Most professors, upon seeing a genuine enthusiasm in a student, will write letters of recommendation for scholarship. Some may refer you to scholarships in a particular field or within their department. Helpful Hints for Graduate Students Actively pursue departmental funding . Most funding comes directly from your particular department. The department chairperson and other faculty often determine which students receive funds.
Some professors personally choose their teaching assistants, research assistants and fellows.
Develop good relationships with your advisor and faculty members working on projects and subjects related to your academic interests. Apply for fellowships offered by national foundations. These prestigious and often lucrative awards are highly competitive and usually require that you are well along in your graduate program. Some national fellowships are available to first-year graduate students. Seek dissertation grants and project-related money.