Financial Support
To be considered for funding upon admission, simply check the box on the admissions application that indicates that you wish to be considered for financial aid; there are no additional forms or materials to be submitted beyond the regular application.
Almost all graduate students admitted to Geophysics receive substantial financial aid from combinations of departmental fellowships, teaching or research assistantships, and other sources; tuition is generally paid by the department.
The department's funding package covers up to 10 units of tuition and provides a quarterly stipend.
External Funding
Prospective students are strongly encouraged to apply for external fellowships, such as the National Science Foundation, Department of Energy, or Department of Defense fellowships. If the external fellowship is not sufficient to cover the standard department support level, a supplement will be provided by the University, the department or a research advisor. These fellowships strongly enhance your resume for your future career.
Fellowship & Grant Opportunities
Shell Travel Funds - The Shell Foundation provides funds for students in the Department of Geophysics who travel in relation to the academic work they are doing. This can be to deliver a research paper to a professional meeting or to conduct field work related to the research project you are doing to earn your degree. Funds are generally limited to one time per student per academic year.
Application: ShellFundApplication.pdf
Stanford Support Programs
The University has created programs specifically for graduate students dealing with challenging financial situations. More information can be found on their website: Stanford Financial Aid Support Programs.
Breadth Requirement (formally called Second Project) Funding
The Department provides up to $1,000 to be used for the breadth requirement. The funds can be used to support research and to present results. Students should consult with their advisor and secondary research advisor for guidance on funding support.
Additional Support at Stanford
Explore the wide range of funding opportunities available to Geophysics graduate students
McGee and Levorsen Research Grant Program
Created to fund innovative, pioneering research projects that would not be possible without these grants
VPGE Fellowship & Funding
Supporting individual doctoral students, student groups, and department-based projects that promote innovation, diversity, and excellence in graduate education
Morrison Institute for Population and Resource Studies
Encouraging interdisciplinary approaches in areas related to the global issues of growth in world population, changes in the environment, use of resources, and attainment of sustainable economic development
The Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies
Provides funding for student-initiated research and for student participation in conferences
Assistant Director of Student Services
Have questions?
If you still have questions regarding funding, please contact Rachael Madison at rmadison@stanford.edu