Financial Support

Financial support is available from a variety of sources for students pursuing PhD degrees in physics and astronomy.

student operating lab equipmentDepartmental Support

Graduate students typically enter with teaching assistantships or fellowships and choose their research advisor by the end of their first year in the program. Research assistantships are funded by faculty on specific grants/projects and hence depend on project availability and funding. Continuous financial support is usually available for PhD students in good academic standing either through teaching assistantships, research assistantships, or fellowships.  Salary/stipends range from $22,500 (9 month) to $30,000 (including summer support) for teaching assistants. The salary for research assistants can be higher, up to ~$33,000 (including summer support). Fellowship students also receive higher salaries (see below). Graduate PhD students on assistantships or fellowships are guaranteed summer TA support for their first year. In subsequent years, students can receive partial/full summer support either through TAs or through their research advisor. All assistantships and fellowships include a full-tuition scholarship, currently $31,460 per academic year for out of state students, and single-coverage health insurance of $2,436 per year (12-months). From Fall 2023 onwards, the financial support package will cover most academic fees which currently averages to ~$300 – $400 per semester (~$600 – $800 a year) depending on what courses are selected by the student. International students will have to pay an additional $100 per semester which is not covered by the financial support package. The financial support awarded is more than sufficient to provide complete living expenses for a single graduate student in Tuscaloosa. For an estimate of the cost of living, please refer to our moving resources website. There are time limits on the total number of years that a student can hold a TA-ship. Please refer to the current Graduate Student Handbook.

Students with prior US or equivalent graduate work (e.g., later years of diploma or a master’s) can transfer up to half of the course requirements for the PhD degree, thus reducing the time for the degree. This will be decided on a case-by-case basis and will require approval from the vice-chair of graduate studies.

To receive full consideration for departmental support via graduate teaching or research assistantships, prospective student must submit all application materials by January 15. Typically, admission decisions are made and offers sent out in multiple rounds starting in January through March. Students have till April 15 to accept offers although it is requested that students respond earlier if they have made a decision. Late offers to waitlisted candidates are possible after April 15th.

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Fellowships Available at UA

The UA Graduate School offers financial support through a number of fellowships, scholarships and awards. This includes the UA Graduate Council Fellowships, NAA License Tag Graduate Fellowships, McNair Graduate Fellowships, as well as frequent awards from the Research and Travel Support Fund. Current information about these fellowships can be found at the Graduate School financial support website. All fellowships include a full-tuition scholarship (up to 15 hours) and single coverage health insurance. Awardees must be full-time students. Details on current fellowships available at UA are listed below. As changes to the terms are frequently made, the final terms will be given in the official offer letter. Prospective students who are made an offer of admission are automatically considered for all available fellowship opportunities.

Prospective Students

Prospective students do not have to apply separately for financial support or fellowships. Prospective students who are made an offer of admission will be considered for all available fellowships described below. These fellowships are awarded by the UA Graduate School.

The David A. Francko Graduate Council Fellowship (GCF) is the most prestigious and competitive research fellowship awarded by the UA Graduate School. It provides $25,000 per academic year for five years plus a full tuition waiver, health insurance, and college/department academic fees. Students are also guaranteed summer support in their first year. In subsequent years, PhD students are supported by a regular TA or RA as long as they remain in good academic standing. Summer support through RAs or TAs may also be available in subsequent years. To receive full consideration for University fellowships prospective students must submit all application materials by December 15.

The UA Capstone Graduate Council Fellowship (Capstone GCF) is a competitive fellowship for prospective graduate students. It provides a stipend of $20,000 per year for three years, specifically in the 1st, 3rd and 5th year of the PhD (or 2 years for Masters). The Physics and Astronomy dept. will provide an additional 2 years of support for doctoral students, through TAs or RAs, in years 2 and 4. Students also receive a full tuition waiver, health insurance, and college/department academic fees for all five years. Students are also guaranteed summer support in their first year. In subsequent years, PhD students are supported by a regular TA or RA as long as they remain in good academic standing. Summer support through RAs or TAs may also be available in subsequent years.  To receive full consideration for University fellowships prospective students must submit all application materials by December 15. Fellowship decisions are made in multiple rounds from January to the end of March.

The UA Capstone McNair Graduate Fellowship (Capstone MGF) is a competitive fellowship for prospective incoming graduate students who are either (i) low income AND first-generation college students or (ii) a member of a group traditionally underrepresented in graduate education (Hispanic, African American, Native American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander). The MGF provides $20,000 per year for three academic years (doctoral),  or two master’s years, plus a full tuition waiver, health insurance, and college/department academic fees.  Departments commit to an additional two academic years of departmental assistantship or equivalent in support for doctoral candidates. In subsequent years, PhD students are supported by a regular TA or RA as long as they remain in good academic standing. To receive full consideration for University fellowships prospective students must submit all application materials by December 15. Fellowship decisions are made in multiple rounds from January to the end of March.

