarded by the graduate program, the University, or an external organization. The Graduate College is here to help you fully understand the benefits and obligations associated with your award. All fellowships on campus are processed by the Graduate College Fellowship Office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fellowships are financial aid awards that provide a stipend with no expectation of service in return. A traineeship is a research fellowship providing educational training in a particular disciplinary area. Most fellowship and traineeship awards also cover tuition and selected fees. Fellowship may be awarded by the graduate program, the University, or an external organization.

Fellows and trainees are required to register during each term of the fellowship or traineeship. Students on waiver-generating fellowships need to register full-time during the fall and spring terms of their fellowship period.  They also need to register over the summer (though there is no minimum number of hours required during the summer). Please note that some fellowships may also have requirements as part of the conditions of a specific fellowship or traineeship.

If you receive an offer of appointment or employment concurrent with your fellowship, please contact the Fellowship Office.

Fellowship and traineeship stipends may be subject to income taxes. Please see the information on understanding taxability.