Visit the individual pages linked below for full details, deadlines, and application guidance. This list of nationally-competitive awards includes some opportunities that require a nomination or endorsement from BU–an initial campus review with earlier deadlines–while others ask candidates to apply directly. In both cases, we look forward to working with you as you explore these opportunities.
Apples Scholars in AI/ML
As part of Apple Scholars, Apple is proud to announce the recipients of PhD fellowships in AI/ML. In recognition of these outstanding PhD students, each will receive support for their research and academic travel for two years, internship opportunities, and a two-year mentorship with an Apple researcher in their field. Nominated students were selected based on their innovative research, record as thought leaders and collaborators in their fields, and unique commitment to take risks and push the envelope in machine learning and AI.
The Google PhD Fellowship Program application is now live and applications can be submitted here. Please note that the university will review and select up to 3 applications to be submitted. The deadline for this cycle is May 8, 2024.
Boren Fellowship
Supports study abroad programs in all regions/countries except Western Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Focused on geographical areas, languages, and fields of study deemed critical to U.S. national security. Open to graduate students. December deadline. Requires university endorsement.
Chateaubriand Fellowship Program
The Chateaubriand Fellowship is a grant offered by the Embassy of France in the United States. It supports outstanding PhD students from U.S. institutions who wish to conduct part of their doctoral research in France for a period ranging from 4 to 8/9 months. Chateaubriand fellows are selected through a merit-based competition, with expert evaluation in France and in the United States. Applications for the 2025-2026 cycle are now closed.
Critical Language Scholarship (CLS)
Funding for intensive language study and cultural enrichment abroad. Open to undergraduate and graduate students. November deadline.
DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) Grants for Study and Research in Germany
DAAD provides graduating seniors and current graduate students the opportunity to apply for full graduate degree study or independent research scholarships in Germany. October deadline. Requires university nomination.
Department of Energy Scholars Program
The DOE Scholars Program is designed to attract talented undergraduate and graduate students, and recent graduates to research, technical and professional opportunities within U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and organizations that support the DOE mission. Open to US Citizens and must be an undergraduate, graduate student, or recent graduate majoring in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and related areas. Must be pursuing a degree or have received a degree within 5 years of their starting date in a science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) discipline or have demonstrated interest or experience in a STEM field that supports the DOE mission. March 28, 2025 deadline.
Fulbright U.S. Student Program (English Teaching Assistantship, Research Grant, Study Grant, Creative and Performing Arts Grant, and more)
One year of independent research, study, or English teaching abroad. Open to rising seniors, graduate students, and recent alumni. August deadline. Requires university evaluation.
Google PhD Fellowship Program
Fellowships support promising PhD candidates of all backgrounds who seek to influence the future of technology. Google’s mission is to foster inclusive research communities and encourages people of diverse backgrounds to apply.
If you would like to send in a nomination, please submit your nomination materials to Emma Zheng (yzheng93@bu.edu), Assistant Director for Graduate Training and Programming. The Google PhD Fellowship Program only allows up to 3 nominations from each university, in the event that we receive more than 3 nominations, an internal selection committee will make the final decision on the 3 nominations.
Google’s applications will open April 10, 2025, applications close May 15, 2025.
Gilliam Fellowships for Advanced Study
HHMI’s Gilliam Fellowships for Advanced Study support exceptional graduate students who are committed to increasing diversity among scientific leaders. The Fellowships support students for up to three years of their dissertation research, typically in years 3-5 of PhD studies in biomedical and life science disciplines including plant biology, evolutionary biology, biophysics, chemical biology, biomedical engineering, and computational biology. November/February deadline. Nomination required.
Knight-Hennessy Scholarship
Funds any graduate/professional degree at Stanford University, including dual/joint-degree programs. August deadline.
Luce Scholars Program
Year-long internship, cultural immersion, and language training program in Asia. Seniors, graduate students, and recent alumni. September deadline. Requires university nomination.
NSF GRFP
The National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships Program funds graduate study for research-oriented graduate degrees in STEM fields. For seniors, recent alumni, and grad students early in their studies. October deadline(s).
The Rappaport Public Policy Summer Fellowship
The Rappaport Public Policy Summer Fellowship challenges graduate students from across Greater Boston to immerse themselves in the region’s public sector through a dynamic summer internship experience. Students accepted into the program are placed in a paid, 10-week internship in key state and local agencies around Greater Boston.
Soros Fellowship for New Americans
Graduate school funding for immigrants and children of immigrants in the United States. Open to graduating seniors, recent alums, and graduate students early in their studies. Apply directly in November.