Funding Sources

Most of our students are funded by fellowships, teaching assistantships, research assistantships, or some combination of the three. This offer can vary depending on the student's file, their research experience, and their interest in particular areas of research, etc. Fellowship funding comes from various sources such as research grants to the major professor, research grants to the student, Graduate Division fellowships and various extramural resources. All applicants are automatically considered for support.

• Graduate Division Stipend

  Usually awarded as part of a larger fellowship package, these dollars go directly from Graduate Division to the student.  The student receives quarterly disbursements at the beginning of each quarter of their award. Disbursements are scheduled to post to student account for the first day of each quarter for those who have direct deposit. Paper checks will be mailed out on these dates to those students who do not opt for direct deposit.

• Graduate Student Researcher (GSR)

  An employment title for graduate students conducting research (either independent or directed).  Students may not be appointed at more than 49% during the academic year.  During academic breaks and the summer a student may be employed up to 100%. 

  GSR appointments at 25% or more during the academic year are entitled to GSHIP and PFR (see below).  Financial support for GSR employees is provided by faculty extramural grants and departmental general funds. Students are paid in arrears (just like other university employees) and receive their first check after their first month of work (i.e. a student who begins work in fall quarter will receive their first paycheck on November 1).

• Teaching Assistant (TA)

  Also known as Academic Student Employee (ASE).  This employment title is for graduate students who are teaching part of a course (normally labs or discussion sections) under the guidance of a faculty member/instructor.  Students may not be appointed at more than 50% (average of 20 hours work per week) during the academic year.  If they are appointed at 25% (average of 10 hours work per week) or more time during an academic quarter, they are entitled to GSHIP and PFR (see below).  Students are paid in arrears (just like other university employees) and receive their first check after their first month of work (i.e. a student who starts work in fall quarter will receive their first paycheck on November 1).

• Partial Fee Remission (PFR)

  Students who are appointed at 25% or more time during an academic quarter as a GSR or TA are entitled to PFR.  This entitlement pays part (but not all) of the students' mandatory university fees.  Typically this covers the University Educational Fee and the University Registration Fee. 

• Graduate Student Health Insurance (GSHIP)

  Students who are appointed at 25% or more time during an academic quarter as a GSR or TA are entitled to have their GSHIP fees paid for them.  The actual dollar amount of GSHIP changes as the insurance prices change from year to year.  Students who have private Health Insurance comparable to the University's coverage can apply for a waiver of the GSHIP fees. This amount is not reimbursed to the student, it is simply waived.  Deadline dates for petitioning for exemption from GSHIP are firm. Contact the Student Health Insurance coordinator at (951) 827-5683 or (951) 827-3031 for information.

• Non-Resident Tuition Remission (NRT or NRTR)

  Non-residents of California (either Domestic or International) who are appointed at 45% or more as a GSR are entitled to have their Non-Resident Tuition paid for them.  International Students are not eligible establish California residency and will owe Non-Resident Tuition for their entire student careers.  (However, when a student Advances to Candidacy, his/her Non-Resident Tuition is reduced to 0% for a period of nine quarters.)  Domestic non-resident students must establish California residency prior to their second year of study. You must petition in person at the Office of the Registrar, Student Services Building, for a change of classification from nonresident to resident status. All changes of status MUST be initiated before the first day of classes for the term for which you intend to be classified as a resident. Students planning to file for residence status after their first year should talk with the Residency Officer located in the Registrar's Office well before the appropriate residence determination date, preferably during their first few weeks in California.