Student Notebook: Applying for Research Funding as a Female International Student in Psychology

A recent review revealed that women received just under a quarter of all research fellowships or grants (Schmaling & Gallo, 2023). This systematic review analyzed data from 55 studies across 14 countries, including the United States, Canada, and countries in the European Union, from 1975 to 2020, and the authors examined gender disparities in grant award outcomes, success rates, and funding amounts. Their findings indicated that women led fewer awarded grants on average (24%) than men (76%), despite constituting 30% of the applicants.

Although success rates for grants led by women (23%) were comparable to those led by men (24%), female researchers received approximately half the amount of research funding per grant: Female researchers received an average of US$342,000, while male researchers received an average of US$659,000. This disparity highlights the need for grants and funding opportunities that not only provide the necessary resources for conducting impactful research but also empower international women to become leaders and role models in their academic communities. In this column, I outline funding options for international women studying psychology, and I provide a few tips to help strengthen your applications.  

Importance of applying for funding 

As a researcher, applying for funding is an important factor in advancing one’s academic and research career, especially for female international students in psychology. For these students, securing funding is important not only for their individual success but also for increasing diversity and representation in academia. Diversity enriches the field with varied perspectives and drives innovation. Research funding not only alleviates the financial burden of research expenses but also allows students to focus on their studies and research without the constant worry of funding. Being awarded a grant can significantly enhance a researcher’s career by investing in their skills and honing their research quality, making them more competitive for future academic and professional opportunities. By actively seeking and securing grants, international female researchers can also contribute to increasing the visibility and representation of women in their respective fields. This is vital for inspiring future generations of female scholars and researchers, and it helps to create a more inclusive academic environment where diverse perspectives are valued and integrated into mainstream research. 

Funding challenges 

Female international students often face limitations in the number of available scholarships and grants for their research and living expenses. For example, many grants from organizations such as the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) are inaccessible to international students because they do not meet the eligibility criteria. Observing peers receiving these opportunities can be disheartening for international students who are ineligible. The grants available to female international students are not only limited in number but also highly competitive.  

Support from organizations 

Despite the funding challenges, a few organizations offer funding specifically for female international students. Groups such as Graduate Women in Science (GWIS), the American Association of University Women (AAUW), and the Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO) provide significant funding opportunities to female international students. GWIS offers fellowships that support research in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, including psychology. AAUW provides international fellowships for women pursuing full-time graduate or postdoctoral studies in the United States. PEO offers international peace scholarship funding for women who are seeking an advanced degree from an accredited college or university in the United States or Canada.  The GWIS National Fellowship provides US$10,000 to help cover a year of research costs. The PEO International Peace Scholarship gives US$12,500 for a year to female students to help with their living expenses.

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The AAUW International Fellowship provides US$20,000 a year to master’s students, US$25,000 a year to doctoral students, and US$50,000 a year to postdoctoral students to support their research projects. Although these funding sources are available to female international students, they are limited and extremely competitive, and often students are unaware of these opportunities. However, if you have a strong application and are dedicated to your research, you can significantly increase your chances of success. Persistence, thorough preparation, and a well-crafted application that emphasizes the impact of your research can make a substantial difference in securing funding.  

Writing a successful funding application 

Writing a successful grant application requires strategic planning and meticulous attention to detail. One of the most critical aspects of a successful application is clearly articulating the significance and impact of your research because this demonstrates the value of your work, highlights its potential contributions to the field, and shows why it deserves funding or support. To better your chances of securing funding, focus on conveying how your research addresses a gap in the existing literature and its potential to contribute valuable insights to psychology. Your application should align with the goals and priorities of the funding organization, demonstrating how your research objectives resonate with their mission. For example, if you are applying for a grant that prioritizes community well-being, emphasize how your research can lead to improved support strategies that address unique challenges within specific populations I secured over US$60,000 in funding for my research in 3 years of graduate school as an international student. Based on my successful experience in securing research funding, I have provided some key steps below that will help you navigate the application process and increase your chances of success.  

Conduct thorough research. It is important to understand the purpose and selection criteria for the grant to ensure that your application aligns with the funder’s goals. The first step to creating a successful grant application is to review the agency’s mission and grant guidelines. For 4 consecutive years, I applied for the highly competitive American Association of University Women (AAUW) International Fellowship, which is a prestigious award for female scholars in psychology. Despite not being selected in my first three attempts, my perseverance paid off this year when I was awarded the fellowship to support a key research project in the area of gender income inequality. The key difference in my successful application was my thorough examination of the fellowship guidelines and my diligent effort to address every specific requirement and preference. This experience underscored the importance of thorough research in crafting a compelling application.  

Craft a compelling narrative. Highlight your research objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes. Make sure to clearly articulate the significance and impact of your research and how it aligns with the funding agency’s goals. For example, I conduct research on gender stereotypes, including gender income inequality and attitudes about female leaders. In my first 3 years of applying for the AAUW fellowship, I did not craft a compelling narrative even though my research focused on a subject relevant to the organization. Understanding how to strengthen my research narrative made a significant difference in my successful application this year. 

Organize your application. Make sure your application is well-organized, free of errors, and to the point. Avoid unnecessary jargon and keep your language clear. Clearly label each section and make your application easy to navigate. This helps reviewers find the information they need quickly and increases the chances of your application making a strong impression. 

Letters of recommendation. Another important aspect of your application is obtaining strong letters of recommendation. Secure these from esteemed academics who can provide compelling endorsements of your capabilities and underscore the significance of your research. Their external validation adds credibility to your application and strengthens your overall case. 

Seeking feedback. The last and most important step of grant writing is seeking feedback from mentors or colleagues who can provide valuable insights and help refine your application. Experienced researchers can offer guidance on improving the clarity and impact of your proposal. Revising your application based on their input can significantly enhance its quality.  

Benefits of funding for female international students 

International female students should make the most of grant and funding opportunities during their time in school for several compelling reasons. Firstly, securing financial support through grants can alleviate the stress of financial constraints, allowing these students to focus more intently on their academic and research pursuits. For example, I experienced firsthand how financial stability enabled me to dedicate more time and energy to my studies, leading to more impactful research outcomes and academic performance. This stability is particularly important for international students who may face limited financial resources and fewer employment opportunities compared to their domestic peers. 

In addition to relieving financial burdens, applying for and receiving grants can significantly enhance the professional development of international female students. Being awarded a grant not only validates a student’s research potential but also provides a competitive edge in the job market. Grants can lead to valuable networking opportunities, professional collaborations, and invitations to conferences and workshops, all of which are critical for career advancement. For instance, my grant funding opened doors to numerous academic and professional opportunities that would have otherwise been inaccessible to me, including cross-cultural collaborations, opportunities to attend prestigious conferences, and publications in reputable journals. Furthermore, a history of successful grant applications can make international students more attractive candidates for future funding, academic positions, and postdoctoral fellowships, ultimately contributing to their long-term career growth and success. 

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Reference 

Schmaling, K. B., & Gallo, S. A. (2023). Gender differences in peer reviewed grant applications, awards, and amounts: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Research Integrity and Peer Review, 8(1), 2. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41073-023-00127-3.