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The 50 Best Humanities Scholarships for Graduate Degree Students

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Locating humanities scholarships for graduate degree students can be an exhaustive process, no doubt. But, we are here to help!

The humanities encompass a range of arts, cultural concerns, and thinkers. For those who are truly drawn to the humanities, nothing is going to get in the way of furthering their education. Luckily, even though competition can be fierce for top humanities graduate programs, there are many ways to at least lower the financial burden of a graduate degree.

Humanities Scholarships for Graduate Degree

50 Best Humanities Scholarships for Graduate Degree Students

American Postdoctoral Research Leave Fellowship

  • Varies
  • This scholarship is available to women who have obtained their doctoral degrees and spend a year pursuing independent research in hopes of better-obtaining tenure.
  • 16 total fellowships are being offered which comes with 4 for arts and humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
  • Increasing the number of women on tenure-track faculty positions and promoting gender equality are the primary purposes of the fellowship.
  • The maximum award is $30,000.
  • Candidates be a woman who has obtained their doctoral degree by November 15th.

Rome Prize Fellowships

  • Varies
  • This scholarship is available to graduate students who are seeking predoctoral awards in the School of Classical Studies.
  • Applicants must be a permanent resident of the U.S. and cannot hold full-time jobs.
  • First year to third year grad students can apply for this program.
  • The program gives out 25 to 30 number of scholarships.
  • The deadline for this scholarship is on November 1.

Law and Social Science Dissertation Fellowship and Mentoring Program

  • $35,000 stipend per year.
  • The Law and Social Science Dissertation Fellowship and Mentoring Program is available to candidates for Ph.D. degrees in the social sciences.
  • Fellows live in residence at the American Bar Foundation in Chicago, IL, where they participate in a weekly seminar series and participate in the intellectual life of the organization.
  • Research and travel expenses are covered up to $1,500 for each fellow.  Up to $2,500 in relocation expenses can be reimbursed once.
  • Graduate students in third, fourth, and fifth years whose research interests include law and inequality are encouraged to apply.
  • To meet eligibility requirements students must demonstrate a desire to research sociolegal studies, the legal profession, or legal institutions.

Dissertation Fellowships in East European Studies

  • $18,000 stipend is available.
  • This scholarship is available to students who are researching or do public education projects, not to affiliated organizations for institutional programs.
  • Researchers may propose comparative work involving more than one country in Eastern Europe or comparing Eastern European societies with those in other parts of the globe. 
  • The applicants will be considered on the basis of their scholarly potential, the quality and importance of their proposed work, and how it contributes to scholarship on Eastern Europe. 
  • One-year fellowships in research and writing may be applied for sequentially, but a second year of funding in either category may not be applied for.
  • To meet eligibility requirements students can be from any country and must demonstrate language competence essential to research.

Alvord Endowed Fellowship in the Humanities

  • $16,000 stipend available for fellows.
  • In addition to the stipend, the Fellow receives a benefits package and tuition waiver from the Graduate School. 
  • This fellowship is a GSA, on payroll, and the recipient’s home department will administer it once it has been awarded. 
  • In addition to the Alvord Endowed Fellowship in the Humanities, the winner will also automatically receive an additional $11,000 from the Frank L. and Catherine D. Doleshy Endowed Fund, amounting to a total of $27,000. 
  • The deadline for nominations is March 10, 2023. 

Canadian Studies Graduate Student Fellowship

  • Varies
  • This scholarship is available to full-time doctoral students at an accredited four-year college or university.
  • Participants in this program have the opportunity to spend 4-6 weeks at another university or research site in Canada doing research related to their thesis or dissertation in the area of Canadian Studies.
  • Applicants must be enrolled at an accredited college or university in the U.S. and Canadian college or university, and must have completed all doctoral requirements except the dissertation.
  • Researchers who are preparing graduate theses or doctoral dissertations on Canada in the social sciences or humanities will be eligible. 

