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Graduate School 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.
Information
Graduate School awards are limited and highly competitive. 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 and this may include 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
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- 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.
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Waiver Information
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- An in-state tuition waiver will be awarded to select graduate students hired at a minimum of .25 FTE (minimum of 10 hours per week) as a graduate assistant, graduate teaching assistant, or graduate research assistant. Please note, not all positions are awarded in-state tuition waiver. The Dean of the college in which your program of study is housed approves in-state waiver and notifies the Graduate School prior to it being awarded. When hired, your department should let you know if you will receive a tuition waiver. Students are liable for tuition not covered by the in-state waiver, and fees.
- In accordance with university regulations, a graduate student hired at a minimum of .25 FTE (minimum of 10 hours per week) as a graduate assistant, graduate teaching assistant, or graduate research assistant, and who is, for tuition purposes, an out-of-state resident, will have the out-of-state tuition waiver applied to their account. The out-of-state tuition waiver waives out-of-state tuition and partial out-of-state financial aid fee for the duration of an assistantship position. Students are liable for in-state tuition (unless awarded an in-state waiver), and fees.
- 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
- 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.
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Assistantship Types
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- Graduate Assistant
- Performs general educational administration duties, and has no research and teaching responsibilities.
- 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.
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Graduate Student Award
The Graduate Student Award is a means to recruit high caliber students who demonstrate financial need. This award provides first time graduate students with a total of $5,000 each academic year (split between fall and spring semesters) and can be awarded for up to two years as long as the student remains eligible. Thus, students who qualify will be granted a $10,000 award for their graduate education. Students moved from the waitlist may only be eligible to receive the Graduate Student Award for one academic year and granted a $5000 award for their graduate education. *Note: The Graduate School has limited funds, and all applicants will not receive an award.
Eligibility
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To be eligible for the award, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
- Be a first-time, degree-seeking graduate student at UNF and have submitted all required application materials for the summer 2024 or fall 2024 term. Students previously enrolled as post-baccalaureate or in a graduate certificate program at UNF are eligible.
- 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.
- Be enrolled full-time in their degree program (Programs may determine what is considered full-time for their nominees but it may be no fewer than 6 credit hours).
- Remain in Good Academic Standing (GPA of 3.0 or higher) for the duration of the award.
- Renewal for the second year is automatic if the recipient still demonstrates need via FAFSA, is in good academic standing, and funds are available.
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Request Form & Deadline
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To be considered for this award, prospective students must:
- Submit all required graduate program application materials for an eligible term by the posted deadline;
- submit the Graduate Student Award Form; and
- have a FAFSA on file for the upcoming academic year by the award request form deadline.
Important Dates:
- Application opens March 1
- Application deadline May 1
- Recipients will be notified in June
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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
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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.
- 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.
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Application & Deadline
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To be considered for the grant, the application and supporting documentation must be submitted by the posted deadline. This grant is awarded on a first come, first service basis. Funding is limited and applications may close prior to the deadline. Applications for the current term and subsequent term may be submitted on or after the first day of classes of the current term.
Important Dates:
- Fall 2023 application deadline: November 9, 2023
- Spring 2024 application deadline: April 19, 2023
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Notes
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- If you are unsure if an activity qualifies under this grant, please email graduateschoolawards@unf.edu to verify prior to submitting your application.
- Masters 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.
- Proof of participation in the form of receipts and a report must be submitted by the end of the term in which the activity is completed. If these materials are not received, or you do not participate in the activity as outlined on the application, the funds will be revoked.
- 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.
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Delores Auzenne Fellowship
The Delores Auzenne Fellowship is designed to assist Florida's State Universities in increasing the enrollment of students who contribute to the diversity of graduate school programs. Under this program, graduate students are nominated to receive awards of $5,000 each ($2,500 per semester; fall/spring or both) for year-long, full-time study for a maximum of two academic years. Recipients who are eligible for renewal will automatically be awarded the next year as long as the requirements outlined in the Acceptance Agreement are still met.
Eligibility
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To be eligible for the fellowship, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
- Have been accepted into graduate programs where they contribute to the diversity of the program.
- Have demonstrated initiative in pursuing educational goals and possess the qualifications to assure satisfactory progress toward future educational goals.
- Have been classified as a Florida resident for tuition purposes for at least 1 year preceding the award of aid (Florida Statute 1009.21).
