One way to get answers to questions that plague your mind is to seek KNOWLEDGE. There are many questions on what fellowship programs entail. Sequentially, this piece answers all those questions without ambiguity. You will find answers to questions on student and international fellowships. We have outlined different academic fellowship programs and opportunities for 2021.
The answer to life after school could be FELLOWSHIP. Interestingly, there are such opportunities in Chicago, India, China, South Africa and other countries.
This piece exposes you to EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ACADEMIC FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMS. Let’s start!!!
What is Fellowship?
The rise in tuition fees and academic trainings in the world today is alarming. However, this did not dissuade the interest of students. To facilitate education and its advancement, the government and most organizations introduced opportunities such as student fellowships.
Student fellowships refer to the monetary award a scholar receives to pursue his academic goal. It is a funding for educational advancement solely based on merit. However, the real benefit is the professional advancement and exposure it brings.
This program gives you a platform to have hands on experience in your profession. The opportunities this program brings to your door are massive. Little wonder, it’s usually competitive.
Note: Fellowship opportunities are open in different countries. There are many international fellowships open to students, regardless of your nationality.
So, if you need funding for your academic pursuit as a student, you need to apply for fellowship programs. Beyond funding, fellowship opportunities have many benefits. To discover them, keep reading!!!
Check Out these Fellowships!!!
Who is a Fellow?
A fellow is a scholar who won an academic fellowship program. They select fellows based on their potential to make a positive and long-lasting contribution to their academic discipline.
Once you become a fellow, you automatically attract prospective employers.
Who can apply for Fellowship Opportunities?
Academic fellowship programs are open to graduates and postgraduate students. Also, non-students and mid-career professionals can apply for the program as well. These scholars compete for the award to receive funding and other benefits.
Therefore, be in the above criteria to apply for the program. The criteria for application can differ. The requirements from organizations differ from academic institution requirements.
Note: Fellowship opportunities are not open to Undergraduates. Student fellowships available for undergraduates are Internship.
What are the Types of Fellowships?
There are different fellowship programs. Depending on the one you win, the benefits differ. International Fellowships are open for application in 2021. Below we have complied explicitly the fellowship program. They include;
Graduate fellowships
Open to: Graduates
Fund Limit: Tuition, cost-of-living stipend and health insurance.
Medical fellowships
Open to: Graduate Physicians who desire to gain master in their specialty
Fund Limit: Cost of training
Note: You must complete a residency in your medical specialty before application.
Postdoctoral fellowships
Open to: Recent Postgraduates
Fund Limit: Coursework, extracurricular projects and Tuition.
Fellowship Jobs
Open to: All Profession
Fund Limit: Equivalent to salary
Note: Organizations, firms and private establishments advertise fellowship jobs. The essence of fellowship jobs is to give platforms to students to practice the theory taught in school. The same applies for international Fellowships.
What are the Benefits of Fellowship Programs?
Winning a fellowship comes with a lot of amazing benefits. The opportunities it presents are mouth watering. Some benefits include;
- Monetary compensation.
- It gives you a career boost.
- Sharpening professional skills.
- It gives you hand-on experience.
- It allows you to go when it is best for you.
- Makes you stand out for jobs & promotions.
- It affords yin the opportunity to grow leadership skills.
- Fellowship helps you develop cultural competency & awareness.
- It gives you an international exposure through conferences and professional meetings.
What are University Fellowship Programs?
University fellowship programs are fellowship opportunities within the four walls of a university. Most universities accept fellows to carryout academic fellowship programs. This could be to teach, carryout administrative functions, or research.
Universities such as Peking, Cornell, Columbia, etc accept fellows. If you desire to carryout a fellowship program in a university, visit the school’s website for details.
Here is a list of some university fellowship programs with links
- Stanford University
- The NYU School of Law
- Columbia University
- Northeastern University
- The University of Colorado
- The University of California, Berkeley
Tips on How to Become a Fellow
We need not reiterate that winning a fellowship is difficult. Following these simple steps will make it an easy venture;
- Apply Early
- Decide your specialty
- Take part in research projects to enhance your application
- Assemble the right application documents.
- Ready 4 recommendation letters
- Write a Personal Statement or Motivation letter.
- Ready your CV
- Prepare for interview
Your application documents will differ based on the granting institution. We advise you to follow strictly to their requirements. Early application will aid you stand a chance, do not overlook that.
What’s the Difference Between Fellowship and Scholarship?
Although similar in terms of monetary compensation towards academic pursuit. There is an enormous difference between student Fellowships and scholarship. Similarity in this stead is not synonymous to sameness.
They aim scholarship at financing a student’s education for a period whereas, fellowship entails more. Fellowship has to do with giving you experience and practical experience of theoretical knowledge.
Scholarship makes the student life easy financially. Fellowship prepares you for competency in your profession. Prior to that, you get mastery in your profession after school.
Testimonies have that most students signed out from “job hunting” through fellowships. Scholarship don’t give you that.
The difference between the two is explicit. You can have both at the same time.
Does Fellowship Pay?
Yes, they pay for fellowships. Most graduates regard fellowship as a platform to “Learn and Earn”. Most fellows receive money for the services they render in their place of assignment.
However, this is not same for every establishment. Most just give you a platform to learn or support you for your research.
However, it’s expedient you know that the value of a fellowship program outweighs the monetary advantage. We advise you to apply for a fellowship because of the advantages rather than the stipend that comes from it.
What’s the Duration for Fellowship?
The duration for a fellowship program varies depending on the type of program and the rules of the granting institution. Most programs last for a year. Depending on your research and purpose for fellowshiping, it might extend further.
Postdoctoral programs take 2 years. Before applying to become a fellow, enquire of the duration.
How Hard is it to Win a Fellowship?
I do not mean to alarm you, but winning a fellowship is hard. Fellowship opportunities are very competitive and highly selective.
Be qualified and ready to win one. Competitive programs as this require a significant commitment from applicants.
Conclusion
Academic fellowship programs is one way to sign out job hunt. Students are open for international fellowships, regardless of nationality.
Following the tips stated above will land you a fellowship. We hope to hear from you once you win a fellowship. We hope you found this piece enlightening!!!
Editor’s Recommendations
References
- https://www.usnews.com/education/best-graduate-schools/paying/articles/what-a-fellowship-is-and-why-you-might-want-one
- https://resident360.nejm.org/expert-consult/applying-for-fellowship-what-you-need-to-know-2
- https://www.thoughtco.com/scholarships-vs-fellowships-4139853
- https://www.gograd.org/financial-aid/scholarships/fellowships/
