Funding

Finding Funding

For most graduate students, funding their education is a multi-step process. As a result, it is never too soon to begin to identify scholarship opportunities and other funding resources.

On this page we have collected information about the funding opportunities available directly from our programs, as well as those available through the campus, the UW Graduate School, and beyond.

To help you get started, the UW Graduate School’s Office of Fellowships and Awards and Graduate Funding Information Service have collaborated on several short videos. These videos break down the search process into small, digestible bites.

Program Funding

MA in Policy Studies| MFA in Creative Writing & Poetics

Merit-based Recruitment and Retention Scholarships

On a limited and competitive basis, IAS Graduate Programs provide admitted and enrolled graduate students with merit-based tuition assistance for the purposes of recruitment and retention. Award amounts vary and cannot exceed the total amount due on a tuition account in any given quarter. When accessing any internal forms, you are required to be signed in with your NetID.

How to apply:

  • IAS Recruitment Awards: The application form will ask applicants whether they want to be considered for merit-based recruitment awards. The Admissions Committee reviews applications for admission and funding awards, and recipients are notified of their funding offers in their letters of admission.
  • IAS Retention Awards: Graduate students in good standing who are facing adverse circumstances or whose progress is contingent on tuition assistance may also be eligible for merit-based retention funds. Funding varies quarter to quarter. You can submit an application via the MAPS or MFA Degree Resources Canvas or by using the following link. Applications are reviewed on a quarterly basis.

Conference/Research Funding

IAS Graduate Programs support graduate student participation in relevant conferences and, for Policy Studies, research associated with their capstone projects.

Students are eligible to apply for up to $400 in conference/professional development funding per academic year. Applicants must be matriculated current students and enrolled full-time at the time of the respective conference/professional development opportunity.

Funding may be used for conference/workshop registration, lodging, food & drink (not including alcohol), presentation supplies, and transportation. Funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Funding is disbursed in the form of a reimbursement check 4 – 8 weeks after receipts are submitted. Be sure to read carefully the reimbursement policy prior to applying for funding.

Apply for Conference/Research Travel Funding (UW NetID and login required)*

In addition, IAS graduate students who have been accepted to present research or creative work at an academic or professional conference may also be eligible for Graduate Student Conference Travel Funding from the UW Graduate School. If you wish to be considered for the Graduate School’s Conference Travel Funding Award, please check the website for deadlines and eligibility, and upload documentation of your conference acceptance. The IAS Graduate Office will submit the award request to the Graduate School on your behalf.

Other Conference Funding Support: Student Academic Enhancement Fund (SAEF) Award

UW Bothell students may apply for up to $1,500 in travel funds from the Student Academic Enhancement Fund (SAEF), established by the Services and Activities Fee Committee and administered by ASUWB.

  • First priority: students who have been offered the opportunity to present a research paper or project at a professional conference, endorsed by a UWB faculty member in his or her discipline.
  • Second priority: students who wish to enhance their current leadership role on campus by attending a skills-building conference or workshop, endorsed by the student organization advisor.
  • Third priority: students who wish to attend a conference or workshop in order to create/enhance a project or service that directly benefits UWB students, endorsed by a UWB faculty or staff member familiar with the project.

Submit a complete application, including a letter of recommendation, at least 30 days prior to the event. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Community Engagement Funding

Community Engagement Funds support IAS graduate students in undertaking public-facing research, education, and engagement activities in partnership with a community organization or site, in alignment with the IAS Mission, Values, and Goals and the IAS Diversity Plan.

Examples include the design and facilitation of a community-based workshop, course, reading group, or performance. (Read about projects by Nafasi Ferrell, Angie Winkle, and Gamut Literary Series.)

These funds are available to currently enrolled IAS graduate students who have completed their first academic year of coursework. Projects should be undertaken under academic supervision, as part of a capstone, practicum, thesis, or directed research project, and should include a plan for assessing the outcomes, impact, and process of the collaboration/engagement.

Successful applications will:

  • Demonstrate the feasibility of the project and activities;
  • Demonstrate good fit between the project and the community partner/site, and/or mutual benefits to both the student and the communities/partners engaged;
  • Engage stakeholders in assessment and reflection; and
  • Align and advance the IAS Mission, Values, and Goals, and the IAS Diversity Plan

Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis and students will be notified within four weeks of submission.

Apply for Community Engagement Funds (UWNetID and login required).

Campus Funding Resources

UW Financial Aid & Scholarship Office

The UW Financial Aid & Scholarship Office offers graduate students funding on the basis of both academic merit and financial need. Consult their office for:

Merit Scholarships, Fellowships and Awards

Merit Scholarships, Fellowships and Awards, located in the Student Success Center, promotes competitive, merit-based scholarship opportunities. Their resources include: …

The Graduate School

The University of Washington Graduate School provides a variety of funding resources including:

  • The Graduate Funding Information Services (GFIS) provides individualized consultations to admitted and current graduate students, to help you use databases and identify scholarships aligned with your academic interests, professional goals, and lived experience. They also regularly post new funding opportunities to their blog.
  • The Office of Graduate Student Equity & Excellence (GSEE) formerly GO-MAP offers a variety of Diversity Fellowships.
  • Graduate Fellowships, in numerous fields, administered by the UW Graduate School

Veterans Benefits

The UW Bothell Veteran & Military Resources Office provides information and assistance to student veterans, including the UW Veteran Tuition Reduction Program and other support services. For additional information about VA benefit eligibility, you can also visit the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Education and Training page.

Career Services

The UW Bothell Career Center is available to help students explore jobs and internships (some of which are paid). Students may also consult the UW Employment web portal and Handshake.