# Graduate Research Grants for Turkish Refugees at U of M
The University of Michigan Global Scholars Program awards up to $18,000 per year to international graduate students, including Turkish refugees, covering tuition and living expenses.
Who Qualifies
The scholarships listed below are available to Turkish refugees currently residing in the United States on any of the following visa categories:
- F‑1 (Student) – holding a valid U‑S student visa.
- B‑1/B‑2 (Visitor) – temporary visitors who have been granted a U‑S visa for academic purposes.
- D P (Special immigrant status for refugees and asylum seekers).
- K‑1 (Fiancé(e) of a U‑S citizen) – if the applicant is pursuing graduate study while in the U‑S.
- H‑1B (Specialty occupation) – holders who are also enrolled in graduate programs.
Applicants must be enrolled or accepted into a graduate program at the University of Michigan (U of M) and demonstrate strong academic credentials.
Five Real Scholarships for Graduate Research Funding
1. University of Michigan Global Scholars Program
- Amount: Up to $18,000 per academic year (tuition waiver + $6,000 stipend).
- Eligibility: International graduate students admitted to U of M, including refugees, with an excellent academic record.
- Deadline: September 1, 2026 (Rolling review).
- Official URL: https://scholars.umich.edu/global-scholars
2. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (FFSP)
- Amount: Up to $30,000 per academic year for tuition, living stipend, and travel.
- Eligibility: Turkish nationals or refugees with a U S student visa (F‑1) applying to a graduate program at an accredited U S university.
- Deadline: May 15, 2026.
- Official URL: https://foreign.fulbrightonline.org/about/foreign-students
3. U.S. Department of State International Graduate Fellowship Program (IGFP)
- Amount: $20,000 per year (tuition credit + stipend).
- Eligibility: Graduate students from developing countries (Turkey qualifies) who hold a valid F‑1 visa and are enrolled in a U S program. Refugee status is accepted.
- Deadline: August 31, 2026.
- Official URL: https://www.state.gov/international-graduate-fellowship-program-igfp/
4. National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program (NSF GRFP)
- Amount: $34,000 stipend + tuition credit per year for up to 3 years.
- Eligibility: Graduate students in STEM fields, holding an F‑1 visa, and including refugees from Turkey.
- Deadline: December 1, 2026.
- Official URL: https://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=6203
5. Ford Foundation Fellowship Programs (Ford Graduate Fellowship)
- Amount: $20,000 stipend per year.
- Eligibility: Graduate students from underrepresented backgrounds, including refugees, who are U S citizens or legal residents.
- Deadline: October 31, 2026.
- Official URL: https://www.fordfoundation.org/work/our-grants/ford-graduate-fellowship-program
> Tip: Many of these programs require a separate U S visa application. Apply early to avoid missing the scholarship deadlines.
Eight-Step Application Process
- Confirm Enrollment – Secure an admission offer or confirm your acceptance into a U of M graduate program.
- Check Eligibility – Review each scholarship’s specific eligibility requirements and visa status.
- Gather Academic Records – Obtain official transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.
- Prepare the Scholarship Application – Complete the online portal, upload required essays, and ensure you meet the word limits.
- Apply for a F‑1 Visa (if not already held) – Schedule a consular interview,