Research Center/Institute Fellowships

The Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering provides $5,000 top-off fellowships to some new Ph.D. students whose research goals align with one of the research centers/institutes in the College and are selected for this award.

Eligible Research Centers/Institutes
Eligibility
  • Newly admitted Ph.D. students for the Fall 2026 term. Students applying to a Ph.D. program directly from a UF bachelor’s or master’s program OR from an external institution bachelor’s or master’s program are eligible
  • Newly admitted Ph.D. students who have received a comprehensive funding offer (e.g., fellowship, Research Assistantship, Graduate Assistantship, Teaching Assistantship) from UF faculty, the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, the University of Florida, or an external source
  • U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
  • Complete the Research Center/Institute Fellowship Application by February 27, 2026
  • Students may apply to a maximum of two Research Centers/Institutes by submitting two separate applications
Award Details
  • The Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering will award 45 Research Center/Institute Fellowship Awards for Fall 2026
  • Each of the 9 Research Centers/Institutes will award 5 fellowships each
  • The fellowship is a one-time, lump-sum $5,000 top-off to an existing comprehensive funding offer (see above for funding offer options)
  • Funds will be distributed after the start of the Fall 2026 term
  • Students may only accept one Research Center/Institute Fellowship. If awarded a fellowship from two Research Centers/Institutes, students must select their top choice
Timeline
  • November 2025 – January 2026: New awards approved and marketed to eligible prospective Ph.D. students and applicants
  • February 27, 2026: Application submission deadline
  • February 27 – March 10, 2026: Research Center/Institute Directors & faculty review of student applications
  • March 10 – 14, 2026: Student award notification
  • March 14 – April 20, 2026: Award acceptance tracking & potential re-awards
  • Early Fall 2026 term: Funds deposited into student accounts