UC-HBCU Fellowship Program

The UC Office of the President has committed funds to support fellowships for students admitted to UC PhD programs after participating as summer interns funded by the UC-HBCU Initiative. These fellowships are contingent on funding availability and will be granted on a first-come basis until the allocated funds are expended.

In accepting these funds, each campus agrees to support four years of funding, typically the second, third, fourth and fifth years of the student’s tenure (alternate disbursement schedules are possible), and present the admitted student with a fellowship/support offer which includes at least a five-year award.  The campus also confirms that the award is at least equivalent to department funding norms, as applicable. 

The UC-HBCU Fellowship will provide support comparable to that typically provided to students in the program for years one (beginning the fall in which the student enrolls) and three; the campus must provide an equivalent level of support for years two, three, four and five, along with any additional funding offered.  Specific distribution of the funds can be negotiated depending on the needs of the student, provided that the cost-share between the campus and UCOP is maintained.  

The UC-HBCU Fellowships will cover the full cost of tuition, including non-resident supplemental tuition, a stipend (equivalent to the established program/campus funding), and $5,000 professional development funds, which may be used at any time during the student’s program. (The campus is not obligated to match the professional development funds.) Professional development funds may be used for broadly-defined activities that contribute to the student’s professional goals. There are no other requirements and UCOP does not need to approve the activity. Funds may be distributed to the student directly in advance of the activity so long as distribution adheres to campus accounting policies.

AY 2023-24 Fellowship Structure

The fellowship provides:

• Effective for the applicants for fall 2024 admission, one year of fellowship from the University of California Office of the President (UCOP).  

  • This includes a stipend and payment of tuition and fees. 

  • May also include payment of non-resident supplemental tuition as needed.

• Three years of financial support from the academic program typically in years 2, 3, and 4. 

  • This support may include employment as an Instructional Assistant or Graduate Student Researcher.

• One year of fellowship from the Division of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs (GEPA), typically in year 5.

  • This includes a stipend and payment of tuition and fees, and may include payment of non-resident supplemental tuition as needed.

• $5000 professional development funds provided by UCOP, to be used and requested as needed by fellows throughout their experience (see request form below).

• $3000 living supplement/transition award from UCOP in year one. (This award is not contingent on employment or expectation of service to the University.)

Professional Development Funds

Please note, the form below is for current UC San Diego UC-HBCU fellows only!

• UC-HBCU Fellows can request the professional development funds in advance by submitting a request through this Google Form.