University of Washington, USA PhD Scholarship 2027 | APPLY NOW|

The University of Washington Information School (UW iSchool) is accepting applications for its PhD in Information Science for the 2027–2028 academic year. The programme offers a major funding commitment: all students admitted to and enrolling in the PhD programme receive guaranteed funding for at least four years.

The funding package may combine fellowships, teaching appointments, research assistantships and other scholarships. Graduate student appointments include a monthly stipend, a tuition waiver and health insurance. International applicants are eligible to apply and are considered under the same application deadline and requirements as other applicants.

Overview of the University of Washington Information School PhD Funding

The PhD programme is designed for students interested in research across information, society and technology. The school highlights areas including artificial intelligence and data science, computational social science, critical information studies, human-computer interaction, information ethics, health and environment, and information and communication technologies for development.

Scholarship Details

• Host Country: United States of America
• University: University of Washington, Seattle
• School: Information School (iSchool)
• Programme: PhD in Information Science
• Study Level: PhD
• Eligible Nationalities: Domestic and international applicants
• Study Mode: Full-time, on-campus doctoral study
• Intake: Autumn 2027
• Funding Duration: At least four years for admitted students who enrol
• Funding Benefits: Tuition waiver, stipend and health insurance through the programme's funding arrangements
• Work Commitment: Graduate appointments generally involve approximately 20 hours of work per week during the academic quarters
• Application Opens: September 1, 2026
• Application Deadline: December 2, 2026, 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time

Scholarship Benefits

• Guaranteed funding for at least four years for students admitted to and enrolled in the PhD programme.
• Tuition waiver through qualifying graduate student appointments and funding arrangements.
• Monthly stipend through teaching or research appointments and other funding sources.
• Health insurance for graduate appointees.
• Opportunities to work with faculty on research and teaching activities.
• Access to the University of Washington's research community in Seattle.

Eligibility Requirements

• Applicants should have an appropriate bachelor's degree and meet the university's graduate admission requirements.
• Applicants from outside the United States may apply. International applicants follow the same programme deadline and application requirements.
• Applicants should demonstrate strong research interests that connect with the Information School's faculty and areas of expertise.
• Applicants should identify faculty whose research aligns with their proposed interests and review the school's advice for prospective doctoral students.
• Applicants must submit all required application materials by December 2, 2026.

Research Areas

The school identifies a range of possible research interests, including:

• Artificial intelligence and data science.
• Computational social science.
• Critical information studies, society and technology.
• Human-computer interaction and digital youth.
• Information and data ethics.
• Health, environment and information systems.
• Information and communication technologies for development.
• Science and technology studies and sociotechnical systems.

Required Application Materials

The programme's application information identifies the following materials:

• Online University of Washington graduate application.
• Personal statement.
• Statement of purpose.
• Resume or curriculum vitae.
• List of professors or faculty members whose research interests you.
• Three letters of recommendation.
• Academic transcripts and any additional materials required by the application portal.

How to Apply

1. Review the UW iSchool PhD programme and its faculty research areas.
2. Identify faculty members whose research is relevant to your academic interests. The school strongly encourages prospective applicants to contact individual faculty members about their research programmes and interest in doctoral study.
3. Prepare your personal statement, statement of purpose, CV, professor list and other required documents.
4. Request three recommendation letters and allow your referees sufficient time to submit them.
5. Complete the University of Washington graduate application and submit all materials by the deadline.

Application Deadline

The deadline for Autumn 2027 admission is December 2, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time. The school states that all application materials should be submitted by this deadline. Admitted applicants are expected to receive their funding packages in mid-February 2027.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Visit the official iSchool scholarships and funding page to review the funding commitment and conditions.

Why Study in the USA?

Studying in the United States can provide access to interdisciplinary research teams, advanced academic resources and opportunities to collaborate with scholars across fields. The University of Washington's Information School connects research in technology and information with social, cultural and public-interest questions.

Tips for a Strong PhD Application

• Explain the research problem you want to investigate and why it matters.
• Show how your academic and research experiences prepare you for doctoral work.
• Demonstrate a clear connection between your interests and the work of potential faculty mentors.
• Write a focused statement rather than listing broad interests without a research direction.
• Request recommendation letters well before the deadline.
• Check the official application portal for the final list of required materials.

Final Thoughts

The University of Washington Information School PhD is a notable opportunity for prospective researchers in information science and related fields. Its published funding commitment covers at least four years for admitted students who enrol. International applicants should prepare their materials early and submit a complete application by December 2, 2026.