Thesis & Dissertation Support Program

2026-2027 Application Deadlines

  • Fall 2026: Friday, November 20, 2026, by 5:00 p.m.
  • Spring 2027: Friday, April 30, 2027, by 5:00 p.m.
  • Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis before each deadline, as long as students meet the program requirements.
  • The application will reopen for spring in December. If you plan to apply during the spring cycle, you will also need to submit an application to present at CSUNposium. To learn more about the event and application deadline, please select 2027 CSUNposium.


This program provides limited funding to graduate students to help offset costs associated with working on a thesis, dissertation, or graduate project. Selected students may receive awards of up to $1,200 based on a competitive review of their application, including the project abstract and anticipated costs. Selection criteria include the significance of the project within the field of study, the style of writing, and attention to detail. Please note that funding is limited, and the full amount requested may not always be awarded.

  1. There are two application deadlines:

    1. Fall 2026: Friday, November 20, by 5:00 p.m.
    2. Spring 2027: Friday, April 30, by 5:00 p.m.
    3. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis as they are received before the deadlines, as long as students meet the program requirements.
    4. Once you submit your application, the faculty member you select as your Committee Chair will receive an email notification of your Thesis Support application. Your Committee Chair must electronically approve your application. 
    5. A completed application consists of your application submission and your Committee Chair electronic approval. 

    Applicants must meet the following requirements:

    1. Your application must be approved by your Thesis/Project/Dissertation Committee Chair.
    2. You must have a minimum 3.3 GPA.
    3. You must provide a written abstract of no more than 300 words.
    4. If your research involves human or animal subjects, federal regulations require that the research be reviewed by the appropriate committee. To apply for this funding, you must have submitted your IRB protocol application and received a protocol number. If your research involves animal subjects, you will also need an approved IACUC number. Please check with your faculty advisor for this information.
    5. Please note that projects will not be funded until the protocol has been approved, if selected for funding.
    6. Students must submit a budget justification for the following categories: supplies, minor equipment, travel, library searches, and performance expenses, such as music. Conference travel, laptops, and tablets are not allowed.
    7. If you are requesting gift cards, please note that gift card purchases cannot exceed $25 per participant.

    SPECIAL NOTE
    If you have a Co-applicant, please include their information in the assigned field. DO NOT SUBMIT two applications.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Eligibility is restricted to CSUN graduate students currently enrolled in a master’s or doctoral program; students must have a GPA of 3.3 or above. 
  • All applicants are required to have either a Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

 Eligibility Restrictions

  • Individuals who previously received support from this program are not eligible to apply for additional funding.
  • CSUN staff receiving a university fee waiver can only be awarded up to $500.

Please note: The maximum award granted is $1200. Due to the limited funding for this program, students who are selected may receive less than $1200. International Students may have up to 30% withheld for Federal Income Tax.

Allowed Expenditures

  • Costs associated with travel to a research site (This expenditure request will be reviewed/approved on a case by case basis)
  • Supplies
  • minor equipment
  • performance expenses
  • library searches

Not Allowed Expenditures

  • Food
  • Laptop
  • Computers
  • Tablets
  • Printers
  • Monitors
  • Office Equipment
  • Transcription Services
  • Statistical Consultants
  • Conference travel to present research. Special Note: If presenting at a conference, please visit the Graduate Student Travel Award website to apply for funding.

If your research or project involves human or animal subjects, your application will not be funded unless your IRB/IACUC protocol is approved.

Once you submit your application, the faculty member you select as your Committee Chair will receive an email notification of your Thesis Support application. Your Committee Chair must electronically approve your application. A completed application consists of your application submission and your Committee Chair electronic approval. Only complete applications will be considered.

If you have a Co-applicant, there is a space provided within the application for you to enter their information. DO NOT SUBMIT two applications.

There are two application deadlines:

  • Fall 2026: Friday, November 20th, by 5:00 p.m.
  • Spring 2027: Friday, April 30, by 5:00 p.m.
  • Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis as they are received before the deadlines, as long as students meet the program requirements.
  • 2026-2027 Application

  • Submit an itemized list of all expenditures by June 30th, 2027
  • Participate in the CSUNposium scheduled in Spring 2027. Please make yourself a calendar remember to check the CSUNposium website in December 2026 to access the application.

If awarded, note the following

  • The CSUN Financial Aid Office will create and disburse the award. If you are receiving financial aid this award may adjust or reduce other forms of aid in your financial package. 
  • University Cash Services will post the award to your student account and will be applied to any outstanding fees on your account. Any remaining balance will be remitted to you. 

SPECIAL NOTE: 

To avoid confusion, it is best to pay any outstanding fees prior to the disbursement of this award. Be aware that your award will be disbursed as a refund through financial aid to your original form of payment for tuition and fees. Payments made by credit card will be credited back to the original card number. The 2.65% credit card service fee is not refundable. International Students may have up to 30% withheld for Federal Income Tax.

For questions concerning this program, please contact GradServices@csun.edu