Gender studies is a field made of many interdisciplinary pursuits. It looks not only at what we traditionally define as gender, but also at race, class, ethnicity, sexuality, and nationality. The basic tenets of gender study include the fact that traditional masculine and feminine roles are so ingrained in many cultures that they’re never questioned. Well, not until now!
If you find yourself drawn towards this quickly growing academic discipline, take heart that there are many ways to fund your education through scholarships and grants. We’ve rounded up 50 of the most lucrative gender studies scholarships below.
CWGCS Fellowship on Women & Public Policy
- 10000
- The CWGCS fellowship on Women and Public Policy is a $10,000 award for graduate students in any NYS college or university pursuing a career in public policy. This $10,000 stipend is to be used to cover living expenses as well as graduate credits from the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy at the University of Albany SUNY. For more information and to apply check out their website.
- Graduate
Mercatus Adam Smith Fellowship
- 10000
- The Mercatus Adam Smith fellowship is awarded to graduate students who are attending a PHD program in a wide variety of fields including economics, political science, philosophy, and sociology. Smith Fellows spend three weekends at George Mason University. The total amount of this award is $10,000 which includes a stipend as well as travel and lodging to attend the event. Winners may reapply each year. For more information check out their website.
- Graduate
Boren Scholarships
- 20000
- The Boren Scholarships are $20,000 awards given to undergraduate students pursuing education or less commonly taught languages. Languages from Africa, Asia, Central and Eastern Europe, your Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East that are considered critical to the US interests will be considered for this scholarship. For more information about the scholarship program and how to apply check out their website.
- Undergraduate
The Saul Kagan Fellowship in Advanced Shoah Studies
- 20000
- The Saul Kagan Fellowship in AdvancedShoah studies is a $20,000 award that supports PHD and post doctoral candidate who are studying the Holocaust. Candidates may be studying sociology, women’s studies, philosophy, Jewish studies, theology, and other related fields. For more information and to apply to this award check out their website.
- Graduate
Mariam K Chamberlain Fellowship
- 49000
- The University of Chicago offers the Mariam K. Chamberlain fellowship for women in public policy. The amount of the award is $49,000 and is awarded to a promising scholar each year. To be eligible for this award you must be engaging in research activities that inform policy affecting women. IWRP encourages individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply.
- Graduate
Lucile Berkeley Buchanan Scholarship
- 300
- The Lucille Berkeley Buchanan Scholarship is awarded at the University of Colorado Boulder. Lucille Berkeley Buchanan was an African-American female graduate who earned a degree in German in 1918. This is a $300 reward and an essayt competition. To be eligible for this award you must be a student of women and gender studies with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Undergraduate
Loren Frankel Memorial Scholarship
- 500
- The Loren Frankel Memorial Scholarship is a scholarship for men’s studies. The fund is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Loren Frankel who died in an automobile accident in 2004. This award is presented through the American Men’s Studies Association. To apply for this award you must submit the title and abstract for the paper poster at the AMSA conference. The amount of the award is $500.
- Men’s Studies
NWSA Lesbian Caucus Award
- 500
- The National Women’s Studies Association offers the lesbian caucus award. The lesbian caucus award is a $500 research award recognizing a masters thesis or doctoral dissertation project for a student engaged in lesbian queer and LGBT studies. To be eligible for this award you must be a member of the NWSAand complete an online application along with one letter of recommendation. For more information and to apply head to their website.
- Graduate
Virginia A Martin Memorial Scholarship
- 500
- The Virginia A. Martin Women and Gender Studies Memorial Scholarship is for students attending Lockhaven University. To be eligible for this award you must be a sophomore, junior, or senior who is minoring in women and gender studies. You must have a minimum GPA of 2.7 and be able to show demonstrated leadership and engagement and issues related to women and gender studies. The amount of the award is $500.
- Undergraduate
Women of Color Caucus-Frontiers Essay Award
- 500
- The NWS Women of Color Caucus Student Essay award is a $500 award for women of color who are current graduate students as well as members of the NWSA. This is an essay competition award. Prize winners are automatically considered for publication by Frontiers. Essays should be 14,000 words double spaced. This award is offered through the Ohio State University.
