The Rackham Non-Traditional Fellowship was established to aid master's students who return to graduate school after an extended absence. The award will be equivalent to one term of tuition and associated fees. Students must be nominated by their program. Each school may nominate up to three (3) students for the university-wide competition. Funding will be available for the winter 2026 semester.

Eligibility: 

• The student must have been away from academic study toward a formal degree for at least three years unless the student’s department requires certain courses as a prerequisite within one year of beginning the program
• The student must be a first- or second-year student in a Rackham master’s program and enrolled in at least three credits during the term in which the award is applied

Selection Criteria: Selection will be based on academic merit, financial need, and motivation to complete the degree. Special consideration will be given to Michigan residents and applicants who have been out of the workforce, and applicants who are changing fields or careers.

SEAS Application Process: Students interested in being nominated must complete the application link https://tinyurl.com/fj59m3bc no later than 9:00 AM on Monday, September 15, 2025. The SEAS Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, in conjunction with the SEAS Scholarship Committee, will determine the three (3) student nominations that are forwarded to Rackham. Once decisions have been made, applicants will be notified of their status.

• Current CV
• Personal statement (1,500-word maximum) must address:
  • Reasons for the interruption of studies
  • Academic interests
  • The motivation for returning to school
  • Professional interests
  • Financial need
  • Explanation of how your situation fits within the intent of the fellowship program
• Arrange for a SEAS faculty member to support your request by submitting a nomination statement (1,500-word maximum) by the deadline to Mark Romanowski, [email protected] describing why you would be appropriate for nomination. If selected, this text will be used for the department statement. The faculty nomination statement must address:
  • Your achievements and academic promise in your field of study
  • A proposed timetable of study (particularly any plan for part-time study)
  • Concurrent commitment and anticipated funding support