Financial Aid & Scholarships

Explore grants, loans, and employment opportunities designed to help fund your graduate education.

Graduate Fellowships & Scholarships

Apply for a variety of merit-based scholarships and fellowships through the Grad Rebel Gateway. The awards listed below are available for the 2024-2025 academic year unless otherwise specified.

Log in to the Grad Rebel Gateway

  • Each fellowship/scholarship has a specific application timeline. See details under each award. The awards listed below are available for the 2024-2025 academic year unless otherwise specified.
  • Most scholarships and fellowships are awarded for two semesters unless otherwise specified.
  • Recipients must remain in good standing in your degree program and enroll in a minimum of 6 graduate credits (unless indicated differently) in each semester of the scholarship/fellowship year in order to be eligible for an award.
  • Scholarships and fellowships are open to all students regardless of immigration status.
  • All awards are subject to funding; award amounts change annually. Final award packages/amounts will be noted on award letters to recipients.
  • Doctoral fellowship recipients are expected to focus primarily on their research. As a fellowship recipient, if you plan to engage in employment either on or off campus, you must first receive approval from your department chairperson, followed by the Graduate College dean. Your employment must be limited to 10 hours or less per week and be related to your area of study.
  • See a list of current and previous fellowship winners.

  • All applicants must submit a free application through the Grad Rebel Gateway.
  • Each applicant must upload the following as part of their application:
    • Curriculum vitae/resume (C.V.)
    • Statement of purpose (maximum 2-3 double spaced pages).
    • Full contact information for at least one recommendation provider in the recommendation page of the application. Letters of recommendation must be submitted through the Grad Rebel Gateway no later than two weeks after the posted application deadline.
  • Failure to submit all required information and materials by the posted deadline will render you ineligible for scholarship/fellowship consideration.
  • Please read each award description below for specific/additional requirements and eligibility.
  • Please view the Rubrics.

Please note that the list below does not include all scholarships/fellowships available at UNLV. Check with your school/college for additional opportunities.

Graduate Fellowships

($15,000 award, plus tuition/fee waiver)

Barrick Graduate Fellowships were established by an endowment from philanthropist Marjorie Barrick. These fellowships are given to outstanding doctoral students who have demonstrated excellence in scholarship during their graduate study at UNLV. These fellowship awards provide a $15,000.00 stipend; full tuition and fees paid up to 9 credits per semester, full health insurance benefits, and a waiver of out-of-state tuition, if applicable.

Applicants must:

  • Submit an application with all required supporting documents (see Required Application Materials section above) in the Grad Rebel Gateway by the deadline.
    • Be an admitted doctoral student and have completed at least 24 credits of doctoral study in their current degree program (at the end of fall 2024).
  • Have a minimum graduate GPA of 3.5.
  • Remain in good standing in their doctoral degree program and enroll in and complete a minimum of 6 graduate credits toward their degree program in each semester of the fellowship year.

Criteria for selection will also include demonstrated excellence in research; finalists will be required to participate in a face-to-face interview with the awards committee.

Please note, fellowship recipients are expected to focus primarily on their research. As a fellowship recipient, if you plan to engage in employment either on or off campus, you must first receive approval from your department chairperson, followed by the Graduate College dean. Your employment must be limited to 10 hours or less per week and be related to your area of study. 

Application open: Oct. 1

Application deadline: Dec. 1

(package worth approx. $25,000)

The President’s UNLV Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships are funded by gifts to the UNLV Foundation by the Frank Koch Living Trust for the research support of doctoral students. The fellowship award covers tuition, fees, full health insurance benefits, and provides a stipend each semester. Fellowship recipients will receive a waiver of out-of-state tuition during the fellowship year, if applicable. Candidates must be nominated for this award by their graduate coordinator; each academic department may nominate one candidate for this award.

Applicants must:

  • Submit an application with all required supporting documents (see Required Application Materials section above) in Grad Rebel Gateway by the deadline.
  • Be a doctoral student working primarily on their dissertation with a minimum graduate GPA of 3.5; though departments may nominate students with a lower overall graduate GPA if their doctoral program grades are higher.
  • Be nominated by their graduate coordinator.
  • Submit the contact information of the graduate coordinator (that nominated the student) as their recommendation provider.
  • Remain in good standing in their doctoral degree program and enroll in and complete a minimum of 6 graduate credits toward their degree program in each semester of the fellowship year.