NFB Humanities Scholarship

  • Currently, 30 merit-based scholarships totaling over $3,000 are available. 
  • Academic achievement, community service, and leadership are considered in awarding scholarships. 
  • The winners of each individual scholarship will be selected at their national convention in July. 
  • Various fields of study including humanities, computer science, engineering, civil rights law, and diplomacy have been shaped by scholarship winners.
  • Applicants must be a full-time student who is pursuing a traditional humanities major and must also be legally blind.

Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship in Jewish Studies

  • $7,000 to 10,000 stipends available.
  • This scholarship is available to graduate level students who can demonstrate course work completed in Jewish studies on the graduate level.
  • A graduate degree in Jewish Studies is required, along with evidence of proficiency in a Jewish language adequate for an academic career in the field. 
  • In general, grants are awarded to individuals preparing to pursue academic careers in Jewish Studies, but occasionally grants are awarded to individuals in other fields of humanities and social sciences who show dedication to Jewish scholarship.
  • Candidates must have completed all academic requirements for the doctoral degree except the dissertation and be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

Lindbergh Grant

  • Up to $10,580 worth of grants.
  • This scholarship is available to students who are researching or do public education projects, not to affiliated organizations for institutional programs.
  • Overhead costs of organizations, tuition and scholarships are not supported by the Foundation. 
  • Graduate and postgraduate academic degrees are not required for grant applicants.
  • Lindbergh Grants are open to international applicants and must demonstrate evidence of their research.

JCB Short-Term Fellowships

  • Several of the long-term fellowships at the John Carter Brown Library are funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), a US federal agency.
  • Long-term fellowships will be considered by applicants of all nationalities. 
  • NEH fellowships will be available only to US citizens or applicants living in the United States for the three years preceding their application.  Doctoral students are eligible to apply for long-term fellowships if they have met all degree requirements, including successfully defending their dissertations, by the application deadline. 
  • A Long-Term Fellowship carries a monthly stipend of $5,000 and is offered for a period of five to ten months.
  • JCB Short-Term Fellowships are available to 3rd year graduate students who engage in pre- or post-doctoral, or independent, research.
  • Candidates must be a 3rd year graduate student must have passed their preliminary or general examinations.

Graduate Fellowship

  • This is a merit-based award and can provide a maximum of $18,000 worth of scholarship.
  • In all humanities and social science disciplines, the American Council of Learned Societies supports dissertations on East European topics. 
  • A Research Fellowship may be used to conduct fieldwork or archival investigations in Eastern Europe. A Writing Fellowship may be used outside of Eastern Europe.
  • This program is available to humanities or social sciences graduate students.
  • Candidates must have completed general examinations for their doctorate and attended one of the American Numismatic Society’s Graduate Seminars prior to their application.

ABF Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program

  • Undergraduate Research Fellows are being sought for summer 2022 to work as research assistants with ABF faculty.
  • Students receiving this fellowship will be introduced to the rewards and demands of a research-oriented career in law and/or social science, as well as provided with guidance regarding the many career options within the law. 
  • First-generation law students will be given preference. 
  • The applicant must be at least a sophomore in college or university, studying social science and law, with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
  • During their Chicago, IL, office’s summer season, Fellows will work 35 hours a week and receive a gross stipend of $6,000.

Ford Fndn Predoctoral Fellowships for Minorities

  • $21,500 stipends available.
  • The Ford Fndn Predoctoral Fellowships for Minorities scholarship is available to students who are a minority and are pursuing a research-based doctoral program. 
  • Only PhD and ScD research-based programs are eligible for funding, and only if they lead to careers in teaching and research in the behavioral and social sciences, humanities, engineering, mathematics, physical sciences, and life sciences.  
  • The scholarship is designed for students in the early stages of their doctoral study.
  • Applicants must be a minority.

Ford Fndn Dissertation Fellowships for Minorities

  • Varies
  • This scholarship is available to minority students from different ethnic groups.  
  • In addition to their degree requirements, applicants must complete all course work, exams, language requirements, and any departmental or institutional requirements other than the writing of the dissertation.
  • The deadline for applications will be on November 14, 2022.
  • Candidates must be a minority.

