Summer Graduate Thesis or Dissertation Completion Fellowship

The Graduate School’s Summer Graduate Thesis or Dissertation Completion Fellowship supports CSU graduate students who are completing their theses, dissertation, and achieving academic milestones.

The fellowship facilitates progress towards graduation by providing financial support during the crucial stages of thesis or dissertation completion.

The fellowship includes:

• $7,500 in funding to cover living expenses, research-related costs, and other necessary expenses incurred during the thesis/dissertation completion process.
• Base tuition coverage, for one on-campus research credit and associated fees, is designed to facilitate your progress towards graduation by providing financial support during the crucial stages of thesis or dissertation completion.

Eligibility:

• Doctorate or other terminal degree (e.g., MFA), students currently enrolled in Graduate School at Colorado State University (nine resident instruction credits, excluding distance/continuing education or audits).
• Must be actively working towards the completion of their thesis or dissertation.
• Must be planning to graduate within the next academic year.
• Enroll for and complete at least one on-campus research credit during the summer fellowship period.
• Have earned a 3.000 overall undergraduate grade point average (4.000 = A) or
• Have earned a 3.000 overall grade point average in any previous graduate work or
• Maintained a 3.000 overall grade point average in graduate work at Colorado State University (regular and non-regular coursework).

Fellowship Details

The number of Summer Graduate Thesis or Dissertation Completion Fellowships is limited, and fellowships may not be available each summer term. The funding source is the Graduate School Fellowship account. Award amount: $7,500 plus one on-campus research credit and associated fees.  

• Purpose: To support graduate students in the final stages of thesis/dissertation completion and graduation. 
• Duration: The fellowship is for the 2026 Summer Term.  
• Use of Funds: The funds can be used to cover living expenses, research-related costs, and other necessary expenses incurred during the thesis/dissertation completion process.  

Application Process

To apply for the Summer Thesis or Dissertation Completion Graduate Fellowship, interested graduate students must complete the application by May 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. MST. Complete the application form online.

You’ll be asked to submit the following within the online application:

• A brief statement (max 500 words) outlining the current status of your thesis/dissertation, your anticipated timeline for completion, and how the fellowship will contribute to your progress.  
• Updated curriculum vitae (CV). 
• Letter of support from your advisor or department chair. 

Selection Process

A committee appointed by the Graduate School will review applications. The selection committee will base its decision on the clarity of the applicant’s thesis/dissertation completion plan, their academic merit, and the potential impact of the fellowship on the applicant’s progress towards graduation.