Arshad H. and Suellen H. Rizvi Endowed Graduate Fellowship
The Arshad H. and Suellen H. Rizvi Endowed Graduate Fellowship was established in 2025 and provides support for graduate students pursuing a degree in any graduate program at the University of Maryland and who demonstrate a financial barrier that may restrict them from attending or graduating from the university. Preference will be given to students who have graduated from a university in Pakistan or who are affiliated with UMD’s Pakistani Student Association. Additionally, students pursuing degrees in the fields of sociology, criminology, IT, engineering and related disciplines will receive priority consideration for this award.
Awards will be made in the number and amount deemed most impactful by the dean of The Graduate School or their designee(s), considering student needs and unique circumstances, with an expectation of 1-3 awards per year. The maximum award is $7,500. Funds are to be used to offset the cost of tuition, mandatory fees, and other educational costs.
Dr. Arshad H. Rizvi is a retired professor of sociology and criminal justice from Bowie State
University, and Suellen H. Rizvi, a retired Elementary Library Media Specialist.
Application Deadline: Wednesday, March 3, 2027
Eligibility Information
- Students must be actively pursuing a graduate degree at the University of Maryland College Park.
- Students must demonstrate a financial barrier that may restrict them from attending or graduating from the university.
- Preference will be given to students who have graduated from a university in Pakistan or who are affiliated with UMD’s Pakistani Student Association.
- Preference will be given to students pursuing degrees in the fields of sociology, criminology, IT, engineering and related.
Students may receive the Rizvi Endowed Fellowship only one time. Fellowships may not be deferred. Fellowships are awarded to specific students and are not transferable to other students.
Application Requirements
A complete application must include:
1. A student-written proposal (3-page maximum, double spaced, one-inch margins).
The proposal should:
a) provide a summary of your academic studies;
b) include a brief outline of your plans for after graduation;
c) demonstrate how a financial barrier may affect your ability to maintain enrollment or stop you from completing your degree.
**students are not permitted to use ChatGPT or other AI software.
2. The student’s CV (2-page maximum).
3. Letter of support from the student’s academic advisor describing the accomplishments and eligibility of the student. 2-page limit (Advisor to submit separately).
4. Recommendation Surveys from the program’s Director and Coordinator that collect information about programmatic standards and norms. (Program to submit separately).
Application Instructions: To apply for the Rizvi Fellowship, students must submit their student-written statement and CV on Scholarship Universe (SU) by the deadline.
Contact Information: For questions, please contact Ms. Robyn Kotzker, Program Director for Office of Funding Opportunities (rkotzker@umd.edu | 301-405-0281).