McKnight Doctoral Fellowship
Florida Education Fund (state-funded statutory nonprofit)
Up to $14,000 a year for 3 years for new Ph.D. students at select Florida universities (state-funded via the Florida Education Fund).
- How much
- stipend up to $14,000 per year for up to 3 years
- Who qualifies
- Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college; entering (not current) Ph.D. student at a participating Florida university. Program purpose targets African American and Hispanic students, but the published 'Who May Apply' criteria list only U.S. citizenship and a bachelor's degree.
- For grad students
- U.S. citizen
- When to apply
- Opens later Annual; application opens Nov 1, due Jan 15; university admission required by Feb 28.
- How to apply
- Apply online at fefonline.org (2027-28 application opens Nov 1, 2026) by Jan 15: application with statement of purpose, three recommendations, official transcripts, resume, and residency affidavit for state universities
- Separately apply to and be admitted to a Ph.D
- Program at a participating university by Feb 28
- What you'll need
- state application + essay + recommendation + transcript
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (fefonline.org), page 2 and page 3
The details
Run by the Florida Education Fund, a statutory not-for-profit corporation (s. 1009.70, F.S.) that receives state appropriations matched by private funds. Up to 50 fellowships a year for students starting Ph.D. programs at FAMU, Florida Tech, FIU, FSU, UCF, UF, University of Miami or USF in arts and sciences, business, engineering, health sciences, nursing or visual and performing arts. Each provides an annual stipend of up to $14,000 for up to three years plus counseling and professional development; renewal depends on normal progress. The program's stated purpose is to increase the number of African American and Hispanic Ph.D.s and faculty in Florida. Professional doctorates (M.D., J.D., Ed.D., D.N.P., etc.) are not covered; current doctoral students cannot apply.
More money from Florida
- Mary McLeod Bethune Scholarship Program (MMB)up to $3,000 per year (2025-26; may be prorated)
- Benacquisto Scholarship ProgramInstitutional in-state cost of attendance minus Bright Futures and National Merit awards
- Florida Bright Futures - Florida Academic Scholars (FAS)100% of tuition and applicable fees at Florida public institutions; at private institutions $212 per semester credit hour (4-year, 2026-27); Academic Top Scholars add $44 per semester credit hour
- Florida Bright Futures - Florida Gold Seal CAPE Scholars (GSC)$39 per semester credit hour (career certificate or applied technology diploma), $48 per semester credit hour (AS/AAS/CCC technical degree), 2026-27; $48 per semester credit hour toward a BS/BAS after an AS/AAS
- Florida Bright Futures - Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholars (GSV)$39 per semester credit hour (career certificate or applied technology diploma), $48 per semester credit hour (AS/AAS/CCC technical degree), 2026-27
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: Alabama, Georgia
- Federal aid and national scholarships (open to students in any state)
- The FAFSA in plain English (2027-28)
- Should I file the FAFSA if I don't think I'll qualify?
- FAFSA deadlines by state (2027-28)
- The FAFSA for parents: what you need to do
- How to save on textbooks: free, rented and cheaper options
We list programs; we don't decide who gets them. Always check the official page before you apply. Spot something wrong? Tell us.