Undocumented and DACA Graduate Student Support

First-Gen+ Center:

Serving the first-generation community at Mason, including students who are first-gen and undocumented, have refugee status, and those who have families with limited income. For more information and questions, please check out their website. 

Students who are not eligible for in-state tuition by having established domicile in Virginia may qualify through the Tuition Equity Provision for High School Completers.

To qualify you must:

1. Have attended high school (public or private high school, or program of home instruction) for at least two years in the Commonwealth of Virginia
2. Graduated on or after July 1, 2008 (or passed on or after July 1, 2008, a high school equivalency examination approved by the Secretary of Education) in the Commonwealth of Virginia;
3. Submit evidence that you, or, in the case of a dependent student, at least one parent, guardian, or person standing in loco parentis has filed, unless exempted by state law, Virginia income tax returns for at least two years prior to the date of registration or enrollment; and
4. Register as an entering student or enrolled in a public institution of higher education in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
5. All students who meet the criteria are eligible for in-state tuition regardless of citizenship or immigration status (with the exception of F, H3, J, or M visas).  This provision also applies to U.S. Citizens.

How to Apply

1. If you are a prospective student complete the Application for Virginia In-State Tuition Rates when applying to Mason.  See the Admissions website for more information.
2. I you have already indicated your intent to enroll and been classified as out-of-state complete the Request for Tuition Reclassification Form.  See Domicile Appealsfor more information on how to appeal.
3. Make sure to answer questions regarding high school attendance.

Undocu Grad School Guide: 

The New York State Youth Leadership Council (NYSYLC) launched their new “UndocuGrad School Guide: Undocu-friendly guide to pursuing, financing, and navigating graduate school“!

The guide is broken into four chapters, which cover information on preparing for grad school (including funding opportunities), the experience of attending grad school, using your graduate degree, as well as helpful tips and considerations. Throughout the guide, you will also find inspiring stories and advice from fellow undocumented students who have pursued their graduate degrees in various institutions across the country. The guide also features very helpful timelines and templates that you can use to inquire about financial aid, letters of recommendation, networking opportunities, and more.

Here’s a short excerpt from the guide:

“Navigating and succeeding in law school is no easy task, especially for an undocumented student. Don’t be afraid to rely on others. Erika Castaneda says, “Find support systems. People you can rely on to support you through the process because the process can be daunting and frustrating. I know sometimes we’re afraid to speak out and ask for help, but I definitely think it takes a village to get here and continue on with your education, so find that village and don’t be afraid to ask for help.”

We definitely encourage folks to download and share NYSYLC’s guide: “UndocuGrad School Guide: Undocu-friendly guide to pursuing, financing, and navigating graduate school” This guide is especially helpful for those considering applying to grad school or getting ready to apply.

Dreamers Graduate Loan Program:

The Dreamers Graduate Loan Program supports undocumented students with DACA or TPS status who want to pursue professional degrees to achieve their career aspirations but do not have access to affordable financing options. The application period for the 2024-2025 academic year is open June 17th to September 3^rd. To learn more about this program, please visit: https://www.thedream.us/current-scholars/graduate-loans/.

This loan program provides loans to individuals with DACA and TPS status with interest rates based on the annual percentage rate (APR) available via the federal government’s Direct PLUS loan program. This loan program is a private loan program, with Funding U as the loan originator and Launch LLC as the loan servicer.

HSF Scholar Benefits

As an HSF Scholar, you will have access to HSF’s invaluable Scholar Support Services and be eligible to receive a scholarship, depending on available funds.    

• Every year, HSF selects 10,000 outstanding students as HSF Scholars from a broad and talented pool of applicants

• HSF Scholars have access to a full range of invaluable Scholar Support Services, including career services, mentorship, leadership development, knowledge building, and wellness training

• Career services include access to select internship and job opportunities with HSF corporate partners

• HSF Scholars are eligible to apply for all Scholar Conferences including, the STEM Summit, Finance Conference, Media & Entertainment Summit, Entrepreneurship Summit, and Healthcare Summit

• Exclusive access to the HSF Insider which shares invaluable information and career opportunities

• Finally, and importantly, HSF awards more than $30 million in Scholarships annually and, depending upon available funds, HSF Scholars may also be eligible to receive a scholarship, which range from $500-$5,000 and are awarded directly to students

Award

Scholars are selected based on merit. Award amounts range from $500 - $5,000, based on relative need.

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be of Hispanic heritage

• U.S. citizen, permanent legal resident, or DACA 

• Minimum of 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent) for high school students; minimum of 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent) for college and graduate students

• Plan to enroll full-time in an accredited, public or not-for-profit, four-year university, or graduate school, in the US, for the 2024-2025 academic year

• Submit the FAFSA or state-based financial aid forms (if applicable)

2025 NAEd/Spencer Dissertation Fellowship: Open to Undocumented Doctoral Students

The Spencer Foundation is currently accepting applications for its dissertation fellowship program. Each year, the program selects 35 fellows who receive $27,500 for one academic year. Fellows also participate in two professional development retreats and are matched with a mentor who provides them with guidance throughout the academic year. This opportunity is open to undocumented students. The fellowship program states that, “Non-U.S. citizens are eligible to apply if they are a candidate for a doctoral degree at a graduate school in the United States.”

Here are the eligibility requirements:

• “Be candidates for the doctoral degree at a graduate school within the United States. US citizenship is not required.
• Complete all pre-dissertation requirements by June 1 of the award year.
• Provide a clear and specific plan for completing the dissertation within one or two-years.
• Propose an education research project.
• Submit an individual application.”

The deadline to apply is October 3, 2024 at 5pm ET

For more information, and to apply, please visit their official website: NAEd/Spencer Dissertation Fellowship Program

Please note that this fellowship opportunity is being offered by the Spencer Foundation and the link to it may not work once the application window has closed.

2025 Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships: Open to Undocumented Students for Graduate School:

The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowship program is currently accepting applications. Every year, 30 fellows are selected. Fellows receive one to two years of funding towards their graduate study in the United States (totaling up to $90,000 in funding). Fellows are also invited to participate in two conferences in New York City (with all travel expenses paid). The Fellowship program also strives to foster a sense of community among current and past Fellows. To do so, the program facilitates events across the country throughout the year.

This fellowship is open to undocumented students with or without DACA. Students who are undocumented must have graduated from high school and college in the US. You must also be 30 years old or younger as of the application deadline. The Fellowship is open to all fields of study and fully accredited full-time graduate and professional degree programs.

The application requires at least three letters of recommendation (and accept up to 5 letters) so be sure to start asking for your letters of recommendation now. Also, check out this webinar that is geared specifically towards undocumented applicants.

For more information on how to apply visit their official website.

Applications are due October 31, 2024 at 2pm ET

Please note that this fellowship opportunity was first posted by the Paul & Daisy Soros Foundation. The link to this opportunity may not work after the deadline has passed.