• Each fellowship/scholarship has a specific application timeline. See details under each award. The awards listed below are available for the 2025-2026 academic year unless otherwise specified.
• Most scholarships and fellowships are awarded for two semesters unless otherwise specified.
• Recipients must remain in good standing in your degree program and enroll in a minimum of 6 graduate credits (unless indicated differently) in each semester of the scholarship/fellowship year in order to be eligible for an award.
• Scholarships and fellowships are open to all students regardless of immigration status.
• All awards are subject to funding; award amounts change annually. Final award packages/amounts will be noted on award letters to recipients.
• See a list of current and previous fellowship winners.

• All applicants must submit a free application through the Grad Rebel Gateway.
• Each applicant must upload the following as part of their application:
  • Curriculum vitae/resume (C.V.)
  • Statement of purpose (maximum 2-3 double spaced pages).
  • Full contact information for at least one recommendation provider in the recommendation page of the application. Letters of recommendation must be submitted through the Grad Rebel Gateway no later than two weeks after the posted application deadline.
• Failure to submit all required information and materials by the posted deadline will render you ineligible for scholarship/fellowship consideration.
• Please read each award description below for specific/additional requirements and eligibility.
• Please view the Rubrics.

Ronald E. McNair Doctoral Fellowship Program

($22,000 award for two years)

The purpose of the Ronald E. McNair Doctoral Fellowship Program at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) is to enroll and support selected students who participated in McNair undergraduate research programs across the nation. The goal of the McNair Scholars Program is to prepare undergraduate students, particularly from historically underrepresented and/or economically underserved communities, for doctoral studies and careers in academia.

The UNLV Graduate College McNair Doctoral Fellowship package includes an annual stipend of $22,000, tuition coverage up to 9 credits per semester, student health insurance, in-state tuition and a summer stipend ($7,333) for two years.

Eligibility Criteria:

McNair Scholar Status:

Priority will be given to students who have participated in a McNair Scholars Program at the undergraduate level from any participating university.

Admission to Graduate Program:

Must be admitted to a full-time doctoral program at UNLV. Applications can be submitted at the time of application to a graduate program. Only admitted students will be eligible for funding. 

Strong Academic Record:

Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 in previous coursework (undergraduate and/or graduate).

Research Experience:

Demonstrated commitment to academic research, with demonstrated prior research experience preferred (e.g., undergraduate research, thesis, publications).

Letters of Recommendation:

Submit one letter of recommendation

• Examples of potential letter writers may include: a professor or academic advisor who has taught the student or supervised their research; a principal investigator (PI) or faculty member who has overseen the applicant's research projects; or a faculty member/advisor from the applicant's previous graduate program.

McNair Doctoral Fellowship Personal Essay Prompt

The UNLV McNair Doctoral Fellowship seeks to support individuals who are committed to pursuing doctoral studies and a career in research or academia. In a personal essay of 1,000–1,500 words, please respond to the following questions:

Academic Journey: Describe your academic background and the experiences that have shaped your decision and influenced your commitment to research and graduate education?

Research Interests: Discuss your current research interests and how they align with the goals of your intended doctoral program. Include any significant research experiences (e.g., projects, publications, presentations) that demonstrate your readiness for graduate-level research.

Commitment to Underrepresented Communities: The McNair Fellowship is dedicated to increasing the representation of underrepresented groups in academia. How do your experiences, background, and future goals align with this mission? In what ways do you plan to contribute to the diversity and inclusivity of your field through your research, mentoring, or teaching?

Long-Term Goals: Explain your long-term professional and academic goals. How will the McNair Doctoral Fellowship support you in achieving these objectives? What impact do you hope to make in your field, and how do you envision your role as a scholar, researcher, or academic leader?

Overcoming Challenges: Reflect on any personal or academic challenges you have overcome, especially those related to your background as a first-generation student, a member of an underrepresented community, or from an economically or educationally underserved environment. How have these experiences prepared you for the rigors of doctoral study? 

Financial Need:

Preference may be given to students demonstrating financial need (e.g., through FAFSA, if applicable).

U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency:

Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

Application Materials:

• Personal statement
• One (1) letter of recommendation
• Resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
• Official transcripts from all institutions attended, submitted via university application system and reviewed after acceptance to UNLV.
  Please note, fellowship recipients are expected to focus primarily on their research. As a fellowship recipient, if you plan to engage in employment either on or off campus, you must first receive approval from your department chairperson, followed by the Graduate College dean. Your employment must be limited to 10 hours or less per week and be related to your area of study.

