DEPARTMENTAL AND COLLEGE FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

Most graduate programs in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences offer two types of competitive, merit-based funding for matriculated degree-seeking students who are studying full-time: Tuition Scholarships, which provide tuition remission for graduate courses toward the degree; and Graduate Assistantships, which include a stipend along with tuition remission. International students as well as students from the U.S. are eligible for these merit-based funding options. The number of credits covered by funding varies by program.

With the support of the Office of the President, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences also offers a limited number of Graduate Presidential Fellowships, which provide full tuition remission and a stipend.

Other University programs and offices have a limited number of graduate assistantships, which require a separate applications. Learn more about other funding opportunities.
 

Graduate Assistantships and Tuition Scholarships

Graduate assistants and tuition scholars are expected to attend the University full-time, and perform various duties for their individual department, such as research assistance to faculty, tutoring, and classroom or laboratory teaching assistance. Learn more about graduate assistant and tuition scholar assignments and responsibilities.

• Prospective students may apply for funding at the time of their application for admission, as part of the online application.
• Applications for merit-based funding are reviewed by the faculty in the individual programs, who make recommendations to the Graduate Dean.
• 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.
  
  

Graduate Presidential Fellowship for Underrepresented Students

We ask applicants to self-identify as underrepresented students if they wish to be considered for the Graduate Presidential Fellowship for Underrepresented Students—this opportunity is one way the University upholds its commitment to foster a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community. Recipients also demonstrate their capacity to engage in dialogue about issues of equity, justice, and social change. Many have overcome significant social and/or economic barriers to achieve educational excellence and transform their communities and Villanova. 

Examples of underrepresented students include those who identify as low-income (normally Pell Grant eligible), those who are the first in their family to pursue a college education, and candidates who demonstrate a sustained commitment to social change.

Eligible candidates for the Presidential Fellowship for Underrepresented Students must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident and must have a submitted application to a graduate program in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Recipients of this award will receive full tuition remission and a stipend.

The deadline for application for the Presidential Fellowship is March 1 of each year.