Fellowships and Funding

Funding for the First Four to Five Years of Study

We offer admission to approximately sixty applicants to the Department of History each year, and all of these offers include some type of University grant. Academic record and scholarly promise are used as criteria for making a grant offer, but need or United States citizenship are not factors. Currently these offers are tuition plus a $19,000 stipend, or a tuition scholarship alone, with the promise of a $19,000 stipend in the third- through fifth-year if good academic progress is made. The fellowships provide a fifth year of funding, based on good academic progress; in the third through fifth year of these fellowships, a portion of the stipend award comprises teaching service for the College. Around twenty to twenty-five students matriculate each year.

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Strategies for Supporting Tuition-only Years at Chicago

The formal acceptance letter from the Dean of Students will include information on government work-study and loans programs, as well as private loans for foreign citizens. If you have only a small debt from financing your undergraduate studies, securing loans may be an option for you. You may also decide to use savings, gifts from family and friends, and part-time employment during the school year to help with school or living expenses. The curriculum in History’s graduate program requires full-time study, with the majority of courses held during the day, which precludes studying part time or remaining employed full time.

You may wish to postpone matriculation into the History program, by "reactivating" your application for the next year. We would reconsider your record in light of the new materials you provide, such a more complete transcript, a new statement of purpose, additional recommendations, a master's thesis or other substantial paper should you attend a master's program elsewhere. Although we cannot guarantee that applicants will be admitted a second time, we feel that reactivation (starting over, as it were) is in the applicants' best interest as it is the only way they can be considered for first-year funding again. There is no fee to reactivate.

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Work-Study Program

The federally funded work-study program for United States citizens and permanent residents assist students with money that does not have to be repaid. Program eligibility is determined by various criteria established by the government and overseen by the responsible University officials, all whom are outside the Department of History. In general practice, an eligible student is from a family of modest means, or is “independent,” which is defined as not being claimed as an exemption on their parents’ federal income tax return. Based on past experience, over four-fifths of those who apply to the Department of History program fulfill one or both of these criteria.

From your perspective, there are probably three reasons for participating in work-study:

  • To earn up to $4,500 between October and June of the academic year.

  • To see more closely how history is researched and written by working for a professional practitioner; or to work with faculty in other departments where you share a common research aim.

  • To establish a more personal relation with a departmental professor than is usually possible in the class room or seminar.


    • If you think you would like to participate in the work-study program, complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Next, complete a University Application for Student Loans and Federal Work-Study. These forms are required in early spring term. (There is a separate application if you are interested in working over the summer.) You can apply for work-study, without applying for federal student loans. The amount you may earn will then be determined by correlating the University work-study application with information from the FAFSA. The Student Loan Administration informs you whether you qualified and a blue Work-Study Employment form will be send to Diane Brady in the History office and she will help you with payroll and a faculty placement. Should you have in mind a particular professor for whom you would like to work, please discuss the matter with him or her at your convenience. Diane would like to have most arrangements made by the time school begins in late September. If you have no one in mind, this should not be a matter of concern. We have little difficulty in arranging placements.

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    Resident Heads for University Residence Halls & Commons

    The University has ten Collegiate residence halls, which are divided into thirty-seven houses. Houses are staffed by resident heads, who are generally advanced graduate students. The RHs live in their house, guide undergraduate students through the ups and downs of college life, manage house meetings councils, and study breaks, as well as organize intramural sports and other house events. RHs receive a free private apartment (for 12 months), board (for 9 months), student health insurance (for 12 months), and a modest salary. New openings are generally announced in January.

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    Annual Academic Review

    The academic accomplishments of all students are reviewed by the Graduate Student Affairs Committee in May of the first year. GSAC makes one of three decisions: (a) recommend continuation to the doctoral program; (b) recommend academic probation, in which case the decision to recommend continuation is suspended for one year to allow for improvement, or (c), do not recommend continuation in the program beyond the master’s degree.

