Research Funding Resources

Kellogg PhD Research Funding Overview

Doctoral students may apply for funding to support dissertation research. Approved research funding can be applied towards items such as data sets and software, subject and surveying fees, field research (including travel), and research assistants. All funding must be spent within the current fiscal year: September 1 - August 31.

Funding of up to $2,700 may be provided by the Dean’s Office. Matching funds may be considered if the student has secured funding from another source.

Students may apply for funding jointly with another eligible Kellogg PhD student. Each student on a joint application may receive funding up to $2700 and be considered for matching funds if they have secured funding from another source. Joint projects with faculty are not eligible for Kellogg PhD Research Funding.

The application requires the support of the student’s faculty research advisor. Students should consult with their research advisor prior to applying for funding.

Eligibility

• Kellogg PhD student
• Enrolled full-time and in good academic standing
• For Accounting, Finance, Financial Economics, MECS, Marketing, or Operations students:
• Passed the Second-Year Research Paper requirement
• For MORS or MORS & Sociology students:
• Passed the Candidacy Paper requirement
• In years 3–6 of the PhD program (as of the quarter of application)

Application Deadlines

The Fall 2025 deadline is October 15, 2025. The Winter 2026 deadline is February 1, 2026. The Spring 2026 deadline is May 1, 2026.  Late applications will be considered for the next quarter.

Application Process

The process has been restructured into two steps:

1. Pre-Work Form
2. Research Funding Application

Step 1: Submit a Pre-Work Form

The student must submit a Pre-Work Form to Research Support before accessing the application. This helps verify the feasibility and necessity of the purchase. If revisions are needed, Research Support will contact the student.

Timing of Pre-Work Form

The Pre-Work Form is open throughout the academic year. We recommend submitting by one month before the quarterly deadline, particularly for projects that involve the purchase or acquisition of data sets, but timing depends on the nature of the project.

The Pre-Work Form requires a preliminary budget that includes all funding sources—up to $2,700 from the Dean and any additional support (e.g., faculty advisor’s research account, department, center). If requesting matching funds from the Dean, please specify the amount. Matching funds may be considered after application review. Note: Legal costs for data acquisitions must be included in the budget. These may be $200-$300, but costs vary depending on the project. Legal review is required by Northwestern and assures the student’s intellectual property rights and right to publish.

Step 2: Submit the Research Funding Application

Once the Pre-Work form is approved by Research Support, the student will receive a link to the online application form via email and must submit a completed application.

Review Process

Applications are reviewed by:

1. The student’s research advisor
2. The student’s Director of Graduate Studies
3. The PhD Program Director
4. The PhD Program Faculty Director
5. The Senior Associate Dean for Strategy and Academics

Decisions will be communicated within one month of the quarterly deadline. 

Questions? Contact: kellogg-phdfunding@kellogg.northwestern.edu. 

TGS Graduate Research Grant

The Graduate Research Grant is a competitive award granted by The Graduate School to help PhD and MFA students and postdoctoral scholars in historically underfunded disciplines meet expenses related to scholarly research and creative endeavors. 

There are two application cycles each academic year for this grant. For more information regarding eligibility and deadlines, please visit The Graduate School website.