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Fellowships Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where can I find information about fellowships and other funding?
The Graduate Fellowships Office (GFO) is a resource center for graduate students seeking information on fellowships funded by the University and outside sources. The GFO houses a directory of fellowships and grants available for pre- and postdoctoral students. The Annual Register of Grant Support is another reference source of financial and grant support programs. The Annual Register lists grant support programs offered by agencies, foundations, corporations, and associations. In addition, GFO distributes an annual calendar of upcoming graduate fellowship competitions. GFO also offers computer terminals and a list of Web sites for online databases to enable students to research funding opportunities via the Web, which continues to be the most up-to-date resource for fellowship information.

Q: I am an international graduate student. What fellowships am I eligible for?
In addition to the resources mentioned above, international graduate students may review Funding for United States Study: A Guide for International Students and Professionals. It is a comprehensive guide that identifies fellowships and grants for foreign nationals in pursuit of a U.S. education at all levels. As an international student, you should pay particular attention to eligibility requirements.

Q: Since I am an international student, do I have to submit any special forms to get my stipend?
International students are required to submit the form UC W-8BEN (Certificate of Foreign Status for Federal Tax Withholding). This form is available on the Web at http://www.ucop.edu/ucophome/cao/paycoord/w8ben.pdf.

Q: I received a fellowship and have not received my check. What's involved before payment is made?
International students must submit the forms above each semester before payments can be made. Payments are issued by Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). If a payment has been issued before your registration is complete or if you have a block on your account, a check will be issued and held at Billing and Payment Services, even if you are enrolled in EFT. Checks can be picked up from Billing and Payment Services, located at 140 University Hall. You are encouraged to keep your email address up to date via Bear Facts so that you can be notified in advance of payment release dates.

Q: How do I sign up for Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)?
Instructions for Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) are on the Web at http://eftstudent.berkeley.edu.

Q: Are taxes withheld from my fellowship? How do I file taxes if I received a fellowship?
Federal taxes are not withheld on fellowships for students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Federal taxes will be withheld at a rate of 14% for international students unless their country has a tax treaty with the U.S. that exempts its citizens from withholding. You can find additional information about tax issues related to your fellowship awards on the Web at the IRS information for students at http://www.irs.gov/individuals/students/index.html. Information from the Student Legal Clinic can be found at http://www.ocf.berkeley.edu/~slc/. The website for questions on the Hope Scholarship and the Lifetime Learning Credit is at http://billingservices.vcbf.berkeley.edu/StudentServices/taxpayer.htm. The Berkeley International Office website has general information regarding taxes for international students.

Q: Are there any fellowships for traveling abroad even though I haven't advanced to candidacy?
The Institute of International Education (IIE) publishes Financial Resources for International Study: A Guide for US Nationals. It is available for use in the Graduate Fellowships Office and provides a complete listing of agencies that offer awards for U.S. citizens and permanent residents to study, teach, and/or conduct research abroad. Graduate students should pay particular attention to eligibility requirements.