- Graduate
University of Georgia Scholarship
- 500
- The Georgia Association for Women offers the Louise McBee award for $500. Additionally students may benefit from scholarships and fellowships for graduate and undergraduate students offered through the University of Georgia. For more information about these awards check out their website.
- Undergraduate, Graduate
Louise Greene and Elizabeth Smith Scholarship
- 800
- The University of Montana offers the Louise Greene/Elizabeth Smith undergraduate scholarship in women’s gender and sexuality studies. This is an undergraduate scholarship awarding excellence in activism and is for undergraduate students with a 3.0 GPA. This is an $800 award. To apply for this award upload a letter of application two letters of recommendation and an unofficial copy of your transcript. For more information and to apply check out their website.
- Undergraduate
Andrea O’Donnell Memorial Scholarship
- 1000
- The Andrea O’Donnell Memorial scholarship is offered at San Diego State University. This is a $1000 award designed to aid a San Diego State University undergraduate student who is committed to activism and supporting and empowering women. The candidate must show a commitment to academia. To be eligible for this award you must be taking at least six units of women’s studies classes and have a minimum GPA of 2.7. Applicants do not need to be studying full-time.
- Undergraduate
Cassandra Voss Women’s and Gender Studies Award
- 1000
- The Cassandra Voss Women’s and Gender Studies Award is an endowment that provides two annual awards to students from Saint Norbert College. To be eligible for this award you must be an undergraduate student engaged in women’s and gender studies and have demonstrated leadership in college and in the community. The amount of the award is $1000 and is for students with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 and higher.
- Undergraduate
NWSA Graduate Scholarship
- 1000
- The National Women’s Studies Association offers the graduate scholarship. The amount of the award is $1000 and is awarded in the fall of the year for an individual who is engaged in research or writing a masters degree or a PHD in women’s studies. The research project must advance the mission statement as outlined by the NWSA. To be eligible for this award you must be an individual member who has completed an online form and submitted a letter of recommendation from the program director. For more information and to apply check out their website.
- Graduate
Ruth Bleier Scholarship Program
- 1000
- The Ruth Bleier Scholarship in the Natural Sciences is offered at the University of Wisconsin Madison. The purpose of the award is encourage undergraduate women who are pursuing a career in the natural sciences or in medicine. To be eligible for this scholarship you must be a woman and or gender minority student and have declared a major and gender and women’s studies or a certificate program and declared in a natural science and our health major or certificate program. The amount of the award is $1000. For more information and to apply check out their website.
- Undergraduate
Suzanne Crispin Williams Scholarship
- 1000
- The Suzanne Crispin Scholarships are offered through the University of Missouri Kansas City. This is a $1000 award for undergraduate students who are majoring in communications or women’s studies. Preference will be given to a female student who is returning or pursuing her first undergraduate degree. To submit an application complete a 1000 word essay outlining you are future plans. For more information and to apply check out their website.
- Undergraduate
Valere Scott Scholarship Fund
- 1000
- Western Kentucky University offers the Valere Scott Endowed Scholarship Fund. This is a $1000 award for full-time sophomore, junior, or seniors in the department of women’s studies who have completed six hours and have a minimum GPA of 3.0. Applicants must have a record of community service and activism regarding women’s issues.
- Undergraduate
The Andermarch Cicogna Scholarship
- 1000
- The Andermarch Cicogna Scholarship provides support to undergraduate students who are majoring in women and gender studies. This is a $1000 reward. For more information about this award check out their website.
- undergraduate
Bishop John Bryson Chane Scholarship for Social Justice
- 1000
- The Bishop John Bryson Chane scholarship for social justice is a $1000 award that was established by the episcopal church women board. Awards are given yearly to graduating seniors in the diocese of Washington who are interested in pursuing social justice and an accredited college or university. To be eligible for this award you must be an active member of an Episcopal church and be able to demonstrate commitment to social justice. For more information and to apply check out their website.
