Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics (KITP)

Graduate Fellowship Program

The KITP Graduate Fellowship Program offers a unique opportunity for advanced physics doctoral students from around the world to spend a minimum period of 5 months at the Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics. The program aims to broaden graduate education in theoretical physics by allowing fellows to participate in KITP research programs and expand their knowledge beyond their narrow thesis specialization. The fellowship addresses the problem of over-specialization in physics graduate education, where students often concentrate very early on a particular field to the exclusion of others. By spending either the fall semester (July-December) or spring semester (January-June) at KITP, fellows can significantly broaden their knowledge of physics and meet many research physicists working at the frontiers of knowledge. Up to eight graduate students at a time are supported through this program. Fellows receive reimbursement for local expenses up to $1,200 per month, campus housing, and assistance with round-trip travel between their home institution and KITP. Candidates must be towards the end of their graduate work, with the fellowship serving to broaden their experience in preparation for their next career step. Fellows remain paid employees of their home institution during the fellowship period.