Dissertation Completion Grants
Dissertation Completion Grants are awarded to doctoral students in the final semester of their dissertation. The Grants enable students to focus full-time on research and writing, improving quality of their work, and shortening the time to complete their degree. Dissertation Completion Grants are awarded on a competitive basis. Applicants must submit materials to the Office of the Provost by Friday, October 10, 2025. Recipients will be notified by Friday, November 07, 2025.
Application Process
Dissertation Completion Grants Application Process
Students must submit the following combined materials (one PDF attachment) through the online application portal by 5pm, Friday, October 10, 2025:
• Abstract: A summary of dissertation research (1/2 page).
• Significance of the research to the field of study (1/2 page)
• Please use this table of contents or equivalent indicating progress made to date and plan for completion within the award timetable, by the summer 2026 deadline (1 page).
• Approval will be routed to the student’s dissertation chair and program director. Approvals must be received by 5 pm, Wednesday, October 17, 2025.
Eligibility Criteria
▪ Applicants must be doctoral students listed in university records as being full-time during the fall 2025 semester. Applicants are responsible for confirming that the appropriate forms (e.g. Full-time Equivalent Status form, etc.) are filed with the Registrar’s Office so that their enrollment status is appropriately recorded.
▪ Applicants must have completed course requirements, passed all required written and oral exams, and have advanced to candidacy.
▪ Applicants must communicate regularly with their dissertation chair and committee members.
▪ Applicants must be able to meet the University’s summer 2026 final dissertation submission deadline of 5 pm, Friday, August 7, 2026. See here for more information.
Award
Grant amount: $12,500.
▪ Tuition amount: Up to 3 credits of 999.
▪ Term of award: Spring 2026 semester.
▪ Selected awardees should concentrate on completing their dissertation during the award period and should not accept any additional internal assignments nor outside employment.
▪ Students currently enrolled in the Subsidized Graduate Health Insurance plan for the 2025-26 academic year will maintain their policy for the duration of the plan year.
▪ Monthly progress report (one page) during the award period.
For more information regarding the Dissertation Completion Grants please contact Akitta Robertson geaward@gmu.edu.