Letters of nomination should describe the nominee’s academic accomplishments, dissertation topic, and the nature of the work the nominee would undertake during the fellowship year. Criteria for selection will also include demonstrated excellence in research; finalists will be required to participate in a face-to-face interview with the awards committee.

Please note, fellowship recipients are expected to focus primarily on their research. As a fellowship recipient, if you plan to engage in employment either on or off campus, you must first receive approval from your department chairperson, followed by the Graduate College dean. Your employment must be limited to 10 hours or less per week and be related to your area of study. 

Application open: Oct. 1

Application deadline: Dec. 1

(package worth approximately $30,000)

The Robert E. Lang Memorial Fellowship is funded by generous gifts to the UNLV Foundation to support Ph.D. students completing dissertations in metropolitan public policy broadly defined. The fellowship award covers tuition, fees, and full health insurance benefits, and provides a monthly stipend for each semester of the fellowship, with the possibility of additional support for summer term on an as-needed basis. Fellowship recipients will receive a waiver of out-of-state tuition during the fellowship year, if applicable.

To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Candidates must be nominated for this award by their dissertation advisory committee chair. 
  • Eligible applicants are UNLV doctoral students who have advanced to candidacy and who have an approved Ph.D. dissertation prospectus that addresses a question of importance to the study of metropolitan public policy, a minimum graduate GPA of 3.5, and demonstrated excellence in research. 
  • Finalists will be required to participate in an interview with the Robert E. Lang Memorial Fellowship Selection Committee. The committee consists of The Lincy Institute and Brookings Mountain West Executive Director and Directors at The Lincy Institute and Brookings Mountain West. 
  • Fellowship recipients must remain in good standing in their doctoral degree program and enroll in and complete a minimum of three dissertation credits toward their degree in each semester of the fellowship year. 
  • During the academic year, recipients of the Robert E. Lang Memorial Fellowship will deliver a public lecture on their doctoral research at a gathering hosted by The Lincy Institute and Brookings Mountain West at UNLV. The event will be free and open to the public, with the goal of presenting timely and relevant metropolitan public policy research to community members, policy researchers, and decision-makers. 
  • Applicants must submit an application with the following supporting documents and materials through the Grad Rebel Gateway by the posted deadline:
  1. A cover letter describing the following:
    1. their graduate training, summarizing their Ph.D. dissertation research topic (special consideration will be given to applicants with dissertation topics focused on the Las Vegas metro, and/or metropolitan policy in the Mountain West.)
    2. their commitment to the study of metropolitan public policy
    3. a proposed time schedule for dissertation completion during the fellowship year
  2. An updated curriculum vitae
  3. Submission of Unofficial Transcript
  4. Applicants must be nominated with a letter of support from their dissertation advisor. Letter of nomination should describe the nominee’s academic accomplishments, dissertation topic, and the nature of the work the nominee would undertake during the fellowship year.

Please note, fellowship recipients are expected to focus primarily on their research. As a fellowship recipient, if you plan to engage in employment either on or off campus, you must first receive approval from your department chairperson, followed by the Graduate College dean. Your employment must be limited to 10 hours or less per week and be related to your area of study.

Application open: Oct. 1

Application deadline: Dec. 1

(worth $7,000)

The Summer Doctoral Research Fellowship will be awarded to outstanding doctoral students who have demonstrated excellence in their fields of study and who will reduce their time to degree through summer support. This fellowship will be awarded to doctoral students during summer 2024 based on a competitive application process. This fellowship will cover summer 2024 tuition and fees and provide a stipend. Fellowship recipients will receive a 100% waiver of out-of-state tuition during the fellowship period, if applicable.

