Graduate Recognition and Funding Opportunities

HFA Dissertation Completion Fellowship - New!  

Provides a summer stipend of up to $8,000 to HFA doctoral students who have advanced to candidacy and completed a draft of at least one dissertation chapter. The fellowships relieve recipients of most non-research duties so they can focus on writing and defending their dissertations. HFA anticipates awarding three fellowships for Summer 2027, covering June 1 through August 31, 2027. Recipients must participate in a dissertation-writing retreat or approved alternative and a biweekly writing group. Teaching and other employment may not exceed five hours per week during the award period. For recipients receiving more than one fellowship, the award amount will be limited to a total of $8,000 in fellowship support from all combined sources.  

HFA Graduate Student Research Intensive Semester Fellowship (GRIS) - New! 

Provides one HFA doctoral student at the dissertation-proposal stage with funded, dedicated time for concentrated scholarship, fieldwork, or laboratory work during Spring 2027. The recipient will be free from teaching and administrative duties during the award period and must hold scheduled check-in meetings with their proposal committee or advisor. 

HFA Graduate Student Summer Research Funds Program - New! 

Provides a stipend of up to $1,500 to support summer research, writing, or creative activity by HFA doctoral and terminal master’s students. HFA anticipates awarding approximately 20–30 grants for Summer 2027. To distribute support to as many students as possible, awards will be coordinated with other funding so that each recipient’s combined summer support does not exceed $4,000. 

HFA Professional and Creative Master’s Project Completion Grant - New! 

Supports master’s theses and terminal creative activities by students enrolled in HFA MFA and professional master’s programs. The award amount may be used to cover research, materials, travel, the production of new work, and other activities related to developing an MFA thesis or professional master’s project. HFA anticipates awarding two grants of up to $2,000 each for spring 2027. 

HFA Outstanding Graduate Student Award 

Recognizes exceptional research, creative activity, or performance by graduate students. Up to two $500 awards are presented annually.