The applicant must be enrolled in a recognized graduate history or library science degree program in an accredited institution. 

The subject of the dissertation must be directly related to Illinois history and must be approved by the graduate committee of the institution. Preference may be given to applicants who require use of the collections at the Illinois State Historical Library.

The applicant must provide the King V. Hostick Awards Committee with: a certified academic transcript of graduate work; a letter of recommendation from the applicant's dissertation director that also certifies that the applicant has been advanced in candidacy; a current vitae providing the applicant's social security number; a four to six page description of the research topic, including methodology, where it stands in the historiography; a bibliography and sources to be consulted during the period; and two additional letters of recommendation from faculty members or the applicant's committee who are familiar with the applicant's work.

Stipends are individually determined based upon the applicant's research needs. A detailed budget proposal listing travel, lodging, photocopying, and specific collections to be examined at institutions during travel stay should be submitted. If electronic equipment is requested, it must be itemized.

The applicant agrees to deposit a copy of the completed dissertation in the collections of the Illinois State Historical Library. Should the dissertation be published as a book, the applicant agrees to deposit a copy of the published book in the collections of the Illinois State Historical Library.