Pre-Dissertation Ph.D. & Doctoral Candidates, and Pre-Instructor of Practice Scholarship

The Pre-Dissertation Ph.D. & Doctoral Candidates and Pre-Instructor of Practice Scholarship provides financial assistance to students in the U.S. and Canada. Students pursuing a Ph.D. or Doctoral Degree, or those with at least five years of experience in the risk management industry and are enrolled in graduate-level courses and working towards a professional doctoral degree in insurance and risk management are welcome to apply. The Spencer Educational Foundation is passionate about supporting future professors who will impact the education of risk management and insurance students. Spencer awards $10,000 scholarships to pre-dissertation Ph.D. Candidates, Doctoral Candidates, and Pre-Instructor of Practice Candidates who meet the following criteria: Ph.D. and Doctoral Candidates must be studying Risk Management, Insurance, and/or Actuarial Science; must be enrolled at an accredited college/university in the United States or Canada for at least one full academic year (two semesters); and must be physically studying in the United States or Canada (no remote coursework eligibility from locations other than USA & Canada). 2026 Application Opens: December 1, 2025. 2026 Application Deadline: March 1, 2026. Scholarship awardees will be notified around May 15th (for the following Fall/Spring semester(s)).