Western Michigan University’s Graduate College is now accepting applications for the Dissertation Completion Fellowships (DCF), designed to support outstanding doctoral candidates in the final stages of their dissertation research and writing. These competitive fellowships provide financial assistance, tuition support, and dedicated time to help students complete their dissertations within one year.

Eligibility for the Fellowship at Western Michigan University is limited to full-time doctoral candidates who are within one year of graduation. Applicants must have achieved superior academic standing and attained doctoral candidacy, which includes having an approved dissertation committee and proposal, completion of all research tools, and passing qualifying or comprehensive exams.

Western Michigan University (WMU) is a leading public research institution located in Kalamazoo, Michigan, known for its commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and student success. The Graduate College at WMU oversees all graduate education, offering a wide range of master’s, specialist, and doctoral programs across diverse fields. It provides academic support, funding opportunities, and professional development to help graduate students excel in their research and scholarship while preparing them for leadership roles in academia, industry, and beyond.

Brief Description

• University or Organization: Western Michigan University, Graduate College

• Department: Graduate College (open to all doctoral programs)

• Course Level: Doctoral (PhD)

• Award: Fellowship support (salary, tuition coverage for 1 dissertation credit per term)

• Access Mode: Online application

• Number of Awards: Multiple (exact number not specified)

• Nationality: Domestic and international students are eligible

• The award can be taken in: United States

Eligibility

• Eligible Countries: Open to all nationalities

• Acceptable Course or Subjects: Fellowship is available for doctoral students across all disciplines offered at WMU.

• Admissible Criteria: To be eligible, applicants must:

  • Be full-time doctoral candidates within one year of graduation.

  • Demonstrate superior academic achievement.

  • Hold Doctoral Candidacy status, meaning:

    • Approved dissertation committee.

    • Approved dissertation proposal.

    • Completion of all research tools.

    • Completion of all qualifying or comprehensive examinations.

  • Not hold any other graduate appointment or paid position at WMU during the fellowship period.

How to Apply

• Applicants must arrange for a Letter of Nomination from their dissertation advisor, program advisor, or department chair, uploaded on official university letterhead.

• The nomination letter should address:

  • Student’s enrollment status and likelihood of completing the dissertation within the fellowship period (Summer II 2025 – Summer I 2026).

  • Significance of the research.

  • Student’s academic achievements and scholarly promise.

  • Dissertation completion timeline (research, writing, review, defense, and graduation).

Benefits

• Award Period:

  • One-year fellowship: Summer II through following Summer I.

  • Half-year fellowship: Summer II through Fall only.

• Award Components:

  • Salary support (per semester/session, amount TBD).

  • Tuition coverage for 1 dissertation credit (course 7300) per semester/session.

• Additional Notes:

  • Fellowship terminates upon graduation if earlier than award end date.

  • The award may affect other financial aid or loan eligibility.

  • Fellows must remain enrolled in at least one dissertation credit per semester.

Application Deadline:

• Applications must be submitted online through the WMU application portal (InfoReady), opening in late December 2025.

• Deadline to apply: February 18, 2026

Apply Now