Diversifying Higher Education Faculty in Illinois (DFI) Fellowship Program

Total DFI funding will not exceed four years. The fellowship will support master’s students for a maximum of two years, and doctoral students for a maximum of four years. Master’s students funded through DFI are eligible to apply for an additional two years of support if they transition into doctoral study.

• Stipend:  IBHE has not yet set 2019-20 stipend levels. It is anticipated, however, that stipends will be comparable to last year’s levels, i.e., with new DFI awardees receiving $13,000 and renewing awardees receiving $15,000.
• Tuition Waiver: Tuition waivers may be available.  Note, however, that students in cost-recovery or self-supporting programs (see program list here) are not eligible for the waiver.
• Use as concurrent funding (for UIUC students).  For UIUC students holding up to a 50% assistantship, the fellowship may be held concurrently with the assistantship.  Students wishing to hold a concurrent fellowship with the DFI must request approval from the Graduate College’s Business & Fellowship Processing Office.

• Admission: Applicants must be admitted unconditionally to a master’s or doctoral program at a participating institution at the time of application; and, if awarded, enroll as a full-time student as defined by the institution.
• Citizenship: Applicants must be either a US citizen or a legal permanent resident of the US.
• Illinois Residency: To be classified as an Illinois resident, the applicant must meet one of the following:
  • Received a baccalaureate degree from an accredited educational institution in Illinois OR
  • Received a baccalaureate degree from an accredited educational institution outside of Illinois and has lived in Illinois continually for a period of at least three years prior to application and is a registered voter in the state of Illinois. Applicants must provide a copy of their current voter registration card.
• Underrepresented Groups: Applicants must be a member of at least one ethnic group that is underrepresented in higher education. Historically, this has included Black/African American, Hispanic American, Asian American, American Indian, Alaskan Native, and Pacific Islander.
• Academic Ability: Applicants must demonstrate academic ability as evidenced by:
  1. An earned baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher learning;
  2. A minimum grade point average of 2.75 in the last sixty hours of undergraduate work or over a 3.2 in at least 9 hours of graduate study;
  3. Unconditional admission to a post-baccalaureate degree program.
• Academic Pursuit: Applicants in all academic disciplines are eligible. Students in any of the sciences, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) fields are encouraged to apply and will receive priority consideration. Applicants must be pursuing a doctorate or master’s degree.
• Financial Need: Applicants must demonstrate financial need. A FAFSA must be filed each year to maintain eligibility.