Mad Money From Fellowships Ph.D Programs

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the financial aspects of pursuing a Ph.D. in theoretical physics, specifically the potential for augmenting income through external fellowships while receiving stipends from graduate programs. Participants explore the implications of external fellowships on existing stipends and teaching opportunities.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the commonality of applying for external fellowships to supplement income while in graduate school.
  • Another participant suggests that external fellowships may replace stipends, indicating that the total income might remain the same but the source of funding could differ.
  • A participant discusses specific fellowships like NSF, NDSEG, and Hertz, noting that they cover tuition and stipends, potentially allowing for additional income if the stipend is lower than the fellowship amount.
  • It is mentioned that some institutions may allow teaching alongside NSF funding, which could provide extra pay, but there are limits on teaching hours.
  • A participant expresses intent to apply for a specific fellowship while also seeking teaching experience to enhance their academic career.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying views on the impact of external fellowships on stipends, with some suggesting that stipends may be replaced while others indicate potential for additional income. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the exact financial implications of pursuing external fellowships.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference specific fellowship programs and their conditions, but details on institutional policies and individual experiences vary, leading to uncertainty about the general applicability of claims made.

xdrgnh
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So I got into some good top 20 Ph.D programs in theoretical physics and have received some generous stipends. Is it common to further augment my income by applying for external fellowships while I'm in graduate school?
 
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xdrgnh said:
So I got into some good top 20 Ph.D programs in theoretical physics and have received some generous stipends. Is it common to further augment my income by applying for external fellowships while I'm in graduate school?

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but generally your external fellowships will replace your stipend... so you may make the same amount of money, just where it comes from will be different.
 
If you are talking about ones like NSF, NDSEG, or Hertz, they cover your tuition and stipend so you don't need to get an RA or teach (NSF actually limits the amount you can teach since they want you to be doing research). If your stipend is less than the NSF, I believe you just keep the extra money. If your stipend is more than the NSF (mine is by a few hundred dollars) the school will often just supplement it.

However, at some institutions if you teach while on the NSF (which you can only do at most like 10-15 hours a week one semester per year) you will get paid to teach on top of your stipend.
 
Thanks Radium. I plan to apply for that 40,000 dollar fellowship but still teach on the side so I can earn some extra money and get more teaching experience which will help me become a professor.
 

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