The UA Graduate Council Fellowship (GCF) is a competitive fellowship for prospective graduate students. It provides $20,000 for the first academic year. Students are also guaranteed summer support in their first year plus a full tuition waiver, health insurance, and college/department academic fees. In the second year, students receive a departmental assistantship or equivalent in addition to the fellowship enhancement supplement, full tuition waiver, health insurance, and college/department academic fees. Summer support through RAs or TAs may be available. In subsequent years, students are supported by a regular TA or RA as long as they remain in good academic standing. To receive full consideration for University fellowships prospective students must submit all application materials by December 15. Fellowship decisions are made in multiple rounds from January to the end of March.

The UA McNair Graduate Fellowship (MGF) is a competitive fellowship for prospective incoming graduate students who are either (i) low income AND first-generation college students or (ii) a member of a group traditionally underrepresented in graduate education (Hispanic, African American, Native American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander). The MGF provides $20,000/- year for one (master’s) or two (doctoral) academic years plus a full tuition waiver, health insurance, and college/department academic fees. Departments commit to an additional one (master’s) or two (doctoral) academic years of departmental assistantship or equivalent in support. In subsequent years, PhD students are supported by a regular TA or RA as long as they remain in good academic standing. To receive full consideration for University fellowships prospective students must submit all application materials by December 15. Fellowship decisions are made in multiple rounds from January to the end of March.

The National Alumni Association Fellowships (NAA) is a competitive fellowship for prospective incoming graduate students who are Alabama residents for tuition purposes. The NAA Research Fellowships provides $20,000 for 1 academic year plus a full tuition waiver, health insurance, and college/department academic fees. Students are also guaranteed summer support in their first year.  In subsequent years PhD students are supported by a regular TA or RA as long as they remain in good academic standing. Students can also apply for the regular GCF/NAA award for current students. To receive full consideration for University fellowships prospective students must submit all application materials by December 15. Fellowship decisions are made in multiple rounds from January to the end of March.

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Current Students

The GCF, NAA and MGF Research Fellowships for current students provides $20,000 for 1 academic year plus a full tuition waiver and health insurance.  Students are required to provide a current CV and a 350-word research statement. Students should contact their research supervisor or academic advisor and the department chair if they would like to apply for this research fellowship. There is a limit on the number of students that can be nominated for the GCF and the NAA Fellowship per department. The department deadline to apply/nominate for this fellowship is normally during the last week of classes. For 2023 (fellowships starting Fall 2024), the departmental deadline is December 1, 2023. A departmental committee will select the nominees for the GCF, NAA and McNair fellowships before the Graduate School deadline to submit an application.

The Graduate School Outstanding Graduate Teaching, Research, & Service Awards

The UA Graduate School offers 7 awards annually for the following:

  • Outstanding Dissertation Award
  • Outstanding Thesis Award
  • Outstanding Teaching by a Master’s Student
  • Outstanding Teaching by a Doctoral Student
  • Outstanding Research by a Master’s Student
  • Outstanding Research by a Doctoral Student
  • Outstanding Service by a Graduate Student

For the nomination guidelines, including eligibility, suggestions for teaching and research award nomination letters, and teaching and research dossier checklists please visit the graduate school website. All materials must be submitted to the department Awards committee by the department deadline (announced via email, normally end September/early October). The Awards Committee will decide on the nominees to be submitted to the Graduate School.  The Graduate School winners will receive a framed certificate from the Graduate School and a check for $1,200 at the Honors Week ceremonies in the divisions of the respective winners.

Department Awards

The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers a Robert E. Gross Lockheed Fellowship in Physics.

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External Federal Fellowships and Grants

Federal fellowships/grants include

The Alabama Space Grant Consortium offers graduate fellowships with an annual stipend of $37,000/-. The fellowships are renewable (through competitive proposals) for up to 3 years, with applications due in end February or early March. Applications may be submitted prior to completion of the senior undergraduate year or at any time during the applicant’s graduate career. For graduate students at UA, this grant requires a 50% cost share and requires prior departmental approval. For more information, contact the current PHAY department chair.

The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program offers a three-year annual stipend of $37,000 along with a $12,000 cost of education allowance for tuition and fees, with applications due in October. Graduate students are limited to only one application to the GRFP, submitted either in the first year or in the second year of graduate school. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents. More information and application instructions can be found at http://www.nsfgrfp.org/

The Future Investigators in NASA Earth and Space Science and Technology (FINESST) program awards $45,000 per year  (including tuition and fees) for up to three years to support graduate students in basic and applied research in Earth science and space science, including astrophysics. International students can apply for this fellowship. However, there are special restrictions. More information and application instructions can be found at the NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System (NSPIRES) page by searching for FINESST. Applications are due in end January to early February.

