Funding FAQ

Fellows and Graduate Assistants must be enrolled for at least 9 credits during the fall and spring semesters. Some graduate programs and funding sponsors also require enrollment during summer semesters. Please check with your program for clarification.

Graduate assistants should review the assistantships information page to determine the appropriate number of credits. Please note that you must be registered as a degree-seeking student to receive any financial support.

For more information about fellowships and assistantship requirements, refer to the following two Graduate Education Policies:

• Policy GSAD-901 Graduate Assistants
• Policy GSAD-907 Graduate Fellows and Graduate Trainees

Penn State does not offer tuition waivers. Tuition is fully covered for students appointed to a teaching, research, or administrative graduate assistantship.

Information about student loans, and how to apply for financial aid, is available through the Office of Student Aid.

Graduate assistantships are awarded by academic programs. Contact the program in which you are currently enrolled or are applying for admission to inquire about the availability of assistantships and the application process.

Students on assistantships are eligible for an 80 percent University subsidy of the annual student premium cost for Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) at Penn State. Penn State provides a 75 percent annual premium subsidy for spouse and/or eligible dependents of graduate assistants. Contact the Student Health Insurance Office for more information.

For fellows appointed through Penn State, the University provides an insurance subsidy as outlined above for graduate assistants. Some external sponsors/agencies pay 100 percent of the premium based on their funding guidelines.

Penn State does not withhold taxes from fellowship stipends. Please contact the Payroll office with any questions regarding withholding from student stipends. Although taxes are not withheld, these monies may be taxable according to federal guidelines. Please see IRS publications #970 and #505 or contact a tax accountant for additional information. Another resource available to students is Penn State VITA . The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) is a nationwide, Internal Revenue Service (IRS) sponsored volunteer program that provides free tax preparation services.

If a student is a non-U.S. Resident (for tax purposes), Penn State is required by law to withhold 14 percent federal income tax from the fellowship payment. However, federal income tax withholding can be waived if your country of permanent residence has a tax treaty with the United States. Countries with eligible tax treaties are listed on the Bursar’s website. Please contact Penn State’s Payroll Office if you have any questions or need additional information.

Emergency loans are available through the Office of Student Aid. There are established eligibility criteria for these loans.

No, only degree-seeking graduate students are eligible for graduate student funding.