Application open: November 20, 2024

Application deadline: April 1, 2025

As a Financial Partner of the Foreign Affairs Information Technology (FAIT) Fellowship, UNLV will waive its out-of-state tuition and provide the following benefits to FAIT Fellows enrolling in the following eligible master’s degree programs: 

• Master of Science in Management Information Systems
• Master of Science in Computer Science
• Master of Science in Cybersecurity

The scholarships cover the cost of mandatory health insurance and assist with optional meal plan costs.

Benefits for FAIT Fellows

The following benefits are awarded for the first year of study and are renewable in the second year provided the student remains a FAIT Fellow in good academic standing in their approved degree program and maintains a minimum 3.2 GPA.

• UNLV will waive the out-of-state tuition for FAIT Fellows enrolling in its eligible master’s degree programs, charging only the in-state tuition fee, which is fully covered by the FAIT Fellowship tuition assistance.
• UNLV will also reimburse the application fee for FAIT Fellows.
• FAIT Fellows enrolled in UNLV’s eligible master’s degree programs will receive:
  • Coverage of the mandatory Graduate Student Health Insurance, allowing FAIT Fellows to purchase the health insurance with no out-of-pocket expense.
  • An optional  90-meal Commuter meal Plan Eligible Programs
• FAIT Fellows must enroll full-time and as as prescribed by the fellowship requirements  in the following three IT-related UNLV Master’s programs:
  • Master of Science in Management Information Systems
  • Master of Science in Computer Science
  • Master of Science in Cybersecurity

How to Apply for FAIT

To apply for FAIT (For the graduate FAIT Fellowship 2025 cohort), visit our website.

Individuals must be seeking admission to enter  full-time in the aforementioned UNLV IT-related master’s degree in fall 2025 and be on a timeline to graduate in spring 2027 after completing degree  and all fellowship requirements.)

As a Financial Partner of the William D. Clarke, Sr. Diplomatic Security Fellowship, UNLV will waive its out-of-state tuition and provide the following benefits to Clarke DS Fellows enrolling in the following eligible master’s degree programs:

• Master of Science in Management Information Systems
• Master of Science in Computer Science
• Master of Science in Cybersecurity

Benefits for Clarke DS Fellows

The following benefits are awarded for the first year of study and are renewable in the second year provided the student remains a Clarke DS Fellow Fellow in good academic standing in their approved degree program and maintains a minimum 3.2 GPA.

• UNLV will waive the out-of-state tuition for Clarke DS Fellows enrolling in its eligible master’s degree programs, charging only the in-state tuition fee, which is fully covered by the Clarke DS Fellowship tuition assistance.
• Clarke DS fellows enrolled in UNLV’s eligible master’s degree programs will also receive a scholarship that will cover the costs of:
  • The mandatory Graduate Student Health Insurance, allowing Clarke DS Fellows to purchase the health insurance with no out-of-pocket expense.
  • An optional 90-meal Commuter meal Plan Eligible Programs

Clarke DS Fellows are eligible to enroll in the following four-semester (fall and spring), full-time master’s programs offered by UNLV:

• Master of Science in Management Information Systems
• Master of Science in Computer Science
• Master of Science in Cybersecurity

Click here to learn how to apply for Clarke DS Fellowship, including the application deadline date, required documents, and more.

(worth $980)

The Donald Carn Scholarship was established to honor the contributions made by Professor Donald Carns, an accomplished scholar who helped establish the Department of Sociology at UNLV. This scholarship is awarded to outstanding graduate students admitted into a graduate degree-seeking program at UNLV. Preference is given to students who have a demonstrated need.

Applicants must:

• Submit an application with all required supporting documents in the Grad Rebel Gateway (see Required Application Materials section above) by the deadline.
• Be an admitted degree-seeking graduate student
• Have a minimum GPA of 3.0
• Have a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) on record with Financial Aid for the upcoming scholarship year by the deadline
• Remain in good standing in their degree program and enroll in and complete a minimum of 6 graduate credits in each semester of the scholarship year

Application open: Oct. 1

Application deadline: Dec. 1

(worth $1,000.00)

The Dr. Gregg Schraw Scholarship was established to honor the contributions made by Dr. Gregg Schraw and provides financial support for graduate students.

