Penn GSE Scholarships offer a variety of funding opportunities to support students in their academic and professional journeys. This blog will explore the diverse range of funding options available at Penn GSE, including scholarships, fellowships, grants, assistantships, and external funding sources, providing a comprehensive guide for prospective and current students.
| Host Country | USA |
| Host Institute | University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education |
| Level | Masters, PhD |
| Eligible Nationality | All |
| Scholarship Type | Funded |
| Benefits | Various |
| Closing Dates | Depend upon the scholarship program |
Table of Contents
University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education (Penn GSE)
The University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education (Penn GSE) is a prestigious institution that prepares future educational leaders through rigorous academic programs and a commitment to research and innovation. Students and professors at Penn GSE benefit from an Ivy League setting that fosters the development of both high-caliber research and practical knowledge. Their eminent teachers are trailblazers in their professions, and their alumni are among the most powerful education leaders in the world.
Penn GSE Scholarships and Fellowships
Penn GSE Scholarships
Penn GSE offers numerous scholarships to incoming and current students based on merit, financial need, or specific criteria related to the student’s field of study or background. Some notable scholarships include:
Penn GSE Dean’s Scholarships:
A limited set of prospective master’s applicants receives the $10,000 Penn GSE Dean’s Scholarships Dean’s Scholarship. As the faculty reviews the admissions application, awards will be given out based on merit. International and domestic students can apply for these scholarships. For consideration, applications must be submitted before the priority deadline for their program. Additional Penn GSE financial offers may be paired with the Dean’s financial. At the time of admission, decisions on the Dean’s Scholarships will be made.
Penn GSE Merit-Based Scholarships:
Full-time master’s students in their first year of study are eligible for partial tuition support through Penn GSE merit scholarships. Approximately 75% of entering master’s students enrolled in full-time, in-person, non-executive programs get scholarships from the School, which aims to assist as many eligible candidates as possible.
The strength of your application serves as evidence of merit for all scholarships. The rewards are given out depending on the academic merit of the admissions application at the time of the academic divisions’ application review. Both domestic and foreign students are eligible to apply for these Penn GSE scholarships, which are provided without a need for an application.
Need-Based Scholarships:
Through the completion of a survey included in the admissions application, Penn GSE provides U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents with the chance to apply for a need-based scholarship. Students must be applying full-time to an appropriate master’s program to be eligible for this grant. Need-based scholarships can be paired with other awards up to the full cost of tuition and are evaluated separately from merit-based scholarships. Partial tuition support will be provided by need-based scholarships.
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French Institutes for Advanced Study Fellowship Program (2025-26)
Penn GSE Dean’s Fellowship: Power of Possibility
Fostering a diverse community of researchers and increasing educational access for all students are priorities for Penn GSE. To this end, Penn GSE extends an offer of the Dean’s Fellowship: Power of Possibility to a number of our incoming master’s students, giving special consideration to those from underprivileged backgrounds or those who have served underserved communities in the past or who plan to do so in the future. There is no separate application process; students will be immediately considered for these renowned half-tuition prizes at the time of application evaluation. Full-time master’s applications from within and outside the country will be taken into consideration for this fellowship.
Penn GSE Named Fellowships
Penn GSE also provides named fellowships, funded by generous donors, alumni, and organizations committed to supporting the next generation of education leaders. Examples include:
Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowships
Each year, thirty new Americans, immigrants, or the offspring of immigrants who are pursuing graduate studies in the US are supported by the Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans. One to two years of graduate study in any subject and at any US university offering an advanced degree are supported by each fellowship. Each award covers 50 percent of the necessary tuition and fees, up to $20,000 annually, for one to two years, in addition to up to a $25,000 stipend support. For the upcoming academic year, applications open in mid-April and must be submitted by November 1st.
The William B. Castetter Fellowship:
Awarded to students pursuing doctoral degrees in education leadership, this fellowship honors the legacy of Dr. William B. Castetter, a former faculty member. Recipients are chosen based on their academic merit and research potential.
