Fellowships

Review of PhD Applications for funding consideration begins on December 1st.  Please note that the Department currently does not fund Master's students.  Research assistantships for Master's students may be available once you have started the program.

PhD Excellence Initiative

The University offers competitive funding packages under the PhD Excellence Initiative.  Most funded PhD students are admitted under this highly competitive program.  Students receive a minimum $20,000 per year stipend and full tuition scholarship.  Fellowships are available to students, domestic and international.  Applicants who are seeking a funded PhD position are strongly encouraged to contact a member of our faculty to identify their willingness to serve as their primary Advisor.  For more information on the PhD Excellence Initiative, visit the Graduate School's information page here.

Arthur A. Schomburg Graduate Fellowship Program

UB’s Arthur A. Schomburg Fellowship Program is intended to support high achieving doctoral students across the university. The program is sponsored by the SUNY office of Diversity Equity and Inclusion and offers support for full-time students who can demonstrate that they would contribute to the diversity of the student body, especially those who can demonstrate that they have overcome a disadvantage or other impediment to success in higher education. Schomburg fellowships are available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents.  Schomburg Fellows receive a competitive top-up amount above the regular stipend offered by the PhD Excellence Initiative.

The Department of Geography is strongly committed to increasing diversity in our discipline through PhD training.  Please see our diversity statement here.  Departments nominate candidates for Schomburg Fellowships once they are admitted to the PhD Program.  There is no separate application.  For more information, please visit the College of Arts and Sciences webpage here.

Presidential Fellowships

The UB Presidential Fellowship Program is aimed at enhancing UB’s competitiveness in recruiting outstanding PhD students with a competitive top-up amount above the regular stipend offered by the PhD Excellence Initiative.  Departments nominate candidates for Presidential Fellowships once they are admitted to the PhD Program.  There is no separate application.  For more information, please visit the College of Arts and Sciences webpage here.