This document provides information about funding possibilities for current and future international students at the School of Natural Resources and Environment (SNRE) of the University of Michigan. It encompasses most of the areas of interest of the School, and information for students at any stage of their careers, i.e. from starting the course work to obtaining support for research in the U.S.A. or abroad. The document takes into account different types of student visas, and some information is included for foreign nationals who are permanent residents in the United States.

This is not an exhaustive list of funding possibilities for international students. There are updated bibliographic references at the University of Michigan libraries, the Office of Financial Aid (OFA), the Center for the Education of Women (CEW), the International Center, the Division for Research Development (DRDA), Rackham Graduate School Office of Fellowships and Recruitment, and the Office of Academic Programs (OAP) at the School of Natural Resources and Environment. You should check periodically at organizations related to your field (e.g.. the Center for Asian Studies), and write to institutions that are likely to have little publicized funds for research and training in your area of interest (e.g., it would make sense for Colgate to have funding for dentists).

You should note that international students are not eligible for need-based financial aid: all applicants must submit the completed "Statement and Certification of Finances". Under certain limited circumstances your faculty advisor may be willing to apply for a grant as principal investigator (and let you do most of the work). This greatly increases your chances of obtaining research grants. Talk to your advisor, and review the literature for appropriate funding sources. Also, the funding institution can give you tips on how to make your application more effective.

A word of caution for the user: remember that any information requires continuous updating, so always check to make sure that the eligibility criteria, deadlines, etc., are still the same. Some organizations periodically change their funding priorities.

If you need help in writing a grant proposal, go to the library for literature on how to write successful grants. SNRE has many people with expertise in different areas who may be able to help you. Finally, an institution such as SNRE or the DRDA, might be a powerful ally in obtaining information (or resources) from another organization---it never hurts to ask.