Where do I begin?

Since most fellowships provide funding for an activity you propose, rather than offering a structured program, a great place to begin is by imagining what you might like to do with a fellowship.

• Are you hoping to pursue undergraduate research, language study, study abroad, a service project (did you know that any current Wellesley student is eligible to apply for the Davis Projects for Peace, started by Kathryn Wasserman Davis ‘28?), or something else entirely?  
• For after graduation, there are scholarships for graduate or professional study, opportunities to teach English as a second language, and much more. For example, traveling fellowships, like the Watson or Knafel for graduating seniors, or the Stevens for alumnae, can allow you to explore a burning question you might not be able to pursue in any other way (read about a Wellesley alumna’s Stevens project, here; see what one Watson alumna did with her year, here).

If you could do anything next summer/after graduation, what would you do?  What might help you explore the path forward, build your experience, skills, and qualifications, and work towards your longer-term goals and aspirations?  Visit the Fellowships website for inspiring stories of what other Wellesley students and alumnae have done, and see what sparks your imagination! Once you have an idea what kind of activity you’re hoping to fund, it’ll be time to look for fellowships which might be able to help you do this.

Where can I learn more?

The Wellesley Fellowships website (www.wellesley.edu/careereducation/fellowships) can help you explore Wellesley opportunities and external awards alike.  There are possibilities offered all across campus, and far beyond:

• To keep track of deadlines, and find more opportunities (offered by Wellesley and by outside organizations, including many opportunities not listed elsewhere on our website), check out our deadlines calendar: there, click on "Fellowship" to reveal filter options including "international student," "research/gradschool," "service," etc.
• For information about Wellesley-coordinated, paid internship programs and grants to support unpaid internships, see the Career Education Funded Internships page.
• For information about Wellesley’s Civic Engagement program, including funding opportunities, see the Career Education Civic Engagement page.
• Academic departments and other offices across Wellesley’s campus offer a wide array of research, internships, and other funding opportunities, so explore campus websites for your major or otherwise related to your interests.  See, for just a few examples, the websites of the office of the Provost and Dean of the College for student travel and research opportunities, the Art Department, Science Center, Office of International Study, the Albright Institute, etc., etc.

• In addition, international students at Wellesley, as well as Wellesley students interested in studying in another country, might find it worthwhile to search the website of that country's ministry for education. A few frequently requested examples:
  • Australian government information about scholarships, including those for international students hoping to study in Australia
  • Canadian government information about scholarships for Canadians and international students
  • DAAD The German Academic Exchange Service
  • French Embassy information about study and teaching in France, as well as fellowships
  • Also, Scholarships for Development is a great site for students from developing countries and/or students interested in studying development: http://www.scholars4dev.com.
  • And again, don't forget to look for more opportunities (including many not listed elsewhere on our website, and added to all the time) via our deadlines calendar: there, click on "Fellowship" to reveal filter options including "international student," "travel," etc.

Not sure fellowships and scholarships are for you?

A few things to bear in mind:

• The only guarantee is if you don’t apply, you cannot possibly win.
• If you do it right, even if you don’t win a particular award you can gain a great deal from the application process itself.
  • Fellowship applications ask you to clarify and articulate your goals and aspirations and to think about ways to work towards them. They give you practice in writing and interviewing, and usually ask you to have productive conversations with mentors who might write references in support of your application.
  • This will all be useful, even if you never apply for another fellowship, since you’ll apply for internships, jobs, and perhaps for graduate or professional school, and fellowship applications are great practice…
• You don’t have to go it alone smart and capable as you are: the Fellowships team is here to help!
  • Have a look at the Fellowships resources on our website,
  • including application tips and recorded webinars and workshops available 24/7 (collected at fellowships 101),
  • book a Fellowships advising appointment via Handshake to talk things over, get application advice and feedback on drafts, help with interview prep, and much more. Appointments are available year-round (including summer and wintersession), in person or via telephone or video chat.
  • Or. simply drop by online or in person to Fellowships Pop-Up Advising: no appointment required (see Events listings on this website for details). Talk over possibilities and get your questions answered: no strings attached!

Can't find what you're looking for? Questions?
Let's talk! Email fellowships@wellesley.edu, drop in to Fellowships Pop-Up Advising, book a Fellowships advising appointment via Handshake, and/or call Caitlin Roberts-Donovan, of Fellowship Programs, at 781.283.2347.
We look forward to speaking with you!