Ford Fndn Postdoctoral Fellowships for Minorities

  • Varies
  • This scholarship is available to minority students who have completed all of requirements for their degree except for the writing of the dissertation.
  • At the time of application, an applicant’s degree cannot have been held for more than seven years.  
  • There are approximately 25 one-year fellowships available to scholars with academic teaching and research careers, or those who plan to pursue such careers.
  • Eligibility requirements include being in a minority group.

Fryxell Scholarship

  • $1,000 worth of scholarship is awarded annually.
  • Students interested in studying English or journalism are given preference for the Fryxell Scholarship at Augustana College. 
  • Humanities majors with a 3.0 GPA are eligible to apply. 

Islamic Scholarship Fund

  • $1,000 to $10,000 scholarships are awarded to deserving students. 
  • This scholarship is available to Muslim students who are pursuing a degree in humanities, social sciences, liberal arts and law.
  • Candidates must maintain a minimum of a 3.4 GPA, be a college junior or above, and be a Muslim.
  • Muslim students accepted to top-ranked colleges and universities for postgraduate and undergraduate study in the areas above are eligible to apply for scholarships.
  • The deadline of applications will be on May 15, 2022.

Healing Arts Scholarship

  • Varies
  • This scholarship is available to Healing Arts & Related Fields such as humanities.
  • Applicants must be pursuing a path including volunteering and services to humanity.
  • Any activity involving compassion for human suffering, whether it be a career or volunteer or charitable work, is particularly appealing to this scholarship award providers.  
  • Student seeking a career path in service to humanity are offered yearly scholarships ranging from $250 to $500.

Maurice and Marilyn Cohen Fund for Doctoral Dissertation Fellowships in Jewish Studies

  • Varies
  • This scholarship is available to Ph.D. students who have completed coursework on Jewish studies with preference given to Jewish students majors.
  • The candidate must have consistently strong course performance in Jewish studies at the graduate level.
  • The applicant should provide a demonstrable proficiency in one of the Jewish languages (e.g. Hebrew, Yiddish, Ladino, Aramaic, etc. ) 
  • The thesis must be completed during the fellowship year.
  • To meet eligibility requirements students have a proposal or prospectus that has been approved by a thesis committee and be a resident of the U.S. or Canada.

Other Majors Scholarship

  • Varies
  • The Other Majors Scholarship Program is available to Hispanic students who are pursuing a major that falls under the Other Majors Application.
  • During the upcoming academic year, you must be enrolled at a university in the United States or Puerto Rico that is accredited.
  • Students must be enrolled full-time as undergraduates for the upcoming academic year.
  • Candidates must be a citizen of the U.S. or Puerto Rico, maintain a minimum of a 3.0 GPA, and demonstrate financial need.

Larry Matfay Cultural Heritage Scholarship

  • 1,000
  • The Larry Matfay Cultural Heritage Scholarship is available to Alaska Native shareholders or descendants of the Koniag Region.
  • To meet eligibility requirements students must be a full-time student and maintain a minimum of a 2.5 GPA.
  • Applicants must be accepted into or enrolled in recognized institutions of higher education or vocational schools that are nationally, regionally, or municipally accredited.
  • A high school senior, high school or GED graduate, or a graduate of a college, university, or graduate school is required to apply.

Bates Scholarship

  • Varies
  • The Bates Scholarship is available to women who are majoring in Science, Math, Liberal Arts, Education, Fine Arts, Humanities, or Business.
  • Applicants must be a U.S. citizen and have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher.
  • The deadline for applications will be on December 31, 2022.

Frances C. Allen Fellowships

  • Varies
  • This scholarship is available to women of Native American heritage. Although any field of study is accepted, humanities and social sciences are preferred.
  • Candidates for this award may be studying any graduate or pre-professional field, but the Allen Fellowship is designed specifically to aid Native American women in their studies of humanities and social sciences. 
  • Travel expenses may be covered.
  • Candidates must be a Native American women.

