Top Scholarships and Fellowships for Graduate Student Writers at the University of Michigan

Looking to fund your graduate studies in writing or literature at the University of Michigan? Discover the most competitive scholarships and fellowships for student writers—covering tuition, research, and creative work—plus tips to strengthen your application.

The University of Michigan is widely recognized for its strong commitment to supporting graduate students through a broad range of scholarships and fellowships. These opportunities not only reduce the financial burden of advanced study but also reward academic excellence, foster innovative research, and encourage creative achievement. For graduate students in literature and related fields, Michigan offers funding options that can cover tuition, provide stipends for living expenses, and support travel for research or conference presentations.

Many of these awards are highly competitive and designed to advance both scholarly and professional development. For instance, some fellowships are geared toward students producing groundbreaking dissertations in the humanities, while others prioritize international research, interdisciplinary study, or teaching experience. In addition, the university partners with external organizations and endowments to fund opportunities that highlight leadership, diversity, and public engagement.

For graduate students, securing one of these scholarships or fellowships not only provides financial support but also strengthens their academic credentials and career trajectory. These awards serve as a mark of distinction within the field, signaling a student’s potential to contribute meaningfully to literary scholarship and the broader intellectual community.

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Rackham Merit Fellowship (RMF) Program

The Rackham Merit Fellowship (RMF) Program is one of the University of Michigan’s most prestigious funding opportunities for graduate students, designed to recognize both academic excellence and a demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education. For the 2024–25 academic year, fellows receive a stipend of $13,770 per semester, full tuition coverage, and comprehensive health insurance benefits, making the award highly competitive and financially significant.

Students cannot apply directly to the RMF; instead, they must be nominated by their admitting graduate program during the admissions process. Selection is based on outstanding academic achievement, research potential, leadership experience, and a proven dedication to fostering diversity in the scholarly community. Programs may nominate incoming students who they believe will contribute to the intellectual and cultural richness of the University of Michigan.

The fellowship typically covers the first year of graduate study, giving recipients the freedom to focus on coursework, research, and professional development without additional teaching or work obligations. In some cases, RMF funding may be combined with departmental or external support to extend financial coverage into later years of study.

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Graduate Student Instructorships (GSI)

At the University of Michigan, Graduate Student Instructorships (GSIs) are one of the most common forms of financial support for doctoral students. These teaching appointments not only provide a competitive funding package but also offer valuable professional development experience in higher education.

GSI positions include a stiped (amounts vary by department and appointment fraction), full or partial tuition coverage, and health and dental insurance benefits. A standard appointment is typically set at 50% effort (20 hours per week), which qualifies students for full tuition coverage and benefits. Shorter appointments (25% effort) may offer prorated tuition support and a reduced stipend.

Duties vary by department but usually involve leading discussion sections, teaching stand-alone courses, grading assignments, holding office hours, or assisting faculty with course instruction. For example, in literature-related departments, GSIs may lead composition classes, facilitate discussions in survey courses, or support instruction in writing-intensive seminars.

In addition to financial and professional benefits, GSIs receive access to pedagogical training and mentorship through the Center for Research on Learning and Teaching (CRLT), ensuring that student instructors are well-prepared for classroom responsibilities. This training strengthens both teaching effectiveness and a student’s academic CV, making the experience a key stepping stone for those pursuing careers in academia.

Interested students should contact their home departments for information on available positions, application timelines, and eligibility requirements, as procedures can differ across programs. Many departments give priority to advanced doctoral students, but some appoint master-level students depending on course needs.

Graduate Student Instructorships thus serve a dual purpose: they provide essential funding while also preparing doctoral candidates for future teaching and academic leadership roles.

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Graduate Student Research Assistantships (GSRA)

Graduate Student Research Assistantships (GSRAs) are a key source of funding and professional development for graduate students at the University of Michigan, particularly for those pursuing research-intensive degrees. These appointments allow students to work directly with faculty on funded research projects while receiving a comprehensive financial support package that includes a stipend, full tuition waiver, and health and dental insurance coverage.

The nature of GSRA work varies widely depending on the department and the scope of the faculty member’s research. Responsibilities may include collecting and analyzing data, conducting archival or field research, assisting with experiments, managing research databases, or contributing to publications and grant proposals. Importantly, the work performed as a GSRA is expected to align closely with a student’s academic and professional goals, ensuring that the position directly supports progress toward degree completion.

