Explore fellowship opportunities for graduate students, PhD researchers, STEM students and international scholars, including Fulbright, NSF GRFP, Hertz, DOE fellowships, Microsoft Research, NASA, ORISE, SMART and other research funding programmes.
Finding the right fellowship can make a significant difference to a student’s academic and research career. Fellowships can provide financial support, research opportunities, professional development and access to institutions, laboratories and professional networks.
A fellowship opportunities resource maintained by the Solid Mechanics Research Group highlights a broad selection of external programmes for students and researchers. The resource encourages students to pursue external fellowships even when they already have funding through a graduate research assistantship or research grant, noting that fellowships can provide additional benefits and strengthen an academic CV.
The programmes listed cover STEM, engineering, computer science, physical sciences, research, graduate education and international study. However, eligibility differs considerably, so prospective applicants should always verify current requirements directly with the fellowship provider.
Why Apply for a Fellowship?
A fellowship can offer benefits beyond basic financial support. Depending on the programme, funding may support tuition, living expenses, research activities, internships, travel or professional development.
For graduate students, a competitive fellowship can also demonstrate academic potential and research capability. Some programmes provide opportunities to work at national laboratories, conduct research internationally or develop connections with universities and industry.
The source specifically notes that fellowships can offer benefits such as increased stipends compared with standard graduate research assistantships and can be valuable additions to a student’s CV.
A*STAR Graduate Scholarships and Fellowships
The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) Graduate Academy offers scholarships and fellowships for scientific talent interested in pursuing research at leading global universities.
The programme has supported a pipeline of PhD talent and early-career researchers while contributing to Singapore’s scientific research community.
Students interested in science, technology and research careers may want to investigate A*STAR as part of their fellowship search.
ASME Graduate Teaching Fellowships
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Graduate Teaching Fellowship Program is designed to encourage outstanding doctoral candidates in mechanical engineering education and related engineering disciplines.
The programme is a collaboration between ASME and mechanical engineering departments and has support from the ASME Foundation.
This opportunity may be particularly relevant to doctoral researchers interested in combining engineering expertise with teaching and education.
Chateaubriand Fellowships for Science and Technology
The Chateaubriand Fellowship in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Health supports doctoral students seeking research experience in France.
The programme supports PhD students registered at American universities who want to conduct part of their doctoral research in a French laboratory. It is designed to encourage collaboration between French and American research teams and organisations.
For eligible researchers, international research fellowships such as this can provide valuable exposure to different research environments and collaboration networks.
Department of Defense SMART Scholarship
The Science, Mathematics and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship-for-Service Program supports students pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in STEM disciplines.
According to the source, the programme provides a full scholarship and employment following degree completion.
Applicants should carefully review the programme’s service obligations before applying, as scholarship-for-service programmes can have employment commitments associated with their funding.
DOE Computational Science Graduate Fellowship
The Department of Energy Computational Science Graduate Fellowship (DOE CSGF) was developed to help address the need for science and technology professionals with advanced computational skills.
The programme requires graduate study that combines a scientific or engineering discipline with computer science and applied mathematics.
This makes it particularly relevant to researchers working at the intersection of computational science, engineering, mathematics and computer science.
DOE NNSA Stewardship Science Graduate Fellowship
The DOE NNSA Stewardship Science Graduate Fellowship provides financial and professional-development benefits to students pursuing PhD study in fields addressing complex science and engineering problems connected to stewardship science.
Researchers interested in advanced science and engineering should examine the current supported fields and eligibility requirements before preparing an application.
DOE Office of Science Graduate Student Research Program
The Office of Science Graduate Student Research (SCGSR) Program provides research opportunities for outstanding U.S. graduate students at Department of Energy laboratories.
The programme allows eligible students to pursue part of their graduate thesis research at a DOE laboratory in areas relevant to the Office of Science mission.
For graduate researchers, this type of laboratory-based opportunity can provide access to specialised research environments and resources.
Fulbright Program for Foreign Students
The Fulbright Program for Foreign Students is another major opportunity highlighted in the fellowship resource.
The programme brings citizens of other countries to the United States for Master’s or PhD study at U.S. universities and other appropriate institutions. Applications are made through the relevant Fulbright Commission/Foundation or U.S. Embassy in the applicant’s home country.
Because Fulbright processes vary by country, international applicants should consult the Fulbright programme responsible for their country rather than relying on a general deadline.
Hertz Foundation Fellowship
The Hertz Foundation Fellowship supports early-stage research in applied physical, biological and engineering sciences.
The fellowship resource states that the foundation has awarded more than 1,100 doctoral fellowships since 1963 and focuses on students with the potential to address difficult real-world problems.
This makes the fellowship particularly relevant to high-achieving doctoral researchers pursuing ambitious technical research.
IBM PhD Fellowship
The IBM PhD Fellowship is described as a highly competitive worldwide programme for exceptional PhD students whose research interests relate to areas important to IBM and fundamental to innovation.
The listed fields include computer science and engineering, cybersecurity, cloud and mobile computing, electrical and mechanical engineering, physical sciences, mathematics, analytics, optimisation and other interdisciplinary areas.
