Graduate Student Funding
The Graduate School offers a variety of funding opportunities, including fellowships, assistantships, and scholarships. Please review the funding policies for both departments and students. While students may receive external funding through grants or other sources, they are still governed by many of the same policies as those who are internally funded. This includes stipends, variance for additional work and work restrictions for international students.
For assistantships and fellowships administered through the Graduate School, academic units must submit funding nominations. Once approved, funding letters are sent to the students, who must accept the Terms of Agreement and complete the hiring process before the department begins the onboarding process. Students cannot begin work until the hiring process is fully complete.
Students must register for classes to begin receiving their stipend. They should follow the funded student checklist, and attend GTA orientation, if applicable.
If you have any questions about the graduate student funding process or policies, please contact the Graduate School, or Yvette Stith at graduate@louisville.edu.
To appoint a new graduate assistant to a position funded by the Graduate School, Associate Deans, DGS's or their designated staff must submit a nomination form to the Graduate School. It is crucial to complete and submit this form well before the April 15th deadline, as we adhere to the Council of Graduate Schools (CGS) guidelines. Timely submission ensures a smooth process for funding and the appointment of your graduate assistant, so please plan ahead to avoid any delays or complications.
If an admitted student is unable to start in the semester they were originally expected, they will need to defer their admission. A student can defer up to one academic year. However, funding cannot be guaranteed for students who defer. If you have approval through the Graduate School to defer funding, you will need to resubmit a new nomination form.
If you have a currently funded student who will be continuing their duties in the new academic year, it's important to take the necessary steps to ensure their funding continues. Be sure to submit the required form to continue funding for your current graduate assistants.
Sometimes, funding may change or need to be terminated during an appointment. It's crucial to work closely with the Graduate School to carefully evaluate all potential implications before making a final decision. If your GA resigns from their position, you must contact the Graduate School immediately, as they will notify Human Resources and Financial Aid to end the stipend and tuition waiver.
Please be sure to maintain contact with students to ensure they have completed their hiring process and have been correctly onboarded to begin working within your department. Departments are not allowed to have students begin working prior to having final approval from Business Operations.
Academic units are able to access the Funding Offers and Terms of Agreement within Slate.