Applicants must:

  • Submit an application with all required supporting documents in Grad Rebel Gateway (see Required Application Materials section above) by the deadline.
  • Have a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) on record with Financial Aid for the scholarship year by the time the award is disbursed (international students are exempt from FAFSA).
  • Be an admitted doctoral student and have completed at least 24 credits of doctoral study in their current degree program (at the end of spring 2024).
  • Have a minimum graduate GPA of 3.5.
  • Remain in good standing in their degree program and enroll in and complete a minimum of 1 graduate credit in any of the summer sessions in 2024.

Application open: Oct. 1

Application deadline: Dec. 1

(package worth approx. $30,000 per year)

The UNLV Foundation Board of Trustees Fellowship is made possible by funds from the UNLV Foundation. This prestigious award is granted over four semesters (fall 2024, spring 2024, fall 2024, and spring 2025) to doctoral students in the final two years of their program. The fellowship award covers tuition, fees, full health insurance benefits, and provides a stipend each semester. Fellowship recipients will receive a waiver of out-of-state tuition during the fellowship year, if applicable. Students selected for the fellowship must agree to participate in a limited number of UNLV Foundation events during the period they receive the fellowship.

Applicants must:

  • Submit an application with all required supporting documents (see Required Application Materials section above) in the Grad Rebel Gateway by the deadline.
  • Be a doctoral student in the final two years of their doctoral program during the fellowship.
  • Have a graduate GPA of 3.75.
  • Submit their dissertation committee chair as the recommendation provider.
  • Remain in good standing in their doctoral degree program and enroll in and complete a minimum of 6 graduate credits toward their degree program in each semester of the fellowship year.

Letters of recommendation should describe the applicant’s academic accomplishments, dissertation topic, and the nature of the work the applicant would undertake during the fellowship years. Criteria for selection will also include demonstrated excellence in research; finalists will be required to participate in a face-to-face interview with the awards committee.

Please note, fellowship recipients are expected to focus primarily on their research. As a fellowship recipient, if you plan to engage in employment either on or off campus, you must first receive approval from your department chairperson, followed by the Graduate College dean. Your employment must be limited to 10 hours or less per week and be related to your area of study.

Application open: Oct. 1

Application deadline: Dec. 1

Graduate Scholarships

(worth $2,500)

Alumni Association Scholarships are awarded to outstanding master's and specialist students who received their bachelor’s degree from UNLV.

Applicants must:

  • Submit an application with all required supporting documents in Grad Rebel Gateway (see Required Application Materials section above) by the deadline.
  • Be an admitted master's or specialist student.
  • Have completed at least 6 graduate credits in their current degree program (by the end of fall 2022) and 12 graduate credits (by the end of spring 2024).
  • Have minimum UNLV undergraduate and graduate GPAs of 3.5.
  • Hold an undergraduate degree from UNLV.
  • Remain in good standing in their degree program and enroll in and complete a minimum of 6 graduate credits in each semester of the scholarship year.

Note: students are eligible to receive this award for a maximum of 4 semesters, or two academic years, please reapply each year for consideration.

Application open: Oct. 1

Application deadline: Dec. 1

(worth $980)

The Donald Carn Scholarship was established to honor the contributions made by Professor Donald Carns, an accomplished scholar who helped establish the Department of Sociology at UNLV. This scholarship is awarded to outstanding graduate students admitted into a graduate degree-seeking program at UNLV. Preference is given to students who have a demonstrated need.

Applicants must:

  • Submit an application with all required supporting documents in the Grad Rebel Gateway (see Required Application Materials section above) by the deadline.
  • Be an admitted degree-seeking graduate student
  • Have a minimum GPA of 3.0
  • Have a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) on record with Financial Aid for the upcoming scholarship year by the deadline
  • Remain in good standing in their degree program and enroll in and complete a minimum of 6 graduate credits in each semester of the scholarship year

Application open: Oct. 1

Application deadline: Dec. 1

(worth approx. $750-$1,000)

The Donna Weistrop and David B. Shaffer Scholarship was established by an endowment from Donna Weistrop and David B. Shaffer. This award is designated for graduate students pursuing master’s degrees in Physics, Astronomy, Chemistry, or Geoscience. Preference will be given to students in Physics or Astronomy degrees.

