Graduate admissions Steps to apply 3. Consider funding and financial aid

Graduate students at Ohio State have a variety of funding options available to them, including associateships and other employment, fellowships, loans and scholarships.

Read How graduate funding works.

Associateships and fellowships

Funding decisions are made largely by each graduate program. Some programs fund all of their graduate students. Others fund only a few or provide only partial funding support.

To be considered for funding consideration, check the boxes on the admission application under "Funding Opportunities." If you submit your application without checking the boxes, you'll need to contact your program directly regarding fellowship and associateship opportunities.

Check one or more of these options:

  • Graduate School Fellowship
  • Administrative Associateship
  • Research Associateship
  • Teaching Associateship
To be considered for funding consideration, check the boxes on the admission application under "Funding Opportunities."

Associateships

Associateships, awarded for teaching, research or administration, are the primary source of financial assistance provided to graduate students. Most graduate associateships provide a 12-month tuition waiver, a nine-month stipend and subsidized health insurance in exchange for 20 hours of work per week for nine months. Associateship positions generally begin in the autumn term and are renewable, depending upon the student’s job performance, grades and availability of funds.

To be eligible for consideration, you need only meet the admission and deadline requirements of your program, and check the appropriate box(es) on the admission application under "Funding Opportunities."

Learn more about associateships.

Fellowships

A limited number of fellowships are awarded on a competitive basis to applicants who show outstanding scholarly accomplishment and exceptional potential for graduate study. Most fellowship awards pay a monthly stipend, provide a tuition waiver and subsidize health insurance.

Read about eligibility criteria for fellowships, and check with your program regarding specific deadlines and additional materials they may require.

Financial aid

Loans and scholarships

U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible to apply for government-sponsored loans. Applicants should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by February 1 each year to be considered for federal loan programs, which typically have low, fixed interest rates and good repayment options. Private loans are also an option for students.

In addition, there are a limited number of university scholarships and grants open to graduate students.

Learn more about financial aid.

Student employment

Find student employment opportunities — including graduate associateships and research positions — listed on the Student Job Board and Handshake. In addition, your graduate program may be able to point you toward good resources.

Funding for international students

Most international students may work up to 20 hours per week on campus. If you are awarded a Graduate Teaching Associateship and English is not your first language, you will be required to certify your oral proficiency in English before assuming your associateship duties. Learn more about employment for international students.