OpenFieldRice University Graduate Doctoral Fellowship & Full Research Stipend
Comprehensive 5-year doctoral fellowship funding exceptional PhD candidates conducting transformative research in artificial intelligence, computer systems, and quantum computing.
Rice University: Nanotechnology, Computer Science & Fully Funded PhD Fellowships
Rice University is a prestigious world-leading private research university located on a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas, next to the Texas Medical Center. Famously known for the discovery of buckyballs (fullerenes), Rice is a global leader in nanotechnology, artificial intelligence, bioengineering, and space science.
Verified degree programs and opportunities
Review checked academic pathways and funding options below:
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Materials Science & NanoEngineering (MSNE)
World-leading doctoral program pioneering 2D materials (graphene, MoS2), energy storage nanomaterials, and biomaterials at the Smalley-Curl Institute.
Master of Science in Bioengineering & Medical Device Innovation
Master's degree collaborating directly with the world's largest medical complex (Texas Medical Center) on biomaterials, tissue engineering, and clinical diagnostic technologies.
Smalley-Curl Institute Nanotechnology Research Assistantship
Laboratory research in quantum photonics, nanoplasmonics, low-dimensional electronic devices, and laser spectroscopy of nanostructures.
NASA Johnson Space Center & Rice Space Institute Engineering Practicum
Collaborative aerospace practicum conducted with NASA Johnson Space Center engineers on Artemis lunar architectures, space radiation shielding, and satellite autonomy.
Rice Academy of Fellows Postdoctoral Research Fellowship
Two-year postdoctoral fellowship providing independent research funding, high-level mentoring, and interdisciplinary collaboration across Rice faculties.
Master of Data Science (MDS) Professional Degree
Accelerated professional master's degree covering machine learning, deep learning, big data systems (Spark/Hadoop), and ethical AI deployment.
Admissions, language requirements & application process
- Master's admission eligibility
- Four-year bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with exceptional academic standing (typical undergraduate GPA 3.5+ on a 4.0 scale).
- Doctoral admission eligibility
- Undergraduate or master's degree in a relevant STEM or humanities field; all admitted full-time doctoral students receive guaranteed multi-year funding packages.
- Language proficiency
- TOEFL iBT 90+, IELTS Academic 7.0+, or Duolingo English Test 115+.
- Research statement / Proposal
- Detailed statement of purpose (1–2 pages) outlining research achievements, future scholarly objectives, and prospective Rice faculty mentors.
- Application fee
- $85 USD (fee waivers available for applicants with financial hardship or affiliated with diversity programs).
- Required documentation
- Official academic transcripts, 3 confidential letters of recommendation, curriculum vitae, and statement of research intent.
Tuition fees and verified scholarship systems
Graduate tuition at Rice is approximately $58,200 USD per year. Full-time doctoral students in engineering and natural sciences receive 100% tuition waivers and competitive annual research stipends ranging from $36,000 to $42,500 USD for 5 years.
Verified faculty profiles and research leaders
Distinguished researchers and laboratory heads at Rice University:
Dr. Pulickel Ajayan
Benjamin M. and Mary Greenwood Anderson Professor in Engineering · Carbon Nanotubes, 2D Materials, Energy Storage, Nanocomposites
Dr. Naomi Halas
University Professor & Stanley C. Moore Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering · Plasmonics, Nanophotonics, Solar Thermal Energy, Optical Cancer Therapy
Dr. Moshe Vardi
University Professor & Karen Ostrum George Distinguished Service Professor in Computational Engineering · Automated Reasoning, Formal Verification, Computational Complexity, Ethics in AI
Important verification note
Facts reflect official Rice University documentation reviewed 2026-10-15. Degree admissions, scholarship awards, and employment positions are subject to formal university review. OpenField does not charge students application fees.
Reviewed 2026-10-15 · Editorial standards · Report an issue