More fellowships are available to you when you have advanced to candidacy than at any other time in your graduate career. That said, rest assured that Berkeley students have fared very well in obtaining extramural fellowships, including the highest number of Fulbright awards of any university. An extramural award brings with it not only much-needed funds, but also prestige to your university and proof that you are an independent scholar and nationally competitive.
Extramural funds are a welcome addition to anyone's vita.
Getting a grant awarded in a national competition is very compelling to a future employer. Although funding agencies and application procedures differ among disciplines, the following suggestions can help you get started in your search for dissertation funds. Planning Ahead Begin researching fellowship opportunities at least one year before you plan to begin your research. It's especially important to investigate deadlines well in advance. Keep in mind that agencies usually require six months to review your application.