Navigating Yale University Student Grants and Fellowships

Yale University offers a multitude of grants and fellowships designed to support its students in their academic and professional pursuits. These funding opportunities cater to a wide range of interests, from summer experiences and postgraduate endeavors to research, language study, and public service. This article provides a comprehensive overview of these resources, with a focus on eligibility requirements, application processes, and key deadlines.

Summer Funding Opportunities

Summer Experience Grant (SEG)

The Summer Experience Grant (SEG) is a non-competitive award designed to support eligible Yale College students who receive Yale financial aid. It provides funding for participation in a single Yale Summer Session (YSS) Abroad program or a single Yale in London program.

Eligibility:

First-year, sophomore, and junior students receiving Yale financial aid.
Students who have not previously used the ISA or the SEA during a summer.

Funding Coverage:

The SEG covers a portion of the program budget, including billed expenses (e.g., tuition) and unbilled living expenses, proportional to the student's financial aid percentage during the academic year.

Important Note: The SEG will be in effect until Summer 2027.

Summer Fellowships

Students who have already utilized the Study Abroad option of the SEG can explore fellowship opportunities to fund their summer experiences. Yale and external funding options are available to support research, study abroad, public service, unpaid internships, and self-designed projects, both in New Haven and globally.

Read also: Decoding Yale Admissions

Professional Experience Funding

To qualify for the SEG, professional opportunities must be for at least 8 weeks and 30 hours per week. The weeks do not need to be consecutive, but each week cannot be less than 30 hours. For the SEG professional experience, you must have a supervisor (who cannot be an undergraduate student, a graduate student, or a PostDoc).

Postgraduate Fellowships

The Office of Fellowships administers a range of postgraduate fellowships that share a common application and review process. These fellowships support graduating seniors in various activities, including public service, travel, research, work, and study, with durations ranging from three months to a full year (9-12 months). The earliest possible start date is in May following Yale Commencement.

Fellowships Included in the Common Application:

Charles P. Howland Fellowship
Cohen Public Service Fellowship - yearlong
Gordon Grand Fellowship
Parker Huang Postgraduate Fellowship
Yale Glee Club Service through Music Fellowship
Robert C. Bates Postgraduate Fellowship

Eligibility and Restrictions:

Students may apply for these fellowships only once during their Yale career, and only as graduating seniors.
There is only one application cycle per year. December graduates must apply during the regular cycle (deadline in January).
Group projects are not eligible.
Projects must begin before September 1 of the award year.
International students are not normally given grants for projects conducted in their home countries.

Application Process:

All application materials must be uploaded prior to 1:00 PM ET on January 29, 2026. All application materials, including letters of recommendation, must be submitted by the stated deadline. There are no exceptions and no separate deadlines for recommendations.

A complete application consists of:

Application Form (Required): Start the Common Application via the Yale Student Grants Database, selecting the fellowships for which you are applying.

Read also: Graduates of Yale University
Language Self-Evaluation (As needed): Required if the activity involves working/operating in a non-native language.
Letter of Affiliation (Optional): Include a signed letter of support or affiliation from a sponsor or host contact abroad, where relevant.
Letters of Reference (2 required): Requested and submitted electronically through the Student Grants Database. Must come from individuals with whom you have had a close academic or professional association (e.g., faculty member, principal investigator, supervisor). At least one letter must be from someone who has taught you at Yale. Letters from family members or peers are not accepted.
Project Proposal / Program of Study: A written proposal (max. 1,000 words, double-spaced) describing:
- The project, program of study, or activity
- Objectives and challenges
- Preparation to undertake the activity independently
- How it contributes to your educational journey
- A detailed itinerary or timeline
- Any specific requirements for the target fellowship of interest
Résumé / List of Activities and Awards: A current résumé including significant extracurricular activities, work experience, awards, and honors relevant to your preparation.

Read also: Yale's Tuition Explained
Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts from Yale and any other post-secondary institutions attended.

Additional Yale-Funded Fellowships

Yale College students may apply for one or more of the following Yale-funded fellowships depending on project type. Applications are made via a common application in the Yale Student Grants Database. Application deadline typically in February/March.

Alexander P. Supports international students pursuing summer travel within the US for research, independent projects, or internships lasting at least 6 weeks.
Jehiel R.
The Charles H.
The Robert C.
The Lewis P.
The Robert S. Eligible internships must be low/unpaid.
Robert C.
Wendy E.
Stacey L.
Thomas C.
Richard U. Supports intensive language study at approved sites in East Asia. Eligible are currently-enrolled Yale University students, including graduating seniors. Campus application deadlines typically begin in September or December.

Fellowships for Leave of Absence

Yale College students may apply for one or more of the following Yale-funded fellowships for projects if they are planning to take a leave of absence to pursue the project full-time. Applications are made via the Summer Fellowships Common Application in the Yale Student Grants Database.

Thomas C.
Thomas C.
Richard U. Supports intensive language study at approved sites in East Asia. Eligible are currently-enrolled Yale University students, including graduating seniors. Campus application deadlines typically begin in September or December.

Restrictions to Use of Award

Applicants must comply with all fellowship policies throughout both the application process and the term of the award. Violations may result in withdrawal of the application from consideration or, if already awarded, forfeiture of fellowship funding.

Applicants must review the Yale University International Travel Policy. Projects in specific countries within approved regions may not be eligible for funding based on current State Department Warnings and the Yale University International Travel Policy.

Yale University policy requires that certain types of research projects involving human subjects be reviewed by an institutional review board (IRB) prior to the start of the study to ensure that the project meets University requirements and any applicable regulations.

Resources and Support

The Office of Fellowships offers various resources to assist students in their application process:

Information Sessions: Attend information sessions to learn more about the Yale College Postgraduate Fellowships and the application process.
Advising Appointments: Schedule an advising appointment with Dr. Mya Fisher, the Yale College Postgraduate Fellowships advisor.
Summer Fellowships Canvas Course: Enroll in the Summer Fellowships Canvas Course for helpful guidance on the entire application process.

How to Prepare for an Advising Meeting with Dr. Fisher:

Review: Carefully read the information on the Office of Fellowships website and review the fellowship descriptions.
Learn: Watch a recorded information session or attend an upcoming one.
Meet: After completing steps 1 & 2, schedule an advising appointment with Dr. Mya Fisher.

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