Fellowships and Scholarships
Invest in your future with support from UB
Graduate education is a major commitment. At the University at Buffalo, we work to make advanced study more accessible through assistantships, fellowships and departmental awards. Many graduate students receive funding that supports teaching, research and professional development while they complete their degrees.
Graduate education is a significant investment, and funding can play an important role in making it possible. Graduate students at the University at Buffalo have access to a range of funding options that support coursework, teaching, research and professional development. Opportunities vary by degree level and stage of study.
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.
PhD funding options
Academic year stipends of $27,000 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.
Funding for the PhD in Applied Ontology
The PhD in Applied Ontology does not include guaranteed funding. Students may be considered for university fellowships, external awards or grant-funded research positions when available. These opportunities are limited and are not guaranteed with admission.
In addition to university-level funding, the Department of Philosophy recognizes outstanding graduate work each year through donor-supported awards.
Annual prizes include:
- The Hare Prize for Best Paper, awarded for the best graduate student work in any area of philosophy
- The Hare Citizenship Prize, recognizing leadership and participation in departmental activities
- The Hourani Ethics Prize, awarded for the best graduate student paper in ethics
- The Thomas Perry Dissertation Prize, awarded for the best dissertation completed in the previous academic year
- The Romanell Award, awarded for the best graduate student work in the tradition of naturalism
These awards celebrate scholarly excellence, strong community engagement and original research.
If you are considering graduate study, now is the time to explore your funding options and connect with your program.