Pursuing a degree in the humanities offers students the opportunity to explore fields such as literature, philosophy, history, and the arts. However, the cost of higher education can be a significant barrier. Fortunately, various humanities scholarships are available to help alleviate some of these financial burdens. If you’re looking to fund your education in the humanities, here are the top 10 humanities scholarships for December 2024 that you should consider applying for.
Why Apply for Humanities Scholarships
Before diving into the list, it’s important to understand why humanities scholarships are worth pursuing:
- Financial Support: Scholarships provide significant financial assistance, which helps students focus on their studies rather than worrying about tuition costs.
- Specialized Funding: These scholarships are often tailored to students pursuing specific humanities disciplines, which means your application will be reviewed by those who understand your field of study.
- Opportunities for Networking: Many scholarship programs offer events and networking opportunities with professionals in the humanities field.
- Research Opportunities: Some scholarships are designed to support research, which can significantly enhance your academic and professional growth.
Top 10 Humanities Scholarships in December 2024
1. The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Fellowships
Overview
The National Endowment for the Humanities provides fellowships to support scholars working on humanities projects in history, literature, philosophy, and related fields. The fellowship supports projects that require research, writing, and travel.
Eligibility
- Open to U.S. citizens, residents, and foreign nationals.
- Must be pursuing a humanities-related project at an advanced level.
Award Amount
- Up to $60,000 for a year of support.
Application Deadline
- December 15, 2024.
2. The Harry S. Truman Scholarship
Overview
The Truman Scholarship offers financial support to undergraduate students pursuing careers in public service, including the humanities, social sciences, and political science. It is particularly valuable for those looking to contribute to the humanities through public service roles.
Eligibility
- U.S. citizen.
- Pursuing a career in public service.
- Must be in the top 25% of the class.
Application Deadline
- December 31, 2024.
3. The American Historical Association (AHA) Fellowships
Overview
The AHA Fellowships support graduate students studying history, providing them with resources for research and completion of their dissertation projects. These fellowships promote critical research in various historical fields.
Eligibility
- Open to graduate students specializing in history.
- Must be enrolled in a recognized academic program.
Award Amount
- $15,000 – $25,000 for dissertation work.
Application Deadline
- December 1, 2024.
4. The Mellon Fellowships for Dissertation Research in the Humanities
Overview
Funded by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, this fellowship supports graduate students completing their dissertations in the humanities. It focuses on supporting students who demonstrate both academic excellence and potential for contributing to the humanities field.
Eligibility
- Open to doctoral students in the humanities.
- Must be at the dissertation stage.
Application Deadline
- December 5, 2024.
5. The Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Overview
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program provides scholarships for graduate students, artists, and young professionals to study, conduct research, or teach abroad. This program supports various disciplines within the humanities, offering immersive cultural experiences.
Eligibility
- U.S. citizens between the ages of 18 and 29.
- Graduate students or young professionals.
Award Amount
- Full tuition, living stipend, and travel expenses.
Application Deadline
- December 1, 2024.
6. The National Humanities Center Fellowship
Overview
The National Humanities Center Fellowship supports scholars in the humanities who are in need of a conducive environment to complete their projects. This fellowship provides a space for focused research and writing in the humanities.
Eligibility
- Open to U.S. and international scholars.
- Must be pursuing a humanities-related project.
Application Deadline
- December 15, 2024.
7. The Getty Pre-Doctoral Fellowship
Overview
The Getty Pre-Doctoral Fellowship is a prestigious award that provides graduate students the chance to conduct research at the Getty Research Institute in Los Angeles. The fellowship is open to students working on projects in the history of art, archaeology, and related humanities fields.
Eligibility
- Must be enrolled in a PhD program.
- Must be working on research related to the history of art, culture, or archaeology.
- December 15, 2024.
8. The Marshall Scholarship
Overview
The Marshall Scholarship offers an incredible opportunity for U.S. students to pursue graduate studies at any university in the United Kingdom. This scholarship is available for various humanities disciplines, including literature, history, and philosophy.
Eligibility
- U.S. citizens.
- Must have an outstanding academic record and leadership potential.
Award Amount
- Full tuition and living expenses for graduate study in the U.K.
Application Deadline
- December 10, 2024.
9. The Rhodes Scholarship
Overview
The Rhodes Scholarship is one of the most prestigious scholarships in the world. It offers funding for graduate study at the University of Oxford and is open to students from a variety of humanities fields, such as history, literature, and philosophy.
Eligibility
- U.S. citizens (or citizens of other eligible countries).
- Outstanding academic achievements and leadership qualities.
Award Amount
- Full tuition, living stipend, and travel costs.
Application Deadline
- December 1, 2024.
10. The Humanities Research Fellowship
Overview
The Humanities Research Fellowship is designed for students pursuing research in a range of humanities fields. This fellowship supports projects that seek to contribute new knowledge and understanding to the humanities community.
Eligibility
- Open to graduate students or independent scholars.
- Must be working on a significant humanities research project.
Award Amount
- $20,000 for one year of research.
Application Deadline
- December 15, 2024.
Tips for Applying to Humanities Scholarships
1. Start Early
Many humanities scholarships have competitive application processes and strict deadlines. Start your research and application process as early as possible to ensure you don’t miss any opportunities.
2. Tailor Your Application
Make sure your application is tailored to each scholarship’s specific requirements. Highlight your achievements in humanities-related fields, and show how your research or studies align with the scholarship’s goals.
3. Seek Letters of Recommendation
Strong letters of recommendation from professors, mentors, or professionals in your field can greatly enhance your chances of securing a scholarship. Choose recommenders who know you well and can speak to your strengths.
4. Be Clear About Your Goals
Many scholarships in the humanities are looking for students who are passionate about making an impact. Be sure to clearly articulate how receiving the scholarship will help you achieve your career goals and contribute to the field.
Conclusion
Pursuing a degree or career in the humanities can be an enriching experience, but the financial cost can be daunting. Fortunately, many organizations and foundations offer humanities scholarships that can provide crucial support for your studies. The scholarships listed above are among the most prestigious and competitive options for students looking to pursue their passion in the humanities field in December 2024. Don’t miss your chance to apply for these funding opportunities and further your educational and career goals in the humanities.