Elouise Cobell Dissertation Writing-Year Fellowship

Where good ideas become lasting contributions.

This is your chance to focus on finishing the work that will define what comes next.

Opens Sep 1, 20262026 Cycle

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Tue, Sep 01

A group of Cobell Scholarship recipients wearing medallions at an outdoor gathering, with mountains behind them
The Cobell Fellow 2024 medallion — a golden eagle in flight on a blue enamel face ringed by a beaded border, resting in its presentation case

About This Fellowship

The dissertation phase is where everything comes together, but it's also where funding runs thin and momentum stalls. Named for Elouise Cobell herself, this fellowship provides up to $30,000 so you can focus entirely on writing and defending your work without the financial pressure that pulls so many doctoral students off course. Your dissertation matters. This fellowship treats it that way.

Eligibility

  • Enrolled member of a U.S. Federally-recognized American Indian Tribe or Alaska Native Corporation
  • Full-time student during the period of the award
  • Completed all requirements for doctoral degree except writing and defense
  • Pursuing a first doctoral degree in any field (professional doctorates like Psy.D., M.D., J.D. do not qualify)

When to Apply

  • Annual Cycle

    Chair recommendations due January 17. No exceptions.

    Opens
    September 1
    Deadline
    January 10

Key Facts

Award Amount
Up to $30,000
Tax Support
Additional funds included
Disbursement
12 monthly payments
Duration
June 2026 – May 2027
Degree Level
Doctoral (ABD)

Applications are submitted entirely online through the OASIS portal. The fellowship cycle runs June 2026 through May 2027.

Apply

The path forward starts here

Seven steps between you and your fellowship. We'll walk you through every one.

  1. Log In to OASIS

  2. Create / Update your Profile

  3. Complete the Eligibility Form / Get Matched

  4. Apply to Your Matches

  5. Accept Your Offer

  6. You Said Yes. Now What?

  7. Track Your Award

See the full application process

Ready to apply?

Apply on OASIS

FAQ

FAQ: Questions we hear most

From eligibility details to award logistics, here's what fellowship applicants ask us.

  • Are there additional requirements if I'm awarded the fellowship?
    Yes. Fellows must set up direct deposit for award distribution, attend the four-day Cobell Fellowship Symposium (held in July in Albuquerque, NM, paid for by Cobell separately from your award), and intend to enroll full-time and complete the dissertation within 9–12 months, no later than June of the fellowship year.
  • When does the application open?
    The application is available September 1 through January 10 at 11:59pm MST, without exception. All recommendations by dissertation chairs are due January 17 by 11:59pm MST, without exception. Give your chair a heads-up early.
  • How much is the award?
    Up to $30,000 per fellow per award term, plus additional money to help offset federal and state taxes.
  • How is the award distributed?
    The fellowship is disbursed directly to the Fellow in 12 equal monthly payments. The fellowship cycle is June through an anticipated graduation of May of the following year or earlier.
  • What is considered full-time status?
    Full-time status at Cobell is always established in partnership with your university and your program. There isn't a one-size-fits-all credit-hour requirement.
  • Do professional doctorates qualify?
    No. Professional doctorates (Psy.D., M.D., D.O., O.D., J.D., etc.) do not qualify. However, combination academic doctorates like Ph.D. with M.D. or Ph.D. with J.D. will be considered on a case-by-case basis upon review of a completed application.
  • Can I use AI tools in my application?
    AI tools like ChatGPT are fine for brainstorming, outlining, or proofreading, but the final responses must be your own work. Reviewers want to hear your authentic voice and perspective. The quality of the writing matters less than the personal story you share. You'll tell your own story better than AI can.

Alumni Spotlight

They finished what they started

Meet Cobell Dissertation Fellows who defended their work — and are now defending their communities.