A Step by Step Guide to Financing Your
Graduate Education

Assistance through the Office of Student Financial Aid

1. Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The University of Iowa’s Federal School Code is 001892. Apply ASAP after January 1.
    
2. The Office of Student Financial Aid will send you a postcard directing you to complete The University of Iowa Verification Form (IVF). Submit the completed IVF to the UI Office of Student Financial Aid with a photocopy of your federal income tax return and schedules A and B, if filed. Sign and date the photocopy.
   
   Aid through the Office of Student Financial Aid includes:
   - Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) - grants for minority students
   - Work-Study Program
   - Federal Loans
    
3. Awards are not automatically renewed. Reapply every year.
   
   For detailed instructions on the above process, visit the Office of Student Financial Aid.
    

Support from Your Department or Program

1. Submit the Application for Graduate Awards (PDF) to your academic department or program by February 1 to be considered for the following fall. These non-need-based awards are made on the basis of academic merit, and include teaching/research assistantships and departmental fellowships.
    
2. Be proactive in discovering what opportunities are available through your department.
    
3. Grants for research undertaken by UI faculty are often funding opportunities for students. Find faculty whose research interests you and see if that can lead to an RA appointment.

| Return to Top |

Support from the Graduate College

1. Again, the Application for Graduate Awards (PDF) is the first step to be considered for much of the funding available from the Graduate College, including:
   - Presidential Graduate Fellowships
   - Iowa Arts Fellowships
   
   See Fellowships and Funding from the Graduate College for other opportunities.
    
2. Students must be nominated by their department for many of the awards made available by the Graduate College. Do not be afraid to promote yourself within your department. Ask that your name be put forward for a specific fellowship or award.
   
   Carefully read through the descriptions of the funding opportunities from Graduate College to determine your eligibility.
    
3. If a TA/GA appointment is not available through your department, it is still possible to attain a GA elsewhere in the university. Look for openings on the Graduate Assistantship Bulletin Board regularly.
   
   All RA/TA/GA with quarter-time or greater appointments receive a tuition scholarship from the Graduate College.
    

External Sources of Support

1. Seek external support. There are literally billions of dollars in external funding available from government agencies and private foundations. The following links are great places to start:
   
   Division of Sponsored Programs
   International Programs Office
   Office of the Vice President for Research
   
   The process of search and applying for external funding can be overwhelming. Start early and identify opportunities that match your needs and eligibility.
    
2. Create a calendar of deadlines. Applying for a grant can be a long process which needs to be initiated well in advance of the deadline.
    
3. Consult with advisors and professors. These academic professionals are unique resources whose experience obtaining grants and other forms of support could prove invaluable in your own search.

| Return to Top |