The Ruth and Louis Silberman Fellowship:
This fellowship supports students who are committed to improving urban education. It is awarded to those who demonstrate a strong dedication to addressing the challenges faced by urban schools and communities.
Harry S. Truman Scholars Program
A $30,000 competitive fellowship known as the Harry S. Truman Scholars Program is given to 55 graduate students who want to work in a field that provides services, such as teaching. Although there isn’t a set minimum GPA, most applicants have a GPA of at least 3.5 and actively participate in leadership roles within their communities or schools.
Assistantships
Graduate Assistantships
Graduate assistants (GAs) are student employees who work at Penn GSE and provide services that are important to the academic community. These services include outreach programs, classroom support, supervised faculty research project involvement, recruiting for admissions, student affairs, and other activities. A position with a set number of hours and an hourly wage is offered to GAs. These roles are open to students from both domestic and foreign universities.
Research Assistantships (RAs):
A restricted quantity of Research Assistantships are granted to incoming full-time, conventional Ed.D. candidates demonstrating exceptional academic standing. Packages could include a living income, university health insurance, research and teaching apprenticeship, and some tuition support.
Teaching Assistantships (TAs):
TAs assist professors in course preparation, instruction, and grading. This role helps students develop their teaching skills and gain insights into effective educational practices.
Administrative Assistantships:
These positions involve supporting various administrative functions within Penn GSE, such as admissions, student services, or program coordination. Administrative assistantships provide a behind-the-scenes look at the operations of an educational institution.
Grants and Fellowships for Research
Research Grants
Penn GSE encourages students to engage in innovative research by offering several grants and fellowships specifically for research purposes. These grants enable students to pursue their own research projects, attend conferences, or collaborate with faculty on ongoing studies. Notable research grants include:
The Milken-Penn GSE Education Business Plan Competition:
This competition provides funding for students who develop innovative solutions to challenges in education. Participants present their ideas to a panel of judges, and winners receive financial support to bring their projects to fruition.
The Provost’s Graduate Research Fellowship:
This fellowship supports doctoral students who are in the early stages of their dissertation research. It provides funding for research expenses, travel, and other costs associated with conducting high-quality research.
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External Funding Opportunities
In addition to internal funding, Penn GSE students are encouraged to seek external funding sources to supplement their financial aid packages. External scholarships, fellowships, and grants can provide additional financial support and recognition. Some prominent external funding opportunities include:
Fulbright Program:
A $25,000 stipend will be given to each master’s student admitted to Penn GSE who has been offered a Fulbright Fellowship to be utilized for their graduate studies. It is possible to combine this scholarship with financial aid from Fulbright-affiliated institutions. Recipients of Fulbright awards should be careful to include their identity in their graduate application.
National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship:
This fellowship supports graduate students in STEM fields, including education research. It provides a substantial stipend and covers tuition and fees.
Spencer Foundation Dissertation Fellowship:
This fellowship supports doctoral candidates whose dissertations address significant issues in education. It provides funding to complete their dissertation research and writing.
Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives
Fellowships for Underrepresented Groups
Penn GSE is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within its student body. To support this goal, the school offers fellowships and scholarships specifically for students from underrepresented groups in education. Examples include:
The Horace Mann Bond – Leslie Pinckney Hill Scholarship:
Named after two prominent African American educators, this scholarship supports students of color who demonstrate a commitment to educational equity and social justice.
The Fontaine Fellowship:
This fellowship supports doctoral students from underrepresented backgrounds, providing funding for tuition and a stipend. Recipients also benefit from mentorship and professional development opportunities.
Malaysian Government MTCP Scholarship for International Students
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Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Grants
Penn GSE offers DEI grants to support initiatives and research projects that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the field of education. These grants encourage students to explore issues related to race, gender, socioeconomic status, and other dimensions of diversity.