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    Outside Sources of Funding

    It’s hardest to find external funding for graduate school in the first four years. After you’ve proven yourself by completing general course work and passing qualifying examination, there are more grant givers willing to fund your research and writing. That said, some corporations do offer fellowships for children of employees and private institutions may sponsor fellowships based on ethnic affiliations to help you begin your own research. I’ve selected funding sources which our students have successfully received in the past. Plan to begin your research in the summer before applying to graduate school – deadlines for some major fellowships occur a year in advance.

    Jacob K. Javits Fellowship
    Supports doctoral studies in selected fields within the arts, humanities, and social sciences. The four-year renewable award includes tuition, fees, and a stipend. United States citizens or permanent residents who are fourth-year college students or who have not finished their first year of graduate studies are eligible. Contact the Office of Graduate Affairs (702-0871, Administration 225).

    Ford Foundation Predoctoral Fellowships for Minorities
    Approximately sixty predoctoral fellowships awarded in a national competition administered by the National Academies on behalf of the Ford Foundation.

    Foreign Language Area Studies (Title VI) Fellowship
    For students concentrating in modern foreign language and international or area studies. There are separate fellowships for the academic year (nine months for study at Chicago only) and for summer (at Chicago or other United States or international institution). FLAS fellowships are contingent upon funding from the U.S. Department of Education. The nine-month award includes tuition, clinic and student activities fees, and a stipend. The separate summer award includes tuition and may cover some travel expenses. Interested students should contact the appropriate area center (East Asian, East Europe, Latin America, Middle East, or South Asia), Dean of Students Patrick Hall (702-8414, Foster 107), or the Office of Graduate Affairs (702-0871, Administration 225). Forms can be downloaded at the Office of Graduate Affairs.

    National Science Foundation
    For graduate study leading to research-based master’s or doctoral degrees in the fields of science, including the history of science, international relations, and the social sciences. The thirty-six month fellowships include tuition, fees, and a stipend. United States citizens or permanent residents in their fourth-year of college, first year of graduate school, recent college graduates, or students in joint B.A./M.A. programs are eligible, but applicants who have earned any medical degrees are not. Contact the Office of Graduate Affairs (702-0871, Administration 225).

    Soros Fellowship for New Americans
    One-half tuition plus a maintenance grant for up to two years of graduate study in the United States. Fourth-year college students and persons up to age 30 in possession of a bachelor's degree who meet the foundation’s definition of a new American are eligible. A new American is a permanent resident, a naturalized United States citizen, or the child of two parents who are both naturalized citizens.

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    Funding Sources for Foreign Students

    We’re very pleased that nearly one quarter of our students come to study history at Chicago from over twenty different nations. To encourage you to select Chicago, we consider foreign students for both the tuition plus $19,000 stipend fellowship, as well as for tuition scholarships. Yet, as with domestic students, we cannot always extend fellowships to all our prospective students from abroad. At the time of applying to Chicago, you may wish to investigate whether your nation will help support your doctoral studies abroad, such as Canada’s Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), the Korea Foundation for Advanced Studies, the Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología (Conacyt) of México, the Sapintia Education Foundation, which offers graduate fellowships to students currently studying in Taiwanese universities, or Thai Government Fellowships. Below are other sources of funding you may wish to explore:

    Institute for International Education / Fulbright
    The “Study America” program is for qualified students who are unable to afford graduate study in the United States without financial assistance.The IIE's Placement Unit advises over one thousand international students annually on appropriate college and university programs, arranges admissions, and seeks funding on behalf of students from both university and non-university sources.

    International House Fellowship Program
    Foreign students accepted for graduate study and who decide to live at the University’s International House may qualify for residential fellowships to help defray the cost of housing. The selection of fellows is based on need, merit, and leadership.

    The Rotary Club Foundation
    Since 1947, Ambassadorial Scholarships have helped more than thirty-thousand men and women from one-hundred nations to study abroad under its auspices. Today, it is the world's largest privately funded international scholarships program.

