Fellowships

University fellowships, which are administered through the Graduate School, are awarded to both new and continuing graduate students in most academic areas. Students must be nominated by their graduate advisors for any fellowship administered by the Graduate School. Additional information is available from the Graduate School.

University recruiting fellowships for entering graduate students are awarded on the basis of scholastic excellence and adequate preparation for graduate study in the student’s chosen field, as shown by the student's academic record and letters of recommendation. University fellowships for continuing students are awarded on the basis of the student’s record since entering the Graduate School, including performance in relevant coursework and research or creative activity, letters of recommendation from University faculty members, and the endorsement of the graduate advisor; financial need is also considered. There are additional specific qualifications for many of the competitive fellowships awarded by the University and by graduate programs. Generally, fellowships require no service from the recipient. Major fellowships provide for payment of nearly all tuition in addition to the stipend.

Assistantships

Various teaching, research, and academic assistantships are awarded by the departments. These appointments require specific service. Nonresidents and international students who hold assistantships of at least 20 hours a week may pay resident tuition if the assistantship duties are related to the student’s degree program. Applicants may indicate on the admission application that they would like to be considered by the graduate program for a teaching assistantship or a research assistantship. Enrolled students should apply directly to the department in which they would serve.

Additional Financial Aid and Deadlines for Financial Aid

The Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid offers financial assistance in the form of gift aid, which includes grants and scholarships, and self-help aid, which includes student employment programs and long-term loans. To apply for these programs, all applicants are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). More information about these programs and deadlines for filing the FAFSA are published on the Texas One Stop website in the financial aid section.

Individual graduate programs may also offer financial assistance to their students. For more information about these programs and deadlines for applying to them, applicants should contact the graduate program of interest. Financial aid decisions are made soon after program application deadlines, and applicants whose materials have not been received may not be given full consideration.