Graduate Equity Fellowships

Guidelines for Graduate Equity Fellowships 2025-26

The Graduate Equity Fellowship (GEF) program seeks to increase the diversity of students completing graduate degree programs in the CSU, encourages continuation of master's students toward doctoral programs, and promotes consideration of university faculty careers. The GEF provides fellowships for economically disadvantaged CSU students and promotes faculty mentoring and research opportunities. GEF funds are provided to Stanislaus State by the CSU system. Awards are generally $500-$2,000 per academic year, divided equally between fall and spring semesters. The amount awarded is to defray the costs of tuition and books.

To be eligible for a graduate fellowship, a student must:

• be a legal California resident
• be admitted and enrolled as a graduate student in a graduate degree program at Stanislaus State;
• have completed the FAFSA for the upcoming academic year and have a financial need of at least $1,000;
• be enrolled in a minimum of six units per semester and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 each semester of award;
• demonstrate potential to succeed in graduate school;
• be recommended by a program’s graduate coordinator/director

Each program is responsible for sharing the application information with their students (including program specific information and timelines) and encouraging their students to apply.

• Application deadline: March 3rd, 2025
  • Apply Today
• Award decisions shared date: *Check with your program director*

Please note: the Graduate Equity Fellowship is considered estimated financial assistance and will be counted as part of the student’s financial aid award. The Graduate Equity Fellowship will be coordinated with the student’s financial aid package (any federal or state financial aid, including student loans, that the student may be receiving) to ensure that the student is not receiving more financial aid than their Cost of Attendance.

Along with standard student information, the application includes an essay prompt:

Describe your academic and personal background, and how it relates to the goals of the Graduate Equity Fellowship to increase diversity by encouraging students with educationally or economically disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue and complete a graduate degree. Also, describe your goals (e.g., academic, personal, professional, etc.) and discuss how the award of a Graduate Equity Fellowship will assist you in accomplishing them. Attach your 1-page statement (typed, double-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font) to this application.

For questions or concerns please contact:

Kaitlyn Day
Graduate Studies Specialist, Office of Graduate Studies and Research
kwilliams14@csustan.edu