UMN Graduate School: Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship (DDF) Grant

UMN Graduate School: Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship (DDF) Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: University of Minnesota
Amount: US $26,000
Last Updated: October 02, 2025

Summary

The University of Minnesota's Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship (DDF) supports outstanding Ph.D. candidates in completing their dissertations. Awardees receive a $25,000 stipend, tuition coverage for up to 14 credits per semester, health insurance, and a $1,000 conference grant. Candidates must pass preliminary exams, complete coursework by spring 2026, and expect to graduate in 2027. Nominations are required, and the application process is open from September to May each year.

Overview

Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship The Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship (DDF) gives the University's most accomplished Ph.D. candidates an opportunity to devote full-time effort to an outstanding research project by providing time to finalize and write their dissertation during the fellowship year. How much is the award? $25,000 stipend, academic year tuition at the general graduate rate for up to 14 credits per semester, subsidized health insurance through the Graduate Assistant Health Plan for up to one calendar year, and a $1,000 conference grant. DDF Conference Funding Request The DDF Conference Request supports a recipient’s presentation of dissertation research at a conference that occurs during the DDF award year, September 1st through August 31st. The application form, which includes instructions and more information, is linked in the DDF Terms & Conditions. Applications are accepted on the 1st of every month, September through May, during a recipient’s DDF tenure.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Programs may nominate Ph.D. candidates if the nominee:will have passed the written and oral preliminary examinations by February 27, 2026.Yes, passing your oral/written preliminary exam with "pass with reservations" still constitutes a passing vote, thus not disqualifying you from applying to the DDF.will have completed all program coursework by the end of the spring semester 2026(NOTE: nominee may be registered for program coursework in spring 2026, but may not have any incompletes in program coursework at the time of nomination).is expected to graduate in calendar year 2027.Program Nomination required. Please reach out to your Director of Graduate Studies or Graduate Program Coordinator.

Ineligibility

No, the second letter of recommendation must be from a non-advisor. Your co-advisor can co-author the first letter with your advisor. A committee member or other non-advisor can author the second letter.