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Assistantships and Awards

There has never been a better time to explore UNF's graduate programs. We offer affordable, high quality programs with available financial aid from multiple sources. Contact the Graduate School at GraduateSchoolAwards@unf.edu if you have any questions.

Overview
Graduate Assistantships
Graduate Student Award
Graduate Research Grant
Delores Auzenne Fellowship
Michael Horowitz Fellowship
Monica Jacoby Graduate Fellowship
Key Bradbury STEM Fellowship
Jim and Millie Milligan Family Foundation Presidential Fellowship
Other UNF Scholarship Opportunities
Scholarship Universe Directions

Overview

The Graduate School has several types of awards available to graduate students including graduate assistantships, tuition waivers, fellowships, and scholarships. Colleges and other university offices also offer a variety of awards. Graduate student awards are offered on a competitive basis. Full-time university staff are ineligible for awards offered by the Graduate School. Students are encouraged to make a financial plan to pay for graduate school including federal student loans, institutional aid and/or external funding. The Graduate School has resources to assist you including Paying for College Tips and our Cost Calculator. We strongly recommend contacting the Office of Financial Aid for additional information.

Some awards require a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Complete the FAFSA online and enter UNF's school code: 009841. For more information, refer to the Financial Aid Checklist. Please note that students may not be able to accept multiple awards and, if necessary, will be required to forfeit an award.

Graduate Assistantships

Graduate assistantships are state-classified university positions supported with university or grant funds and made available through the individual college in which your program of study is housed. Assistantship positions should complement the student program of study. Graduate students who wish to apply for an assistantship should contact the Graduate Program Director for their program of study for available positions.

Eligibility and Requirements

Eligibility for an assistantship is limited to graduate students who are officially accepted into a degree seeking program and who are registered full-time in graduate level courses for the fall and spring terms.
- Full-time enrollment is considered nine (9) credit hours of graduate level courses for masters students, six (6) credit hours of graduate level courses for doctoral students.
- In special circumstances for students graduating at the end of a term, a reduction in class load may be approved. An Assistantship Criteria Exception Form will be required detailing the reasons for not being enrolled full-time. For the summer term only, the Assistantship Criteria Exception Form is waived for reduced enrollment.
All graduate assistants are required to uphold a 3.0 cumulative GPA to maintain their award.
Graduate assistants are typically not allowed to work more than 20 hours per week in all combined assistantship and student positions at UNF. Support, A&P, and faculty staff are not allowed to hold an assistantship position. Students who have been awarded assistantships are strongly discouraged from obtaining full-time employment outside the university.
As required by Florida Statute 1010.35, the University of North Florida will collect additional information from applicants seeking research or research-support (Graduate Research Assistant) positions prior to an interview or an offer of employment. This information is not used in the evaluation of qualifications for the position. Your hiring department will provide you with the Graduate Foreign Influence Review Form link.
Students registered with the DRC are encouraged to contact the Graduate School for information about how accommodations and exceptions may impact eligibility.
Graduate Teaching Assistants are required to enroll in the Graduate School Canvas GTA Orientation or a department led GTA orientation.

Waiver Eligibility

To be eligible for the waiver(s), students must meet the all of the requirements for each waiver:

In-state tuition waiver (awarded to select graduate students; not all positions are eligible)
- Be an active degree-seeking graduate student
- Hired at a minimum of 10 hours per week as a graduate assistant, graduate teaching assistant, or graduate research assistant
- Position must meet minimum stipend requirements
Out-of-state tuition waiver
- Be an active degree-seeking graduate student
- Be classified as an out-of-state resident for tuition purposes
- Hired at a minimum of 10 hours per week as a graduate assistant, distance learning coach graduate assistant, graduate teaching assistant, or graduate research assistant.

Waiver Information and Processing

Waiver is only applied towards graduate level tuition
Fees* are not covered
- *Portion of the out-of-state financial aid fee is covered with an out-of-state waiver
Students are liable for tuition not covered by the waiver(s), and fees
In-state tuition waiver is determined from the position hours and is pro-rated based on enrollment of up to nine (9) graduate credit hours
Waiver is only good for the semesters during which the student is employed
Eligibility requirements must be maintained throughout the semester
If the position is terminated or the student withdraws from courses before the final deadline to withdraw from the term in which the position is held, the waiver will be adjusted accordingly. This may result in an outstanding balance being owed. Refer to the Academic Calendar for the final withdrawal deadline.
Student's are required to contact us if enrollment changes after the date the waiver was applied

Waivers are processed when the Workday Hiring Form (PAP) is received and approved by the Graduate School. An email notice is sent to the student when the waiver is processed. It takes 1-3 business days for the waiver to credit to the student bill. Students who are expecting a waiver should consider a payment plan if it has not posted within 3-5 business days of the payment deadline.

