The Gershon Kekst Graduate School offers a wide array of financial support to both master’s and doctoral students. While admissions decisions are firmly need-blind, all applicants seeking financial support are required to apply for financial aid using the processes outlined on our Financial Aid page.
Financial Aid for MA and DHL Students
MA and DHL students taking six or more credits per semester are eligible for merit-based and need-informed partial tuition fellowships based on availability. While the Kekst Graduate School admits MA and DHL students on a rolling basis following the spring priority deadline, applicants seeking aid are encouraged to meet the deadline for the best opportunity to receive support.
PhD Fellowships
PhD candidates are eligible for merit-based fellowships determined by the Graduate School Fellowship Committee and administered by the Graduate School. There is a spectrum of financial support available to PhD candidates that can include:
- Full or partial tuition
- Health insurance
- Annual & summer stipends
- Paid teaching opportunities
Not all admitted PhD candidates receive funding. PhD fellowships are awarded to outstanding students on a competitive basis:
- Recipients are chosen at the time of admission and are selected based on academic strengths and other qualifications.
- All new applicants to the PhD program are automatically considered, and no additional fellowship application is required.
- In order to be eligible for these fellowships, candidates must submit complete applications by December 31, with preference given to students who apply by December 15.
Specialized Fellowships
Students at the Gershon Kekst Graduate School can apply for a wide range of fellowships relevant to particular interests and career paths.
Nachshon Project Graduate Fellowship “LaunchPad” Track
- What it is: $30,000 per year toward full-time graduate school and living expenses.
- Who should apply: Applicants can be current professionals in Jewish careers or career-switchers who now seek to bring their skills from other professions into the Jewish professional world.
Please note: The Nachshon Project Graduate Fellowship Launchpad Track offers a second pipeline to the Nachshon Project Graduate Fellowship for those who did not participate in the Nachshon Project undergraduate fellowship.
Sharzer MA Fellowship in Jewish Ethics
- Who should apply: Students with exceptional academic records interested in the intersection of the Jewish textual tradition and contemporary moral issues who wish to earn an MA in Jewish Ethics.
- What it is: Two-year package of full tuition and generous stipend, with some funding for summer.
Learn more about the MA application
- Who should apply: Students who plan to pursue a career in the North American Jewish Community
- What it is: In addition to a full fellowship for graduate study, fellows receive a living stipend of $30,000 per year for up to three years.
Note: The Wexner Graduate Fellowship is not currently accepting applications for the 2023-2024 academic year.
UJA-Federation of New York Graduate Fellowship
- Who should apply: Students who are interested in pursuing a career in the Jewish nonprofit sector. Students interested in working with UJA-Federation of New York are eligible for an additional scholarship. Applicants are evaluated on both merit and need.
- What it is: Graduate students who are pursuing careers within the Jewish nonprofit world are eligible for a fellowship toward earning their degree. The program offers a range of fellowships to be applied to graduate tuition for up to two years. Fellows participate in the UJA Graduate Fellowship cohort where they engage in innovative seminars and build relationships with a cohort of future Jewish leaders.
JCC Association Scholarship Program
- Who should apply: Students planning to begin or continue working at settings within the Jewish Community Center Association movement
- What it is: Full-time students receive up to $10,000 per year for a one- or two-year period. Each recipient must complete a field placement at a JCC during their graduate studies, as well as participate in a series of programs and career development seminars. Recipients commit to working at a JCC for two years post-graduation.
