Engaged Learning Fellowship (ELF)

The Engaged Learning Fellowship (ELF) provides support for students to study at the Rangjung Yeshe Institute (RYI). This program is an opportunity to connect with the RYI community through practical ELF service while, at the same time, offset tuition costs. ELF awards are available in both fall and spring semesters, but an award is not automatically granted. Students must reapply for ELF positions every semester. ELF is not available for summer program students. 

• 15 credits: 100 ELF hours, resulting in a tuition reduction of approximately 30%, based on the full-time undergraduate tuition rate.
• 12 credits: 80 ELF hours, resulting in a tuition reduction of approximately 30%, based on the full-time undergraduate tuition rate.

Students are expected to maintain their ELF hours even during exam periods. For this reason, students who consider applying for Engaged Learning Fellowship are strongly advised to review their study needs and other responsibilities before applying. ELF students must maintain a minimum 2.0 grade point average and 80% attendance in all their classes; students may not use ELF responsibilities to justify a failure to attend class. 

Eligibility: who can apply? 

To apply for a Engaged Learning Fellowship award, a student must: 

• Be a student who is enrolled in any program at RYI. 
• Be enrolled in and attending 12 credits during the semester in which they apply except for new students who have not been previously enrolled in RYI. (Note: failing a class during the semester of application will make the student ineligible for a ELF position.) 
• Be enrolled in, and attending, classes that earn at least twelve credits in the semester for which a ELF award has been granted. 
• Be a student in good standing.

To apply for Engaged Learning Fellowship, please complete and submit the online application form here. 

Timing and Award Decisions 

Engaged Learning Fellowship are awarded for one semester only (either fall or spring) and award decisions are made separately for each of these semesters. 

1. Spring semester ELF applications:  

Applications for spring-semester awards are accepted from November 1 to November 30. Applicants for spring-semester awards will be notified by December 31.  

2. Fall semester ELF applications:  

Applications for fall-semester awards are accepted starting November 1. Applications remain open until all available FA funds are disbursed. 

RYI will begin considering awards on January 15 and priority will be given to applications received by that date. Award decisions for this initial round will be communicated by February 28. 

Applications received after January 15 will be considered on a rolling basis and only if funds remain after the initial round. Award decisions for these late applications will be communicated after February 28.