Funding Information - College of Engineering - Purdue University

Graduate student funding for thesis-based programs include assistantships (research or teaching roles with a university appointment) and fellowships or awards (merit-based funding that varies by source and terms). The financial support available and what it covers depends on the program and the specific appointment.

Where to go next: Start with your department or program’s funding guidance, since processes and availability vary. Use the link below for additional resources outside of the College of Engineering.

Assistantships are part-time university appointments with defined responsibilities (research or teaching). Many assistantships include tuition remission and a stipend/salary, but details vary by appointment type, duration, and program.

Where to go next: Your appointment letter is the source for the exact terms of your funding offer. If you have additional questions, contact the program or hiring unit listed in your appointment letter. Do not hesitate to ask questions! This is important information that you want to fully understand.

If your funding circumstances change (start date shifts, workload changes, funding ends, you receive a new offer, etc.), contact your program/school because they manage most appointment-specific actions and can direct you to payroll or billing support as needed.

Where to go next: Start with your program’s graduate office. Keep your appointment letter details handy when you reach out to them.

An assistantship is a part-time university appointment that requires research, teaching, and/or other academic work. It typically includes pay/stipend, and may include tuition remission depending on the appointment and unit. A fellowship is an award (internal or external) that provides financial support under specific terms, and may not be tied to weekly work responsibilities in the same way as the assistantship. Coverage and rules vary by program and by the fellowship terms.

Where to go next: Check your offer/award letter for your exact terms. Use the links below for official definitions and policies, and your school’s guidance for what aligns with your program.

Start with your program/school graduate office or the hiring unit listed on your offer letter, since they can explain appointment-specific details (dates, appointment type, expectations) and route you to payroll or billing contacts. If your question is about a fellowship award, contact the unit administering the fellowship. For tuition billing or remission questions, the Bursar is the primary source.

Where to go next: School/program graduate office (first stop), then OGSPS funding contacts for fellowship/assistantship policy questions, and the Bursar for billing/tuition remission questions.

In many programs, students are automatically considered for some assistantships and fellowships as part of the application review process. However, processes vary, and some programs may require additional steps (such as contacting faculty or submitting additional materials). Contact your program administrator for details. There are program administrator's available for each graduate program.

Where to go next: Check your program/department guidance for how funding consideration works in your unit.

Assistantships are typically structured as part-time appointments with an expected weekly workload tied to the appointment percentage (half-time/quarter-time). The exact expectations depend on your appointment and hiring unit.

Where to go next: Use your offer/appointment letter for your specific percentage and expectations. For policy details, refer to the Graduate Staff Employment Manual.

Many assistantships include a tuition benefit and pay. Depending on the appointment, there may be health insurance support. Students may still be responsible for some fees; coverage details depend on the specific appointment.

Where to go next: Confirm your exact coverage in your offer letter. For billing/remission questions, use the Bursar resources.

Assistantship openings are often managed at the school or hiring-unit level. Some units post openings publicly, while others recruit internally (for example via program emails). Administrative/professional assistantships may also be posted like standard job openings.

Where to go next: Start with your program’s graduate office and program email lists. If you are looking broadly, check unit-specific postings and relevant campus offices.

External fellowships are offered by government agencies, nonprofits, and professional organizations, and they vary widely in eligibility and terms. Many require advance planning and additional application materials.

Where to go next: Use the Engineering fellowship list for a starting point and the Graduate School external fellowship resources for broader guidance.

Sometimes, but it depends on the terms of the fellowship and the appointment rules. In some cases, a fellowship may be administered alongside an assistantship (or administered as an assistantship) to align benefits and requirements.

Where to go next: Review your award terms and check with your program/hiring unit to find out if funding offers may be combined.

Research assistantships (RA) are often funded through faculty research grants. When grant funding is available, faculty may hire graduate students to support the research work.

Where to go next: For RA opportunities, start with your program’s guidance and faculty research fit within your area.

Funding searches work best when they are targeted. Focus on research fit, keep outreach short and specific, and avoid mass emailing. External fellowships can also be a strong option, but usually require advance planning.

Where to go next: Use your program’s guidance on contacting faculty and review the Engineering fellowship list for external options.