Each college's Dean's Office will notify the Graduate School which students are in-state tuition waiver eligible. Please speak with your hiring department if you have questions regarding your in-state tuition waiver eligibility.

Out-of-state tuition waiver does not require college notification and will be applied to all students that meet the above eligibility requirements.

Assistantship Types

Graduate Assistant
- Performs general educational administration duties, and has no research and teaching responsibilities.
Graduate Assistant DL Coach
- Duties include, but are not limited to, communicating with the instructor, posting announcements, assisting students with technical questions, participating in discussions, and documenting student comments, questions, and concerns.
Graduate Research Assistant
- Involved in faculty-supervised research, but has no teaching responsibilities.
Graduate Teaching Assistant
- Performs teaching duties under the supervision of an appropriate faculty member or administrator of a State University. This person may be the instructor of record for a course or a portion of a course.

Graduate Student Award

The Graduate Student Award is a means to recruit high caliber students who demonstrate financial need. This award provides recipients with $5,000 per academic year ($2,500 per semester; fall/spring) and can be awarded for up to two academic years as long as the student remains eligible. Thus, recipients may receive up to $10,000 for their graduate education.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the award, applicants must:

Be a first-time master’s or doctoral student at UNF for the summer or fall term
Show financial need as demonstrated by the FAFSA. (Note: Graduate students are considered independent for FAFSA purposes; students who were not eligible for financial aid as an undergraduate dependent, may be eligible as a graduate student. International students cannot apply for federal student aid and are therefore not eligible for this award.)
Be enrolled at least 6 credit hours in their degree program
Remain in Good Academic Standing (GPA of 3.0 or higher) for the duration of the award

Notes:

Renewal for the second year is automatic if the recipient still meets eligibility criteria (demonstrates financial need via FAFSA, is in good academic standing and enrolled in at least 6 credit hours), and funds are available.
Full-time university staff are not eligible for awards offered by the Graduate School.

Application & Deadline

Application:

All eligible students are automatically considered through Scholarship Universe.

Important Dates:

Eligible students will be reviewed on a rolling basis starting April 1 and notified as they are selected but no later than August 1.
Students will not be considered until they are admitted and complete the FAFSA, so it is highly recommended these are completed before April 1.

Graduate Research Grant

The UNF Graduate School offers a limited number of grants each semester to graduate students pursuing experiences that are potentially transformative, both for advancing their scholarship and creativity and for expanding their future career opportunities.

Students submitting applications may apply for a maximum of $1000 in one of two categories listed below:

Funding for research, creative activities, or training/clinical experience. Examples of appropriate expenditures include travel for research; expenses for an unpaid internship; and purchase of supplies, equipment, or data sets considered important for scholarly or creative work.
Funding for disseminating the results of research. Examples of appropriate expenditures include article processing fees or subventions; registration and travel for presenting a paper or poster at a professional conference; costs for musical performances and recordings.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the grant, applicants must meet all of the following requirements when they apply, and maintain them during the semester in which the grant funds are disbursed:

Completion of at least 6 credit hours in their program of study.
Good Academic Standing, with a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
Enrollment in at least one (1) credit hour (audited coursework will not count towards this requirement) during the term in which the grant will be awarded.
We strongly recommend that you present at one of the UNF student research events UNF student research events U-GLIDE (December), SOARS (April), or ARISE (July); or submit to publish in the UNF PANDION journal.
Submit proof of the activity with the application, e.g., proof of being accepted to present at a conference or research/creative proposal for a specified activity, in addition to a list of estimated expenses and your submission to present/publish at one of the above options.

Application & Deadline

The UNF Graduate School will not be accepting any more applications for this academic year. Submission will be open again in August 2025. We look forward to accepting your application in the future. Thank you for your understanding.

To be considered for the grant, the application and supporting documentation should be fully completed and submitted before the activity's start date and the term end date as per the Academic Calendar. Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis due to limited funding, which may lead to early closure of applications. Please note that multiple approvals are necessary before the Graduate School can process your application, so early submission is recommended at the beginning of the term.