National Research Council: Ford Foundation Predoctoral Fellowships For Minorities

  • $17,000 stipend per year for 3 years. 
  • The National Research Council: Ford Foundation Predoctoral Fellowships For Minorities is available to full-time students who are in a minority.
  • PhD or ScD candidates must be enrolled full-time in a research-based doctoral program. A wide range of fields are eligible, including: Social and behavioral sciences, education, engineering, humanities, life sciences, mathematics, and physical sciences.
  • Applicants must be registered in a research-based doctoral program.

Allen Lee Hughes Fellowship

  • Varies
  • This scholarship is available to students of color who are pursuing a career or education as an arts administrator, artisan and technician.
  • Candidates must be a minority.
  • Those interested in pursuing a career in the professional theater should apply for fellowships. 
  • They are only open to recent graduates (undergraduates and graduates) and career changers with full-time commitments of 38 to 44 weeks.  
  • The summer internship program is open to college students, graduate students, recent graduates, and career changers, and usually lasts for eight to twelve weeks.

American Association of Japanese University Women Scholarship

  • $1,000 worth of scholarship is available.
  • The award is merit-based.
  • The American Association of Japanese University Women Scholarship is available to women who contribute to U.S. – Japan relations both academically and otherwise.
  • Applicants must be a U.S. Citizen Permanent Resident Other Visa Status Students should be a contributor to U.S.-Japan relations.
  • The deadline for applications will be on December 31, 2022.

American Institute for Foreign Study International Scholarships

  • 740-1,000
  • This scholarship is an international studies program available to undergraduate students who are majoring in Arts, Humanities, Natural Sciences Social, Behavioral Sciences, Business Engineering, or Citizenship.
  • The American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS) offers up to 150 $1,000 worth of scholarships per semester  each year. 
  • Awardees receive scholarships for fees and travel expenses associated with selected AIFS programs at international universities. 
  • The candidate must demonstrate leadership potential and engage in extra-curricular activities that focus on multicultural and international issues. 
  • Full-time study is preferred.
  • Candidates must maintain a minimum of a 3.0 GPA, demonstrate leadership abilities, and show extra-curricular activities centered around multi-cultural and international issues.

Davidson Fellows Scholarship

  • $10,000 to $50,000 stipends available.
  • Scholarships are awarded to talented young people who have completed a significant piece of work, between the ages of 18 and 27. 
  • Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Literature, Music, Philosophy are the available application categories. 
  • Every year in Washington, DC, Davidson Fellows are honored at Congressional meetings and a reception. All applicants must be 18 years or younger and U.S. citizens or permanent residents. 

American Institute for Foreign Study Minority Scholarships

  • 2,000
  • Each year The American Institute for Foreign Study Minority Scholarships provide three awards to minority students who are majoring in Arts, Humanities, Natural Sciences, Social or Behavioral Sciences, or Business Engineering.
  • Applicants must maintain a minimum of a 3.0 GPA, demonstrate financial need, and must have completed 24 credits toward a degree when the program starts.
  • AIFS programs at select international universities are eligible for the awards.
  • You should be able to submit a 500-1,000 word essay describing your involvement in multicultural and/or international activities and how you plan to use the knowledge you gain while studying abroad.

BBDO Minority Education and Training Fund Scholarships

  • Stipends for ten-week internships are $4,000 each.  
  • Whenever possible, they will place you in the office of your choice if you are selected as an intern.
  • This scholarship is available to women, minorities, and those who qualify under the Americans with Disabilities Act who are majoring in Arts and Humanities.
  • Candidates must be a U.S. citizen and demonstrate leadership qualities.

Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program

  • $5,000 available stipends.
  • This scholarship is available to underrepresented undergraduate students who are majoring in Arts, Humanities, Natural Sciences, Social/Behavioral, Sciences, Business, or Engineering.
  • Applicants must not be from a country where a travel ban is currently in place.
  • By offering scholarships to students with financial need, this scholarship hopes to lower the barriers to undergraduate study abroad. 
  • Applications are encouraged from underrepresented students in study abroad programs. 
  • Students can study abroad for a semester or an academic year with this award.

