Prospective Graduate Students
Explore & Apply
Our Charge
Preparing and inspiring scholars to transform our world.
From admission to graduation, The Graduate School (TGS) supports graduate students throughout their experience, awarding doctoral and master’s degrees in more than seventy disciplines. We are a resource throughout your academic journey.
Find Your ProgramApplication StepsPoints of Pride
See what makes TGS special, by the numbers
Competitive Stipend
$46,356
annually in the 2025–26 academic year for PhD students through fellowships or assistantships. More on stipend rates
Support for Families
12 weeks
paid parental leave for PhD students who are new parents, childcare grants, and more. All family resources
A smooth transition
34%
of students are international, supported through language and other programs. See all supports
Connected to Campus & City
7 miles
between our Evanston campus and Chicago. Travel at a discounted rate on CTA buses and trains. U-Pass transit programs
Funding Your Studies
Fellowships, grants, assistantship options, and more
TGS provides most doctoral students with a stipend and scholarship to pay tuition costs; they are supported for a minimum of five years. For master’s students, external grants and loans make graduate study accessible.
Funding OptionsTGS Spotlight
TGS is home to more than 3,500 PhD and 1,900 master’s students, from a variety of disciplines and backgrounds. Get to know our community.
Happenings at TGS
Don't miss news, opportunities, and announcements.
News
Spring Quarter 2026 U-Pass Access & Transit Card Fee
To ensure your U-Pass is created and activated on Tuesday, March 31 (the start of the Spring Quarter), please complete the Spring Quarter opt-in form by Monday, March 2 (for new U-Pass holders) or by Thursday, March 26 (for current U-Pass holders).Events
Dissertation, PhD Final Exam, and change of grade forms due to TG...
February 27, All Day
Dissertation, PhD Final Exam, and change of grade forms due to TGS for Winter PhD candidates
Last day to drop a five-week course ending in week 10 of the Wint...
February 27, All Day
Last day to drop a five-week course ending in week 10 of the Winter term (5W2)
Announcements
OSL Spotlight: Chinese Students and Scholars Association (CSSA)
The Northwestern CSSA is a vibrant and dynamic organization dedicated to serving the interests and needs of Chinese students and scholars at Northwestern University. It provides a broad spectrum of academic, cultural, and social activities to foster a supportive community. Through events such as cultural nights, career development workshops, and various leisure activities, the CSSA aims to enrich the university experience for its members.
Register for a PhD and Postdoc Career Development Series
This in-person career development series, designed for PhD students and postdocs, will consist of monthly hour-long workshops from Tuesday, January 21 – Tuesday, May 13, as well as two alumni panels during the weeks of March 31 and May 19.