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    Funding for Presenting Conference Papers

    Departmental Conference Grants: The History Department's travel grants are funded by gifts from the Freehling and Kunstadter families.  Grants are decided by History’s Fellowships Committee.

    History graduate students are eligible to receive up to $300 for travel to a recognized conference in order to present a paper.  You may request funding for two conferences over the course of your graduate career.  You decide at which stage to seek reimbursement, i.e., two conferences in a single year, prior to orals in order to gain rhetoric skill, after the proposal to seek responses to a topic's argument or direction, or before entering the job market for professional development.

    To receive reimbursement, you complete a conference reimbursement form with relevant documentation: (1) a copy of the conference program as proof that you delivered a paper; (2) original airline, train, or car rental, parking, and toll receipts; use mileage figures when driving a private vehicle.  For conference costs of less than $300, the grant will cover only that smaller amount.  Conference fees, accommodations, meals, and additional ground transportation (for students travelling by plane or train) are not covered.  The application is made any time after the completion of the trip and before the end of the quarter in which the trip took place.



    Doolittle-Harrison Fellowship    : An award of up to $400 doctoral students for presentation at a professional academic conference or for short-term travel outside of the contiguous United States to facilitate dissertation research. Applicants must be in or beyond their 3rd year of Ph.D. work at the time the resources will be used (that is, at least the Fall term of the 3rd year, for most students). Students are eligible to hold a D-H award only 1 time during a 12-month period. Students who have held 2 D-H awards in the past are not eligible; students who have held 1 D-H award in the past are given lower priority. Contact the Office of Graduate Affairs for deadlines and to download an application.

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    University Funding for Proposal & Dissertation Research

    This section addresses fellowships administered directly by the Department of History or the Social Sciences Division. Please continue to look for bulletins posted to HistAdmin, especially those related to specific fields of research or private foundations. You may also wish to check the websites for the University's area centers which often provide funding for dissertation research and writing, such as the Center for Gender Studies, the Center for the Study of Race, Politics and Culture, East Asian and Latin American Studies, Cinema and Media Studies, and the French and British Centers. Many competitions are straight-forward, but others, especially write-up grants, have strict eligibility requirements or complex procedures. Consult with Kelly Pollock in the department office with any questions or concerns.

    The deadlines given here are generalized; check the Administrative Calendar for specific grant dates, and in some cases, application forms to download.

    Research and Travel Grants
    History Grants (November & April deadlines)
    History Cochrane Grant (April deadline)
    History Mann Grant (April deadline)
    Overseas Dissertation Research (February deadline)
    Ecole des Hautes Etudes in Sciences Sociales Exchange (April deadline)
    Teaching and Research Fellowship

    Dissertation Fellowships
    Liebmann (November)
    Eisenhower (January)
    Harper (March)
    Mellon (March)
    Barnard (March)
    Bloom (March)
    Markovitz (March)
    Quinn (March)

    Research and Travel Grants
    Freehling, Kunstadter, and Shinkler Research Travel Grants
    Department grants for archival research. The autumn quarter competition funds travel in the winter and spring months; the spring quarter competition funds travel in the summer and early autumn months. History student may receive the award twice in their graduate career, with preference given to students who have not yet received outside support for research travel.
    Amount of award: Up to $2,000
    Number of awards: Varies
    Deadlines: mid-November and mid-April
    Procedure: (1) A one- to two-page description of the project's value to your research with archives to be visited; (2) a letter of recommendation from your main advisor (orals or proposal); (3) and a Research Travel Grants Application which asks you to provide a realistic budget and itinerary.
    Award Committee: History Fellowship Committee