American Association of Japanese University Women Scholarship

  • $2,000 available scholarships being awarded to outstanding female students.
  • The American Association of Japanese University Women Scholarship is available to women who contribute to U.S. – Japan relations both academically and otherwise.
  • Applicants must be a U.S. Citizen Permanent Resident Other Visa Status Students should be a contributor to U.S.-Japan relations.

Jacob K. Javits Fellowships

  • Maximum stipend is $30,000.
  • This scholarship is available to graduate students who are seeking a doctorate or the Master of Fine Arts in selected fields in the arts, humanities, and social sciences.
  • Fellowships are awarded to students with exceptional academic ability, financial need, and exceptional promise for graduate study at the doctoral and master’s level in select arts, humanities, and social science fields.
  • Candidates must maintain a minimum of a 2.5 GPA and be a graduate student.

Denes & Agota Bardos Award

  • Varies
  • Presented to students who have made significant contributions to their community as well as science, engineering, or the arts, the Denes and Agota Bardos Award honors their achievement.
  •  The Bardos family values compassion, academic rigor, and community service, and finalist students embody those values.
  •  Financial need and immigration history have played an important role in award recipients’ lives.
  • A student in his/her final year of high school or a student enrolled in a college program within the past six months must qualify as a first or second generation immigrant currently residing in the United States.

American Institute for Foreign Study International Scholarships

  • $1,000 stipends available.
  • This scholarship program is merit-based.
  • This scholarship is an international studies program available to undergraduate students who are majoring in Arts, Humanities, Natural Sciences Social, Behavioral Sciences, Business Engineering, or Citizenship.
  • To meet eligibility requirements applicants must maintain a minimum of a 3.0 GPA, demonstrate leadership abilities, and show extra-curricular activities centered around multi-cultural and international issues.

Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program

  • $5,000 scholarship stipend available.
  • By offering scholarships for students with financial need, this scholarship aims to lower barriers to undergraduate study abroad.
  • Applicants from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.. 
  • This scholarship is available to underrepresented undergraduate students who are majoring in Arts, Humanities, Natural Sciences, Social/Behavioral, Sciences, Business, or Engineering.
  • Applicants must not be from a country where a travel ban is currently in place.

Institute for Humane Studies (HIS)-Humane Studies Fellowship

  • Up to $12,000 worth of scholarships are awarded.
  • This scholarship is available to students majoring in a classical liberal tradition area.
  • Candidates can be both undergraduate or graduate level.
  • The deadline for submissions is on December 31, 2022.

DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst)

  • Stipends for this scholarship varies.
  • The DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) is available to students who are majoring in humanities and social sciences, German language, German studies, or Natural Sciences. Applicants will be studying in Germany.
  • The Fulbright Program and IIE administer some of these grants.
  • Applicants must be fluent in German and want to study abroad in Germany.

Institute for Humane Studies Fellowship

  • Humane Studies Fellowships (HSF) support students enrolled or planning to enroll in PhD programs by providing a non-residency, renewable grant of up to $15,000 per year. 
  • For the upcoming academic year, candidates must be enrolled full-time in a PhD program at an academic institution, as well as have a research interest that advances classical liberal scholarship. 
  • Students from any university can apply for the fellowship. 
  • Applicants from outside the United States are eligible, but preferable are those who reside in the United States or study there. 

ISI Salvatori Fellowship

  • Varies
  • The ISI Salvatori Fellowship seeks to promote an appreciation and understanding of the principles that guided the American Founding Fathers and the culture that shaped their values. 
  • In order to be eligible for the program, applicants must: be a member of the Intercollegiate Studies Institute; and, be pursuing graduate studies in order to teach at the university level. 
  • Medical, law, divinity, business, and other pre-professional students are not eligible. 
  • Citizenship of the United States is required.

