Financial aid is available as graduate assistantships, fellowships and student loans.
Assistantships
Assistantships are salaried positions that require a time commitment averaging 20 hours per week performing duties related to teaching, technical/studio/lab assistance, office administrative assistance and research. Assistantships constitute the majority of the school's financial aid funds.
Graduate assistants are evaluated each year and reappointment is based on the faculty evaluation of performance and the student's satisfactory progress in the degree program. Most assistantships are extended for the duration of the student's program. Students holding at least quarter-time graduate assistantships are eligible for in-state or out-of-state tuition waivers up to the minimum credits required for full-time enrollment, as well as free student health insurance. Tuition waivers for each semester will be granted to qualifying assistants, provided they maintain a 3.0 GPA and are employed on or before the first day of classes through the end of final exams. Tuition waivers do not cover fees associated with registration, (approximately $400-$600 per semester) nor do they cover lab fees, which range between $20-$45 per course. All fees must be paid by the fee payment deadline to avoid a $100 late fee payment charge and cancellation of registration.
Acting Assistantship
Theatre Design Assistantship
Fellowships
Fellowships are competitive awards limited to students in terminal degree programs. They include a competitive stipend and full payment of tuition and fees up to the minimum credits required for full-time enrollment, as well as free student health insurance. Because fellowships are limited to terminal degree programs, the Master of Fine Arts program is the only non-PhD eligible program in the College of Fine Arts. Historically, fellowship recipients have had a high GRE and/or GPA, excellent letters of support and an outstanding portfolio.
Applications for graduate assistantships and fellowships are not required, as you may indicate your interest directly on the online application and speak to your qualifications directly in your statement of purpose. Resumes are requested for all applicants, which are also used to determine fit between available assistantship assignments and student’s experience, skills and talents.
Student Loans
The Office of Student Financial Affairs administers student loans. View the website or contact them for loan information and applications at the following address:
Office of Student Financial AffairsP.O. Box 114025
S-107 Criser Hall
University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida 32611-4025
phone (352) 392-1275
Other Resources
The Graduate School maintains a useful page of links to other financial aid sources.
