Special Overseas Dissertation Research Fellowships

Terms: These awards provide support to students who will be financing dissertation research abroad through loans, personal savings, and/or other small grants. The maximum grant allotted will be $2,500 but most will be smaller. The grants are not renewable. Applications will be judged on the need to go abroad to do research, the feasibility of the project, and financial need. The grants are not intended for predissertation survey trips. Students who have previously done research in the country to which they are applying must explain why a return trip is necessary to complete their research, and they must ask their referees to comment on their explanation.

Eligibility: Division of Humanities graduate students who will complete all courses required for the degree by June 1; who will have an approved dissertation topic by the following November 1; who will be admitted to candidacy before departure overseas; and who can begin research overseas no later than the following April.

Application: Applicants must state clearly why overseas research is necessary for successful completion of the degree. If research needs can be met in Regenstein Library, funding from this program will not be possible. Two letters of recommendation are required, one of which must be from the chair of the student's dissertation committee. Both referees should be familiar with the student's work and proposed project. If certain individuals or archives have limited access, the student must provide confirmation that these resources will be available for consultation during the period of travel. Language competency is a high priority, and the applicant must demonstrate sufficient language proficiency to attain the goals stated in the proposal. Language reports must be completed by a University of Chicago faculty member.

Deadline: Typically in early spring quarter.