NWRI Fellowship Program Questions & Answers
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Quick Links
International Students & Research Topics
Transcripts & International Transcripts
Application Deadline & Mailing Issues
Selection Process & Announcements
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Who may apply for a fellowship from NWRI?
Students at U.S. universities who are currently enrolled fulltime in a master’s or doctoral graduate program and who are conducting research pertaining to water (including water supply, water resources, water quality, and technologies and treatment) may apply for a fellowship from NWRI.
How many fellowships can I apply for under NWRI's Fellowship Program?
Applicants may apply for multiple fellowships awards from NWRI in one application. However, applicants are limited to receiving one fellowship award only. Also, please note that all applicants are eligible to receive the NWRI Fellowship, no matter which fellowship they apply for.
How many students apply each year for the fellowships?
The number of students who apply for fellowships varies each year. On average, we receive anywhere between 50 to 90 fellowship applications a year.
Does my year at school affect my eligibility for receiving a fellowship?
No, your year at school does not affect your eligibility to receive a fellowship from NWRI. We will award fellowships to fulltime students in their first, second, third, or fourth years of study.
Do I need to be a full-time student to receive a fellowship?
Yes, only full-time students should apply for the fellowship. Half-time students are not restricted from applying; however, because these are competitive fellowships and we may receive up to 100 applications a year from full-time students, it is to your disadvantage to be only half-time.
Can I still apply for a fellowship if I am not yet accepted or enrolled into a graduate program?
You must be enrolled fulltime at a university as a graduate student to apply for a fellowship from NWRI. We do not award fellowships to students who 1) have not been accepted or 2) are accepted (but not yet enrolled) in a graduate program. In fact, we encourage you wait until you have finished your first semester before applying for a fellowship, which will give you time to build a relationship with your advisor (who must provide an endorsement letter).
Am I eligible to receive a fellowship from NWRI if I am already receiving other fellowship or award monies from outside sources?
Yes, students who are receiving other fellowships or awards are also eligible to receive a fellowship from NWRI. We consider those other award monies as part of your research budget.
Can I still apply for a fellowship if my research project does not have a source of funding at this time?
Yes, you may apply for a fellowship from NWRI. Our goal is to help students receive the funding needed to complete their projects. If you are searching for other sources of funding in addition to the fellowship from NWRI, we encourage you and your advisor to mention these efforts in your letter of inquiry and in your advisor’s letter of support. These efforts are considered crucial elements to your research project and its budget.
Am I eligible for a fellowship if I am the student of an NWRI or SCSC Principal Investigator?
That depends on the extent of your involvement with the Principal Investigator's work. Graduate students currently working with a Principal Investigator on an NWRI- or SCSC-funded research project are not eligible to receive an NWRI Fellowship. However, students of NWRI or SCSC Principal Investigators who are working on research not related to the NWRI- or SCSC-funded project may apply. If this is the case, it would be in your best interest to clarify that your research is not related to an NWRI or SCSC project in both: 1) your letter of inquiry and 2) your advisor's endorsement letter.
If I am a post-doc, am I eligible to receive a fellowship from NWRI?
No, post-doctoral researchers are not eligible to receive a fellowship from NWRI. The NWRI Fellowship Program is meant to help support students currently earning their degrees.
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International Students & Research Topics
Do I have to attend a U.S. university fulltime to receive a fellowship from NWRI?
Yes, to receive a fellowship, you must be enrolled fulltime in a graduate program at a U.S. university and the bulk of your research must be conducted in the U.S. (there are no exceptions). We do not award the fellowship to students at universities outside the U.S.
Can U.S. citizens who are studying abroad apply for a fellowship?
No, U.S. citizens who are currently enrolled at universities outside the U.S. may not apply for a fellowship. NWRI's fellowships are only awarded to students enrolled at U.S. universities.
Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to apply for a fellowship?
No, you do not have to be a U.S. citizen to receive a fellowship from NWRI, but you must be enrolled fulltime in a graduate program at a U.S. college or university, and the bulk of your research must be conducted in the U.S. (there are no exceptions).
How much of my research must be conducted inside the U.S.?
NWRI requires that the majority of your research be conducted inside the U.S., meaning that we expect you to spend more of your school year inside the U.S. than traveling outside it.
Can my research topic be international in nature?
Yes, your research topic can be international in nature. In fact, we encourage projects that have global application. We also accept proposals in which the subject matter is located in another country. Our only requirement is that the majority of your research be conducted inside the U.S.
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Transcripts & International Transcripts
May I mail officially certified, sealed transcripts to NWRI, or must transcripts be sent directly from the universities?
If the transcript is certified and sealed, you may send it to us yourself.
