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Graduate Assistantships

Soar Higher with Hands-On Experience and Financial Support

Graduate assistantships at the University of North Florida are designed to help you move forward with confidence — academically, professionally, and financially.

As a graduate assistant, you’ll gain meaningful, hands-on experience while working alongside faculty and university professionals. At the same time, you’ll receive financial support that helps make your graduate education more accessible.

What You’ll Gain

Graduate assistantships support your success in and out of the classroom by combining professional experience with financial assistance.

As a graduate assistant, you may receive:

  • A stipend (paid biweekly) for your contributions
  • A tuition waiver that reduces the cost of your degree
  • An out-of-state fee waiver for eligible non-Florida residents

Your stipend is paid directly to you and is separate from your tuition waiver, meaning you receive both financial support and reduced tuition.

Assistantship Types

Graduate assistantship opportunities are available across a range of roles designed to support your academic, teaching, and professional development while helping you apply what you’re learning in real-world settings.

  • Graduate Assistant (GA)

    Graduate Assistant (GA)

    Contribute to programmatic, academic, or student-focused initiatives that support teaching, learning, and the overall mission of the department or university. GAs may assist with projects, student engagement efforts, program coordination, or other initiatives that enhance the student experience and strengthen departmental impact. These roles are designed to build transferable skills such as communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and project management.

  • Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA)

    Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA)

    Support instructional activities within your discipline by assisting faculty with course delivery, grading, and facilitating discussions or learning activities. In some cases, GTAs may serve as the instructor of record for assigned courses. This role provides valuable experience in teaching, curriculum support, and student engagement, helping you develop skills in communication, leadership, and instructional practice.

  • Graduate Research Assistant (GRA)

    Graduate Research Assistant (GRA)

    Work closely with faculty on research and scholarly projects, contributing to activities such as data collection, analysis, literature reviews, and dissemination of findings. GRAs gain hands-on experience in the research process while developing critical thinking, analytical, and technical skills that are valuable for academic, industry, or professional career paths.

  • Graduate Assistant – Distance Learning Coach (GA-DLC)

    Graduate Assistant – Distance Learning Coach (GA-DLC)

    Support online and hybrid learning environments by enhancing student engagement, facilitating communication, and assisting with course delivery in virtual settings. GA-DLCs help create a positive and interactive online learning experience while developing skills in digital communication, instructional support, and student success strategies.

Why I Chose Graduate School at UNF

Alumni Chandana Konda

Chandana Konda,
Construction Management (M.S.) ’26

“Working as a Graduate Assistant strengthened my communication, organization, and time-management skills—mirroring real-world project coordination. It also gave me a deeper appreciation for the systems and people that support student success.”

Alumni Bailey Estep

Bailey Estep,
Instructional Technology, Training, and Development (M.S.) ’26

“Through my graduate assistantship, I’ve strengthened my skills in research, communication, and project management while working on real-world initiatives. I’m also gaining experience using tools like AI and Universal Design for Learning to create more inclusive and effective learning experiences.”

Alumni Ashley Allen

Ashley Allen,
Public Administration (M.P.A.) ’27

“Public administration is about serving institutions, communities, and people—and my graduate assistantship has allowed me to live that out while applying what I’m learning and building the professional skills I’ll use throughout my career.”

Funding & Benefits

Graduate assistantships provide a combination of a stipend and tuition support.

 

  • Stipend

    Graduate assistants receive a stipend based on their appointment:

    • $2,500 per semester (fall and spring) for 10 hours per week (minimum)
    • $5,000 per semester (fall and spring) for 20 hours per week (minimum)

    This stipend is paid directly to you and distributed biweekly throughout the semester.

  • Tuition Waiver

    Your assistantship may include a full or partial tuition waiver to help reduce the cost of your degree.

    To be eligible, you must:

    • Be an active, degree-seeking graduate student
    • Be appointed for at least 10 hours per week as a GA, GTA, or GRA
    • Be enrolled as a full-time student in up to nine (9) graduate credit hours per term

    Tuition waivers are prorated based on your appointment hours.

  • Out-of-State Fee Waiver

    If you are classified as a non-Florida resident, your assistantship may also qualify you for an out-of-state fee waiver.