The grant application is submitted using Online Forms in myWings:

1. Click on "Student" under "My Resources";
2. Select "Banner Self Service" under "Student Resources";
3. Click on Online Forms;
4. Select the appropriate application under Graduate School.
  - Please monitor your award application by clicking Online Form Status.
Submitted no sooner than the start date of the term immediately prior to the term in which the activity will take place. Applications may also be submitted during the term in which the activity will take place, so long as it is before the term end date as published in the Academic Calendar and funding is still available.
Received no later than the term end date as published in the Academic Calendar for the term in which the grant will be awarded.
Applications received by the Graduate School after the activity has taken place and/or after the term end date, are subject to denial.

Notes

If you are unsure if an activity qualifies under this grant, please email graduateschoolawards@unf.edu to verify prior to submitting your application.
Master's students can only receive one award.
Doctoral students can only receive two awards.
Funds cannot be used to pay costs associated with tuition and fees.
Funds cannot be used to fund faculty-led study abroad trips.
Funds cannot be used to attend a conference, you must be presenting.
Applications may be returned for additional information or further proof if needed.
Funds can only be used on travel, registration, research/creative expenditures, etc. for the awarded student.
Funding for the graduate research grant is intended to support independent or small research group (3-4 students) student efforts. Students participating in class group activities are not eligible.
Applications may be submitted for activities taking place in the next term. If approved, funding will be disbursed during the application term.
If approved, students will receive the amount requested in their application so long as the anticipated expenses are allowable and appropriate up to the maximum award amount.
Students who have U.S. Department of Education Loans are limited in the amount of funding they can receive based on the cost of attendance in accordance with federal regulations. Students who receive the maximum allowable amount of loans and receive a Graduate Research Grant may have to reduce the amount of loan money borrowed. For more detailed information, please see the Financial Aid website: https://www.unf.edu/financialaid/loans/index.html.

Delores Auzenne Fellowship

The Delores Auzenne Fellowship was funded to assist Florida's State Universities in recruiting high achieving graduate students. This fellowship provides recipients $5,000 per academic year ($2,500 per semester; fall/spring) for up to two academic years as long as the student remains eligible. Thus, recipients may receive up to $10,000 for their graduate education.

Eligibility & Requirements

To be eligible for the fellowship, applicants must:

Be a first-time master’s or doctoral student at UNF for the summer or fall term.
Be classified as a Florida resident for tuition purposes for at least one year before being awarded the fellowship (Florida Statute 1009.21).
Be enrolled full-time in their degree program (Exceptions may be permitted with supporting documentation).
Remain in good academic standing (GPA of 3.0 or higher) for the duration of the award.

Notes:

Renewal for the second year is automatic if the recipient still meets eligibility (is a Florida resident, in good academic standing and enrolled fulltime or less with an exception), and funds are available.
Full-time university staff are ineligible for awards offered by the Graduate School.

Application & Deadline

Application:

All eligible students are automatically considered through Scholarship Universe.

Important Dates:

Eligible students will be reviewed on a rolling basis starting April 1 and notified as they are selected but no later than August 1.
Students will not be considered until they are admitted and classified as a Florida resident, so it is highly recommended these are completed before April 1.

Michael Horowitz Fellowship

The Michael Horowitz Fellowship is awarded to outstanding University of North Florida graduate students seeking degrees in medicine, nursing, or teaching. This fellowship provides one student $10,000 per academic year ($5,000 per semester; fall/spring) for up to six semesters.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the fellowship, applicants must:

Meet admissions requirements and be accepted by UNF
Demonstrate a GPA of at least 3.0
Be pursuing a graduate degree in medicine, nursing or teaching

Notes:

Renewal for the second year is automatic if the recipient still meets eligibility criteria (is in good academic standing), and funds are available
Full-time university staff are ineligible for awards offered by the Graduate School

Application & Deadline

Application:

All eligible students are considered through Scholarship Universe.

Important Dates:

Eligible students will be reviewed on a rolling basis starting April 1 and notified as they are selected but no later than August 1.
Students will not be considered until they are admitted, so it is highly recommended this is completed before April 1.