Do I need to provide transcripts from community colleges or from schools where I didn’t graduate or from where I took additional courses?
No, you do not need to send us transcripts from every college or university you have ever attended. We are only interested in receiving the transcripts from the schools where you earned your degree(s) and where you are currently studying at now.
What are the rules regarding international transcripts?
Students from universities outside the U.S. may have difficulties providing us with official school transcripts. Therefore, we will accept certified, sealed transcripts or photocopies of transcripts from international universities (please ensure the transcript is in English). This exception only applies to international transcripts.
Do you accept transcripts that are not translated into English?
No, we will not accept transcripts provided in languages other than English. If your transcript is not provided in English, it will disqualify your application.
Will NWRI return transcripts to applicants?
We will not return any item from your application, including transcripts. Please do not send us original documents.
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May I apply for more than one fellowship from NWRI in just one application?
Yes, you may apply for more than one fellowship in one application. So that we know which fellowships you are applying for, please be sure to fill out and include the cover sheet provided on the application procedures (PDF).
What factors can disqualify my application?
Applications may be disqualified for the following reasons:
- Complete application does not arrive by the application deadline.
- Complete contact information is not provided.
- Transcripts are not provided in English.
- Research project does not pertain to NWRI’s mission.
- Research project involves working with a Principal Investigator on an NWRI- or SCSC-funded research project.
What factors can help my application?
On average, the applications that are awarded a fellowship from NWRI share the following characteristics:
- All instructions are followed completely.
- The advisor provides a strong, in-depth endorsement letter.
- The proposal is organized, clear, succinct, and knowledgeable.
- The proposal is written by the applicant and is original work.
- The research is innovative and timely.
- The research addresses an important need in water science/policy.
Where can I find the Fellowship Application Cover Sheet?
The fellowship application cover sheet is a 1-page Word Doc that can be downloaded from NWRI's website at www.nwri-usa.org/fellowship.htm.
What does an "original" research proposal mean?
An original research proposal is a proposal written by you for this application process. Please do not submit a proposal that was written for another organization or by another author(s).
Do I need to provide GRE or other test scores?
No, you do not need to send us test scores of any kind. We are only interested in your transcripts.
May I provide letters of recommendation in addition to the letter of endorsement from my advisor?
No, do not send us additional recommendation letters. We ask for the letter of endorsement from your advisor because your advisor will be the person working with you and monitoring your progress on your research project. Your advisor’s support is critical, and that is what needs to be expressed in his or her letter of endorsement.
May I include copies of my publications and/or other publications to support my research?
No, please do not send us publications as part of your application. You may list publications in your resume or proposal's bibliography/references, but we will not accept (or return) additional reference materials or publications.
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Application Deadline & Mailing Issues
When is the next application deadline?
The next application deadline is Thursday, April 1, 2010.
How early may I send in my application?
We prefer that fellowship applications arrive between February 3, 2010, and April 1, 2010. Please do not submit any earlier than February 3, 2010, as application procedures (or addresses) may change.
What happens if my application and/or transcripts arrive after the application deadline?
If your application and/or transcripts arrive late, then your application will be disqualified.
What is the preferred way to submit the application?
We ask that you convert your the following items in your application to a PDF(s) and send them to us via email using this email address.
The items to be emailed include:
- Application cover sheet
- Letter of inquiry decribing your research goals
- Current resume
- Short, original research proposal
- Optional essay for the Ronald B. Linsky Fellowship
The following additional items may be mailed by postal service to NWRI:
- Letter from endorsement from faculty advisor
- Official verification of enrollment as a fulltime graduate student
- Official school transcripts
What is NWRI’s shipping address?
National Water Research Institute
Attn: Fellowship Program
18700 Ward Street
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
Phone: 714-378-3278
May I fax my fellowship application to NWRI?
Do not fax your application, as we will not accept it.
Will I receive notification that NWRI received my application?
Yes, NWRI will notify you AFTER THE DEADLINE that we received your application. If you require additional verification for items sent by mail, please request “proof of delivery” and/or use other tracking services offered by your post office or shipping provider.
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Selection Process & Announcements
Who selects the fellowship recipients?
NWRI's Fellowship Selection Committee selects new fellowship recipients each year. The committee is made up of members of NWRI’s Research Advisory Board, which consists of water-science experts from across the nation.
May I contact the Fellowship Selection Committee?
No, please do not contact the Fellowship Selection Committee regarding any aspect of the fellowship application process. All questions from you or your advisor should be directed to the NWRI Fellowship Coordinator.
How many students receive fellowships each year?
The number of fellowships awarded each year varies, based on the quality of applications and available funding.
