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Funding Resources

2025/26 PhD minimum stipend rates

Northwestern PhD students receive funding for a full 4 quarters per year for a minimum of 5 years.

$46,356per year
$3,863per month

The Graduate School (TGS) has separate and distinct funding models for doctoral and master’s programs. TGS and its graduate programs offer a wide array of financial support. Funding is available from annually-allocated award funds, instruction, endowed fellowships, foundations and other private support, as well as federal research and training grants.

In addition to those awards available through the university, applicants are encouraged to compete for awards available for graduate study. A website maintained by Northwestern University’s Office of Fellowships lists available awards. External awards, which are prestigious and a valuable acknowledgement of a student’s intellectual project and promise, typically replace departmental or graduate school awards.

Fellowship opportunities

The Graduate School (TGS) offers a number of internal fellowships that students may apply for. Northwestern’s Office of Fellowships is available to assist students with identifying and applying for external funding opportunities.

TGS also encourages graduate students to consider applying for the following external fellowships: