The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC–Chapel Hill) is one of the most prestigious public research universities in the United States. Known for academic excellence, cutting-edge research, and global impact, UNC attracts thousands of high-achieving students and researchers from around the world every year. For many prospective graduate students, the major question is not admission alone, but funding.
The good news is that UNC–Chapel Hill offers a wide range of fully funded research scholarships, fellowships, assistantships, and grants, particularly at the master’s, PhD, and postdoctoral levels. These funding opportunities typically cover tuition, provide monthly stipends, and include health insurance, allowing students to focus fully on research and academic development.
This detailed guide explains the types of fully funded research scholarships available at UNC–Chapel Hill, eligibility requirements, funding components, application steps, key deadlines, and practical tips to improve your chances of success.
Why Choose UNC–Chapel Hill for Funded Research
UNC–Chapel Hill is classified as an R1 research university, meaning it has the highest level of research activity. The university receives billions of dollars in research funding from federal agencies, private foundations, and industry partners.
Key reasons UNC is attractive for funded research include strong federal grant support from agencies such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Science Foundation (NSF), internationally ranked graduate programs, access to advanced research facilities, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a strong commitment to funding doctoral students.
UNC official graduate funding overview is available at https://gradschool.unc.edu/funding.
Types of Fully Funded Research Scholarships at UNC–Chapel Hill
UNC does not usually use the term “scholarship” for research-based graduate funding. Instead, funding comes through fellowships, research assistantships, teaching assistantships, and external grants that together create full funding packages.
University-Funded Fellowships
UNC offers a range of competitive fellowships for outstanding graduate students. These fellowships often provide full tuition coverage, a generous stipend, and health insurance. Some are awarded at admission, while others require separate applications.
Examples include the Royster Society of Fellows, which supports exceptional PhD students across multiple disciplines. More information is available at https://roysterfellowship.unc.edu.
Departmental Fellowships and Assistantships
Most fully funded research students at UNC receive their funding directly from their academic department. Departments offer Research Assistantships (RAs) and Teaching Assistantships (TAs) that provide full tuition remission, monthly stipends, and health insurance.
Research assistantships involve working on funded faculty research projects, while teaching assistantships involve assisting with undergraduate instruction. Funding details vary by department but are typically guaranteed for multiple years for PhD students who maintain good academic standing.
Department-specific funding information can be found through individual program pages linked from https://gradschool.unc.edu/programs.
External Fellowships and Grants
UNC strongly encourages students to apply for external funding, which can either supplement or replace university funding. Common external sources include the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program, NIH training grants, Fulbright Foreign Student Program, and foundations such as Ford, Mellon, and Gates.
UNC’s Office of Distinguished Scholarships provides guidance on external funding opportunities at https://ouds.unc.edu.
Who Is Eligible for Fully Funded Research Scholarships
Eligibility depends on the type of funding and academic level, but most fully funded research opportunities at UNC target master’s thesis students, PhD candidates, and postdoctoral researchers.
General eligibility requirements usually include an excellent academic record, demonstrated research potential, strong letters of recommendation, and alignment with faculty research interests. For international students, proof of English proficiency through TOEFL or IELTS is typically required unless exempt.
Some fellowships prioritize students from underrepresented backgrounds or those pursuing specific research areas such as public health, biomedical sciences, social sciences, or environmental studies.
Fully Funded PhD Programs at UNC–Chapel Hill
Most PhD programs at UNC–Chapel Hill offer full funding packages to admitted students. These packages typically include full tuition remission for the duration of the program, a living stipend paid monthly, health insurance coverage, and additional research and travel funding.
Funding duration usually ranges from four to six years, depending on the discipline. Fields such as biomedical sciences, public health, chemistry, economics, and education are particularly well-funded due to strong external grant support.
UNC PhD funding structure details can be found at https://gradschool.unc.edu/funding/phd-support.html.
Fully Funded Master’s Research Opportunities
While fully funded master’s degrees are less common than PhD funding, UNC offers funded options in selected research-oriented master’s programs. These are often supported through departmental assistantships, research grants, or school-level fellowships.
Programs in fields such as public health, social work, information science, and certain STEM disciplines offer competitive funding to top applicants. Candidates interested in funded master’s research should clearly express interest in research assistantships in their applications.
Postdoctoral Research Funding
UNC–Chapel Hill hosts a large community of postdoctoral researchers funded through faculty grants, institutional fellowships, and external agencies. Postdoctoral funding typically includes a competitive salary, benefits, and research support.
Information on postdoctoral appointments and funding policies is available at https://postdoc.unc.edu.
Application Process for Fully Funded Research Scholarships
The application process usually begins with applying for admission to a graduate program at UNC–Chapel Hill. There is generally no separate application for most departmental funding, as funding decisions are made alongside admissions.
Applicants must submit an online application, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and often a research statement. Some programs may require GRE scores, though many have made them optional.
Once admitted, departments communicate funding offers directly to successful candidates. Competitive university fellowships may require additional nomination steps during or after admission.
UNC’s centralized graduate application portal is available at https://gradschool.unc.edu/apply.
The Importance of Faculty Matching for Research Funding
A critical aspect of securing fully funded research scholarships at UNC is aligning with a faculty supervisor whose research interests match yours. Many assistantships and fellowships are tied directly to faculty grants.
Prospective students are encouraged to review faculty profiles, read recent publications, and reach out to potential supervisors before applying. Thoughtful communication demonstrating research alignment can significantly strengthen your application.
Faculty directories are accessible through individual department websites linked from https://www.unc.edu.
Key Deadlines to Watch
Graduate application deadlines at UNC generally fall between December and January for fall admission, though this varies by program. Fellowship deadlines may be earlier. External funding applications often have deadlines as early as October.
Applicants should begin preparing at least six to twelve months in advance to secure strong recommendations and research proposals.
Funding for International Students
UNC–Chapel Hill is highly supportive of international researchers. Most funded PhD and research-based master’s programs are open to international students, and funding packages typically cover the same benefits as for domestic students.
However, some fellowships funded by U.S. federal agencies may be restricted to U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Departments usually guide international students toward eligible alternatives.
International admissions guidance is available at https://admissions.unc.edu/apply/international-applicants.
Tips to Strengthen Your Application
A strong research statement is one of the most important factors in securing funding. Clearly explain your research interests, previous experience, and how your goals align with UNC faculty expertise. Demonstrating familiarity with ongoing research at UNC shows serious intent and preparation.
Strong letters of recommendation from research supervisors carry significant weight. Applicants should also tailor each application rather than using generic statements.
Applying for both internal and external funding simultaneously significantly improves funding chances.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many applicants focus too heavily on grades while neglecting research fit. Others fail to contact potential supervisors early enough or misunderstand funding structures. Missing deadlines, submitting vague research statements, or assuming funding is automatic are also common mistakes.
Reading program-specific funding pages carefully helps avoid these errors.
Life as a Funded Research Student at UNC
Funded students at UNC enjoy access to world-class libraries, research labs, interdisciplinary centers, and professional development programs. Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the best college towns in the U.S., offering a high quality of life and strong academic community.
Funded researchers are also eligible for conference travel grants, writing support, teaching development programs, and career services.
Conclusion
Fully funded research scholarships at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill provide exceptional opportunities for talented students and researchers to pursue advanced study without financial burden. With strong institutional funding, departmental support, and access to external grants, UNC remains one of the top destinations for research-driven graduate education.
By understanding funding structures, aligning with faculty research interests, preparing strong application materials, and applying early, applicants can significantly improve their chances of securing full funding. With careful planning and commitment, studying at UNC–Chapel Hill can be both academically rewarding and financially sustainable.