Fellowships & Funding

Arts & Sciences Fellowships

We are proud to not only offer our students among the most substantial stipends of any Writing Program in the country, but to provide full and equal funding to every student we accept. We feel this contributes substantially to the sense of fairness and collegiality in our workshops. Both years in the program are funded by an A&S Fellowship. In 2023-24, the value of full tuition remission is $57,750, and the A&S Fellowship stipend is $28,152 for 12 months.

Other Forms of Support

There are also three highly competitive university-wide fellowships which Writing Program students are urged to apply for separately. (The only students in the Writing Program who receive a different level of support are those who win these fellowships.)

The Dean’s Distinguished Graduate Fellowships in Arts & Sciences have been created to enhance the recruitment of and to recognize some of our most outstanding incoming graduate students. This program will support incoming PhD and MFA students with the promise of exceptional academic distinction; with a demonstrated interest to advance the public good; and who will contribute to the diversity and intellectual vitality of our university community. The primary intent of the program is to support the recruitment of outstanding candidates and help departments make a compelling offer to their best applicants.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DEAN'S DISTINGUISHED GRADUATE FELLOWSHIPS IN ARTS & SCIENCES

The Dean's Awards for Teaching Excellence recognizes graduate students who have made significant teaching contributions in the instruction of Washington University students. Annually, several awards will be made across the disciplines and at a range of course levels; each recipient will receive a $1,500 prize, a certificate, and recognition in their graduation program. Each department or program may nominate up to two assistants in instruction or those engaged in a Mentored Teaching Experience. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DEAN'S AWARDS FOR TEACHING EXCELLENCE

The Dean's Award for Graduate Research Excellence, which is given annually, will help distinguish exemplary accomplishments of graduate students and research profiles of the Arts & Sciences' graduate programs. Examples may include first-authoring a publication in a top-ranked journal, leading a research or creative practice initiative that yields new possibilities for the student’s field, or leading innovative convergent research with colleagues across fields. Each department or program can underscore what constitutes excellence in research, scholarship, or creative practice. Semifinalists receive a $500 award, and finalists receive a $1,500 award in addition to a certificate of recognition.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DEAN'S AWARDS FOR GRADUATE RESEARCH EXCELLENCE

There are no special awards for foreign applicants. Except for the fellowships listed above, there are no special application forms for applying for financial aid. The financial statement referred to in the application form is not required for first-year support, but you may request it from the Office of Graduate Studies (after January 1st) if you wish to apply for a loan to supplement any award you might receive.