Monica Jacoby Graduate Fellowship

The Monica Jacoby Graduate Fellowship is awarded to outstanding University of North Florida Graduate students who are active duty, veterans or reservists of any branch of the United States Armed Forces, or their spouse or dependents. This fellowship provides one student $10,000 per academic year ($5,000 per semester; fall/spring) for up to eight semesters.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the fellowship, applicants must:

Be a degree-seeking graduate student at UNF
Have a GPA of at least 3.0
Be enrolled full-time or part-time
Be an active-duty service member, veteran, or reservist of any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, or their spouse or dependent

Notes:

Renewal for the second year is automatic if the recipient still meets eligibility criteria (is in good academic standing), and funds are available
Full-time university staff are ineligible for awards offered by the Graduate School

Application & Deadline

Application:

All eligible students are considered through Scholarship Universe.

Important Dates:

Eligible students will be reviewed on a rolling basis starting April 1 and notified as they are selected but no later than August 1.
Students will not be considered until they are admitted, so it is highly recommended this is completed before April 1.

Key Bradbury STEM Fellowship

The Key Bradbury STEM Fellowship is awarded to outstanding University of North Florida graduate students. This fellowship provides one student in a field related to science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) $10,000 per academic year ($5,000 per semester; fall/spring) for up to two years as long as the student remains eligible. Thus, the recipient may receive up to $20,000 for their graduate education.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the fellowship, applicants must:

Be a degree seeking graduate student at UNF,
Show academic merit as evidenced by a graduate admissions GPA of 3.0 or higher,
Demonstrate leadership throughout undergraduate college years including, but not limited to, athletic teams, school club or Greek organizations, youth groups, volunteer service, etc.,
Be enrolled full time in a STEM designated graduate degree program (Programs may determine what is considered full time for their nominees but it may be no fewer than 6 credit hours per semester.).
- STEM programs at UNF include: Accounting, Athletic Training, Biology, Business Analytics, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Computing, Construction Management, Counselor Education, Curriculum & Instruction, Elementary Education, Engineering, Exceptional Student Education, Health Informatics, Instructional Technology, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Mathematical Sciences, Nursing, Physical Therapy, Psychological Science, Public Health, Secondary Education, Special Education and Social Work
Preference may be given to students who show financial need as demonstrated by the FAFSA. Note: Graduate students are considered independent for FAFSA purposes; students who were not eligible for financial aid as an undergraduate dependent, may be eligible as a graduate student.

Notes:

Renewal for the second year is automatic if the recipient still meets eligibility criteria (is in good academic standing and enrolled fulltime in a STEM program), and funds are available.
Full-time university staff are ineligible for awards offered by the Graduate School.

Application & Deadline

Application:

All eligible students are considered through Scholarship Universe.
Students must also submit to graduateschool@unf.edu (Subject: Key Bradbury Fellowship):
- A letter of recommendation from a professor or dean; and
- An essay of no more than 500 words describing leadership experience.
  - Save documents as Last name-First name-KeyBradbury-RecLtr; Last name-First name-KeyBradbury-Essay

Important Dates:

Eligible students will be reviewed on a rolling basis starting April 1 and notified as they are selected but no later than August 1.
Students will not be considered until they are admitted and submit the required additional materials (letter of recommendation and essay), so it is highly recommended these are completed before April 1.

Jim and Millie Milligan Family Foundation Presidential Fellowship

The Jim and Millie Milligan Family Foundation Presidential Fellowship is awarded to outstanding University of North Florida graduate students. The Provost, through the Graduate School, will identify and recommend a nominee to the President. This fellowship provides one student $5,000 per academic year ($2,500 per semester; fall/spring) for up to five semesters for a master’s degree and seven semesters for a doctoral degree.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the fellowship, applicants must:

Be a degree-seeking graduate student at UNF
Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0
Be enrolled full-time (at least 9 credit hours)

Notes:

Renewal for the second year is automatic if the recipient still meets eligibility criteria (is in good academic standing and enrolled full-time), and funds are available.
Full-time university staff are ineligible for awards offered by the Graduate School

Application & Deadline

Application:

All eligible students are considered through Scholarship Universe.

Important Dates:

Eligible students will be reviewed on a rolling basis starting April 1 and notified as they are selected but no later than August 1.
Students will not be considered until they are admitted, so it is highly recommended this is completed before April 1.

Other UNF Scholarship Opportunities

By College

Brooks College of Health

Coggin College of Business

College of Arts & Sciences

College of Computing, Engineering & Construction

Silverfield College of Education & Human Services

Other

Library Scholarships

Student Government Scholarships

International Student Scholarships

Study Abroad International Learning Scholarship (SAILS)

Scholarship Universe Directions

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