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Office of Graduate Student Assistantships and Fellowships
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Graduate Funding at a GlanceThe first step in searching for graduate funding is to decide what type of funding is most suitable for you. Financial assistance usually consists of one or more of the following possibilities: Graduate assistants perform part-time research assistance or teaching duties in their fields of study. These merit-based awards are available in many GW departments and provide salaries and/or tuition awards. GW provides many fellowships and scholarships, which offer stipends and/or tuition awards based on academic achievement, to fund master's and doctoral study. Most fellowships and scholarships are offered through the academic departments and some are offered through the Office of Graduate Student Assistantships and Fellowships. A number of outside fellowships are also available. Outside awards are sponsored by foundations, professional and learned societies, industries, and other organizations. Contact the Office of Graduate Student Assistantships and Fellowships for information about outside funding resources. Request for Permission to Work While Receiving a Fellowship Stipend According to The George Washington University Fellowship Requirements, students receiving stipends of $12,000 or more must receive permission to work either on or off campus. Work is defined as internships (paid or unpaid), research for a professor or researcher, or any miscellaneous employment. If you would like to request permission to work, please fill out the request form and return to the Office of Graduate Student Assistantships and Fellowships. Faculty members serving as principal investigators on research grants may hire GW students as research assistants. This paid employment is available in very specific fields; contact your department to find out if it offers such opportunities. In some cases, you do not have to be studying in that specific field to apply. Programs in education sometimes sponsor research traineeships. These merit-based awards provide varying stipends to fund technical training. Awards are available only in selected fields; contact your department for more information. Loans and Student Financial Assistance A number of federal and private loan funds provide graduate loans based on either financial need or creditworthiness. All loans must be repaid, but some loans allow you to defer payment while you are enrolled in school. GW's Office of Student Financial Assistance has complete information on such sources of aid. Click here for detailed student loan and federal financial aid application procedures for the 2008-2009 academic year. Cooperative education allows you to integrate salaried, study-related work experiences into your academic program. These competitive positions are available in selected public agencies and private corporations; they are not based on financial need. International students may participate in the program within the private sector; opportunities in the public sector are limited to U.S. students. Contact the Career Center and your academic department for more information on cooperative education opportunities. House Mentors and Graduate Housing Program Assistants The House Mentor (HM) will serve in upper-division halls and will help residents to develop an environment that promotes personal and professional development. The HM will assist residents in their preparation for personal and professional expectations of life after The George Washington University. The HM will guide residents in efforts to prepare for lifestyle and career choice. The HM will know their residents, model appropriate behavior, and assist in the development of educational, co-curricular initiatives. Full-time students in graduate degree programs may apply. Compensation includes a fixed wage for the academic year, a furnished room, voice-mail and call-waiting services. Note that remuneration is considered income and may impact your financial aid package. Candidates are encouraged to contact the Financial Aid Office for additional information prior to accepting the House Mentor position. The Community Coordinator is a part-time graduate student position within GW Housing Programs. The Community Coordinators will work directly with a Community Director in ensuring that students are offered a premier residential experience. Responsibilities may include developing programs and outreach to residents, advising the Residence Advisory Council or Living-Learning Cohorts, or assist with the administrative tasks of managing a residence hall. The House Life Coordinator (HLC) is a part-time one academic year graduate position within GW Housing Programs. HLCs are responsible for assisting central house life staff with oversight of projects and programs developed by House Life. In addition, they may assist with leadership opportunities for students in a residence hall or group of residence halls. Candidates must be enrolled in a full-time, graduate degree granting program at The George Washington University. Candidates must be in good standing with the University. Please keep in mind that HLCs may be required to return to GW prior to the beginning of the fall and spring semesters to participate in staff development training, and to assist in preparing the residence halls for opening and closing. GW Housing Programs Outside or Campus Part-Time Employment Many graduate students obtain employment to help fund their studies. The Career Center posts lists of part-time, summer, and internship positions for which graduate students may apply. You should also visit individual academic departments, which may post part-time job openings and internship opportunities. The Federal Work-Study Program provides jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay education expenses. The program encourages community service work and work related to your course of study. For more information and an application, view our page on the Office of Student Financial Assistance. Tution Reimbursement from Outside Employers Many larger corporations, as well as the federal government, offer tuition assistance to employees pursuing graduate study. In most cases, your program of study must be related to your career field. Tuition Assistance for GW Employees After a three-month waiting period, new GW employees may receive educational benefits. Graduate students employed full- or part-time on a research grant may use their tuition benefits immediately if they begin their employment before the first day of classes. (see Research Appointments.) Full-time and regular part-time employees may register for varying amounts of tuition-free credit hours. Spouses and children of full-time employees receive a tuition discount. Students applying for jobs at GW must inquire in person about the application process at: Human Resource Services Active-duty personnel, veterans, or dependents of veterans may be entitled to varying educational benefits. To be eligible, veterans must have completed at least one year of active service in the U.S. Armed Forces, unless discharged under honorable conditions for medical reasons. For more information, contact: The Office of Student Financial Assistance *Applicants should consult with a GW veterans counselor before submitting an application to the Department of Veterans Affairs. Notes for International Students Many GW merit-based financial assistance opportunities are open to international students. Many such students receive funding from GW, and many from their home countries or the companies for which they work. Other resources are:
International students applying for teaching assistantships must demonstrate sufficient English language skills. Numerous restrictions apply to international students seeking on- or off-campus employment. For more information, contact: International
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