- Undergraduate
NWSA Graduate Scholarship
- 1000
- The National Women’s Studies Association offers a number of awards and prizes including the lesbian caucus award, the NWSA graduate scholarship, and the trans/gender variant caucus award. The NWSA graduate scholarship is a $1000 award for individuals who are engaged in a master’s thesis or PHD dissertations in the field of women’s studies. To be eligible for this award current member of the NWSA and have completed an online form. For more information and to apply to these various awards check out their website.
- Graduate
Muriel and Irene Goldman Scholarship
- 1500
- The Muriel and Irene Goldman Scholarship was established in 1998. Irene was deeply involved with women’s studies and gender studies while a faculty member at Ball State University. This is a $1500 award given to women studies majors or minors attending Ball State University. To be eligible you must be enrolled full-time, be a junior or senior with a GPA of at least 3.0. Preference will be given to individuals who are able to demonstrate financial need. For more information about this award check out their website.
- Undergraduate
The S. Antoinette Bigelow Scholarship
- 1500
- The S. Antoinnette Bigelow scholarship is awarded to students in the College of Fine Arts who are enrolled full-time and majoring in women and gender studies. This award was established in 1929 in her name. This isCU’s first dean of women. The amount of the award is $1500- $750 given each semester. If you are majoring in women and gender studies and have completed the general scholarship application you will be automatically considered for this award.
- Undergraduate
Judy Mann DiStefano Memorial Scholarship
- 2000
- The Judy Mann DiStefano Memorial Scholarship is a $2000 award for a full-time undergraduate or graduate student enrolled in the women’s gender and sexuality studies program at Oregon State University (OSU). To be selected for this award you must demonstrate academic excellence as well as commitment to feminist ideals and be engaged in community activism. Undergraduate students should be working on a minor certificate or major in women’s studies. Graduate students should be enrolled in the master of arts program in Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies. For more information and to apply check out their website.
- Undergraduate, Graduate
The Jean Dubofsky Scholarship
- 2000
- The Jene Dubofsky Scholarship in Women and Gender Studies is for undergraduate students in the Department of Women and Gender Studies. This is awarded to a student with a minimum GPA of 3.0 enrolled full-time. The applicant should demonstrate an awareness of social justice issues as related to the intersection of race gender sexuality and religion among others. This award is $2000 given $1000 each semester. Students should submit an essay of approximately 500 words.
- Undergraduate
Danielle Vacca Scholarship
- 4000
- The University of Utah offers the Vacca scholarship. This award is given to a student who has experienced loss at the hands of a drunk driver. The award is given by the department of psychology. To be eligible for this award you must have a minimum GPAF 3.0 and be enrolled full-time at the University of Utah. The amount of the award is $4000..
- Undergraduate
Woodrow Wilson Dissertation Fellowship in Women’s Studies
- 5000
- The Woodrow Wilson Dissertation Fellowship in Women’s Studies are provided to PHD candidates at institutions in the United States who are completing their dissertation. This competition is for projects in the humanities and social sciences. The amount of the award is $5000 and is to be used for expenses related to completing their dissertation and research. For more information and to apply check out their website.
- Graduate
MMUF Travel & Research Grants
- 5000
- The MMUF Travel and Research Grants are available to graduate students who participated in the Mellon Mays undergraduate fellowship program. The grants provide eligible graduate students with the financial means they need to complete their research and serve their dissertation. The amount of the award is $5000 to be used for one summer or one semester of travel and research support. Applicants must be melon maze undergraduate Fellows and graduate candidates for the PHD in fields that are recognized under the Mellon Mays undergraduate fellowship program.
- Graduate
The Woodrow Wilson Dissertation Fellowship in Women’s Studies
- 5000
- The Woodrow Wilson Dissertation Fellowship in Women’s Studies is a $5000 reward for women who are pursuing significant research that is cross disciplinary regional or cultural and supports the final year of dissertation writing for a PHD. Some of the topics previously explored include trans national religion education for Muslim women, gender dynamics of trans identity, women’s electoral success, military and the education of American women, and others. For more information and to submit an application and check out their website.
- Graduate
AFSCME Union Scholars Program Summer Internship
- 6000
- The AFSCME scholars program is a summer internship offered through the union scholars. This is a 10 week summer internship for students of color who are passionate about social justice as well as workers rights. This is an opportunity to travel and receive valuable experience while getting paid. To be eligible for this internship, you must be an undergraduate sophomore or junior and have a minimum of a 2.5 GPA.