    Eric Cochrane Traveling Fellowship
    A Departmental grant for summer research to Europe in connection with work on the dissertation. The research can be preparatory to formal presentation of the dissertation, or it can be part of the dissertation project. Students of western European history who have passed the orals examination before commencing travel are eligible.
    Amount of award: Up to $3,000
    Number of awards: Generally two
    Deadline: mid-April
    Procedure: (1) A one- to two-page description of the project's value to your research; (2) a letter of recommendation from your main advisor; (3) and a Research Travel Grants Application which asks you to provide a realistic budget and itinerary
    Award Committee: History Fellowship Committee

    Arthur Mann Traveling Fellowship
    A Departmental grant to assist travel by United States history students doing preliminary dissertation research, as well as third-year concentrators who will be writing a B. A. paper on U.S. history.
    Amount of award: $500
    Number of awards: Two for graduates; two for undergraduates
    Deadline: mid-April
    Procedure: (1) A one- to two-page description describing the significance of the trip for your research project; (2) a letter of recommendation from your main advisor (orals or proposal); (3) and a Research Travel Grants Application which asks you to provide a realistic budget and itinerary.
    Award Committee: History Fellowship Committee for graduate awards. Collegiate Affairs Committee for undergraduate awards.

    Overseas Dissertation Research Fellowship
    For graduate students who will be financing dissertation research abroad through loans, personal savings, or other small grants. Applications will be judged on the need to go abroad, the feasibility of the project, and financial need.
    Amount of award: Up to $2,500, but generally less.
    Number of awards: Varies
    History Deadline: mid-February
    Eligibility: Admitted to candidacy before departing overseas
    Procedure: Fairly complex. Information will be sent out in January.
    Award Committee: History Fellowship Committee makes nominations to the Dean of Students
    Contact Person: David Comp (702-7752, 1414 E. 59th)

    Ecole des Hautes Etudes in Sciences Sociales
    For advanced graduate students in the Division of the Social Sciences whose dissertation projects require study and research in Paris and who would benefit substantially from the resources of the EHESS.
    Amount of award: Airfare, registration fees at the Ecole, and a stipend
    Deadline: mid-April
    Procedure: Application form available from the Associate Dean of Students
    Award's Committee: Committee is selected by the Dean of Students
    Contact Person: Associate Dean Tim Blackman (702-8415, Foster 101)

    Dissertation Teaching and Research Fellowship
    Open to students selected to lecture in a Social Sciences core or civilization course in the coming academic year. The stipend support is intended to release the student from other teaching; therefore fellows may not hold other lectureships during the year.
    Amount of award: $12,000 (includes a one quarter lecturer’s salary plus two quarters stipend), and Advanced Residency tuition for three quarters
    Number of awards: generally two to History
    Deadline: none
    Eligibility: (1) Advanced to candidacy by July 3rd before the fellowship year; (2) be in advanced residency, i.e., completed University fellowship aid, during the fellowship year; and (3), be in the 8th year of study, or less, during the fellowship year
    Note: Von Holst Prize lecturers and preceptorships do not qualify for this fellowship
    Procedure: None. Eligible students who apply for and receive a lectureship are automatically considered for the fellowship. These awards are announced in late June or July.
    Award Committee: History Fellowship Committee nominates two students to the Dean of Students

    Dissertation Write-up Fellowships

    Dolores Zohrab Liebmann Foundation Fellowship
    To support students with outstanding character and ability who hold promise for achievement and distinction in their chosen fields of study.
    Amount of award: $18,000 stipend and a tuition waiver; renewable for up to three years
    Nominations: The Humanities and Social Sciences select up to three to represent the University.
    Deadline: mid-November
    Procedure: (1) A five-page application; (2) letters of recommendation from two faculty members; (3) a two- to three-page statement describing your program of study and professional goals; (4) federal income tax returns for the prior two year of the student and spouse; (5) curriculum vitæ
    Award's Committee: History’s Fellowship Committee recommends one student for nomination
    Contact Person: Dean Patrick Hall (702-8414, Foster 107)

