Scholarships and Fellowships
Invest in your graduate education with funding that supports your research
Graduate study is a major commitment, and funding plays an important role in making it possible. Anthropology graduate students at the University at Buffalo have access to a range of funding opportunities that support coursework, teaching, research and dissertation completion. Options vary by degree level and stage of study.
PhD funding options
Academic year stipends of $23,690 and a full tuition waiver for all full-time, funded PhD students on 10-month academic teaching assistant, research assistant, or graduate assistant appointments.
- UB’s stipend levels are competitive among public Association of American Universities (AAU) member institutions.
Additional Fellowship Opportunities:
- Arthur A. Schomburg Fellowship Program: Candidates are required to be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and must demonstrate how they have overcome a disadvantage or other impediment to success in higher education. Candidates must also demonstrate a commitment to contributing to the diversity of the student body by facilitating and enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in their academic programs and campus activities. Even though financial need is not a requirement for program eligibility, applicants may utilize economic disadvantage as a basis for eligibility. This scholarship program is open to any and all prospective candidates regardless of race, color, national origin, or sex, and is consistent with all current governing federal and state nondiscrimination law. All application submissions will be assessed and evaluated in accordance with the required eligibility criteria. Students may apply for the Schomburg Fellowship on the UB graduate application for their program.
- Presidential Fellowships: To be eligible for Presidential Fellowships, candidates must meet the criteria listed on the Presidential Fellowship page. Both domestic and international students are eligible, if they meet these criteria. For any questions regarding funding for academic year 2025–2026, contact the director of graduate studies or department chair.
Master's funding options
Most master’s programs are self-funded, and many students use a mix of financial aid, employment and scholarships to support their studies. Continuing your education is an important investment, and UB offers resources to help you explore available options.
Anthropology graduate students may apply for additional funding to support research as they progress through their programs.
Mark Diamond Research Fund
The Mark Diamond Research Fund, offered through the Graduate Student Association, supports thesis and dissertation research-related expenses.
Funding levels include:
- Up to $2,500 for doctoral students
- Up to $1,500 for master’s students
PhD Student Conference Grant
Amount: $500
The Department of Anthropology will award $500 to each of three PhD students to support travel related to presenting original research at a professional or scholarly conference.
Eligibility
- All currently enrolled doctoral students
Application materials
- A one-page, single-spaced proposal describing the conference and presentation
- A budget including airfare, lodging and registration
- A curriculum vitae
Recipients must follow all university travel preapproval procedures and submit required documentation within 30 days of travel completion.
The Morris and Lucille Opler Award for Dissertation Research or Writing
Awarded annually to a PhD student who has passed the advanced examination and successfully defended the dissertation proposal. The award provides approximately $6,000 to support dissertation research or writing.
Dr. Keith F. Otterbein Award for War and Peace Studies
Supports one exceptional PhD student conducting doctoral research on war or peace. Research may focus on social, cultural or historical factors related to conflict or peace building. The award provides approximately $1,500 and may support students at the pre-dissertation, dissertation research or dissertation writing stage.
Office of Fellowships and Scholarships
The UB Office of Fellowships and Scholarships helps students identify and apply for university, national and international awards that support academic study, research and post-graduate plans.
American Anthropological Association
The American Anthropological Association offers links to national and international fellowships that support anthropological research.
