Navigating the financial aspects of graduate school is an important part of your academic journey. Here, you’ll find guidance on academic student employment, fellowship opportunities, financial aid, childcare support, and more. Whether you’re seeking funding options or balancing studies and family responsibilities, UC Santa Cruz offers the resources to help you succeed.

Graduate Student Instructor (GSI)

A GSI is a full-time registered UCSC graduate student that has been appointed to have primary and full responsibility for the teaching of a course under the supervision of a ladder-rank faculty member. BE GSIs qualify for full fee and tuition remission if they are appointed for at least 25% time (10 hours per week).

Graduate Student Researcher (GSR)

A GSR is a full-time registered UCSC graduate student appointed to assist in performing research under the direction of a ladder-rank faculty member or authorized Principal Investigator. GSR calls are sent by the BE Payroll Analysts approximately 8 weeks prior to the start of the quarter. 

Teaching Assistant (TA)

A TA is a registered graduate student in full-time residence, selected for academic excellence and teaching potential, and serving an apprenticeship under the active supervision of a faculty member. TAs are hired on a quarterly basis beginning approximately 10 weeks prior to the start of the quarter. 

Reader/tutor/grader

Readers grade student work, including homework, papers, laboratory reports, and exams; attend lectures or labs; and meet with the instructor. Readers are hired on a quarterly basis; call to hire is sent by the BE Payroll Analyst to instructors approximately 4 weeks prior to the start of the quarter. BE graduate students are limited to 109 hours per quarter.

BE Payroll

The BE Academic Payroll Unit acts as an informational resource to academic employees and students. Students that are hired under any of the academic employment titles will meet with BE Payroll to complete hiring paperwork.

CruzPay

CruzPay is UCSC’s enterprise time and attendance system. It is a web-based system used by UCSC employees to record time worked and leave taken, automate accrual and overtime calculations, and track and report time and attendance data.

Campus childcare

Graduate students may participate in campus child care programs, if eligible, including subsidies and other financial assistance.

Dependent Care Reimbursement Program (DEPCare)

Students with eligible ASE or GSR appointments can participate in the UC Dependent Care Reimbursement Flexible Spending Account (DEPCare) program, allowing them to pay for qualifying dependent care expenses on a pre-tax, salary reduction basis.

Childcare reimbursement program for graduate student employees

Each eligible ASE or GSR may be reimbursed up to $1,400 per quarter for qualified child care expenses incurred during the appointment period, including summer.

Jack Baskin and Peggy Downes Baskin Fellowship

Baskin Engineering invites applications for the one-year Jack Baskin and Peggy Downes Baskin Fellowship. This fellowship provides support to an engineering Ph.D. candidate, enabling faster progress on dissertation research. The award includes one year of fellowship funding and in-state tuition remission.

Dissertation-Year Fellowships

In addition to the two Dissertation-Year Fellowships (Presidential and Chancellor’s), 41 dissertation quarter fellowships will be awarded based on divisional doctoral enrollment.

Fellowship through the UCSC Graduate Division

Fellowships are one of the best ways to fund graduate education. The UC Santa Cruz Division of Graduate Studies encourages all graduate students to apply.

GRAPES

UCLA’s graduate and postdoctoral funding search engine features more than 500 private and public awards, fellowships, and internships.

Grants.gov

An online source for 1,000 federal grant and fellowship programs offering approximately $500 billion in annual awards.

Fulbright Foreign Student Program

Brings citizens of other countries to the United States for graduate study at U.S. universities.

Institute of International Education

Scholarships, fellowships, and grants organized and maintained by the Institute of International Education.

Scholarships and financial aid for women

Scholarships and other financial aid for women. These resources help female students pursue new educational opportunities.

FAFSA

Domestic graduate students applying for aid through the financial aid office are eligible for Federal Direct Loans. To determine eligibility for a Federal Direct Subsidized Loan, Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan, or Graduate PLUS Loan, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Graduate Division financial aid support

For more information about loans and financial support, visit the Graduate Division website.

Financial Aid and Scholarships Office

The UC Santa Cruz Financial Aid and Scholarship Office strives to provide high-quality service to students and their families. The office is committed to minimizing financial barriers to help students achieve their educational goals.

Graduate Division tax information

Find tax information and instructions for all academic student employees, students with fellowships and loans, and general information.

Graduate Student Tax Seminar

Each year, the GSA sponsors a tax workshop where graduate students can get assistance with filing their U.S. taxes. This free workshop will review tax forms and provide personalized advice.

GLACIER tax reporting

All foreign nationals receiving tax-reportable payments from the university must have a GLACIER record, whether paid through Payroll or FAST/AP. For more information, review the GLACIER guide.