Fees and Financial Support

Fees

Description of Fees
2009/2010 Tuition and Fees (PDF)
How to Establish California Residency

Types of Financial Support


Tribal Membership Initiative

The Tribal Membership Initiative is a new endeavor by UC San Diego's Office of Graduate Studies to increase diversity by providing fellowships to prospective students from federally recognized tribes and of Native Hawaiian ancestry. [MORE]

HOW TO APPLY: Go to the personal information page of the online graduate application to UCSD and check the appropriate box. Remember to submit the verification of affiliation.

San Diego Fellowship

Fellowship awards are based on applicants' eligibility (having social, educational or economic backgrounds that would add to the diversity of UCSD's graduate programs, or demonstrating a commitment to increasing educational access for underrepresented students) and merit (based on academic preparation and potential). Applications by individuals who are from underrepresented groups are encouraged, although all qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin.  [MORE]

HOW TO APPLY: Apply through the online graduate application (preferred) or print and complete a paper application form. Read the appendix to the instructions carefully before answering the application questions.

Teaching Assistantships

It is expected that MFA students will apply for and receive teaching assistant (TA) positions at one of the six college writing programs or the Department of Literature. Teaching assistants lead undergraduate discussion sections or workshops, working under the guidance of course instructors or writing program directors. Training is provided.

MFA students who teach a minimum of 25% time (10 hours per week) will receive a salary of $2272/quarter (2009 rate), will be eligible for fee remissions, and may be eligible for up to 12 units of course credit toward the degree. The maximum that fulltime students are allowed to teach is 50% time (20 hours per week).

The college writing programs fill most of their TA positions in May-June through a competitive process (applications are required). First-year MFA students who do not find employment at one of the college programs will be first in line when Literature fills its TA positions in August-September (no application required).

Typically, TA appointments at the college and Literature writing programs are for three quarters (October-June). College writing TAs who successfully complete their appointments may be invited back for a second year.

HOW TO APPLY: Application instructions will be provided in April to newly admitted students. The application packet consists of a biographical information form, a resume, cover letter, and essay-type writing sample (for example, a few pages from a college paper).

Research Assistantships and Fellowships

The Department of Literature awards research assistantships or fellowships when funding is available. Participants are expected to complete significant projects under the general guidance of faculty advisors. In 2009/2010 students will work on the new MFA journal, New Writing Series, or Archive for New Poetry.

Fellowships and RAships carry either salaries or stipends and are designed to supplement other types of funding, such as 25% TAships. They are awarded at the discretion of the department on the basis of merit and/or need. There is no application process.

Reader, Tutor and Student Assistant Positions

There are many opportunities on campus for Readers (grading papers), Tutors, and Student Assistants. These positions may be of interest to students who want short-term appointments or summer work. Hiring is done through a competitive process; applications are required.

Readers who work at 25% time or more may be eligible for fee remissions; Tutors and Student Assistants are not eligible.

Additional Resources at the Office of Graduate Studies

Guide to Job Opportunities for Graduate Students (PDF)
Financial Assistance for Entering Graduate Students
Prospective Students – Financial Support

Extramural Resources

FinAid
100 Minority Scholarships Gateway List