    To be eligible, you must:

    • Be an active, degree-seeking graduate student
    • Be classified as an out-of-state student for tuition purposes
    • Be appointed for at least 10 hours per week as a GA, GA-DLC, GTA, or GRA
  • Estimate Your Savings

    Interested in learning how a graduate assistantship can impact your costs?

    [Tuition & Assistantship Calculator – Coming Soon]

    Use our calculator to estimate:

    • Your tuition savings with a waiver
    • Compare your remaining out-of-pocket costs by visiting the Tuition & Fees webpage

    Students in the following non-standard tuition rate programs should go to the program webpage to calculate tuition and fees.

Eligibility and Requirements

To be eligible for a graduate assistantship, you must:

  • Be an active, degree-seeking graduate student
  • Maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA
  • Meet enrollment requirements (typically 9 credit hours for master’s programs and 6 credit hours for doctoral programs)
  • Be appointed for at least 10 hours per week

Additional requirements may apply depending on the role. Students may not work more than 40 biweekly hours in combination with all other UNF employment. GTAs are required to enroll in the Graduate School Canvas GTA Orientation or a department led GTA orientation. 

How Assistantships Work at UNF

Graduate assistantships are offered through individual colleges and academic departments. Visit your college’s website or connect with your Graduate Program Director to learn more about available positions and how to apply.

  • Opportunities vary by program and are based on availability
  • Appointment decisions are made at the college or department level
  • Assistantships are managed by individual programs or departments, so students apply directly through their department.

Explore Opportunities

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  • How do I apply for a Graduate Assistantship? 

    Graduate assistantships are offered through individual colleges and departments. Application processes vary by program.

    To get started:

    • Contact your Graduate Program Director for available opportunities
    • Visit your college’s website for application details
    • Check Student Workday for additional on-campus positions

    College-specific information:

  • Are assistantships available for all programs?
    Not all programs offer graduate assistantships. Availability depends on departmental needs and funding, so it’s important to connect with your program directly to learn about current opportunities.
  • Can international students apply for a graduate assistantship?
    Yes. Graduate assistantships are open to both domestic and international students. International students should also ensure they meet any additional university and visa-related employment requirements.
  • How many hours can I work?

    Graduate assistantships are limited to up to 20 hours per week (40 hours biweekly).

  • Can I have a graduate assistantship and another job at UNF?

    Yes, but there are limits.

    • Your assistantship is capped at 20 hours per week
    • If you hold an additional on-campus job, your total combined hours cannot exceed 29 hours per week (58 biweekly hours)

    If you exceed standard limits, your department must submit an Assistantship Criteria Exception waiver.

  • How and when do I receive my stipend?

    Your stipend is paid to you throughout your appointment period (typically one semester).

    • Payments are issued biweekly
    • You do not need to submit hours

    For specific questions about your stipend, contact the department that appointed you.

  • What are the university pay periods?
    Graduate assistants are paid on the university’s biweekly payroll schedule. For exact pay dates, refer to the university payroll calendar or contact your department.
  • What does the tuition waiver cover?
    The tuition waiver covers a portion of your tuition, based on your assistantship appointment and enrollment (up to 9 credit hours per term).
  • Does the tuition waiver cover fees?

    No. Tuition waivers apply to tuition only and do not cover additional fees.

    The out-of-state fee is the only additional charge that may be waived for eligible non-Florida residents. Students are responsible for any remaining tuition and fees not covered by the waiver.

  • When is my tuition waiver applied?
    Tuition waivers are typically applied on the last day of the drop/add period each semester.
  • What if my GPA falls below 3.0?
    Graduate assistants are required to maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA. If your GPA falls below this threshold, you may become ineligible to continue your assistantship.
  • What happens if I drop below the required enrollment?
    Graduate assistants must meet minimum enrollment requirements to remain eligible. Dropping below the required credit hours may result in loss of your assistantship and associated benefits. In some cases, exceptions may be approved—including during a student’s final semester—through an Assistantship Criteria Exception (ACE) form.
  • How long do assistantships last?
    Most graduate assistantships are appointed for the academic year (fall and spring). Continuation from fall to spring is contingent upon meeting Graduate Assistant eligibility and performance requirements. Summer assistantships may be available separately, depending on departmental needs and funding.
  • How can I renew my assistantship?
    Some assistantships may be renewed, but renewal is not guaranteed. Continued eligibility, performance, and departmental funding all factor into renewal decisions.