Financial Support

Graduate students are typically supported by combination of fellowships and employment (Teaching Assistant positions). M.A. students typically complete their degree in 2 years, while Ph.D. students typically complete their degree in 5-6 years.  Here is the link to information on cost of attendance prepared by UC Davis Financial aid. https://financialaid.ucdavis.edu/graduate/gradstudies/cost

  • Graduate Fellowships: Prospective applicants must complete both the admissions & fellowship applications (including supplementary material) by January 15th in order to be considered for fellowships.
    • The Max Kade Distinguished Graduate Fellowship in German Studies: Each year, the German Department will consider the most outstanding applicants to its doctoral program for the prestigious "Max Kade Distinguished Graduate Fellowship in German Studies." This fellowship includes a living stipend, as well as an award for full fees & tuition for the recipient's first year in the program.
    • Internal Fellowships (UC Davis Fellowships): A variety of large and small fellowships are available each year, thanks in part to generous endowments to UC Davis. The Fellowship Application Instructions for Graduate Students provides information about the application. Make sure to complete the “Internal Fellowship Application” online upon completing your admissions application. Your Statement of Purpose, Personal History Statement, Letters of Recommendation, and GRE scores (if submitted) from your admission application will be used to support your fellowship application. You do not need to resubmit any of these items. Fellowships may include living stipends and/or full fee/tuition awards.
    • Non-Resident Supplemental Tuition (NRST) Fellowships: Out-of-state and international applicants may be eligible for Non-Resident Supplemental Tuition Fellowships. Since Teaching Assistant positions do not cover NRST, NRST fellowships are typically combined with a TA offer for an out-of-state or international student. For consideration, please complete both the admission and fellowship application (mentioned above) by the January 15th deadline.  Establishing Residency - Domestic non-residents are expected to establish California residency after 1 year by taking the appropriate steps.
    • Continuing Student Fellowships: If you are currently a UC Davis German graduate student, you must complete the Internal Fellowship Application by January 15, including the items below, in order be considered for fellowship the following academic year.
      • A (new) Statement of Purpose
      • Letters of Recommendation (3)
      • UC Davis Transcript
  • Teaching Assistant Positions: TAs receive a salary and a partial fee/tuition remission. For current remission rates, click here. Prospective applicants for admission are automatically considered for TA positions when they apply for admissions. For additional information about TA positions, see below.
  • Other Financial Aid: Other financial aid, such as loans, grants, and workstudy, are administered through the Graduate Financial Aid office. In order to be considered for these types of Federal funding (available to U.S. Citizens & Permanent residents), please complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Additional information about teaching assistant (TA) positions in German

Overall Requirements

      • Bachelor's degree
      • Current minimum overall GPA of 3.0
      • Full-time graduate student in good standing
      • International Students only: Complete the TOEP test of oral English proficiency before beginning your TA appointment if your TOEFL speaking score is below 26.
      • Orientation & Training: Attend CEE and department orientations in mid-September. 

Continuing Teaching Assistants

Continuing students with teaching positions will be contacted in early spring for information about their plans for the next academic year, including their desire to continue their teaching appointment.

Information from the Graduate Student Employment Handbook

      • Pay Period: TAs are paid in 3 equal installments per quarter. For the Fall Quarter, the TA will receive paychecks November 1, December 1, and January 2.
      • Fee Remission: Graduate students hired as TAs, Readers or Tutors, at 25% or greater time receive a partial fee remission. Note: these students are still responsible for paying some local campus fees. They also receive a UC Student Health Insurance Program (UC SHIP) remission.
      • Fee Deferrals: Students may sign up in the Student Aid Accounting Office to have any registration and educational fees due deducted from their first paycheck of each quarter. Students must provide written employment verification from the department, including title of position, percentage of time appointed and appointment dates. There is a processing fee for this service.
      • TA Loan Fund: There is also a TA Loan Fund to assist TAs over the lean period at the beginning of the quarter. It is administered by the Short Term Loan Office (located in the Financial Aid Office). Schedule an appointment to apply: (530) 752-9246.
      • Moving Expenses: TAs who are appointed at 50% time for the full academic year and who move to Davis from outside of California may receive partial compensation for their moving expenses based on the approximate air miles from the point of origin to UC Davis.

Related Resources