Predoctoral Fellowship
Ford Foundation
The Ford Foundation is passionate about increasing the diversity of the professoriate in the U.S. The Predoctoral Fellowship supports exceptional scholars who will advance into a career in teaching or research at U.S. universities or colleges. The fellows are from diverse backgrounds and are keen to draw on that diversity to enrich the learning experience of their students.
The scholarship awards 75 scholars pursuing full-time, research-based Ph.D. or Sc.D. programs. Fellows receive $27,000 per year to cover living expenses. The fellowship spans three years and must be used within five years.
The fields of study supported are Humanities, Behavioral & Social Sciences, Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Mathematics, Engineering, and Education. Applicants are to submit three essays, at least three recommendation letters, and supplementary documents. The scholarship is administered by the Fellowships Office of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.
Scholarship Summary
The Ford Foundation is passionate about increasing the diversity of the professoriate in the U.S. The Predoctoral Fellowship supports exceptional scholars who will advance into a career in teaching or research at U.S. universities or colleges. The fellows are from diverse backgrounds and are keen to draw on that diversity to enrich the learning experience of their students.
The scholarship awards 75 scholars pursuing full-time, research-based Ph.D. or Sc.D. programs. Fellows receive $27,000 per year to cover living expenses. The fellowship spans three years and must be used within five years.
The fields of study supported are Humanities, Behavioral & Social Sciences, Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Mathematics, Engineering, and Education. Applicants are to submit three essays, at least three recommendation letters, and supplementary documents. The scholarship is administered by the Fellowships Office of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.
Eligibility Requirements
- Eligible Grade: Graduate – Doctorate
- Age: 20 – 21
- Required GPA: Any
- Geographic Eligibility: United States
- Gender: Any
- Race/Ethnicity: Any
Key Information of Predoctoral Fellowship
Study Details
Area of Study
- Biology
- Healthcare
- History
- Literature
- Medicine
- Psychology
Country of Study
United States
Specific Schools
Any
Application Requirements
Here’s what you need to submit besides your application.
- Standardized Test Scores
- Grade transcript
- Essay
- Special Project
- Recommendation letters
Predoctoral Fellowship Timeline
September 16
Application Open Date
The application usually opens in September.
December 12
Application Deadline
The application should be submitted by 5 pm EST.
January 9
Supplementary Documents Deadline
Supporting documents should be submitted in January.
March
Application Status Notification
All applicants will be informed of their application outcomes by March.
How to ace the Predoctoral Fellowship
Invest enough time
Writing and perfecting your essays will definitely take more than a week. Plan your time well so you can do at least three reviews of each essay and get feedback from your professors. With each review, you’ll make your writing clearer and eliminate all those slippery typos. Remember that your writing should be clear, concise, and without jargon.
Choose your recommenders wisely
Don’t just go for the big names, rather choose recommenders who have worked with you and supervised you closely. The strength of the recommendation letters depends greatly on how well the recommenders know you. Also, choose recommenders who are willing to invest the time and effort into writing a glowing letter. Remember to share your essays with them so they can have something to refer to.
Adhere to formatting rules
All uploaded files should be in PDF format and less than 4 MB. Double spacing and 12-point font should be used except in the special cases listed in the application instructions. Headers and footers should also be omitted. Make sure to review the full list of instructions on the scholarship page.
Read the helpful resources provided
Some PDF resources have been provided on the scholarship website. These are a gold mine and will go a long way in boosting your application. You’ll be glad you read them.
How the Predoctoral Fellowship is Judged
Applicants must show that they meet all the eligibility criteria. Applications are judged based on exceptional academic accomplishment, a commitment to a career in academia, and the capacity to use diversity to enhance the learning experience of learners. All incomplete applications will not be considered.
Why We Love the Predoctoral Fellowship
Application reviews are provided
Applicants receive feedback on their applications which could help them make a better application in the next round.
It can be deferred for two years
Awardees can defer the scholarship for a maximum of two years after their first fellowship tenure.
Awardees attend the Conference of Ford Fellows
Successful applicants get to attend the conference and meet exemplary scholars dedicated to expanding the diversity of the professoriate.
5 Facts About the Ford Foundation
It was founded in 1936
Edsel Ford, son of Henry Ford, founded the foundation over eight decades ago.
It was one of Sesame Street’s sponsors
Ford funded the National Educational Television Center in 1952 which developed shows like “Sesame Street”.
It supported a revolutionary microfinance idea
The foundation funded the idea that has grown into Grameen Bank which serves more than 8 million lendees in Asia
It has awarded more than 6,000 scholarships
Since the formation of the Ford Foundation Fellowship in 1980, more than 6,000 scholars have received scholarships.
It gives $500M grants annually
The foundation gives $500M in grants annually to various projects that benefit humanity.