- Undergraduate, POC
Abbie Jane Bakony Scholarship
- $1200-$1500
- The Abby Jane Bakony Scholarship is for an undergraduate who is majoring in women’s gender and sexuality studies. Abby Jane was a CIA agent, real estate broker, and a teacher who became a lesbian at the age of 70. This award is to honor her legacy. To be eligible for this award you must be currently enrolled at the University of Oregon and returning for at least one more year of study. The amount of the award is $1200-$1500.
- Undergraduate
The Lucile Berkeley Buchanan Scholarship
- $1500-$2000
- The University of Colorado at Boulder offers the Lucille Berkeley Buchanan scholarship as well as the S. Antoinnette Bigelow scholarship which are each $1500 or $2000 awarded per academic year. The scholarships are for undergraduate students pursuing the women’s studies major. For more information about the wide variety of scholarships available through the women and gender studies program at the university of Colorado Boulder head to their Website.
- Undergraduate
Margaret M Smith Scholarship
- $400-$900
- Eastern Michigan University offers the Margaret M. Smith scholarship for the advancement of women. To be eligible for the scholarship you must be an undergraduate or graduate student at e MU. You must be able to demonstrate financial need as well as a commitment to the advancement of women through enrollment in a women’s and gender studies major and engagement with extracurricular activities or activism. Applicant should have a minimum GPAF 3.0. The amount of the award ranges and S typically between $400 and $900. For more information and to apply check out their website.
- Undergraduate
San Diego State University Scholarships
- $500-$4,000
- San Diego State University offers a number of women study scholarships. Undergraduate and graduates may apply to a wide variety of scholarships. The majority of the scholarships are $1000 though they range from $500-$4000. For more information and to apply check out their website.
- Undergraduate, Graduate
Eleanor M Carlson Trust Scholarship
- varies
- The Eleanor M Carlson Trust scholarship is an endowed scholarship for single mothers. The scholarship includes in-state tuition cost as well as a book allowance. To be eligible for the sub were you must be a single parent head of the household with more one or more dependent children. Preference is given to undergraduate students who are following a nontraditional education track have a financial need and are in good standing with at least 12 college credits you must have declared a major and gender and women’s studies. The amount of the award varies. Additionally there is another award available to individuals who have major or minor in gender and women’s studies and have 24 undergraduate credits. For more information about these awards check out their website.
- Undergraduate
Janet K Schnorr Memorial Scholarship
- varies
- Northern Arizona University offers the Janet K. Schnorr Memorial Scholarship. To be eligible you must be a full-time undergraduate student who has declared a major in women’s and gender studies and have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and have completed at least 30 credit hours. In order to apply for this award you must write an essay about women’s and gender studies and include at least one letter of recommendation. For more information about the award check out their website.
- Undergraduate
Jen O’Hare Memorial Scholarship
- varies
- The Jen O’Hare Memorial Scholarship is a women’s studies scholarship that was created to honor Jen who died tragically in an automobile accident. This award is given by California State University Chico. The amount of the award varies. For more information check out their website.
- Undergraduate
Phoenix Achievement Scholarship
- varies
- Weber State University offers the Phoenix Achievement Scholarship. This award is offered to support students who are minoring in the women and gender studies program at Weber. Students may use this award to fund tuition or to pay for books or other fees. Preference will go to students who are non-traditional- 25 years of age or older. The amount of the award varies. To be eligible for this award you must be a full-time student with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above. For more information and to apply check out their website.
- Undergraduate
Charles L. Hebner Memorial Scholarship
- Varies
- Charles L. Hebner Memorial Scholarship is given to Delaware residents who are attending Delaware State University or the University of Delaware full-time. To be eligible you must be a high school senior with a GPAF at least 3.0 and be majoring in one of the humanities or social sciences. For more information about this award check out their website.
