Western Michigan University Graduate College Dissertation Completion Fellowships, USA for PhD

  •  PhD
  •  18-Feb-2026
  •   United States
  • $$  Fellowship support (salary, tuition coverage for 1 dissertation credit per term)

Western Michigan University’s Graduate College is now accepting applications for the Dissertation Completion Fellowships (DCF), designed to support outstanding doctoral candidates in the final stages of their dissertation research and writing. These competitive fellowships provide financial assistance, tuition support, and dedicated time to help students complete their dissertations within one year.

Eligibility for the Fellowship at Western Michigan University is limited to full-time doctoral candidates who are within one year of graduation. Applicants must have achieved superior academic standing and attained doctoral candidacy, which includes having an approved dissertation committee and proposal, completion of all research tools, and passing qualifying or comprehensive exams.

Western Michigan University (WMU) is a leading public research institution located in Kalamazoo, Michigan, known for its commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and student success. The Graduate College at WMU oversees all graduate education, offering a wide range of master’s, specialist, and doctoral programs across diverse fields. It provides academic support, funding opportunities, and professional development to help graduate students excel in their research and scholarship while preparing them for leadership roles in academia, industry, and beyond.

Western Michigan University Information

Western Michigan University Grants

Western Michigan University Graduate College Dissertation Completion Fellowships, USA for PhD Established in 1903, Western Michigan University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large town of Kalamazoo (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Michigan. Officially accredited and/or recognized by the Higher Learning Commission, Western Michigan University (WMU) is a large (uniRank enrollment range: 20,000-24,999 students) coeducational higher education institution. Western Michigan University (WMU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation degrees), bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. See the uniRank degree levels and areas of study matrix below for further details. This 116 years old higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic record and grades. The admission rate range is 80-90% making this US higher education organization a least selective institution. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.

Eligibility Criteria

  • University or Organization: Western Michigan University, Graduate College

  • Department: Graduate College (open to all doctoral programs)

  • Course Level: Doctoral (PhD)

  • Award: Fellowship support (salary, tuition coverage for 1 dissertation credit per term)

  • Access Mode: Online application

  • Number of Awards: Multiple (exact number not specified)

  • Nationality: Domestic and international students are eligible

  • The award can be taken in: United States

Offered Benefits

  • Award Period:

    • One-year fellowship: Summer II through following Summer I.

    • Half-year fellowship: Summer II through Fall only.

  • Award Components:

    • Salary support (per semester/session, amount TBD).

    • Tuition coverage for 1 dissertation credit (course 7300) per semester/session.

  • Additional Notes:

    • Fellowship terminates upon graduation if earlier than award end date.

    • The award may affect other financial aid or loan eligibility.

    • Fellows must remain enrolled in at least one dissertation credit per semester.

Application Deadline:

  • Applications must be submitted online through the WMU application portal (InfoReady), opening in late December 2025.

  • Deadline to apply: February 18, 2026

Application Process

  • Applicants must arrange for a Letter of Nomination from their dissertation advisor, program advisor, or department chair, uploaded on official university letterhead.
  • The nomination letter should address:

    • Student’s enrollment status and likelihood of completing the dissertation within the fellowship period (Summer II 2025 – Summer I 2026).

    • Significance of the research.

    • Student’s academic achievements and scholarly promise.

    • Dissertation completion timeline (research, writing, review, defense, and graduation).

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