The University of California considers financial support a top priority. UC campuses and departments offer a variety of financial packages designed to attract and retain the best graduate students in the nation.
Fellowships & Grants: Like undergraduate scholarships, fellowships are usually awarded on the basis of academic merit and provide stipends that need not be repaid. In most cases, recipients must maintain a specified level of academic achievement. Grants are often awarded on the basis of financial need or special talent in a field. Amounts may provide funding for more than one year, and can vary from a few hundred dollars to several thousand.
UC Fellowships: The UC Academic Career Development Program was designed to foster multi-faceted diversity within graduate education at the University of California and to assist students who show potential to become excellent faculty or researchers in institutions of higher education. Each award includes a stipend and campus support for fees and health benefits. The program includes:
- EUGENE COTA-ROBLES FELLOWSHIPS provide first-and second-year mentored fellowship support to students enrolled in doctoral programs.
- GRADUATE RESEARCH MENTORSHIPS support students after the first year with the option for renewal for an additional year. Faculty mentors assist awardees with research leading to the development of their doctoral dissertation.
- DISSERTATION-YEAR FELLOWSHIPS are awarded to eligible graduate students in the final year of their doctoral program who demonstrate strong potential for University teaching and research.
Departmental Awards: Many departments and professional schools have their own fellowship opportunities as well. Some departments offer fellowships which cover student fees and/or out-of-state tuition.
National and Other Awards: Funding for graduate school is also available from a variety of federal, community, and private organizations. For a complete list of fellowships and grants available in your field, consult the department or school you are considering attending (or see page 40).
Teaching & Research Assistantships: Departments award teaching assistantships which include funding for assisting a faculty member during the academic year. A research assistantship carries funding for conducting research with a faculty member, with the possibility of extending to full time during the summer break. Both awards provide valuable academic experience. Graduate students who hold these appointments at 25 percent time or greater are eligible to have a portion of their student fees remitted. Specific terms of the remissions vary from campus to campus. One may apply for assistantships through department offices.
Other Employment: Administrative internships, graduate traineeships, residence hall and counseling assistantships, reader or tutor positions, and/or part-time positions are available in a host of campus programs and offices. Consult departments and campus employment offices for details.
Need-based Financial Aid: Most graduate and professional school students are eligible for need-based aid. Work-study employment and guaranteed student loans are usually available. Deadlines are usually in March for the following year. Emergency loans may also be available from financial aid offices. |
