Graduate Equity Fellowship

Description

The Graduate Equity Fellowship program provides support for economically disadvantaged graduate students, especially from groups who are underrepresented within their respective disciplines. Students must demonstrate the potential to succeed in graduate school and to complete a graduate degree program in no more than two years as evidenced by undergraduate coursework and letters of recommendation.

Fellowships range from $500 to $2,000 for an academic year depending on the demonstrated need. Students may receive awards for a maximum of two academic years, but they must apply each year. Post-baccalaureate, second master's degree students, and doctoral students are ineligible.

Who is eligible to apply?

Students that are legal California residents
Master's students (not available for baccalaureate, second master's degree , or doctoral students) that are conditional classified or classified
Completed the free FAFSA or Dream Act application
Enroll in at least 6 units of graduate work related to the master's degree for the fall and spring semesters
Maintain a 3.00 GPA
Have at least $1,000 of financial need as determined by the Financial Aid Office

Interested students should complete an application and a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. Those who are eligible should complete a CA Dream Act application.

Application Submission Checklist

Student Essay: The essay should address specific circumstances that contribute to the need as well as your academic progress toward earning your degree. Limit 1 page (single spaced, or 2 double spaced).
Graduate Advisor Endorsement: The completed form will be uploaded to your application.
Unofficial transcripts from all undergraduate coursework (and unofficial SDSU transcripts for continuing Master's students)
Two letters of recommendation (preferably from faculty members)
- The letters of recommendation do not have to come from SDSU faculty members. They can come from faculty members from your undergraduate institution.
- You will upload the letters into the Google Form application. If your recommender(s) prefer to send their letter directly to the College of Graduate Studies, please have them send it to [email protected] and we will add it to your application file once it's received.

Important Reminder

The Center for Student Rights and Responsibilities (CSRR) and the student’s home college will be consulted to ensure that the student is in compliance with the Student Code of Conduct and/or their program’s Graduate Professional Standards.

Award nominees and current awardees: A nomination or award is subject to being deemed ineligible if (a) it is determined by CSRR that the student is in violation of the Student Code of Conduct and/or (b) if the program notifies the College of Graduate Studies that the student has violated their program’s Graduate Professional Standards.

How to Apply

The Google Form application for the 2025-2026 Graduate Equity Fellowship opened on July 7, 2025 and will close on September 5, 2025, at 11:59 pm Pacific Time. Applications received after this period will not be considered.

Have questions? Reach out to [email protected] for more information.

Financial Support