Cornell University Graduate Fellowships
About the Program
Comprehensive guide for Cornell University Graduate Fellowships. Get eligibility details, stipend amounts, and registration instructions here.
Benefits & Financial Support
Cornell University Graduate Fellowships, which typically refer to the comprehensive funding packages for Ph.D. students, generally provide full tuition, a living stipend, health insurance (Student Health Plan - SHP), and a student health fee waiver. For the 2026-2027 academic year, this is estimated to include PhD tuition of approximately $20,800 USD, a 12-month stipend of $44,463 USD (based on the University Fellowship rate) [cite: 8, previous search result], 12-month Student Health Plan (SHP) coverage at $4,092 USD, and an academic-year student health fee of $600 USD. The total estimated annual value is approximately $70,000 USD, which converts to approximately 5,810,000 INR (assuming 1 USD = 83 INR). Master's degree students generally receive limited financial assistance, which can vary by department and degree program.
Inclusions
- **Target Degree Levels**: Primarily Ph.D. programs and research-oriented Master's programs
While Master's students may receive limited funding, the comprehensive fellowships are predominantly for doctoral candidates. - **Nationality**: Open to U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents, and international students for general Cornell Fellowships
Specific fellowships like the Founder's Excellence Fellowships are for nominated domestic doctoral students (U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or Indigenous peoples of Canada). - **Admission Status**: Must be an incoming student applying for admission to a Cornell University graduate program
Continuing students are generally ineligible for new student fellowships. - **Academic Requirements**: Applicants must meet the admission requirements of their chosen graduate field
There is no specific minimum GPA cutoff, but undergraduate coursework and grades are thoroughly considered in the admissions review process. - **English Language Proficiency**: All international applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English, typically by submitting official TOEFL or IELTS Academic scores, unless exempted.
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
PhD, Masters
Must be enrolled in PhD, Masters.
Financial & Category
Selection Process
Fellowships are merit-based awards, and the selection process is highly competitive
For Cornell University Fellowships, prospective students are considered for awards based on their graduate admissions application
no separate fellowship application is required
The graduate field to which an applicant applies will consider their eligibility for fellowships
Admitted Ph.D. students are typically notified of any fellowship awards as part of their admission offer
Factors considered include academic record, research potential, statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation.
Renewal Policy
Renewal conditions vary by the specific fellowship or funding package
Some fellowships, such as the Sage Fellowships, are two-year awards (first year and dissertation year) with additional summer funding, contingent on academic progress
Doctoral students are typically fully funded for the duration of their degree, which is dependent on maintaining good academic standing and satisfactory progress toward their degree
External fellowships may provide one or multiple years of support based on the terms of the granting agency.
Application Process
- 1**Explore Programs and Faculty**
Research Cornell's fields of study and faculty interests to identify a suitable program and potential advisors.
- 2**Prepare Application Materials**
Gather all required documents, including unofficial transcripts, GRE/GMAT scores (if needed), résumé/CV, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, and English proficiency scores.
- 3**Complete Online Application**
Fill out Cornell University's Online Graduate School Application. Ensure all information is accurate and complete.
- 4**Indicate Funding Interest**
On the admissions application, respond "yes" to the question asking if you wish to be considered for university assistantships and fellowships.
- 5**Submit Application**
Submit your completed application and all supporting documents before the program-specific deadlines. Fellowships are awarded at the time of admission.
- 6**Notification**
Admitted Ph.D. students will receive notification of any fellowship awards as part of their official admission offer.
Documents Required
Important Dates
Application Deadline
15 December 2026
Applications for Fall 2027 graduate programs generally open in September 2026. While many programs have a deadline of December 1, 2026, some, like the Mathematics PhD program and Johnson Graduate School of Management PhD, extend to December 15, 2026, for all application materials, including letters of recommendation.
Dates are subject to change as per the provider's official notification. Applicants are encouraged to apply well before the closing date.
Scholarship Quick Facts
Common Questions (FAQs)
Q.Are 'Cornell University Graduate Fellowships' available for international students?
Yes, Cornell Fellowships, which fall under the broader category of Cornell University Graduate Fellowships, may be awarded to U.S. students, permanent residents, or international students. Nearly all Ph.D. students, including international students, are fully funded.
Q.Is a separate application required for these fellowships?
No, a separate application for the general Cornell University Graduate Fellowships (including Cornell and Sage Fellowships) is typically not required. Prospective students are considered for these fellowships automatically when they apply for admission to a graduate program at Cornell and indicate their interest in funding on the application form.
Q.What does 'fully funded' mean for a Ph.D. student at Cornell?
For Ph.D. students, 'fully funded' generally means that the funding package covers full tuition, a living stipend, health insurance (Student Health Plan), and student health fees. This comprehensive support allows students to focus on their research and studies.
Q.Are Master's students eligible for Cornell University Graduate Fellowships?
While Master's degree students may receive some financial assistance, the extensive funding packages associated with 'Cornell University Graduate Fellowships' (which typically cover full tuition and a significant stipend) are predominantly aimed at Ph.D. students. Master's students should explore competitive awards offered through their specific graduate field, conference travel grants, and educational loans.
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Legal Disclaimer
IndiaScholarships.in attempts to provide accurate information manually curated from official sources. However, scholarship details, timelines, and eligibility can change without notice as per the provider's discretion. Applying for a scholarship does not guarantee selection. Always verify all information on the official Cornell University website before final submission.
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