• Learn how the application should be submitted: Fellowships may be submitted directly, indirectly through Purdue Sponsored Programs Services (SPS), or via a limited nomination process. Direct submissions (e.g., NSF GRFP, NDSEG) are submitted by the student or postdoc through an online portal. Indirect submissions (e.g., NIH F31/F32) are submitted by SPS on your behalf; applicants must initiate a proposal through the Purdue Excellence in Research Administration (PERA) system at least 15 business days before the deadline. Limited submissions, or nomination-based fellowships (e.g., Google PhD Fellowship, Schmidt Science Fellows), restrict the number of allowed Purdue applicants. The Graduate Funding and Fellowships Office manages an internal review to select Purdue nominees. Internal applications are usually due 6–8 weeks before the fellowship deadline. Look for announcements in the Graduate Student Professional Development newsletter or from your department graduate coordinator. If you haven’t received a notice, email trainee-funding@purdue.edu. 
• Understand all application components: Review the solicitation carefully to determine what components are needed and understand formatting and length requirements. Common components include a personal statement, research proposal, CV, and letters of recommendation.  
• Create a task timeline: Allow ample time to draft materials, request and receive letters of recommendation, seek feedback, revise drafts, and meet SPS or internal deadlines. 
• Draft application components: Write your materials using best practices for grant writing, communicating clearly to experts outside your specific field, and aligning your ideas and goals with those of the fellowship sponsor. 
• Request letters of recommendation: Most fellowships require at least one letter from your primary advisor. For additional letters, choose individuals who can speak directly to the selection criteria, such as leadership, research ability, or community engagement. Give letter writers ample time and provide supporting materials, including your CV, drafts, and key points to highlight. Remind them of deadlines. 
• Request and incorporate feedback: Share drafts with multiple reviewers, including your advisor, peers in your lab or department, mentors outside your immediate field, and fellowship writing coaches. 
• Proofread and check formatting: Carefully review all materials for typos, clarity, and compliance with solicitation formatting and submission requirements. 

Resources

Contact trainee-funding@purdue.edu for more information, to access these resources, or with any questions about preparing applications. 

• Fellowship writing coaches: Work one-on-one with a writing coach for advice and feedback on draft materials. Drafts should be shared at least three weeks before the deadline (more time is best for early-stage drafts or multiple feedback rounds). Coaches can also answer questions earlier in the process. 
• Repository of funded applications: Review example application materials from past Purdue fellowship recipients. E-mail us with the name of the fellowship you are applying for to request access. 
• Workshops: Offered year-round in collaboration with the Office of Professional Development to help applicants find fellowship opportunities and prepare successful applications. The monthly Fellowship Coaching Hour provides an opportunity for participants to choose a topic of interest, such as  condensing drafts and requesting letters of recommendation. Review the schedule for upcoming workshops and other topics. 
• GRAD 590 Grant Writing Light course: An asynchronous, 1-credit online course covering best practices for grant and fellowship writing. Typically offered once per year. 
• NIH F-Series Workshop: Runs September–February to prepare participants for submitting an NIH F30, F31, or F32 application for the April deadline. Participants are eligible for a $500 incentive award from OGSPS when they submit an F award application.