Applicants must:

  • Submit an application with all required supporting documents in the Grad Rebel Gateway (see Required Application Materials section above) by the deadline.
  • Must be admitted into a Physics, Astronomy, Chemistry, or Geoscience graduate degree.
  • Have a minimum graduate GPA of 3.25.
  • Remain in good standing in their degree program and enroll in and complete a minimum of 6 graduate credits in each semester of the scholarship year.

Application open: Oct. 1

Application deadline: Dec. 1

(worth $1,000.00)

The Dr. Gregg Schraw Scholarship was established to honor the contributions made by Dr. Gregg Schraw and provides financial support for graduate students.

Gregg Schraw was a full professor in UNLV’s Department of Educational Psychology from 2000 until his passing in 2016. In addition to being a stunningly prolific author of journal articles, books, and book chapters and frequent editorial-board member for the top-tier, peer-reviewed journals in the field of educational psychology, Dr. Schraw was an uncommonly supportive and remarkably effective mentor to doctoral candidates at UNLV and other institutions. As both a researcher and a master teacher of other researchers, Dr. Schraw was an asset of inestimable worth to his academic field, to UNLV, and to every student he taught or mentored. Dr. Schraw’s impact on his field and the many scholars--both established and budding--with whom he interacted is described powerfully in McCrudden, M.T. (2016). Remembering Gregg Schraw. Educational Psychology Review, 28(4), 673-690, which can be read here.

Applicants must:

  • Submit an application with all required supporting documents in Grad Rebel Gateway (see Required Application Materials section above) by the deadline.
  • Be a doctoral student at UNLV. Preference will be given to students in:
    • Biological Sciences (Ecology and Evolutionary Biology concentration only)
    • Civil and Environmental Engineering (Environmental and Water Resources concentrations only)
    • Curriculum and Instruction
    • Educational Psychology
    • Experimental Psychology
    • Higher Education
    • Learning Sciences
    • Public Health (Environmental and Occupational Health and Epidemiology and Biostatistics concentrations only)
    • Special Education
    • Teacher Education
  • Must be alumni from one or more of the federally funded, campus-based projects housed within UNLV's Center for Academic Enrichment and Outreach (CAEO). These projects currently include:
    • Title III Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions
    • National Science Foundation Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation
    • TIRO Ronald E. McNair Scholars Institute
    • TRIO Student Support Services

(Applicant will provide a letter of participation from UNLV CAEO as part of their application packet)

  • Have a minimum graduate GPA of 3.0
  • Remain in good standing in their degree program and enroll in and complete a minimum of 6 graduate credits in each semester of the scholarship year.

Application open: Oct. 1

Application deadline: Dec. 1

(worth $950)

Dr. Lonnie & Sherrie Wright scholarship was created to support UNLV alumni who played on a UNLV athletic team while pursuing their undergraduate degree and are now pursuing a master's degree at UNLV. Preference will be given to students who played basketball. 

Applicants must:

  • Submit an application with all required supporting documents in Grad Rebel Gateway (see Required Application Materials section above) by the deadline.
  • Be admitted into a master’s degree-seeking program.
  • Have a minimum GPA of 3.0.
  • Have played on a UNLV athletic team while pursuing their undergraduate degree
  • Remain in good standing in their degree program and enroll in and complete a minimum of 6 graduate credits in each semester of the scholarship year.

Preference will be given to:

  • Students who played a UNLV basketball team while pursuing their undergraduate degree.

Application open: Oct. 1

Application deadline: Dec. 1

(worth $1,000)

The Carolee Dodge Francis, DreamCatcher Scholarship is awarded to graduate students who have proven involvement in the American Indian or Native American community. Preference will be given to American Indian or Native American students.

Applicants must:

  • Submit an application with all required supporting documents (see Required Application Materials section above) in the Grad Rebel Gateway by the deadline.
  • Be admitted into a graduate degree-seeking program
  • Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 in their current graduate degree program.
  • Submit the contact information of an American Indian Alliance member as the recommendation provider.

Application open: Oct. 1

Application deadline:  February 15

(worth $1,000)

The UNLV Graduate & Professional Student Association established these scholarships in honor of Dr. James F. Adams, former dean of the Graduate College (1980-85), to recognize academic achievement of master's and specialist students.

