Graduate students in the Department of Evolution and Ecology are encouraged to pursue both campus and external funding opportunities throughout their graduate careers. Competitive fellowships and grants provide financial support while strengthening grant-writing skills, expanding professional networks, and enhancing research opportunities. Many national fellowships are available at different stages of graduate study, and some may even be applied for before beginning a graduate program.
Many nationally competitive fellowships have application deadlines nearly a year before funding begins. Students are encouraged to discuss funding plans with their faculty advisor early and begin preparing applications well in advance.
Department and Campus Support
ARCS Foundation Scholarship
The Achievement Rewards for College Scientists (ARCS) Foundation supports outstanding graduate students in science, engineering, and medical research. At UC Davis, eligible graduate programs nominate students through Graduate Studies when nominations are requested. Students selected as ARCS Scholars receive financial support and opportunities to engage with the ARCS Foundation community.
External Fellowships
Many EVE graduate students have earned prestigious fellowships from federal agencies and private foundations. These awards often provide multi-year support that may include stipend funding, tuition and fee support, research expenses, travel funding, and professional development opportunities.
Examples include:
- National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program (NSF GRFP)
- Department of Energy Computational Science Graduate Fellowship (DOE CSGF)
- National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate (NDSEG) Fellowship
UC Davis Funding Resources
UC Davis Graduate Studies maintains comprehensive, up-to-date information on fellowship opportunities, proposal preparation, and funding resources. Students are encouraged to explore these resources early and work with their faculty advisor when preparing competitive applications.
- External Fellowships
Overview of major external fellowship opportunities available to UC Davis graduate students. - Current Funding Opportunities
A regularly updated listing of fellowships, grants, and scholarships currently accepting applications. - Find External Fellowships
Search tools and databases to help identify funding opportunities that match your research interests and career stage. - Applying for External Fellowships
Application guidance, proposal-writing resources, and support available through Graduate Studies. - UC Davis Office of Research – Funding Opportunities
Resources for identifying research funding, including opportunities that may require collaboration with a faculty principal investigator.
Resources for International Students
International students may be eligible for funding through a variety of organizations and foundations. These resources can help identify scholarships and fellowships available to international graduate students.
- International Education Financial Aid (IEFA)
Scholarship and financial aid database for international students studying in the United States.
Postdoctoral Funding
Graduate students planning the next stage of their careers may find these resources helpful when exploring postdoctoral positions and funding opportunities.
- Institute for Broadening Participation – Pathways to Science
A searchable collection of postdoctoral opportunities, fellowships, and professional development resources.