When are the new fellowships recipients announced?
NWRI announces the fellowship awardees every summer (July-September). That means the awardees are contacted either by phone or email (sometimes both) and their names are listed on our website. The awardees and their advisors will receive a letter from NWRI informing them of the fellowship award amount and describing the terms and conditions of the award.
Will I be notified if I am not selected to receive a fellowship?
Yes, you will receive an email from NWRI informing you whether or not you received a fellowship.
If I am not selected to receive a fellowship, is it possible to find out why?
No, as we do not provide comments or feedback on any application sent to us.
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What is the source of funding for the NWRI Fellowship program?
The NWRI Fellowship program is underwritten by the Joan Irvine Smith & Athalie R. Clarke Foundation, NWRI Corporate Associates, and NWRI Circle of Friends. NWRI is very greatful for the support provide by these partners.
How much is a fellowship award from NWRI?
The monies awarded with the fellowship vary. A typical fellowship award is $10,000 per academic school year, though the award can range from $2,000 to $15,000 a year, based on the student’s needs and the type of fellowship awarded.
How many years will I receive fellowship funding?
The number varies with each student's needs, their year in school, and the type of fellowship awarded. With the NWRI Fellowship, many students receive a 2-year award, meaning they receive fellowship support for 2 consecutive years (for instance, if they receive a $10,000 fellowship from NWRI for 2 years, they will receive $10,000 each year for 2 years in a row, totalling $20,000). Support may be provided for up to 2 years only, with the expectation that students will graduate upon completion of the second year (or earlier). Specialty fellowships like the Ronald B. Linsky Fellowship, on the other hand, have a set amount of years to receive funding (in this instance, the award is 2 years).
When will I receive the fellowship money?
A check will be sent to your university for the rewarded amount during September 1 to September 30 of each academic school year. Therefore, we recommend that your university set-up an account available to you to draw from the fellowship award as needed to achieve your degree.
How can I use the fellowship money?
The fellowship award can be used in any way towards your research, whether that is in the form of a stipend, money for supplies and equipment, etc. We have no stipulations on how the money is spent, as long as it is related to your research.
Will indirect costs (overhead) be charged to the fellowship Award?
No. NWRI has a longstanding policy that indirect costs (overhead charges) may not be charged against the fellowship award for student support. This policy is stated in the award letter sent to the student. Most universities accept the terms as stated in the award letter. However, there have been instances when a second letter must be sent directly to the Financial Manger and/or the student’s advisor to further clarify the policy. If additional documentation is needed, please contact NWRI.
Can a fellowship from NWRI be used in addition to another fellowship or award?
Yes, fellowship awards from NWRI can be used concurrently with other award monies. In fact, we consider the other award monies to be a part of your research budget.
Can the fellowship monies be used as needed during subsequent years, or is it limited to the school year it is awarded?
NWRI provides fellowship awards on a yearly basis with the expectation that the money is used during that academic school year.
How much money will I receive from my fellowship award if I graduate early or mid-year?
The fellowship award is based upon an academic years’ worth of study. If you graduate early, then your award will be pro-rated, meaning you will receive a portion of the total fellowship funding. For example, if you receive $10,000 in fellowship funding per year, and your school year runs from September to June, but you graduate in December, then you will only receive $5,000 for the time period of September through December. You will not receive the additional $5,000 because you are not attending school for a full year.
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What are the terms and conditions of receiving a fellowship?
The terms and conditions vary with each student, based on the dollar amount awarded, the expected graduation date, and other circumstances. However, the standard terms and conditions usually include:
- You must be continuously enrolled as a fulltime graduate student with the university.
- Your advisor must provide a letter to NWRI by June 1 expressing that you have good standing in your program at the university.
- You must demonstrate measurable progress in your research. As such, we expect you to provide short (1-2 page) progress reports twice a year to NWRI. The reports are expected to arrive electronically before April 1 and October 1 of each school year.
- You may be required to attend an NWRI-sponsored NWRI Graduate Research Conference. The purpose of the one-day conference is for NWRI Fellows to make a presentation on their research efforts. The conference will be attended by other students, professors, NWRI water and wastewater agency staff, and NWRI Corporate Associate representatives.
How much will it cost to attend the NWRI Fellowship Conference?
The Fellowship Conference is typically a 1 to 2 day event. In general, NWRI covers the cost of either 1) your transportation expenses (flight, mileage, etc.) or 2) your hotel stay, depending upon which is greater. You are expected to pay for the remainder of the expenses.
How will I know if I will continue to receive fellowship funding each year?
If you have fulfilled the terms and conditions for that academic school year, NWRI will notify you via letter in August or September that your support will continue over to the next school year.