Gregg Schraw was a full professor in UNLV’s Department of Educational Psychology from 2000 until his passing in 2016. In addition to being a stunningly prolific author of journal articles, books, and book chapters and frequent editorial-board member for the top-tier, peer-reviewed journals in the field of educational psychology, Dr. Schraw was an uncommonly supportive and remarkably effective mentor to doctoral candidates at UNLV and other institutions. As both a researcher and a master teacher of other researchers, Dr. Schraw was an asset of inestimable worth to his academic field, to UNLV, and to every student he taught or mentored. Dr. Schraw’s impact on his field and the many scholars--both established and budding--with whom he interacted is described powerfully in McCrudden, M.T. (2016). Remembering Gregg Schraw. Educational Psychology Review, 28(4), 673-690, which can be read here.

Applicants must:

• Submit an application with all required supporting documents in Grad Rebel Gateway (see Required Application Materials section above) by the deadline.
• Be a doctoral student at UNLV. Preference will be given to students in:
  • Biological Sciences (Ecology and Evolutionary Biology concentration only)
  • Civil and Environmental Engineering (Environmental and Water Resources concentrations only)
  • Curriculum and Instruction
  • Educational Psychology
  • Experimental Psychology
  • Higher Education
  • Learning Sciences
  • Public Health (Environmental and Occupational Health and Epidemiology and Biostatistics concentrations only)
  • Special Education
  • Teacher Education
• Must be alumni from one or more of the federally funded, campus-based projects housed within UNLV's Center for Academic Enrichment and Outreach (CAEO). These projects currently include:
  • Title III Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions
  • National Science Foundation Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation
  • TIRO Ronald E. McNair Scholars Institute
  • TRIO Student Support Services

(Applicant will provide a letter of participation from UNLV CAEO as part of their application packet)

• Have a minimum graduate GPA of 3.0
• Remain in good standing in their degree program and enroll in and complete a minimum of 6 graduate credits in each semester of the scholarship year.

Application open: Oct. 1

Application deadline: Dec. 1

(worth $950)

Dr. Lonnie & Sherrie Wright scholarship was created to support UNLV alumni who played on a UNLV athletic team while pursuing their undergraduate degree and are now pursuing a master's degree at UNLV. Preference will be given to students who played basketball. 

Applicants must:

• Submit an application with all required supporting documents in Grad Rebel Gateway (see Required Application Materials section above) by the deadline.
• Be admitted into a master’s degree-seeking program.
• Have a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Have played on a UNLV athletic team while pursuing their undergraduate degree
• Remain in good standing in their degree program and enroll in and complete a minimum of 6 graduate credits in each semester of the scholarship year.

Preference will be given to:

• Students who played a UNLV basketball team while pursuing their undergraduate degree.

Application open: Oct. 1

Application deadline: Dec. 1

(worth $490)

The Janine Lee Memorial Scholarship is awarded in memory of UNLV alumna Janine Lee JD'16 (read her tribute). The Janine Lee Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to an outstanding UNLV masters or doctoral student. Preference will be given to students who are native to Nevada and are adult learners/single parents (If no Native Nevadans qualify, preference will also be given to students from California or Pennsylvania).

Applicants must:

• Submit an application with all required supporting documents in Grad Rebel Gateway (see Required Application Materials section above) by the deadline.
• Be admitted into a graduate degree seeking program.
• Have a minimum graduate GPA of 3.25.
• Remain in good standing in their degree program and enroll in and complete a minimum of 6 graduate credits in each semester of the scholarship year.

Application open: Oct. 1

Application deadline: Dec. 1

(worth $3,000)

The Graduate Scholarships: Lee Business School Scholarship Fund was established by an anonymous donor to award multiple graduate students from the Lee Business School with scholarship funding. All graduate level Lee Business School disciplines are welcome to apply.

Applicants must:

• Submit an application with all required supporting documents in the Grad Rebel Gateway (see Required Application Materials section above) by the deadline
• Be admitted into a graduate degree-seeking program in Lee Business School
• Have a minimum graduate GPA of 3.0 (incoming grad students must have a minimum undergrad GPA of 3.0)
• Remain in good standing in their degree program and enroll in and complete a minimum of 6 graduate credits in each semester of the scholarship year
• Complete a FAFSA or Alternate Need Determination form
• If selected, the student must be willing to compose a 500-word (maximum) essay thanking the donor and describing the impact of this scholarship on their graduate career, to be shared with the donor.

Application open: October 1

Application deadline: December 1

(worth $1,000 per semester for four semesters)

McNair Post-Baccalaureate Scholarships, administered by the Graduate College, are awarded in open competition to first-year graduate students who participated in a McNair Scholars program at UNLV or at another institution as an undergraduate. This prestigious award is granted over four semesters (Fall 2025, Spring 2026, Fall 2026, Spring 2027).

