The Tisch Library Graduate Fellowship in the Arts and Humanities provides a source of funding for MA, MFA, and PhD students conducting research over the summer for their qualifying paper, thesis, or dissertation research. It is explicitly not a travel grant. Fellows receive:
- Stipend of $5000
- Designated study space in Tisch Library
- Ongoing consultation with a research librarian
The stipend will be issued as one payment at the start of the summer semester.
Fellows will present their research as part of a panel discussion in the fall semester at the end of the award period.
Eligibility
Could you be a fellow? Yes, if you meet the following criteria:
- You are a graduate student in the arts or humanities performing summer research for your qualifying paper, thesis, or dissertation. Specifically, graduate students nominated by the following departments are eligible:
- Classical Studies
- English
- History
- History of Art & Architecture
- Music
- Philosophy
- School of the Museum of Fine Arts @ Tufts
- Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies
- You are enrolled as a full-time graduate student as of June 1 of the fellowship year and in good academic standing as defined by the rules of the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences.
Four students will be selected to receive fellowships. Two fellowships will go to master's students, and two will go to doctoral students.
Timeline
- February 9, 2026 - Nominations and applications open
- February 12, 2026 at 1 PM - Optional online fellowship information session (RSVP here)
- March 12, 2026 - Applications are due
- Early April 2026 - Fellows are notified
- Mid-May 2026 - Stipends are distributed
- June 2026 - Start of fellowship
- September 2026 - End of fellowship
- Fellows present on their research in September (tbd) at a library panel.
- Fellows submit a donor report (GSAS requirement) describing their accomplishment during the fellowship period. More details and exact deadline will be provided at an orientation event.
Nomination Process
Departments submit nominations on behalf of the student. A statement of purpose from the student and a letter of recommendation from their faculty advisor is also required.
| Material | Description | Person responsible |
| Nomination form | Nomination form attesting to the nominee’s eligibility and uploading all supporting documents (Form will be available in February 2026) | Director of Graduate Studies/Department Administrator |
| Statement of purpose | Statement of purpose (1500–2000 words) speaking to how their proposed research project meets the fellowship’s selection criteria. Suggested: please reach out to library staff before submitting your application if you know that you will need support from specific staff members. | Student |
| Letter of recommendation | Letter of recommendation speaking to how the student’s proposed research project meets the fellowship’s selection criteria | Faculty Advisor |
Selection Criteria
Your statement of purpose should clearly explain how your proposed research project meets the fellowship's selection criteria:
- Clarity, completeness, and feasibility of the research plan for the duration of the fellowship
- Use of library resources that are creative, or original, or unusual in depth or breadth
- Library resources include collections, services, and/or consultations
Selection Committee
Tisch Library staff in coordination with the Dean of the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences (ex officio). If you have any questions, please reach out to Anna Kijas for more information about the Graduate Fellowship.