Purpose of the Fund

The Graduate Fellowship Fund (GFF) provides financial assistance to deaf and hard of hearing graduates of accredited colleges and universities who are studying full-time in terminal degree programs.

Eligibility

To qualify for a fellowship, the following criteria must be met:

  • Education: The minimum educational criterion will be admission to an accredited graduate program.
  • Hearing Status: The fellowships are intended for deaf or hard of hearing students. Audiological assessment comparable to that required for admission to the Gallaudet University undergraduate program may be the qualifying factor in this respect. assessment should not be more than three years old.
  • Program of Study: The applicant must have been accepted into a terminal degree program at an accredited college or university. A letter to that effect from the college or university must be supplied with the application.

May 1 is the deadline to submit GFF applications. Incomplete applications, including supporting documents, will not be considered after May 1 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.

Application Process and Requirements

The Graduate Fellowship Fund committee is now accepting online applications for first time applicants. Please have the following documents in electronic format available before initiating your online application.

  • Audiogram within three years. Tests must be performed by a clinically certified audiologist including pure tone and speech audiometry, impedance measures, and aided performance results (hearing aid/cochlear implants).
  • First year student: A letter of acceptance into the program.
  • Continuing students: A letter from the person who will supervise your study program, stating that you are in good standing and making satisfactory progress toward your degree. This is required before your application will be considered.
  • A list of courses you plan to take in your major field of study, with a letter from your advisor indicating that the proposed program is accredited and considered to be at the doctorate or terminal level.
  • Official transcripts of courses and grades from all accredited colleges and universities you have attended.
  • Letters of reference from two professionals who are qualified to evaluate your capacity to do graduate work.
  • A copy of your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) student aid report. This can be obtained from www.studentaid.gov.
  • For international students who are not eligible under FAFSA regulations, attach a copy of your Affidavit of Financial Support you provided to your university, a duly signed official document that provides detailed information about your scholarship, financial assistance or fellowship from your sponsor or sponsors such as family, friends, relatives, organization, or government. If your affidavit of support is no longer valid, attach a copy of your most recent income tax information.
  • A copy of estimated education expenses (tuition, books, fees, interpreters, etc.)

Graduate Fellowship Fund New Application



GFF Continuing Application

The GFF Continuing Application is for current GFF recipients seeking continuance of their fellowship. Please have the following documents in electronic format available before initiating your online application.

  • An up-to-date official transcript or progress report from your department chairperson.
  • A copy of your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) student aid report. This can be obtained from www.studentaid.gov.
  • A copy of your income tax return for this year, which is the most recent copy that you have filed.
  • A statement of how many credit hours you plan to take each semester, whether you will be employed the coming year (part-time, full-time, on leave, or not employed), and if employed, the name and address of your workplace.
  • A letter from your advisor or copy a part of the university catalog that says the number of credit hours constituting a full load per semester.

Graduate Fellowship Fund Continuing Application

Disclaimer

Gallaudet University is an equal opportunity educational institution and does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, national origin, religion, age, hearing status, disability, genetic information, covered veteran status, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, source of income, place of business or residence, pregnancy, childbirth, or any other unlawful basis.

The GUAA Board of Directors oversees the GFF and has a committee that handles the application process, with the GUAA Executive Director serving as an ex-officio member of the GFF Committee. A list of nominees for fellowship awards, the amounts, terms, and duration of such grants, shall be recommended by the GFF Committee, subject to approval by the GUAA Board.