Students working on advanced computing, engineering and technology research may therefore find this programme particularly relevant.
Microsoft Research PhD Fellowship
The Microsoft Research PhD Fellowship provides financial support to students and early-career faculty while helping establish relationships between Microsoft Research and academic institutions.
The programme requires departmental nomination before candidates are forwarded for further consideration.
Applicants should therefore check their university’s internal nomination process well ahead of any external deadline.
NASA Research Fellowships and Travel Opportunities
The fellowship list includes several NASA-related opportunities.
The NASA Earth and Space Science Fellowship supports graduate research in Earth and space sciences and related disciplines, while the NASA Soffen Grants for Travel to Conferences support students attending conferences where they present research.
The source notes that the Soffen travel grants are open to students of all nationalities, but applicants must be enrolled full time at an accredited U.S. undergraduate or graduate institution.
NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program
The National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program (NSF GRFP) supports outstanding graduate students pursuing research-based Master’s and doctoral degrees in NSF-supported STEM disciplines at accredited U.S. institutions.
For STEM students planning research careers in the United States, NSF GRFP is an important fellowship to investigate.
NSF GROW International Research Opportunities
NSF Graduate Fellows may also have access to international research opportunities through Graduate Research Opportunities Worldwide (GROW).
The programme provides international travel support for research collaborations in partner countries, with opportunities listed in countries including Australia, Brazil, Canada-related regional programmes in other contexts, Chile, Denmark, Finland, France, India, Ireland, Japan, Korea, the Netherlands, Norway, Singapore, Sweden and Switzerland.
Applicants should verify the current list of participating countries and programme arrangements because international partnerships can change.
ORISE Fellowships and Research Opportunities
The Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) administers internships and research-training opportunities funded by government agencies, laboratories and other organisations.
The source states that opportunities are available year-round for science and engineering undergraduate students, graduate students, recent graduates and postdoctoral researchers.
This makes ORISE worth exploring for applicants seeking research experience at the intersection of academia, government and scientific institutions.
Other Fellowship Opportunities to Explore
The source also highlights numerous additional programmes, including:
- Ford Foundation Fellowships
- Gates Millennium Scholars Program
- GEM Fellowship Program
- Intel PhD Fellowship
- Josephine de Karman Fellowship
- Korea Foundation for Advanced Studies Scholarship
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Graduate Scholar Program
- Linda Hall Library Fellowships
- Link Foundation Energy Fellowships
- Los Alamos National Laboratory Graduate Research Assistantship
- National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship
- National Research Council Graduate Research Awards
- Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council scholarships
- Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans
- Sandia National Laboratories Master’s Fellowships
- Semiconductor Research Corporation Graduate Fellowships.
These programmes span doctoral research, Master’s education, laboratory research, engineering, computer science, energy, science and technology.
How to Find the Best Fellowship for You
Before applying, create a shortlist based on five important factors:
Academic level: Determine whether the fellowship accepts undergraduates, Master’s students, PhD candidates or postdoctoral researchers.
Field of study: Check whether your discipline and specific research area are supported.
Nationality and location: Some programmes are international, while others are restricted to U.S. citizens, residents or students enrolled at U.S. institutions.
Funding structure: Determine exactly what the award covers, including tuition, stipend, research expenses, travel and other costs.
Application process: Some fellowships accept direct applications, while others require university or departmental nomination.
The fellowship source itself demonstrates why this matters: programmes listed range from international opportunities such as Fulbright to U.S.-specific programmes such as NSF GRFP and NDSEG.
Final Thoughts
Fellowships can provide an important route to funded graduate education, advanced research experience and professional development. The opportunities highlighted in this resource demonstrate the breadth of funding available across STEM, engineering, computer science, physical sciences and international research.
However, applicants should not rely solely on an aggregated fellowship list when making application decisions. Requirements, deadlines and funding arrangements can change, so each programme should be checked through its official provider before an application is submitted.
For students and researchers planning their next academic step, starting the search early can make it easier to identify suitable programmes, prepare application materials and meet nomination or submission deadlines.
Keywords: fellowship opportunities 2026, fully funded fellowships 2026, PhD fellowships 2026, graduate fellowships, STEM fellowships, engineering fellowships, research fellowships, scholarships for graduate students, international fellowships, Fulbright fellowship, NSF GRFP, Hertz Fellowship, DOE fellowships, SMART Scholarship, Microsoft PhD Fellowship, IBM PhD Fellowship, NASA fellowships, ORISE fellowships, STEM scholarships 2026, PhD funding opportunities, graduate scholarships 2026, funded PhD opportunities, engineering scholarships, computer science fellowships, doctoral scholarships, research funding, international research opportunities, science fellowships, technology fellowships, fully funded PhD scholarships, graduate research funding
For more opportunities like these, be sure to follow us on Facebook, join our WhatsApp Group and Channel
Also Check
United Nations University (UNU) Career Opportunities 2026: Global Jobs and Internship Openings
Shell Graduate Programme 2027 in the UK Applications Open September 2026
Bank of America Neighborhood Builders Program 2027 for Nonprofits Opens Spring 2027
Human Rights Watch Africa Division Intern 2026: Great Lakes Region Internship
