www.ed.gov/programs/jacobjavits
This program provides fellowships to students of superior academic ability- selected on the basis of demonstrated achievement, financial need, and exceptional promise- to undertake study at the doctoral or Master of Fine Arts level in selected fields of arts, humanities and social sciences.

Eligibility Requirements

• U.S. citizens or nationals, permanent residents of the U.S., or citizens of any one of the Freely Associated States.
• Eligible for acceptance to or currently attending a graduate program leading to a doctorate or a terminal master’s degree in an eligible field of study at an institution of higher education approved by an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
• Must be, at the time of application, (1) planning to enter a doctoral program in academic year 2012-2013 or have not yet completed the first full year of study in the doctoral program for which support is sought; or (2) entering a Master of Fine Arts program in academic year 2012-2013, where the master’s is the terminal highest degree awarded in the selected field. 
• Must demonstrate financial need.

General Information

The Department of Education awards fellowships in selected fields of study of the arts, humanities, and social sciences.  The selected fields of study supported by the Javits fellowship program are available for review on the Web site.  A panel of experts appointed by the Javits Fellowship Board selects Javits Fellows according to criteria established by the board.  Fellows must commence their graduate study in teh academic year of the grant award.

Each scholarship covers (subject to the availability of funds)- annually for up to the lesser of 48 months or the completion of their degree- an institution payment (accepted by the institution of higher education in lieu of all tuition and fees for the fellow) and a stipend (based on teh fellow’s financial need as determined by the measurements of the Federal Student Assistance Processing System.  Students must demonstrate financial need by filing the free application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  Visit www.fafsa.ed.gov to obtain a copy of the FAFSA.

Twenty percent of the fellowships shall be awarded in the social sciences, 20 percent in the arts, and 60 percent in the humanities.  A minimum of 60 percent of the awards shall be made to students who have no graduate credits.

Eligibility is limited to individuals who, as Javits Fellows, will be eligible to receive any grant, loan, or work assistance pursuant to Section 484 of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended.  Students who have already received a Javits Fellowship in previous years are not eligible.

Deadline Dates

Late September 2011 Completed hard copy application, including applicant information form, GRE scores, official transcripts, listing of honors and awards, certification of eligibility form, and statement of purpose must be submitted directly to the U.S. Department of Education.

March 1, 2012New awards announced.  Successful applicants are notified by telephone; all other receive a letter informing them of their status.