The Dissertation Fellowship award period is from January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2025. The fellowship provides a $2000 monthly stipend for up to 12 months (or graduation, depending on which occurs first) for eligible doctoral students. Disbursement dates are determined by Scholarships and Financial Aid, with the first stipend payment set to disburse January 21, 2025. The fellowship also includes payment for tuition and required university and college fees for 1 credit hour per semester or the minimum number of required credit hours for the fellowship recipient. The minimum required hours may vary based on immigration status or federal loan deferral requirements. If a fellowship recipient must register for more than 1 credit hour for loan deferral or immigration, a request must be submitted to the Grad School for approval. Federal student loans require at least half-time enrollment to extend the grace period or defer student loan repayment. One hour of registration is not considered half time by the loan holder in most cases (even though the university may consider this half time). Thus, either the grace period may end or the repayment period may begin earlier than anticipated.
During the 12-month fellowship period, Dissertation Fellows are eligible to participate in Texas A&M University System insurance programs. The Graduate and Professional School will reimburse awardees participating in a Texas A&M University System (TAMUS) insurance program for medical insurance at an amount equivalent to the cost of the employer contribution for the same premium category on the A&M Grad Plan. For fellows participating in a non-TAMUS insurance program, the Graduate and Professional School will reimburse the cost of medical insurance at an amount equivalent to the cost of the employer contribution for the employee only premium category on the A&M Grad Plan. Note: Dental and vision premiums are not reimbursable.