While the number of applicants to our programs exceeds the amount of funding available, we do offer several opportunities for students to gain funding.
PhD Funding
All Grainger College of Engineering PhD students are guaranteed a tuition and partial-fee waiving appointment (at least 25%) for 5 years (10 semesters). Please make sure you view the Grainger policy regarding the details. For more information on what is covered by the tuition and partial-fee waiver, please visit the Graduate College Handbook (Chapter 7, Section 7.4).
Assistantships
Types of Assistantships
There are several types of assistantships that a graduate student can be hired as. You can find a description of each type of assistantships on the UIUC Human Resources page.
Teaching Assistantships
ISE hires students as teaching assistants for both the fall and spring semesters. The application period for each semester is as follows:
- April 1 - June 1 for Fall
- September 1 - November 1 for Spring
You can apply through the TA Preference Form. If you are an ISE graduate student, you should also fill out the Planning Form so we have an idea of the type of support you are hoping to receive during the semester you are applying to be a TA.
Being a TA requires the English Proficiency Interview (EPI) if certain conditions, including TOEFL or IELTS scores, do not meet the threshold. For this reason, we suggest you look into these requirements as early as possible.
If you are chosen to be a TA, you will be informed via email with your course assignment.
Research Assistantships
ISE faculty members routinely hire students to conduct research as research assistants through the entire academic year. It is important to reach out to faculty to inquire about the possibility of a research assistantship. You can view the ISE Research page to explore the faculty members that work in our varying disciplines. If a faculty member agrees to hire you, they will work with Engineering Human Resources to process your assistantship appointment.
Graduate Assistantships
These are primarily to support administrative functions. These include technical/support services, advising, etc.
Policies Regarding Assistantships
The Graduate College has several policies as they relate to assistantships, including stipends, tuition waivers, and more. Please visit the Graduate College Assistantship page for more information.
Please keep in mind that if your appointment is between 25-67%, in addition to your monthly stipend, will also include a tuition and partial fee waiver. The waiver covers service, Library Technology Fees, AFMFA and health services including vision insurance, dental insurance and partial payment of the health insurance fee. Students are responsible for paying other assessed fees.
Monthly stipend amounts in ISE are determined based on your academic background – pre-MS, post-MS, completion of preliminary exams.
International students can have a maximum of 50% appointments in a semester (both TA, RA, and GA combined).
Graduate Assistantship Clearinghouse
Please visit the ISE Financial support page for a link to the Graduate College Assistantship Clearinghouse, which contains a list of assistantships available across the University.
Fellowships
Fellowships are financial aid awards that provide a stipend with no expectation of service in return. We offer many fellowships to primarily incoming students. In addition, there are opportunities to receive departmental, College, or University fellowships throughout your academic career. You can visit the ISE Financial Support page for more information.