These positions are open to both domestic and international, full-time students and generally offer tuition support from the University.*
For definitions, appointment guidelines, and responsibilities, see the academic regulations governing each academic appointment type: GA (PDF) | GRA (PDF) | GTA (PDF) | Predoctoral Fellows and Trainees (PDF)
We recommend that you contact your graduate program coordinator/director for more information about assistantships and fellowships.
If you are not receiving tuition support from the University, the Student Financial Services tuition rates page will help you budget for your education. Please note that these rates are for the current academic year, and students should anticipate an annual increase in tuition and fees.
*Tuition scholarships accompanying Graduate Teaching or Research Assistantships do not cover audits or physical education activity courses, nor do they cover courses numbered below 2000 or 2000-level courses not approved for graduate credit, except upon prior approval of the Dean of the Graduate College.
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Helpful resources as you plan your finances for graduate school
Federal loans are the primary source of financial assistance for domestic graduate students. Below are some helpful links with information about student loans and other financial resources you can use to fund your graduate education. International and non-domestic students, see the resources for searching for external funding for loan and scholarship options.
Fellowships available through UVM resources
- Presidential Doctoral Fellowships in the Graduate College (for students starting their Ph.D. program in fall 2024)
- The Gund Institute for Environment recruits outstanding domestic and international PhD candidates interested in conducting interdisciplinary research on major global environmental challenges. For timeframes and stipend amounts for assistantships, please see the following links:
- CEE GAANN Fellowship
- CMB GAANN Fellowship
- Food Systems Research Center Funding Opportunities
Academic appointments: descriptions, stipend rates, enrollment requirements
- Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA): A graduate student who holds a teaching or teaching-related appointment.
- Graduate Research Assistant (GRA): A graduate student who receives financial support from internal or external research funds while performing research on projects for which the funds were awarded.
- Graduate Assistant (GA): A graduate student, typically supported from a source external to their college/school, who performs duties to assist in the educational or research mission of the University, but does not teach a class, recitation, or laboratory.
| Category | Academic appointment stipend rates and related information for Academic Year 2024-2025 |
|---|---|
| Stipend Rate | Minimum 9-month stipend: $24,000 for both Master's and doctoral students. Minimum 12-month stipend: $32,000 for Master's and doctoral students. |
| Enrollment | Full-time GAs/GTAs/GRAs are required to be enrolled in a minimum of 9 credits per semester. Half-time assistants are required to be enrolled in a minimum of 5 credits per semester. |
| Tuition Scholarship | Full-time GAs/GTAs/GRAs are eligible to have 9 credits paid for per semester, while half-time assistants are eligible to have 6 credits paid for per semester. |
| Hours Per Week | Full-time GAs/GTAs/GRAs assignments require an effort of 20 hours of effort per week, on average, including adequate preparation time for teaching assignments. Fractional appointments should not exceed the corresponding fraction of the 20-hour standard. |
| How to Apply | Please contact the department you are enrolled in to inquire about available academic appointments. |
Resources for searching for external funding
Pivot (for admitted and enrolled students only)
The University of Vermont subscribes to Pivot-RP, a web-based funding and collaboration tool. Students are encouraged to sign up for a Pivot-RP user account to track, save and share funding opportunities. See Research Development for instructions on setting up your account and to request additional assistance with the database. This resource is available to anyone who has a current UVM email address.
Scholarships a-z
Scholarships a-z: database of scholarship and award opportunities available for students regardless of citizenship status
MPower financing (for international students)
MPower Financing is a private lender that provides loans for international students
Additional resources
- Student Research Awards (link to come)
- Financial Aid: Student Financial Services
- Additional Work Application (PDF)
- GradSense.org
The Council of Graduate Schools has developed GradSense, a unique online education platform that provides students with financial information about a range of topics including the value of pursuing an advanced degree. Through interactive visualization tools and engaging infographics, students can use this site to better understand issues related to borrowing and spending, potential future earnings, and money management.
For more information or help, contact the Graduate College
The Graduate College Dean's Office
The University of Vermont
330 Waterman Building
Burlington, Vermont 05405
Telephone: (802) 656-3160
Fax: (802) 656-0519
E-mail: gradcoll@uvm.edu