Applicants must:

  • Submit an application with all required supporting documents (see Required Application Materials section above) in the Grad Rebel Gateway by the deadline.
  • Be a master's or specialist student.
  • Have completed at least 6 graduate credits in their current degree program (by the end of fall 2022) and 12 graduate credits (by the end of spring 2024).
  • Have a minimum graduate GPA of 3.5.
  • Remain in good standing in their degree program and enroll in and complete a minimum of 6 graduate credits in each semester of the scholarship year.

Application open: Oct. 1

Application deadline: Dec. 1

(worth $490)

The Janine Lee Memorial Scholarship is awarded in memory of UNLV alumna Janine Lee JD'16 (read her tribute). The Janine Lee Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to an outstanding UNLV masters or doctoral student. Preference will be given to students who are native to Nevada and are adult learners/single parents (If no Native Nevadans qualify, preference will also be given to students from California or Pennsylvania).

Applicants must:

  • Submit an application with all required supporting documents in Grad Rebel Gateway (see Required Application Materials section above) by the deadline.
  • Be admitted into a graduate degree seeking program.
  • Have a minimum graduate GPA of 3.25.
  • Remain in good standing in their degree program and enroll in and complete a minimum of 6 graduate credits in each semester of the scholarship year.

Application open: Oct. 1

Application deadline: Dec. 1

(worth approx. $2,375)

The purpose of the Moretti Family Scholarship is to help the next generation of practitioners who will support those with learning differences. The Scholarship provides funding for graduate students at UNLV with an interest in supporting those with learning differences or special education needs.

To be eligible for the Moretti Family Scholarship, student(s) must meet the following criteria:

  • Student(s) must have a minimum graduate GPA of 3.0 or above
  • Students(s) must remain in good standing in their degree program and enroll in and complete a minimum of six graduate credits in each semester of the scholarship year
  • Student(s) must be admitted into a graduate degree-seeking program at either the masters or doctoral level.
  • Student(s) must have the goal of supporting those in the Southern Nevada community with learning differences and/or special educational needs and be pursuing graduate education in support of this goal, which will be outlined in the applicant's statement of purpose submitted to be considered for the Scholarship.

Moretti Family Scholars will be invited to meet with the Head of School at New Horizons Academy and tour the campus to learn more about work in the Las Vegas community supporting those with learning differences.

Application open: Oct. 1

Application deadline: Dec. 1

(worth $2,500)

These awards are granted primarily on the basis of documented financial need as evidenced by a student’s FAFSA application and review by the UNLV Office of Financial Aid.

Applicants must:

  • Submit an application with all required supporting documents in the Grad Rebel Gateway (see Required Application Materials section above) by the deadline.
  • Have a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) on record with Financial Aid for the upcoming scholarship year by the deadline.
  • Have a minimum graduate GPA of 3.5.
  • Have completed at least 6 graduate credits in their current degree program (by the end of fall 2022).
  • Remain in good standing in their degree program and enroll in and complete a minimum of 6 graduate credits in each semester of the scholarship year.

Application open: Oct. 1

Application deadline: Dec. 1

(worth $470)

The School of Public Policy and Leadership Travel Award provides funding for students presenting at conferences or doing professional development. To be eligible for the Award, applicants must be a doctoral student in the Public Affairs program or a master’s student in the Public Administration program with an interest in continuing their graduate education

Applicants must:

  • Submit an application with all required supporting documents in the Grad Rebel Gateway (see Required Application Materials section above) by the deadline.
  • Be an admitted master’s student in Public Administration or a doctoral student in Public Affairs.

Note: Statement of purpose should describe how the travel funds will be used if awarded.

Application open: Oct. 1

Application deadline: Dec. 1

(worth $5,000)

This prestigious Alumni Association award is designated for UNLV graduates who are now admitted to and enrolled in a doctoral degree program.

Applicants must:

  • Submit an application with all required supporting documents in the Grad Rebel Gateway (see Required Application Materials section above) by the deadline.
  • Be in good standing with full graduate status.
  • Be pursuing a doctoral degree and must have completed at least one year of their degree program before the scholarship begins (fall 2024).
  • Have a minimum graduate GPA of 3.5.
  • Have graduated with either a bachelor’s or master’s degree from UNLV.
  • Remain in good standing in their degree program and enroll in and complete a minimum of 6 graduate credits in each semester of the scholarship year.

