Graduate Student Funding Opportunities

To address the needs of Ph.D. archaeology students whose research and degree progress may need supplemental funding,  the Stanford Archaeology Center offers some additional funding opportunities. Ph.D. archaeology students may apply concurrently to multiple components to develop a coherent program of support. This funding is contingent on the continuation of the current annual graduate aid program funding. Final awards will be made after applications are reviewed, subsequent verification of student eligibility, and coordination with students’ home departments to avoid conflict or overlap with departmental funding and internal and external funding awards. 

Types of Graduate Student Funding (when available, see below)

  • Field Research Funding
  • Teaching/TA Fellowship
  • SUAC Project Assistantship (Not available at this time)
  • Archaeology Conference Support

Graduate Award for Field Research

Supplemental field research funding addresses critical path dissertation research expenses that are not covered through department funding, internal sources, or external sources of funding. Retroactive reimbursement of already expended funds and conference costs are not eligible. Funding cannot be applied for a conference that has already taken place. 

Eligibility

  • All Ph.D. archaeology students are eligible for funding.
  • The award amount is based on demonstrated need.
    • Supplemental research funding may not exceed $5,000 per year, or $10,000 total throughout the degree program. 

Application

  • The Stanford Archaeology Center has four application deadlines spread throughout the year to support student field research. If awarded the funding it usually will become available the following Quarter.  For example, May 1 awards will be funded at the beginning of Summer quarter, July 1 awardes will be available at the beginning of Fall quarter.  If you have questions please see the Center's SSO or Administrative Director.
    • February 1st at 11:59 p.m. PST.
    • May 1st at 11:59 p.m. PST.
    • July 1st at 11:59 p.m. PST.
    • November 1st at 11:59 p.m. PST.
  • Application packets require the following and must be submitted in PDF format via the button below:
    • A cover sheet with your name and home department.
    • A one-page description of research activities for which funding is requested.
    • A one-page, line-item budget detailing what the requested funds will be used towards and the justification.
    • A list of other funding sources that were acquired, with budget-specific information for funds requested from other Stanford Departments such as Classics, Anthropology, or EALC.
      • You must apply to at least two other non-departmental funding sources or provide a one-paragraph justification explaining why other funding sources were not available.
    • A one to two-paragraph email or letter of support from a faculty advisor that specifically addresses this proposal.
      • If the faculty advisor prefers to submit their letter separately to the Administrative Director, please provide them with the link to submit their recommendation. We will attach the letter during the review process.

Example

Teaching Fellowship/Teaching Assistant Funding

The Teaching/TA Fellowship provides one-quarter of graduate aid and allows graduate students to teach or TA an existing course, or design & teach (either in Winter or Spring due to WAYS deadlines) a new course that enhances the Archaeology Major and Minor curriculum.

Eligibility

  • Teaching: Ph.D. students who are entering year five or higher.
  • TA: Ph.D. students who are entering their second year or higher.
  • First-time applicants will be given priority.
    • Students can apply for this fellowship up to three times throughout their degree program.
    • Students who want to teach must do it in either in Winter & Spring quarter due to WAYS deadlines. 

Some Specific TF/TA Openings at SAC 

You can propose other TA ships, but these are some that we are specifically looking for as well

  • Field Studies Class TA - 2 positions available (One for Fall 2026 & One for Winter quarter 2027 - does not need to be the same person although you can apply for both). The class, ARCHLGY 125/225, is led by Heritage Services staff - Ph.D. students who are entering their second year or higher.
  • Capstone TA position (1 Quarter in AY27 - which quarter TBD) led by Stanford Archaeology Center Director - Ph.D. students who are entering their second year or higher.
  • AY 27 Teaching Fellowships (TF) - Propose a course -  Ph.D. students who are entering their fifth year or higher. Course descriptions should be less than 3,000 characters.  A one to two-page statement about your teaching philosophy should be included.  For more details on application see below

Application

  • Applications are due May 1st at 11:59 p.m. PST.
  • Application packets require the following and must be submitted in PDF format via the button below:
    • A cover sheet with your name and home department.
    • The titles and descriptions of two to three proposed courses to teach or TA.
      • Course descriptions should be less than 3,000 characters.
    • A one to two-page statement about your teaching philosophy.
    • CV
    • A one to two-paragraph email or letter of support from a faculty advisor that specifically addresses this proposal.
      • If the faculty advisor prefers to submit their letter separately to the Administrative Director, please provide them with the link to submit their recommendation. We will attach the letter during the review process.

Example

Archaeology Conference Support and/or Summer Research Support Funding

Supplemental field research funding for  graduate or undergraduate students. This funding helps provide supplemental funding for summer archaeology research expenses that are not covered through department funding, internal sources, or external sources of funding. Retroactive reimbursement of already expended funds and conference costs are not eligible. Funding cannot be applied for a conference that has already taken place. 

Eligibility

  • All Stanford archaeology graduate or undergraduate students who conduct archaeological research.
  • The award amount is based on demonstrated need. 

Application

  • The Stanford Archaeology Center has four application deadlines spread throughout the year to support student research.
    • February 1st at 11:59 p.m. PST.
    • May 1st at 11:59 p.m. PST.
    • July 1st at 11:59 p.m. PST.
    • November 1st at 11:59 p.m. PST.
  • Application packets require the following and must be submitted in PDF format via the button below:
    • A cover sheet with your name and home department.
    • A one-page description of your research activities for which funding is being requested.
    • A one-page, line-item budget detailing what the requested funds will be used towards and the justification.
    • List other funding sources that were acquired and provide specific budget information for funds requested from other Stanford Departments, such as Classics, Anthropology, or EALC.
    • A one to two-paragraph email or letter of support from a faculty advisor that specifically addresses this proposal.
      • If the faculty advisor prefers to submit their letter separately to the Administrative Director, please provide them with the link to submit their recommendation. We will attach the letter during the review process.

Example

  • For questions or concerns, please contact the Archaeology SSO or Archaeology Administrative Director.

Other Funding

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