Fellowship Applications Are Now Closed for Fall 2026
The University of Texas at Dallas is committed to advancing research excellence and fostering innovation across disciplines. The UT Dallas Presidential Graduate Fellowship Program represents a bold investment in the next generation of scholars and thought leaders. This initiative is designed to attract exceptional PhD candidates who exhibit outstanding academic preparation, research potential and a passion for discovery.
Contact Us:
For more information, email ecsfellowships@utdallas.edu
Program Goals
Cultivate Excellence
Build a talented community of researchers tackling global challenges in engineering, computer science and related fields.
Accelerate Breakthroughs
Drive innovation and research excellence that addresses society’s most pressing technological challenges.
Foster Collaboration
Create partnerships between students and world-class faculty on transformative interdisciplinary projects.
By joining this fellowship, students become part of a dynamic ecosystem where ideas flourish, interdisciplinary partnerships thrive and innovation drives societal progress.
Fellowship Benefits
- First-Year Award: $37,000 annual stipend plus tuition, fees and health insurance for 12 months
- Long-Term Support: The Jonsson School commits to supporting students at equivalent levels in subsequent years while making satisfactory progress toward their degree.
- Funding Guarantee: Annual funding for subsequent years is provided up to $37,000, plus tuition, fees, health insurance and fringe benefits, while students make satisfactory progress toward their degrees.
Eligibility and Application
Eligibility Requirements
- ✓ Demonstrated academic excellence and research potential
- ✓ Commitment to advancing knowledge through innovative research
- ✓ Must have received formal admission to a UT Dallas PhD program in the Jonsson School
- ✓ Students will be nominated by their program (no separate application required)
Important Dates
Nomination Deadline: Feb. 1, 2026 for the Fall 2026 cohort
Decision Timeline: Applications will be reviewed and decisions made on a rolling basis by Feb. 13, 2026.
Note: Applicants to the Jonsson School’s PhD programs are automatically considered for the Fellowship. After admission decisions are made, departments nominate highly-qualified students to the fellowship committee for consideration.
Nomination Process
The following process is used to identify and nominate candidates for the Presidential Graduate Fellowship:
Candidate Identification by Faculty
Faculty identify promising candidates based on application materials and research potential.
Submission of Candidate Dossier
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Academic Transcripts
1-3 page research statement from the candidate, faculty advisor and the department that should include:
- Research Alignment: The extent to which the nominee’s research interests align with the strengths, priorities, and long-term vision of UT Dallas.
- Leadership: Evidence of leadership demonstrated through community engagement, academic activities, or other relevant experiences.
- Collaborative Orientation: Indications that the nominee values collaboration, particularly in interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary research settings.
- Research Potential: The nominee’s potential to grow into an independent, productive researcher.
- Intellectual Curiosity and Creativity: The nominee’s willingness to explore new research directions and their creativity in problem-solving.
Departmental and Dean’s Office Review
Each department conducts a review on a rolling basis through a fellowship committee.
Submission to the Office of Graduate Education
The Dean’s Office submits final nominations to the OGE for University-level review and final approval.
The UT Dallas Presidential Graduate Fellowship Program was created in 2025 by Dr. Prabhas V. Moghe, the sixth president of UT Dallas and holder of the Eugene McDermott Distinguished University Chair of Leadership.
The program will draw best-in-class talents who will collaborate with our outstanding faculty to make UT Dallas a university that changes lives, transforms communities and redefines higher education for the 21st century.
