Frequently Asked Questions

This page includes frequently asked questions about the Marine Energy Fellowship Program.

Additional Information

  • Summer Cohort

    Start Dates: May - July.
    Application Deadline: December 12, 2025, at 5:00pm ET. 

  • Fall Cohort

    Start Dates: August - October.
    Application Deadline: March 27, 2026, at 5:00pm ET. 

You must be a U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident to participate in the program.

You must be enrolled as a full-time master’s or doctoral student in a program, requiring a research thesis/dissertation, at an accredited U.S. college or university to apply to the Graduate Student Track. If you are participating in an exchange program and attending a foreign institution, you must provide proof that you are enrolled in an accredited U.S. college or university during the Fall 2025 term.

Proof of enrollment may include one of the following:
  • Unofficial transcripts or copies of the student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institutional systems including courses in progress during the Fall 2025 term.
  • Letter from authorized academic department official, such as Department Chair, or other document issued/authorized by the academic institution confirming your enrollment. Letter or document must include your name and official university markings such as the registrar’s signature, university logo or stamp, letterhead or watermark, signature of the authorized official, etc.

Yes! Any degree, bachelor’s or higher, obtained within 24 months of the application deadline is eligible.

ORISE staff will prescreen applications to ensure that all required materials have been received and that you meet all qualifications for participation in the program. Eligible applications are then reviewed by independent subject matter experts. Results from reviewers are then shared with WPTO, who makes final selections and notifies ORISE. ORISE will notify you if you are selected for the program.

The minimum appointment period offered for this program is six months at the identified host facility where you will participate in-person or virtually. Participants on the Postgraduate Track typically serve a one-year appointment.

You are still eligible to apply pending proof of graduation. This document must be submitted before the start of the appointment. Applicants who are enrolled in a degree program at the time of the application, but will graduate prior to the start of the appointment, will receive a conditional offer pending proof of graduation.

It is your responsibility to secure a host facility mentor currently conducting or directing research that aligns with the WPTO mission. For more information about WPTO, visit https://www.energy.gov/eere/water/water-power-technologies-office.

Changes should be approved by your host facility mentor and remain aligned with the WPTO mission. You must notify ORISE immediately so that WPTO can conduct a review of the updated research plan to issue final approval and acceptance.

You will be eligible for reimbursement of limited inbound and outbound expenses if your current address is greater than 50 miles away from your host facility.

Summer start dates are May – July 2026.

Fall start dates are August – October 2026.

You will not be considered a participant in the Marine Energy Fellowship Program until a formal Letter of Appointment is received and accepted. Any inbound expenses incurred prior to acceptance of a formal offer cannot be guaranteed for reimbursement.

Yes, you may still be eligible to apply to this program if you meet the outlined requirements.