Applicants must:

• Submit an application with all required supporting documents in the Grad Rebel Gateway (see Required Application Materials section above) by the deadline.
• Have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 and be newly admitted to a graduate degree-seeking program at the time the scholarship begins (Fall 2025).
• Upload a certification of McNair program participation letter.
• Remain in good standing in their degree program and enroll in and complete a minimum of six graduate credits in each semester of the scholarship year.

Application open: Oct. 1

Application priority deadline: Feb. 15

Decisions on applications received by the priority deadline will be made by March 15.

Applications accepted after the priority deadline will be reviewed and decisions will be posted on a rolling monthly basis.

(worth approx. $2,375)

The purpose of the Moretti Family Scholarship is to help the next generation of practitioners who will support those with learning differences. The Scholarship provides funding for graduate students at UNLV with an interest in supporting those with learning differences or special education needs.

To be eligible for the Moretti Family Scholarship, student(s) must meet the following criteria:

• Student(s) must have a minimum graduate GPA of 3.0 or above
• Students(s) must remain in good standing in their degree program and enroll in and complete a minimum of six graduate credits in each semester of the scholarship year
• Student(s) must be admitted into a graduate degree-seeking program at either the masters or doctoral level.
• Student(s) must have the goal of supporting those in the Southern Nevada community with learning differences and/or special educational needs and be pursuing graduate education in support of this goal, which will be outlined in the applicant's statement of purpose submitted to be considered for the Scholarship.

Moretti Family Scholars will be invited to meet with the Head of School at New Horizons Academy and tour the campus to learn more about work in the Las Vegas community supporting those with learning differences.

Application open: Oct. 1

Application deadline: Dec. 1

(worth $470)

The School of Public Policy and Leadership Travel Award provides funding for students presenting at conferences or doing professional development. To be eligible for the Award, applicants must be a doctoral student in the Public Affairs program or a master’s student in the Public Administration program with an interest in continuing their graduate education

Applicants must:

• Submit an application with all required supporting documents in the Grad Rebel Gateway (see Required Application Materials section above) by the deadline.
• Be an admitted master’s student in Public Administration or a doctoral student in Public Affairs.

Note: Statement of purpose should describe how the travel funds will be used if awarded.

Application open: Oct. 1

Application deadline: Dec. 1

(Package worth $1,000)

The Tina Kunzer-Murphy scholarship was created in honor of Tina’s service to UNLV. This award is in support of a UNLV alumna who played on a women’s athletic team and is now pursuing a master’s degree.

Applicants must:

• Submit an application with all required supporting documents in the Grad Rebel Gateway (see Required Application Materials section above) by the deadline
• Be admitted into a master’s degree-seeking program
• Have a minimum graduate GPA of 3.0 (incoming grad students must have a minimum undergrad GPA of 3.0).
• Remain in good standing in their degree program and enroll in and complete a minimum of 6 graduate credits in each semester of the scholarship year.

Preference will be given to:

• Students who are native of Southern Nevada and graduated from a Clark County School District High School
• Students who played on a women's UNLV athletic team while pursuing their undergraduate degree

Application open: Oct. 1

Application deadline: Dec. 1

($150 - $2,500 depending on documented need and expenses)

The Graduate Student Access Childcare Scholarship program is a retroactive, reimbursement-based scholarship available in an effort to offer competitive, need-based scholarship funding to admitted/enrolled graduate students with young dependents. This scholarship is available on a highly competitive basis to graduate students who have documented financial need and pay for professional daycare or childcare in order to attend graduate school and pursue their graduate research.

Applicants must:

• Submit an application with all required supporting documents in the Grad Rebel Gateway (see Required Application Materials section above) at any point throughout the year (there is no deadline for this scholarship).
• Have a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) on record with Financial Aid for the upcoming scholarship year by the deadline (international students are exempt from FAFSA).
• Be admitted to a graduate degree seeking program.
• Have a minimum graduate GPA of at 3.3.
• Submit documentation that provides a Tax ID # for the childcare provider(s) and receipts showing the cost of childcare during academic semesters.
• Remain in good standing in their degree program and enroll in and complete a minimum of 6 graduate credits in each semester of the scholarship year.

Those who have all the proper documentation submitted by the deadline will be considered for a Childcare Scholarship; available childcare scholarship monies will then be distributed competitively based on financial need, childcare expenses, and graduate student GPA.