The National Defense Science & Engineering Graduate Fellowship (NDSEG) offers a three-year annual stipend of $38,400 along with full tuition and all mandatory fees. Applicants must be US citizens or nationals, and be either enrolled in their final year of undergraduate studies, or have completed no more than two years of graduate study in the discipline in which they are applying. Applications are open in early September and are due in early December of each year.

The Department of Energy Computational Science Graduate Fellowship (DOE CSGF) awards a four-year fellowship with an annual stipend of $45,000 plus tuition and fees for graduate students conducting research with a strong computational aspect.  The DOE CSGF is open to any U.S. citizen or permanent resident planning full-time, uninterrupted study toward a doctoral degree at an accredited U.S. university. Applicants must be seniors or first-year graduate students. Applications are due in early-mid January.

The Department of Energy National Nuclear Security Administration Stewardship Science Graduate Fellowship (DOE NNSA SSGF)  offers an annual stipend of $38,000 plus tuition and fees and more for up to four years. The DOE NNSA SSGF is open to any U.S. citizen or permanent resident planning full-time, uninterrupted study toward a doctoral degree at an accredited U.S. university. Those eligible to apply include senior undergraduate students and first- and second-year graduate students focusing their studies on high energy density physics, nuclear science, or properties of materials under extreme conditions and hydrodynamics.

The Graduate Fellowships for STEM Diversity (GFSD)  provides an annual allowance of $20,000/- plus full tuition and required fees for up to six years. GFSD is a partnership between government agencies and laboratories, industry, and higher education. GFSD’s goal is to increase the number of American citizens with graduate degrees in the physical sciences and related engineering fields, emphasizing recruitment of a diverse applicant pool. The award also includes one or two paid summer internships with the sponsor. Applications open at the end of August and are due mid-December.

The DOD Science, Mathematics And Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship for Service is an opportunity for students pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines to receive a full scholarship and guaranteed civilian employment with the Department of Defense (DoD) upon degree completion. SMART scholarships range from a minimum of 1.5 years to a maximum of 5 years per award, depending on degree requirements. Awardees are paid a stipend at a rate of $25,000–$38,000 a year depending on degree level. Full tuition and education-related educational expenses, a health insurance allowance of up to $1,200 per academic year and a miscellaneous allowance of up to $1,000 per academic year is included. Applications are due at the end of November–early December. Applicants must be a citizen of one of the following countries at the time of application: United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or United Kingdom.

The NASA Space Technology Graduate Research Opportunities (NSTGRO) sponsors U.S. citizens and permanent resident graduate students who show significant potential to contribute to NASA’s goal of creating innovative new space technologies for science, exploration and economic future. This is a grant award for a faculty PI and graduate student.  For details, please refer to the full solicitation on NSPIRES.

The SURA-Jefferson Laboratory Graduate Fellowship sponsors students conducting research related to the theoretical and experimental programs at Jefferson Lab, including nuclear and related particle physics, accelerator physics, associated science and engineering, and free electron laser program. Students may apply at any stage of their graduate careers or while undergraduate seniors. Awards are limited to two years and students seeking second-year support must resubmit a complete application.

The DOE Office of Science Graduate Student Research (SCGSR) program has been established to support graduates students to do a part of their graduate thesis research at a DOE laboratory/facility. The SCGSR program provides supplemental awards for graduate students to spend 3 to 12 consecutive months at a DOE national laboratory/facility conducting graduate thesis research in a priority research area in collaboration with a DOE laboratory scientist. The award provides support for inbound and outbound travel to the laboratory/facility, and a monthly stipend of up to $3,000 for general living expenses while at the host DOE laboratory/facility during the award period. Applications are due in early November. Applicants must be U.S. Citizens or Permanent Resident at the time of application and be at least 18 years of age at the time of applying. At the time of application, applicants must have obtained the Ph.D. candidacy at their home institution, and must have established a defined graduate thesis project and graduate thesis advisor. This grant requires a cost share component and requires prior departmental approval. For more information, UA graduate students and their research advisors should contact the current PHAY department chair.

Other Federal grant opportunities for STEM graduate students are available at https://stemgradstudents.science.gov/

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External Private Fellowships and Grants

The Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) Doctoral Scholars Program funds doctoral students from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups (including black, Asian American, Hispanic/Latin American, Native American or other) in graduate studies. New (or first year) students can qualify for a three year $20,000/year stipend from SREB and a tuition scholarship from the UA Graduate School. This is followed by two years of departmental funding. Students who have not previously received SREB funding can also qualify for funding in their final year. Application materials will be available early January. Applications are due in end March. Applicants must be either U.S. citizens or have legal permanent resident status.

Other private fellowships/grants include

Information on other federal and external grants/fellowships is available at the UA Graduate School.

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For More Information

For more information about these and potentially other funding opportunities, contact us at physgrad@ua.edu.