Skip to main content

Funding

Expand all

How are students funded in their first year?

First-year graduate students are normally supported for 12 months as University Fellows. Fellows receive a monthly stipend, health insurance, and a full tuition scholarship. Fellows are not normally assigned any departmental duties; however, it is expected that University Fellows will take advantage of the time provided by the fellowship to become involved in research with one of our faculty members.

How are students funded in the second year?

Students in their second year of study are often supported as Teaching Assistants in the academic year. These also receive a monthly stipend, health insurance, and a full tuition scholarship.

What responsibilities do Teaching Assistants have?

Teaching Assistants normally spend about 10 hours per week teaching undergraduate laboratories, leading discussion sections, grading, and tutoring. Teaching Assistants typically assist for three quarters: Fall, Winter and Spring. A small number of summer Teaching Assistantships are also available.

How are students funded after they've completed their Teaching Assistantship?

Once a student has selected a thesis advisor and begun their PhD research, it is typical for them to be supported as a Research Assistant (by their thesis advisor) until their thesis is completed. Students must find an advisor by the summer of their second year.

How much are current stipends?

The stipends for University Fellows, TAs, and RAs vary, depending on the student's qualifications. However, the minimum 12-month stipend for any student on full support for 2022-2023 is $35,196. If a student is granted financial support, they are immediately sent a letter specifying the precise details and amount of the award.