- Be fully admitted with an admission GPA of at least 3.5, or hold a current program GPA of at least a 3.5.
- Maintain a GPA of at least 3.0 if awarded.
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Application & Deadline
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To be considered for the fellowship, the application and supporting documentation must be submitted as a complete packet. After the application has closed, a review committee will convene. Please note, a limited number of awards are given each year.
- The fellowship application is submitted using Online Forms in myWings:
- Click the Student Records tile;
- Select the Student Forms menu option;
- Click on Online Forms; and
- Select the appropriate application under Graduate School.
- Please monitor your award application by clicking Online Form Status.
- You will need to upload the following to the application:
- An essay of no more than 500 words that describes how you:
- Contribute to the diversity of your program;
- Have demonstrated initiative in pursuing educational goals; and
- Possess the qualifications to assure satisfactory progress toward future educational goals.
- One letter of recommendation from a professor under whom you have studied or taught that addresses the criteria discussed in your essay as appropriate.
- One letter of recommendation from a supervisor under whom you have worked that addresses the criteria discussed in your essay as appropriate.
- Documents submitted in-person, e-mail, or by mail, and incomplete applications will not be considered.
Important Dates:
- Application opens March 1
- Application deadline April 30
- Recipients will be notified in June
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Jim and Millie Milligan Family Foundation Presidential Fellowship
The Jim and Millie Milligan Family Foundation Presidential Fellowship is a fellowship awarded to outstanding University of North Florida graduate students. Eligible students must meet graduate admission requirements and be accepted to the University of North Florida, earn and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.00, and be enrolled full-time (9 credit hours). The Graduate School will administer an application and selection process. The Provost, through the Graduate School, will identify and recommend a nominee to the President. For the 2023-2024 academic year, fellowship recipient(s) will receive an award in the amount of $5,000.
Eligibility
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To be eligible for the fellowship, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
- Be an active graduate student admitted and enrolled in a degree-seeking program.
- Have an overall graduate cumulative GPA of at least 3.00.
- Be enrolled full-time (9 credit hours).
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Application & Deadline
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To be considered for the fellowship, applicants must:
- Complete the Data Sharing Consent Form.
- Visit UNF Academic Works and complete:
- The General Application; and
- The Jim and Millie Milligan Family Foundation Presidential Fellowship. The Consent Form and General Application are required before applying for awards from specific colleges and units.
- A one-page written statement explaining how the fellowship will assist you in meeting your academic goals will be required with the application.
- Submit a FAFSA for the upcoming academic year.
Important Dates:
- Application deadline TBA
- Graduate Program Director nomination deadline TBA
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Key Bradbury STEM Fellowship
The Key Bradbury STEM Fellowship provides financial means for graduate programs to recruit high caliber students. Graduate programs should use these funds to recruit prospective students who exhibit commendable academic merit and a history of leadership. This fellowship awards first time graduate students with a total of $10,000 each academic year (split between fall and spring semesters) and is awarded for up to two years as long as the student remains eligible. Thus, students who qualify will be granted a $20,000 scholarship for their graduate education.
Eligibility
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To be eligible for the fellowship, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
- Be a first time Doctoral or Master's degree seeking graduate student at UNF admitted for the summer 2025 or fall 2025 term. Students who were previously enrolled as post-baccalaureate or in a graduate certificate program at UNF are eligible.
- Show academic merit as evidenced by a recalculated graduate admissions GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Be enrolled full time in a STEM designated Doctoral or Master's 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 are defined based on the Florida Board of Governors Strategic Plan.
- At UNF, this currently includes graduate programs in Biology, Building Construction, Business Analytics, Computing, Educational Technology and Training, Engineering, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Material Science and Engineering, Mathematical Sciences, and Psychological Science
- Remain in Good Academic Standing with a GPA of 3.0 or higher for the duration of the award.
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Application & Deadline
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To be considered for the fellowship, applicants must:
- Complete the Data Sharing Consent Form.
- Visit UNF Academic Works and complete:
- The General Application; and
- The Key Bradbury STEM Fellowship. The Consent Form and General Application are required before applying for awards from specific colleges and units.
- A letter of recommendation from a professor or dean; and
- An essay of no more than 500 words that describes your leadership experience will be required with the application.
- Leadership experience includes, but is not limited to, athletic team involvement, school club or Greek organization officer, youth group leader, volunteer service leadership, etc.
- Submit an admissions application.
Important Dates:
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Other Award Opportunities