Graduate students are encouraged to seek out and apply for funding opportunities available through national, regional, and foundation sources, including, but not limited to:
North Carolina Teaching Fellows Program
The North Carolina Teaching Fellows Program is designed to encourage students to pursue teaching careers in the high-needs areas of special education, elementary education, and STEM education. As a North Carolina Teaching Fellow, students are eligible to receive up to $5,000 a semester in forgivable loans for a commitment to service as a teacher in North Carolina.
Forgivable Education Loans for Service
Established by the North Carolina General Assembly in 2011, the Forgivable Education Loans for Service provides financial assistance to qualified students enrolled in an approved education program and committed to working in critical employment shortage professions in North Carolina. The North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority provides administration for the program.
Principal Fellows Program
The UNC School of Education’s Master of School Administration program is a partner in the North Carolina Principal Fellows Program, a statewide initiative that prepares highly effective, equity‑focused school leaders for North Carolina’s public schools. Through rigorous, cohort‑based preparation and strong partnerships with school districts, the program supports aspiring principals as they earn licensure and lead in the communities they know best—particularly in high‑need schools across the state. Those interested in becoming a Principal Fellow should start locally, speaking with their principal or district leaders about nomination through a partner district.
Have Questions?
The Graduate Funding Information Center (GFIC) also provides assistance to current and prospective UNC-Chapel Hill graduate students in identifying funding sources for research and study.