Funding Sources

Many of our incoming students are supported by following first-year fellowships, departmental teaching assistantships and research assistantships from faculty members. Applicants don't have to apply for these funding, the program nominated the applicants based on recommendations from admission committee and faculty members.

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CFANS Diversity Scholars Graduate Student Fellowship

Diversity Scholars graduate student fellowships are available to new, incoming CFANS graduate students who identify as African American/Black, American Indian/Alaskan Native, Chicano/Latinx/Hispanic, Asian American/Pacific Islander, and/or multi-racial identities. The one-time fellowship award includes up to 14 tuition credits in both fall and spring semesters, a $21,000 stipend, and a 12-month health insurance benefit. In addition, each fellow receives $3,000 for professional development activities and the opportunity to participate in the Community of Scholars Program through the UMN Graduate School. 

Nominations are made by the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) from individual graduate programs. A student or their advisor can initiate a nomination by notifying the graduate program Director of Graduate Studies (DGS).

CFANS Diversity Scholars graduate student fellowship information and application instructions. For more information on the CFANS Diversity Scholars Graduate Student Fellowship please contact [email protected].

The Diversity of Views and Experiences (DOVE) Fellowship

The Diversity of Views and Experiences (DOVE) Fellowship Program seeks to assist graduate programs to promote a diversity of views, experiences, and ideas in the pursuit of research, scholarship, and creative excellence. This diversity is promoted through the recruitment and support of academically excellent students with diverse ethnic, racial, economic, and educational backgrounds and experiences as suggested in the review/selection consideration list. Programs are encouraged to consider students from groups that have been underrepresented in their graduate programs. The award includes a stipend of $25,000, academic-year tuition at the general graduate rate for up to 14 credits per semester, subsidized health insurance, and dental care for the academic year and for summer 2021. Note: Fellows are responsible for all other fees or charges and tuition beyond 14 credits (general graduate rate). Prospective students are nominated by their chosen graduate program to compete in a University-wide competition. Students who wish to be nominated must contact the Director of Graduate Studies in advance. 

The Interdisciplinary Center for the Study of Global Change (ICGC) Fellowship

The Interdisciplinary Center for the Study of Global Change (ICGC) provide financial support for graduate students at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Nominees should have backgrounds and interests that identify them as outstanding students who are clearly committed to the interdisciplinary study of the global south in the context of global change. We encourage nomination of exceptionally capable students, especially but not only from the global south and groups traditionally underrepresented in graduate education. Prospective students are nominated by their chosen graduate program.& Students who wish to be nominated must contact the Director of Graduate Studies in advance. 

Teaching and Research Assistantship

A typical Conservation Sciences student has a Graduate Assistant position - either as a Research Assistant (RA) or as a Teaching Assistant (TA). The pay range for Graduate Assistants varies by department but is typically $15,000 to $18,500/year for a 50% appointment. In addition, Graduate Assistants receive comprehensive health and dental insurance and are eligible for tuition benefits-a 50% assistantship (20 hours/week) results in a 100% tuition waiver. Out-of-state residents who have worked 2 semesters as a graduate assistant are eligible to receive a maximum of 4 semesters of resident tuition rate once they no longer are graduate assistants.