At a Glance
About
Funding Information
The University of Arizona (U of A) Graduate College's recruitment Graduate Access Fellowship (GAF)/Graduate Tuition Scholarship (GTS) is intended to broaden the access of U.S. students to graduate education. These fellowships are for incoming domestic graduate degree-seeking students who are newly admitted and have a U of A NetID, for the term of award. Eligible students will show academic achievement despite facing challenging social, economic or educational obstacles, and have financial need as determined by the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid.
- One-time Academic Year Awards of $2,000 per semester for Master's and $4,000 per semester for Doctoral, MLA, or MFA requiring a minimum of 60 units. Funds awarded may be in the form of cash fellowships or tuition scholarships.
- Up to 3 awards per official U of A academic department.
- Expectation that the academic department will provide additional funds to recruit these outstanding scholars and departmental awards should be addressed in the letter of recommendation. The student will receive a separate notification letter from the Graduate College regarding the GAF/GTS application.
- GAF/GTS awards are need-based. Awardees must have remaining financial need for funds to disburse, as determined by the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid.
- Applications will be accepted through April 15, 2026, and funds will be awarded on a rolling basis.
Eligibility
- University of Arizona Master’s or Doctoral graduate students
- Newly admitted and enrolled at the University of Arizona in a Master’s
,or Doctoral degree program with the campus classification of MAIN (UA Online, Accelerated Master’s Program (AMP) or professional career designation by Registrar are not eligible) - 3.0 or higher admitting GPA
- U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
- Has an official FAFSA on file for year of admission, and demonstrates financial need as determined by the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid
Through their personal statement demonstrates academic achievement despite facing challenging social, economic or educational obstacles. This can include financial challenges, challenges as a first-generation student or other significant challenges in gaining access to higher education.
First-generation student is defined as having parents or guardians who have not earned a baccalaureate degree, or who did not earn one until the applicant was already in college
Expectations for students awarded Graduate Access Fellowships
Recipients are expected to enroll in one semester of GradSPACE or other professional development mentoring course offered by the Graduate College or enroll in a Graduate College-approved departmental professional development course (such as Sociology 595a).
Instructions
- Complete the Graduate Access Fellowship application
- A letter of recommendation is required. The academic department's Director of Graduate Studies will provide a letter of recommendation that addresses the following:
- What makes the student a worthy candidate for the funding?
- What type and amount of funding is being provided by the academic department to recruit the new admit for the Graduate Access Fellowship term of award?
- A description of the funding plan to support the admit during the terms after the first year.
Contact
For questions, please contact Kerry Cowen, Grants and Scholarship Management Administrator, Graduate College, (520) 621-9336.