There are two types of competitive, merit-based funding available in most graduate programs for matriculated degree-seeking students who are studying full-time: Tuition Scholarships, which provide tuition remission for the total number of courses required for the degree; and Graduate Assistantships, which include a stipend along with tuition remission. International students as well as students from the US are eligible for these merit-based funding options.

Those not already enrolled in one of the graduate programs in arts and sciences may apply for funding at the time of their application for admission, as part of the online application. Students already enrolled in a graduate program should contact their graduate program director if they wish to be considered for a tuition scholarship or assistantship. In all cases, applications for merit-based funding are reviewed by the faculty in the individual programs, who make the decisions.

Graduate assistants and tuition scholars are generally expected to attend the University full-time, and perform various duties for their individual department, such as research assistance to faculty, and classroom or laboratory teaching assistance. Graduate assistants and tuition scholars must also be in a degree program and have a matriculated status. For more information, see the responsibilities and privileges of graduate assistants and tuition scholars document below.

A few other University programs and offices have a very limited number of graduate assistantships. For more information, see this web page.

Presidential Graduate Fellowship for Underrepresented Students

With the support of the Office of the President, Graduate Studies in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is able to offer a limited number of Graduate Fellowships, which provide full tuition remission and a stipend.  The fellowship is provided for one year, and is renewable for a second year if the holder of the fellowship remains in good academic standing. Applicants who are U.S. citizens and members of an underrepresented group (Asian or Pacific Islander, African American, Hispanic, American Indian or Alaskan Native), and who have been accepted as matriculated into any graduate program in the Liberal Arts and Sciences, are eligible for consideration for this fellowship. Applicants must plan to enter Villanova as full-time students starting in the Fall term.  Students who have already begun a graduate program at Villanova are not eligible. 

Applicants who wish to be considered for the fellowship should inform the Graduate Program Director of the program to which they are applying of their eligibility and interest by March 1st.  The fellowships are awarded on the basis of academic merit.