Mercatus Adam Smith Fellowship

  • The Adam Smith Fellowship is an award given to graduate students pursuing PhD programs in a wide variety of fields like economics, humanities, philosophy, political science, and sociology. 
  • A total of up to $10,000 is awarded for attending colloquia organized by the Mercatus Center, including a stipend, travel, and lodging. 
  • Scholarship winners are eligible to reapply each year they study. 
  • Fellowships for conferences and research are also available to Smith Fellows.

Positively OC Presidential Scholarship

  • Varies
  • Positively OC Scholars will not only receive a two-year scholarship for tuition and fees, but will also set the standard for future scholars, establishing benchmarks for engaging campus and community.
  •  These scholars will play an important role in sharing positive college content and messages via social media. 
  • These scholars/students will promote the college, our programs, and our services through their tweets, posts, snaps, and videos. 
  • By participating in #positivelyOC, they will increase student success and college completion rates in the region. 

Nellie Martin Carman Scholarship

  • Varies
  • Scholarships are awarded to graduates from public high schools in King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties in Washington state (and must also be US citizens). 
  • There are four-year renewable scholarships in the state of Washington. 
  • Music, sculpture, drawing, interior design, and domestic science cannot be counted as majors for this scholarship. 
  • An average GPA of 3.0 is required during college.

Hispanic Heritage Foundation Youth Awards

  • Each year, Hispanic Heritage Foundation’s Youth Awards recognize Latino high school seniors who have excelled in the classroom and community as well as for their accomplishments in various fields. 
  • High school seniors must have a 3.0 or higher GPA, be of Hispanic heritage (including Spanish, Brazilian, and Philippines.
  • Applicants should be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or qualify for DACA.
  • An accredited institution of higher education is required.

BBDO Minority Education and Training Fund Scholarships

  • Scholarships worth $3,000.
  • This scholarship is available to women, minorities, and those who qualify under the Americans with Disabilities Act who are majoring in Arts and Humanities.
  • Candidates must be a U.S. citizen and demonstrate leadership qualities.
  • Recipients of this program vary and are enrolled in different universities all over US.

Council of American Overseas Research Centers (CAORC) Fellowships for Advanced Multi-country Research

  • $9,000 stipend to be offered. 
  • This is a merit-based program.
  • This scholarship is available to doctoral candidates who are U.S. residents and are studying the Humanities along with directly related fields.
  • Applicants must have U.S. citizenship and be a doctoral candidate.
  • The deadline for applications is on December 31, 2022. 

Fellowships in the Humanities

  • Scholarship amount ranges from $1800 to $35,000. 
  • Scholars can avail of this scholarship on their first to third year of grad school.
  • Newberry Library Fellowships are available to graduate, doctoral, and postdoctoral students in the humanities.
  • Candidates must be at least at the graduate level.

Allen Lee Hughes Fellowship

  • Varies
  • This scholarship is available to students of color who are pursuing a career or education as an arts administrator, artisan and technician.
  • Through immersion in the art and business of producing theatre, the program aims to cultivate the next generation of theater professionals.
  • Candidates must be a minority.

National Research Council: Ford Foundation Predoctoral Fellowships For Minorities

  • $17,000 stipend per year for a total of 3 years. 
  • Candidates must be enrolled full-time in an accredited research-based doctoral program (Ph.D., Sc.D.). 
  • The National Research Council: Ford Foundation Predoctoral Fellowships For Minorities is available to full-time students who are in a minority.
  • Applicants must be registered in a research-based doctoral program.

International Dissertation Field Research Fellowships (IDRF)

  • $20,000 stipend available. 
  • This scholarship is a merit-based program. 
  • This scholarship is available to full-time graduate students in the humanities and social sciences.
  • Applicants must be full-time graduate students.
  • The deadline for this program is on December 31, 2022. 
Best Humanities Scholarships for Graduate Degree Students - fact

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Malcolm Peralty
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