    Dwight D. Eisenhower/Clifford Roberts Graduate Fellowship
    To support study and education dealing with the role of government in a free society, the relationship between international and domestic issues, and improved understanding of world affairs. Applicants need to be advanced to candidacy (ABD) and United States citizens or permanent U.S. residents.
    Amount of award: $10,000 stipend and a tuition waiver
    Nominations: The Social Science Division selects two nominees
    Deadline: mid-January
    Procedure: (1) University application form; (2) statement describing the nature and the scope of the dissertation, including timetable for its completion; (3) 10- to 15-page writing sample, preferable on a topic related to the dissertation; (4) a 1,000-word statement of your career aspirations; (5) two letters of recommendation, with one written by the dissertation advisor; (6) curriculum vitæ
    Award's Committee: History’s Fellowship Committee recommends one student for nomination
    Contact Person: Dean Patrick Hall (702-8414, Foster 107)

    William Rainey Harper Dissertation Fellowship
    For students who have demonstrated academic excellence and unusual promise, the Harper is one of the highest honors awarded students at the University. Students entering their last twelve to eighteen months of dissertation work are eligible.
    Amount of award: $18,000 stipend, a tuition waiver, fees, and health insurance
    Number of awards: 1 in Social Sciences Division
    Deadline: April 4, 2008
    Procedure: (1) An application form; (2) copy of the dissertation proposal, prospectus, or an abstract; (3) a one-page quarter-by-quarter timetable, signed by both the nominee and the dissertation director, indicating for the next twelve to eighteen months the expected stages of completion of the Ph.D.; (4) two to four letters of recommendation forwarded to Kelly Pollock; (5) copies of all completed dissertation chapters; and (6) copies of your original work
    Details: Fellows may not hold another significant financial award concurrently nor may they work, including teaching, during the tenure of their fellowship
    Award Committee: History’s Fellowship Committee generally nominates one student

    Mellon Dissertation Fellowship
    For students who have demonstrated academic excellence and unusual promise.
    Amount of award: $15,000 stipend, a tuition waiver, fees, and health insurance
    Number of awards: One or two to History
    Deadline: April 4 , 2008
    Eligibility: Students in their 6th-year, or less, of graduate study in the fellowship year (in other words, you apply during your 4th or 5th year in the program). In tallying up relevant years of study, you must count years spent in a master's program before enrollment in the History program for which you subsequently received credit toward the University of Chicago History doctorate. If you chose not to waive 2nd-year requirements based on a previous graduate work, then count your first year at the University of Chicago as year one. Please contact Kelly before applying if in doubt about your eligibility
    Procedure: (1) An application form; (2) copy of the dissertation proposal, its approval status; (3) a table of contents and current completion status of each chapter, (4) at least one completed chapter; (5) a curriculum vitæ; (6) at least two letters of recommendation forwarded to Kelly Pollock; and (7) a current University of Chicago transcript, provided by the Dean of Students
    Details: This is a twelve-month fellowship. Preference is given to students most likely to complete the dissertation during this period. To encourage completion, fellows cannot engage in any remunerative activity, such as teaching, either on or off campus, while holding this award.
    Award Committee: History’s Fellowship Committee may nominate four students.

    Harry Barnard Dissertation-Year Fellowship in American History
    A departmental fellowship to an outstanding graduate student, whose dissertation promises to make a significant contribution to understanding American culture, politics, and the pursuit of human values and social justice in American life. United States history students entering the final year of dissertation writing are eligible. Barnard fellows can teach one course or hold other fellowships during the award year, but cannot hold a preceptorship or other year-long teaching position.
    Amount of award: $5,000 stipend, plus tuition waiver.
    Number of awards: One
    Deadline: April 4, 2008
    Procedure: (1) SSD Dissertation Fellowship Application form, available in Foster 107 and online; (2) A brief cover letter which discusses professional goals and the humanistic implications of the dissertation project; (3) A copy of the approved dissertation proposal; (4) Status report and timetable for the completion of the dissertation; (5) Letter of recommendation from the dissertation director; (6) The Department will provide a transcript.
    Award Committee: History Fellowship Committee