GSRA appointments are typically made at 25% or 50% effort (10–20 hours per week). A 50% appointment generally provides full tuition coverage, health benefits, and a stipend competitive with teaching appointments. Funding is tied to the availability of external research grants or departmental budgets, which means positions can vary significantly by program and faculty research focus.

To explore GSRA opportunities, students should consult their departments and connect directly with faculty whose research interests align with their own. Many positions are offered through faculty grants in the sciences, social sciences, and humanities, though availability fluctuates each year.

In addition to financial stability, GSRAs offer students the chance to gain hands-on research experience, build collaborative relationships with faculty mentors, and strengthen their CVs with tangible scholarly contributions. For those planning academic or research careers, GSRA positions are one of the most valuable forms of support at the University of Michigan.

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Hopwood Awards

The Hopwood Awards, administered through the University of Michigan’s renowned Hopwood Program, are among the most prestigious creative writing prizes in the country. Established in 1931 through a bequest from playwright and U-M alumnus Avery Hopwood, the awards have supported generations of writers and remain a cornerstone of Michigan’s literary tradition.

These prizes provide significant financial support, with awards typically ranging from $1,000 to $6,000, though some major prizes have exceeded these amounts in recent years. Categories span multiple genres, including poetry, fiction, drama, screenwriting, nonfiction, and essay writing, giving students across disciplines the chance to showcase their creative work.

Applications generally require a manuscript submission in the relevant genre, and students must follow the detailed formatting and eligibility guidelines outlined by the Hopwood Program. Deadlines vary by award cycle, with competitions held throughout the academic year.

The Hopwood Awards have a rich history of recognizing emerging talent. Past winners include literary giants such as Arthur Miller (Death of a Salesman), Marge Piercy (Gone to Soldiers), Mary Gaitskill (Bad Behavior), and Frank O’Hara, cementing the program’s reputation as a launchpad for distinguished literary careers.

For current students, the Hopwood Awards offer not only financial support but also the prestige of joining a long lineage of writers whose work has been honored by the University of Michigan. Detailed information on application procedures, eligibility requirements, and upcoming deadlines can be found on the Hopwood Program’s official website.

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Rackham Conference Travel Grant

The Rackham Conference Travel Grant supports graduate students who have been invited to present their research at academic and professional conferences. This funding helps offset the often significant costs of conference participation, ensuring that students can share their work with broader scholarly communities, build professional networks, and gain valuable presentation experience.

Grants typically cover travel, lodging, registration fees, and related expenses, with exact award amounts varying by distance and destination. Students may apply once per fiscal year (July 1–June 30), and funding is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, making early application essential.

Eligibility requires that the student be the presenting author of a paper or poster. Applications generally include proof of acceptance to the conference, a brief description of the research being presented, and estimated travel costs.

For many graduate students, presenting at conferences is a crucial step in academic and professional development. The Rackham Conference Travel Grant not only reduces financial barriers but also helps students gain visibility in their fields, receive feedback on their work, and establish connections that can lead to future collaborations or career opportunities.

Full details on application requirements, deadlines, and funding limits are available on the Rackham Graduate School’s official funding page.

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Rackham Graduate Student Research Grant

The Rackham Graduate Student Research Grant provides critical funding for graduate students whose research requires additional financial support to advance their progress toward degree completion. These grants are intended to cover direct research expenses that may not be funded through other sources, such as archival access fees, specialized software, laboratory supplies, fieldwork costs, data collection, participant incentives, and travel to research sites.

Awards are typically available at different levels, depending on the scope of the project and the student’s academic stage. Master’s students may receive smaller awards to support capstone or thesis projects, while doctoral candidates can apply for larger grants to fund dissertation-related research. Applicants must submit a detailed proposal outlining their project, a budget justification, and a statement explaining how the grant will directly advance their academic progress.

By reducing the financial burden of essential research activities, the Rackham Graduate Student Research Grant enables students to focus on producing high-quality, original scholarship. For many, this funding helps bridge the gap between coursework and independent research, ensuring projects remain on track for timely completion.