There are several ways in which students can receive financial support. The department offers funding to PhD students in the form of employment, most commonly as a Teaching Assistant (TA), but also as a Graduate Student Researcher (GSR), or as an Associate Instructor (AI). To hold one of these appointments, students must be enrolled in at least 12 units and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
Note: we do not typically offer funding to Master's students. If there are TA or Reader openings in the department, however, MS students will be notified and can apply. They are also welcome to apply to any TA position across campus through Handshake.
Teaching Assistant
TAs are employed at either 25% and 50% time (10 to 20 hours per week), and receive a monthly salary of between $1888 and $3778 (Fall 2024). In addition, TAs receive remissions covering their in-state tuition (see the page on tuition remission). Per campus policy, all TAs are required to complete the TA Orientation offered by UC Davis and international students are required to fulfill a Language Proficiency requirement.
Associate Instructor
AIs are in charge of instruction for the course, and for supervision of Teaching Assistants. An AI is employed at 50% and receives a monthly salary of $3958 (Fall 2024), and receives the same tuition remissions as a TA.
Graduate Student Researcher (GSR)
GSRs are hired by a faculty member to conduct research. They are employed at either 25% or 50% time, and their monthly salary is between $1440 and $2880 per month (Fall 2024). GSRs receive full remissions on their in-state tuition and on their non-resident supplemental tuition.
Non-Resident Tuition Fellowship (NRTF)
The department also offers a limited number of fellowships to cover non-resident tuition costs, which currently stand at $15,102 per academic year. These fellowships usually cover the NRT until a student advances to PhD candidacy, at which point their NRT costs are reduced to zero. Domestic students who are not California residents are also eligible to receive the NRTF, but are expected to obtain California residency by the end of their first year.
Financial Support from the office of Graduate Studies
Internal Fellowships
Graduate Studies administers several fellowship programs, which are usually applied for at the same time as application for the program. Details about these fellowships can be found on the Graduate Studies website.
Travel Grants
Graduate Students who are planning to travel to conferences and meetings can also apply for travel awards. These awards are given twice a year, and range from $250 (for travel within the state) to $1000 (for international travel). Applications are made through the graduate program; details can be found on the Graduate Studies website.