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
$46,356
annually in the 2025–26 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
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 community.
Happenings at TGS
Don't miss news, opportunities, and announcements.
News
Holiday Greetings from TGS! ✨
Several weeks ago, many of us looked up as the northern lights appeared far beyond their usual reach. Seeing this unexpected display dancing across the night sky offered a brief pause and a reminder that moments of wonder can emerge even in the midst of our everyday routines.Events
Application for degree due to The Graduate School to receive a de...
February 6, All Day
Application for degree due to The Graduate School to receive a degree in Spring
Spring quarter courses viewable in CAESAR for the following: Comm...
February 9, All Day
Spring quarter courses viewable in CAESAR for the following: Communication, Education, Engineering, Journalism and Music...
Last day to drop a FULL-TERM class for Winter in CAESAR. Any requ...
February 13, All Day
Last day to drop a FULL-TERM class for Winter in CAESAR. Any requests after this date result in a W on the transcript an...
Announcements
Spring Quarter 2026 U-Pass Access & Transit Card Fee
To ensure your U-Pass is created and activated on Tuesday, March 31 (the start of the Spring Quarter), please complete the Spring Quarter opt-in form by Monday, March 2 (for new U-Pass holders) or by Thursday, March 26 (for current U-Pass holders).
Alumnae of Northwestern University 2026–27 Graduate Fellowship
The Alumnae of Northwestern University offers an annual $10,000–$30,000 fellowship award to Northwestern graduates who show promise of achieving distinction in their field and bringing credit to the University. Applications are due Friday, April 10, 2026.