Prospective Graduate Students
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Our Charge
Preparing and inspiring scholars to transform our world.
From admission to graduation, The Graduate School (TGS) supports graduate students throughout their experience, awarding doctoral and master’s degrees in more than seventy disciplines. We are a resource throughout your academic journey.
Find Your ProgramApplication StepsPoints of Pride
See what makes TGS special, by the numbers
Competitive Stipend
$45,000
annually in the 2024–25 academic year for PhD students through fellowships or assistantships. More on stipend rates
Support for Families
12 weeks
paid parental leave for PhD students who are new parents, childcare grants, and more. All family resources
A smooth transition
34%
of students are international, supported through language and other programs. See all supports
Connected to Campus & City
7 miles
between our Evanston campus and Chicago. Travel at a discounted rate on CTA buses and trains. U-Pass transit programs
Funding Your Studies
Fellowships, grants, assistantship options, and more
TGS provides most doctoral students with a stipend and scholarship to pay tuition costs; they are supported for a minimum of five years. For master’s students, external grants and loans make graduate study accessible.
Funding OptionsTGS Spotlight
TGS is home to more than 3,500 PhD and 1,900 master’s students, from a variety of disciplines and backgrounds. Get to know our community.
Happenings at TGS
Don't miss news, opportunities, and announcements.
News
Alumnae of Northwestern University 2025–26 Graduate Fellowship
The Alumnae of Northwestern University offers this fellowship to Northwestern graduates who show promise of achieving distinction in their field and bringing credit to the University. Awardees will receive from $10,000–$20,000 toward graduate tuition. Criteria for selection include quality of scholarship, leadership, community service, professional experience, and financial need.
Events
DGP Student Thesis Seminar - Jocelynda Salvador - Dr. Luisa Arisp...
May 8, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Robert H Lurie Medical Research Center, 303 E. Superior
Title of Presentation: "The Impact of Disturbed Flow on Endothelial Cells" This is a hybrid event. For Zoom access or...
Dissertation, PhD Final Exam, and change of grade forms due to TG...
May 9, All Day
Dissertation, PhD Final Exam, and change of grade forms due to TGS for Spring PhD candidates
Last day to drop a FULL-TERM class for Spring in CAESAR. Any requ...
May 9, All Day
Last day to drop a FULL-TERM class for Spring in CAESAR. Any requests after this date result in a W on the transcript an...
Announcements
Apply to Be a MSSEP Social Media Graduate Assistant
The Master of Science in Social and Economic Policy program is seeking a social media graduate assistant for the 2025–26 academic year with the possibility of extension. The role will provide marketing and communication support, with some occasional administrative or general program assistance.
Anusree Natraj named a Schmidt Science Fellow
Originally from Mumbai, India, Natraj completed a Ph.D. in organic and materials chemistry at Northwestern last year. Natraj will now pivot to biology to explore how she can leverage her materials background in the world of medicine.