Fellowships
The Rales Fellows Program at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU Rales Fellows Program) is dedicated to cultivating the next generation of STEM leaders and driving innovation by increasing access to a life-changing graduate education. By removing financial barriers to obtaining advanced degrees and providing Fellows with holistic support, the CMU Rales Fellows Program empowers and connects scholars with others who share a passion for progress and innovation.
What’s provided: The CMU Rales Fellows Program provides graduate students with full tuition as well as a stipend to cover living expenses such as housing and health insurance. Fellows also benefit from an ecosystem of holistic opportunities to ensure their success as they work to develop into future STEM leaders, including comprehensive, cohort-based onboarding, dedicated career services, faculty mentoring, networking programs, and opportunities to build leadership skills in local and global communities. The program was made possible through the generosity of the Norman R. and Ruth Rales Foundation.
Location: U.S.
Field of Study/Work/Focus Area/Industry: STEM
Program Type: Graduate funding
Duration: Rales Fellows receive funding for up to 2 years
Eligibility
U.S. Citizenship, Permanent Resident or DACA Recipient
Applying to eligible, graduate STEM degree program on CMU’s Pittsburgh campus
Received a Federal Pell Grant or need-based financial aid as an undergraduate student, or is a first-generation college student.
Timeline
The application for the CMU Rales Fellows Program opens on September 1. Applicants should submit their application by the priority review deadline (to be announced Fall 2026). Applicants must also apply separately to their graduate degree program at Carnegie Mellon University.
| Application launch | To be announced Fall 2026 |
|---|---|
| Application advising | To be announced Fall 2026 |
| Priority deadline | To be announced Fall 2026 |
| National deadline | To be announced Fall 2026 |
How to apply
The CMU Rales Fellow Program application includes:
A completed and signed application form (available on the CMU Rales Fellows website beginning September 1)
One letter of recommendation
A one to two page resume or CV
Unofficial or official undergraduate transcripts. Graduate transcripts are also accepted, if applicable.
Applicants must also apply separately to their graduate degree program at Carnegie Mellon University.
For one-on-one support with this fellowship, sign up for open hours.
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