Full-time doctoral students receive first priority for assistantships, while part-time doctoral and master’s students are typically self-funded. 

New students awarded an assistantship are notified during the admissions process, often prior to receiving the formal offer of admission. All doctoral applicants are automatically considered for an assistantship based on their overall application. Applicants should be aware that securing an assistantship is highly competitive and may require identifying a faculty advisor during the application process. Visit graduate admissions for more information.

Continuing students presently supported by an assistantship are eligible for renewal based upon areas like: ongoing award compliance, academic progress, satisfactory performance, and continued availability of faculty advisor funds. Students also regularly apply for external awards and fellowships during their studies with help from their advisor. Renewal letters are often issued prior to the end date of a student’s current assistantship and/or during the summer in anticipation of the approaching academic year.

In accordance with requirements noted in the VCU Bulletin, assistantships in the college require full-time, continuous enrollment in graduate-level courses, 20-hours of work per week as a teaching or research assistant, maintaining a minimum 3.00 GPA, and an ability to continually meet expectations for degree progress and assigned position duties. Students awarded an assistantship are advised to review their signed award letter regularly to ensure ongoing compliance. 

Students supported by an assistantship are expected to apply significant efforts toward completing degree coursework, developing original research, and fulfilling assigned position duties. Students must also obtain and/or maintain continuous U.S. work authorization. Each semester, students are to consult their advisor regarding their academic progress, performance expectations, their position schedule, and any other items as they relate to their academic progress and position.

Assistantships in the college cover standard full-time tuition, out-of-state tuition differentials (if applicable), mandatory fees, and pay a competitive stipend for duties performed as a teaching or research assistant. Assistantships are typically awarded for a 12-month period in relation to the academic year, but may be shorter or end earlier. Assistantships automatically terminate at the end of the award period listed on a student’s award letter. See standard award periods below:

• 12-month: August 10 through August 9
• 9-month: August 10 through May 9
• Fall only: August 10 through December 24
• Spring only:
  • December 25 through May 9 (continuing students)
  • January 10 through May 9 (new students)
• Summer only: May 10 through August 9

Assistantship awards provide critical support for tuition, mandatory fees, and stipends. These financial benefits are complemented by university resources paid for by the mandatory fees portion of an assistantship. They include: library and publication services, technology support and specialty software licensing, career services, campus activities, gym access, and so forth. There are, however, related costs students must budget for and pay while studying at VCU. Examples are:

• Living costs: Rent and utilities, textbooks and supplies, transportation, groceries, meals, entertainment, etc. Visit the student financial management center for help making a budget.
• Health insurance: Health insurance premiums and associated costs are the full responsibility of the student, whether enrolled in VCU student health insurance or a private plan. Assistantships in the College of Engineering do not cover these costs. For questions regarding health insurance requirements or enrollment in the university plan, contact gradhealthins@vcu.edu. 
• Stipend taxation: Stipends are paid as wages for work performed and are subject to withholding taxes. Students earning an assistantship stipend should anticipate payroll tax and should contact VCU Payroll with questions. For students studying on a visa, specialized support from the payroll office exists regarding foreign national taxes and tax treaties. There is also end-of-year tax filing guidance offered by the Global Education Office (GEO). 
• External loans: Graduate students have access to select loan programs that can supplement or fund the overall cost to attend. Students who assume a loan have terms and conditions to agree to when accepting the funds. Visit Student Financial Services to understand various types of loans and common lender requirements.
• Need more information?
  • Explore graduate admissions and student services.
  • Contact the Office of Graduate Studies at gradengr@vcu.edu for questions regarding assistantship policies, procedures, and requirements.
  • Contact your respective graduate program director for questions regarding assistantship opportunities within your specific program of interest.