Graduate Funding Opportunities
Financial Aid from Western
The WWU Financial Aid office determines graduate student aid eligibility, including work study, via the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Western's priority deadline is February 15 for Fall eligibility. Scholarship application materials are available beginning in January in the appropriate department office, or Western's Scholarship Center. For more information, please visit the Graduate School's financial aid & work study page.
Work Study
You must indicate your interest for work study on your FAFSA. If you qualify for work study, you will serve as a graduate research assistant to faculty involved in research projects. The typical award amount for work study is equivalent to approximately 15 hours of work per week for the student during the academic year. You should discuss your interest with the faculty member you would like to assist.
Teaching Assistantships
Teaching Assistantships are available in limited numbers. Assistantships are not available for off-campus programs. To be eligible for a TA position, you must have full admit status to the Graduate School (not provisional status) or, if a current student, be making satisfactory progress toward the degree. Teaching Assistants receive a stipend and a full or partial tuition waiver from the Graduate School and health coverage.
Research Assistantships
Students should speak directly with a faculty member if they are interested in becoming a Research Assistant. Research Assistants receive a stipend paid from the Professor's research grants and may/may not include Tuition reimbursement and/or health coverage.
Grants
The following grants are governed by specific rules. All funds received through these sources must be spent according to Washington State regulations and requirements. Documentation must be approved in advance. Please see your academic department manager for guidance about the required paperwork.
Graduate Research and Creative Opportunities Grant
Designed to assist students in accomplishing their thesis/ project work. Awards may be made for equipment, computer software, consumable items, travel, etc. Requests should be confined to activities or equipment that are central to the student's thesis/project work and which are not available to the applicant through the Department. Any permanent equipment acquired using award funds remains University property. The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs announces deadlines for applications. Visit the Graduate Research and Creative Opportunities Grant website for more information.
College of the Environment Dean’s Fund for Sustainability
Apply for at any time. Up to $500 per academic year for individuals, or $1,000 for a group. Used to offset a wide variety of costs including registration fees and travel expenses to attend conferences, professional meetings or competitions.
College of the Environment Small Grants
Awarded in Fall (31 Oct) and Spring Quarters (15 May) for Environmental Sciences and Environmental Studies students. You must have a Thesis Topic Approval or Project Approval on-file to be considered. Used to cover expenses for such items as expendable supplies (chemicals, glassware, computer disks, etc.), travel to field sites and/or, when funds are available and after applying for Ross Travel funds through the Graduate School, attendance to present research results at a professional meeting. Apply using the ESIGN Form.
Approved Spring 2024 grant applications:
Ross Travel Grant
Deadlines are Oct 1, Dec 15, March 15, May 15. The Funds are available to support travel for graduate students to present papers at professional meetings and conferences, to exhibit works of art at national and international showings, and to perform, direct or produce within professional performing arts venues.
Dean and Sandy Blinn Fund for Research and Student Travel
There are no specific deadlines for this fund. Used to support students with a priority towards presentation of research at a state/national level.
Student Enhancement Fund
Seeks to give all WWU students access to funding to attend conferences, workshops, and other unique opportunities that enhance their educational experience, and professional/personal development in ways that can contribute to positive change in our campus communities.
Other sources of Funding
Many organizations offer grants to assist with your research. You must apply/meet deadline requirements of each of their programs.
Federal Government Agency Environmental Grants
WA State Dept of Fish & Wildlife
NOAA - Dr Nancy Foster Scholarship Program
Environmental Protection Agency Research Fellowships and Scholarships
Association on American Indian Affairs
Department of Energy Scholars Program
Some of the grants listed are available to Graduate Students.
National Science Foundation Research Fellowships
Charitable Foundations
Note: Many of these provide grants to nonprofit organizations only.
Professional/Community Organizations
The following organizations fund research in their field of interest: