McKNIGHT DOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
APPLICATION FOR FELLOWSHIP AND ADMISSION TO GRADUATE SCHOOL
AT PARTICIPATING FLORIDA UNIVERSITIES

Welcome to the online application site for Florida's McKnight Doctoral Fellowship Program. 

Frequently Asked Questions
  1. Do I need to apply directly to a university Ph.D. program in addition to submitting a McKnight Doctoral Fellowship application?
    Yes. The MDF application process is independent of university admissions processes. You must apply directly to each university Ph.D. program and satisfy its application requirements. Be sure to read the full MDF application procedure below.
  2. Must I be admitted into a Ph.D. program prior to being considered for the McKnight Doctoral Fellowship?
    Yes. We must receive an official admission confirmation from the university’s graduate school by February 28. Only admitted Ph.D. students with completed MDF applications will be considered for the McKnight Doctoral Fellowship. See the application procedure below.
  3. If I am currently enrolled in a Ph.D. program, can I apply for the McKnight Doctoral Fellowship?
    No. If you are currently enrolled in a Ph.D. program, you are ineligible for the McKnight Doctoral Fellowship.
  4. May I use the McKnight Doctoral Fellowship for non-Ph.D. doctoral programs?
    No. The McKnight Doctoral Fellowship may be used only by Ph.D. students.
  5. Do I need to earn a master’s degree prior to applying for the McKnight Doctoral Fellowship?
    No. You must earn at least a bachelor’s degree prior to beginning the Ph.D. program. The exact Ph.D. program admission requirements are outlined by each university department.
  6. Do I need to take the GRE/GMAT to be considered for the McKnight Doctoral Fellowship?
    No for academic year 2025-2026 applicants. FEF is waiving the GRE and GMAT requirement for applicants applying for the McKnight Doctoral Fellowship for academic year 2025-2026.
  7. Do I need to provide original copies of university transcripts from all degree-granting institutions attended?
    Yes. The FEF requires original transcripts from all degree-granting institutions attended. See the application procedure below.
  8. Am I allowed to use the same letters of recommendation for both university admission and the McKnight application?
    Yes. Ask recommenders to provide original letters on letterhead for the MDF application. See the application procedure below.
  9. If I am not claiming Florida residency, do I still need to complete the Residency Affidavit?
    Yes, you must submit the form; however, you are not required to have it notarized. Applicants claiming Florida residency must have their forms notarized. See the application procedure below.
  10. Whom do I contact if I am having a problem with the online application form (forgotten password, etc.)?
    Contact the webmaster at webmaster@fefonline.org for assistance.

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Important Deadlines & Contacts

   Application Deadline: January 15

   University Admission Deadline: February 28

   MDF Program Contacts:
   Phyllis Reddick and Monica Montes
   813-272-2772

Admission Exam Waiver:

FEF is waiving the GRE and GMAT requirement for applicants applying for the McKnight Doctoral Fellowship for academic year 2025-2026.

Postal Mail Submission Waiver:

FEF is allowing applicants applying for the McKnight Doctoral Fellowship for academic year 2025-2026 to submit supporting materials (résumé or vita, Residency Affidavit, Recommendation Forms and letters, and transcripts) via email to mdf@fefonline.org. NOTE that, to be accepted, emailed (1) Recommendation Forms and letters must be emailed directly from the recommender and (2) transcripts must be emailed directly from the college or university registrar's office.