    Benjamin Bloom Dissertation Fellowship
    A Divisional fellowship for a dissertation which considers education, formal schooling, or informal education, broadly construed. Applicants will be considered based upon the appropriateness of the dissertation topic to the fellowship’s intent, an outstanding graduate record, and the prospect of completing the dissertation by the end of the fellowship tenure.
    Amount of award: $15,000 stipend, a tuition waiver, fees, and health insurance
    Number of awards: One
    Deadline: April 4, 2008
    Procedure: (1) An application form; (2) a letter of recommendation from the dissertation director which addresses the expected completion date; (3) an applicant statement of no more than 4 pages, which discusses the dissertation project, including organization and methodology; (4) a status report and timetable for the completion of the dissertation; and (5) a current University of Chicago transcript, provided by the department
    Award's Committee: History Fellowship Committee may nominate one student to the Dean of Students
    Contact Person: Dean Patrick Hall (702-8414, Foster 107)

    Markovitz Dissertation Fellowship
    A Divisional fellowship for a dissertation which considers some aspect of the connection between social and economic behavior. Ph.D. candidates in any of the Social Sciences programs are eligible; there is an inclination to share the fellowship over years across disciplines. History students received this award in 98-99 and 02-03 (declined).
    Amount of award: $18,000 stipend, plus a tuition waiver
    Number of awards: Two
    Deadline: April 4, 2008
    Procedure: (1) An application form; (2) a letter of recommendation from the dissertation director which includes an assessment of progress to date; (3) an applicant statement of 1-3 pages, which describe the dissertation project and its relevance to the purposes of the fellowship; (4) a status report and timetable for the completion of the dissertation should be attached; and (5) a current University of Chicago transcript, provided by the Department
    Details: Fellows may not hold another significant financial award concurrently nor may they work, including teaching, during the tenure of their fellowship
    Award Committee: History Fellowship Committee nominates one student to the Dean of Students
    Contact Person: Dean Patrick Hall (702-8414, Foster 107)

    Quinn Foundation Fellowship
    A departmental fellowship that seeks to support dissertation research in any field of historical inquiry.  Ph.D candidates in the Department of History are eligible. Employment, including teaching, is not permitted during the tenure of the award. Quinn fellows who do not complete their degrees within six months of completion of their fellowships are ineligible for further internal University funding from any source and/or teaching appointments.
    Amount of award: $18,000 stipend, plus a tuition waiver
    Number of awards: One
    Deadline: April 4, 2008
    Procedure: (1) SSD Dissertation Fellowship Application form, available in Foster 107 and online; (2) Statement from the applicant (of no more than four pages) that discusses the dissertation project and its organization and methodology; (3) Status report and timetable for the completion of the dissertation; (4) Letter of recommendation from the dissertation advisor that addresses the expected completion date; (5) The Department will provide a transcript.
    Details: This is a twelve-month fellowship. Preference is given to students most likely to complete the dissertation during this period. To encourage completion, fellows cannot engage in any remunerative activity, such as teaching, either on or off campus, while holding this award.
    Contact Person: Kelly Pollock (702-3150, SSRB 329)

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    Other Sources of Funding
    We maintain information regarding grants and fellowships of particular interest to students in various fields of interest in History in the department office (SSRB 330). These Fellowship Binders are a good place to begin a search for grants offered both within the University or from other philanthropic institutions. Students are invited to browse through the binders during office hours, 9-noon and 1-4.30 p.m., Monday-Friday. You can also make photocopies for a small fee.

    Faculty in the various fields of history have singled out the funding opportunities specific to each field.

    The Department’s Honor Roll also lists fellowships awarded to our students in this current academic year. Below, I’ve singled out some of the major grants, both because they interest the greatest number of students and because History students have done so well in these competitions in the past, making it a good place to start your own research:

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