International Student Funding
International Student Scholarships
Recognizing the global nature of education, Penn GSE offers scholarships and financial aid options for international students. These awards help attract a diverse and talented student body from around the world. Notable programs include:
Global Leaders Fellowship:
This fellowship is awarded to international students who demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to improving education in their home countries.
International Student Grants:
Penn GSE provides need-based grants to international students to help cover tuition and living expenses. These grants ensure that financial barriers do not hinder the educational aspirations of talented students from around the globe.
Support Services for International Students
In addition to financial support, Penn GSE offers a range of services to help international students succeed academically and personally. The Office of International Student Affairs provides resources and support for visa and immigration issues, cultural adjustment, and academic advising.
Professional Development and Career Services
Career Services
Penn GSE’s Career and Professional Development office offers comprehensive services to help students and alumni achieve their career goals. Services include:
Career Counseling:
One-on-one sessions with career advisors to discuss career options, job search strategies, and professional development plans.
Workshops and Events:
Regular workshops, webinars, and networking events cover topics such as resume writing, interviewing skills, and job search strategies.
Job and Internship Placement:
The Career Services office maintains a database of job and internship opportunities and connects students with potential employers in the education sector.
Professional Development Grants
To support students in their professional growth, Penn GSE offers grants for attending conferences, workshops, and other professional development activities. These grants help students stay current with industry trends, expand their professional networks, and enhance their skills.
PhD Fellowships and Funding Opportunities
IES Predoctoral Training Program
The IES Predoctoral Training Program is a joint effort by the Annenberg School for Communication, the Graduate School of Education, the School of Arts and Sciences, and the School of Social Policy and Practice at the University of Pennsylvania. The goal of this multi-year training program is to equip Penn Ph.D. candidates who are dedicated to acquiring rigorous techniques for carrying out fair, practical field research that will influence practice and policy.
For two to three years, the IES Predoctoral Training Program provides financial and skill-building support to a chosen group of fellows. Students who have finished their first year of PhD study are eligible to apply to this program.
Penn GSE Dean’s Fellowship and Research Apprenticeship
Ph.D. students are fully funded through the Penn GSE Dean’s Fellowship Dean’s Fellowship and Research Apprenticeship. The financial aid consists of living expenses, health insurance, and tuition & fees. A research apprenticeship package and fellowship are awarded to all incoming Ph.D. students. The package spans four years of study and requires full-time attendance. For Dean’s Fellowships and Research Apprenticeships, there is no application; instead, the academic division decides which recipients to grant based on the applications, and this information is shared at the time of admissions.
Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme
In order to develop effective scholars and leaders and to prepare them for employment, primarily within the AKDN, the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme offers a limited number of scholarships for postgraduate studies each year to outstanding students from specific developing countries who have no other means of financing their studies. Once a year in June or July, scholarships are given out through a competitive application process on a grant: loan ratio (50 percent grant). The Foundation grants requests for master’s level courses precedence.
Financial Aid and Support Services
Office of Financial Aid
Penn GSE’s Office of Financial Aid is dedicated to assisting students in navigating the financial aspects of their education. The office provides information on federal and state financial aid programs, loans, and work-study opportunities. Services include:
Financial Aid Counseling:
Personalized counseling sessions help students understand their financial aid options and develop a plan to finance their education.
Loan Programs:
Penn GSE participates in federal loan programs, including Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Grad PLUS Loans, which offer competitive interest rates and flexible repayment options.
Work-Study Programs:
Eligible students can participate in work-study programs, which provide part-time employment opportunities on campus. These positions help students earn money to cover educational expenses while gaining valuable work experience.
Conclusion
Penn GSE’s commitment to supporting its students is evident in the wide range of funding opportunities available. Whether through scholarships, assistantships, research grants, or external funding, Penn GSE ensures that financial barriers do not impede the academic and professional success of its students. By providing comprehensive financial aid and support services, Penn GSE empowers future education leaders to achieve their goals and make a lasting impact on the field of education.
For more details and to apply for Penn GSE Scholarships and Funding Opportunities, visit the official website.
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