Prospective Graduate Students
Explore & Apply
Our Charge
Preparing and inspiring scholars to transform our world.
From admission to graduation, The Graduate School (TGS) supports graduate students throughout their experience, awarding doctoral and master’s degrees in more than seventy disciplines. We are a resource throughout your academic journey.
Find Your ProgramApplication StepsPoints of Pride
See what makes TGS special, by the numbers
Competitive Stipend
$45,000
annually in the 2024–25 academic year for PhD students through fellowships or assistantships. More on stipend rates
Support for Families
12 weeks
paid parental leave for PhD students who are new parents, childcare grants, and more. All family resources
A smooth transition
34%
of students are international, supported through language and other programs. See all supports
Connected to Campus & City
7 miles
between our Evanston campus and Chicago. Travel at a discounted rate on CTA buses and trains. U-Pass transit programs
Ongoing Inclusion
1:1
mentor/mentee pairings in our Diversity Peer Mentor Program. More diversity initiatives
Funding Your Studies
Fellowships, grants, assistantship options, and more
TGS provides most doctoral students with a stipend and scholarship to pay tuition costs; they are supported for a minimum of five years. For master’s students, external grants and loans make graduate study accessible.
Funding OptionsTGS Spotlight
TGS is home to more than 3,500 PhD and 1,900 master’s students, from a variety of disciplines and backgrounds. Get to know our diverse community.
Happenings at TGS
Don't miss news, opportunities and announcements.
News
Fall Welcome Message from Dean Mayo
As the weather hints at crisper days ahead, I would like to welcome you all to the start of another academic year and wish you the best this Fall Quarter. I would especially like to welcome those who are just joining TGS and hope your time at Northwestern is off to a good start.
Events
Dissertation, PhD Final Exam, and change of grade forms due to TG...
November 22, All Day
Dissertation, PhD Final Exam, and change of grade forms due to TGS for Fall PhD candidates
DGP Student Thesis Seminar - Marine Lebrun Corbin - Alan Hauser L...
November 25, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Simpson Querrey Biomedical Research Center, 303 E. Superior Street
Title of Presentation: "Development and Characterization of a Vancomycin-Induced Model of Gastrointestinal Carriage of ...
Term withdrawal and full-term course withdrawal petition deadline...
November 27, All Day
Term withdrawal and full-term course withdrawal petition deadline for Fall 5:00 PM
Announcements
Winter Quarter 2025 TGS U-Pass Access and Transit Card Fee
To ensure your U-Pass is created and activated on Monday, January 6 (the start of the Winter Quarter), please complete the Winter Quarter opt-in form by Friday, December 6 (for new U-Pass holders) or by Thursday, December 19 (for current U-Pass holders).
Fall Welcome Message from Dean Mayo
As the weather hints at crisper days ahead, I would like to welcome you all to the start of another academic year and wish you the best this Fall Quarter. I would especially like to welcome those who are just joining TGS and hope your time at Northwestern is off to a good start.