- Undergraduate
Emily Schoenbaum Grant
- Varies
- The Emily Schoenbaum Grant encourages women and girls particularly those living in New Orleans. They are particularly interested in work related to reproductive rights, health, justice and work that addresses racial disparities from birth outcomes in Louisiana. Preference may be given organizations who develop service learning partnerships with Tulane university. For more information about this grant check out their website.
- Grant
Friends of MCC Foundation Scholarships
- Varies
- Friends of MCC Foundation Scholarships are for students pursuing a wide variety of programs. The focus of the scholarship is for veterans and women in college. To be eligible you must be a high school senior in first semester at MCC. To apply submit your cumulative GPA. For more information about this award check out their website.
- Undergraduate
Women’s Law and Public Policy Fellowship Program
- Varies
- The Women’s Law and Public Policy Fellowship WLPPFP at Georgetown University law center offers one year fellowships for a public interest lawyers who are committed to advancing women’s rights throughout their careers. Fellows are looking to advance women rights to DC-based organization. For more information and to apply check out their website.
- Graduate
University of Central Florida Scholarships
- Varies
- The University of Central Florida offers women and gender studies scholarships. Students may apply to the Anthony major race relations scholarship which is a $250 award. Additionally there is the women’s history scholarship, the Rosalind Emerson Rohrbaugh travel scholarship which is a $400 award and the American Association of University women which is a $300 award. For more information and to apply check out their website.
- Undergraduate, Graduate
University of Maryland Scholarships
- Varies
- The University of Maryland offers a number of awards for individuals pursuing women’s studies. The Harriet Tubman Department of women gender and Sexuality Studies offers awards to women and students pursuing one of these majors. For more information and to apply to one of the scholarships head to their website.
- Undergraduate
University of Rhode Island Scholarships
- Varies
- The University of Rhode Island offers the department of gender and women’s studies scholarships and prizes. To be eligible for this award you must be a woman pursuing study at the University of Rhode Island. Each scholarship has different criteria and the amount of the awards vary. For more information about these awards check out their website.
- Undergraduate
Betty Janette Maynard Scholarships
- varies
- The Betty Maynard Award is offered at Southern Methodist University. The award was established in memory of the long time SMU professor Betty Maynard by her brother William Maynard. Both were women’s and gender studies majors. Professor Maynard taught SMU’s urban studies program in the sociology department. This award is given to high performers in the WGS minor or students who are majoring in individualized studies in the liberal arts with a focus in women’s and gender studies in their junior or senior year. For more information and to apply check out their website.
- Undergraduate, Graduate
The 200 Scholarship
- varies
- Florida International University offers the 200 Scholarship. The 200 Scholarship is donated by Society of Professional Women Inc. and supports female students at FIU who are able to demonstrate financial need as well as strong academic success. This award is given to women who face multiple barriers of entry to furthering their education. The purpose of the awards to help women achieve their career goals. For more information about this award check out their website.
- Undergraduate, Graduate
University of Louisville Scholarship
- varies
- The University of Louisville Scholarship is open to women who are accepted into the University of Louisville’s Women’s Gender and Sexuality Studies bachelor of arts or bachelor science program as well as women who have been accepted to the University of Louisville’s women’s gender and sexuality studies master of arts program. The university offers a wide range of scholarships and awards for students who are pursuing a degree in this area of study. To be eligible for this award you must be enrolled at the University of Louisville and be an active member of the LGBTQ community or actively studying women’s gender and sexuality. For more information about these awards check out their website.
- Undergraduate, Graduate
William and Mary Scholarship
- varies
- The College of William and Mary offers the scholarship on display: gender, sexuality, and women’s studies. On display here is an interdisciplinary collection of scholarships and research works that are affiliated with the faculty. The gender sexuality and women’s studies program has been a large part of the college of William and Mary since the Program emerged in 1991. For more information about the research and scholarship from WM check out their website.
- Undergraduate, Graduate
Mary Van Sell Scholarship Fund
- Varies
- Oakland University offers the Marie Van Sell Scholarship. Mary Van Sell was a professor in the school of business and was involved in creating the proposal for a Bachelor of Arts in Women and Gender Studies at Oakland. To be eligible for this award you must be a women and gender studies major or minor and that includes LGBTQ studies minors. For more information and to apply check out their website.
- Undergraduate