Application open: Oct. 1

Application deadline: Dec. 1

(worth $2,000)

Summer Session Scholarships are designed to enable summer study for doctoral students, however excellent master's and specialist students may be considered.

Applicants must:

  • Submit an application with all required supporting documents in the Grad Rebel Gateway (see Required Application Materials section above) by the deadline.
  • Have completed at least 12 graduate credits in their current degree program (at the end of fall 2021).
  • Have a minimum graduate GPA of 3.0.
  • Remain in good standing in their degree program and enroll in and complete a minimum of 1 graduate credits in any one or combination of summer sessions in 2024.

Criteria for selection will include summer plans for conducting dissertation or thesis research, as described in your statement of purpose.

Application open: Oct. 1

Application deadline: Dec. 1

(Package worth $1,000)

The Tina Kunzer-Murphy scholarship was created in honor of Tina’s service to UNLV. This award is in support of a UNLV alumna who played on a women’s athletic team and is now pursuing a master’s degree.

Applicants must:

  • Submit an application with all required supporting documents in the Grad Rebel Gateway (see Required Application Materials section above) by the deadline
  • Be admitted into a master’s degree-seeking program
  • Have a minimum graduate GPA of 3.0 (incoming grad students must have a minimum undergrad GPA of 3.0).
  • Remain in good standing in their degree program and enroll in and complete a minimum of 6 graduate credits in each semester of the scholarship year.

Preference will be given to:

  • Students who are native of Southern Nevada and graduated from a Clark County School District High School
  • Students who played on a women's UNLV athletic team while pursuing their undergraduate degree

Application open: Oct. 1

Application deadline: Dec. 1

($150 - $2,500 depending on documented need and expenses)

The Graduate Student Access Childcare Scholarship program is a retroactive, reimbursement-based scholarship available in an effort to offer competitive, need-based scholarship funding to admitted/enrolled graduate students with young dependents. This scholarship is available on a highly competitive basis to graduate students who have documented financial need and pay for professional daycare or childcare in order to attend graduate school and pursue their graduate research.

Applicants must:

  • Submit an application with all required supporting documents in the Grad Rebel Gateway (see Required Application Materials section above) at any point throughout the year (there is no deadline for this scholarship).
  • Have a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) on record with Financial Aid for the upcoming scholarship year by the deadline (international students are exempt from FAFSA).
  • Be admitted to a graduate degree seeking program.
  • Have a minimum graduate GPA of at 3.3.
  • Submit documentation that provides a Tax ID # for the childcare provider(s) and receipts showing the cost of childcare during academic semesters.
  • Remain in good standing in their degree program and enroll in and complete a minimum of 6 graduate credits in each semester of the scholarship year.

Those who have all the proper documentation submitted by the deadline will be considered for a Childcare Scholarship; available childcare scholarship monies will then be distributed competitively based on financial need, childcare expenses, and graduate student GPA.

Our Pay It Forward Pledge

Awards like the ones above would not be possible without the philanthropic support of donors who believe in the value of graduate education to change lives and address complex challenges to make the world a better place. To honor these donors and build on their philanthropic example, we ask all scholarship, fellowship, and award recipients, when they're in the position to do so, to consider making a philanthropic contribution to support future students.

"I came to UNLV in 2017 and since then I have discovered a second home. The diversity on campus is welcoming, and the faculty and staff are genuinely interested in my success as a student. I have benefitted from several scholarships, graduate assistantships, and fellowships that have made my Ph.D. journey less stressful. I would love to pay it forward. I look forward to a day in the near future when I would be able to contribute to the Graduate College fund that supports scholarships for students. To this, I am committed."

John Olawepo
Ph.D. Candidate, Public Health
Man standing in front of UNLV Transit Center

Emergency Retention Grants

Emergency Retention Grants are intended to assist graduate students with immediate financial assistance to prevent students from withdrawing from a program due to sudden, catastrophic financial hardship prior to completing their degree.

Emergency Retention Grant Policies and Guidelines