Benefits of a GA appointment

GAs are eligible to receive certain benefits related to their appointment.

 

The University of Arizona Graduate College in collaboration with the Provost's Office sets a minimum stipend for GA positions.  Colleges may set their own higher rates.  Stipends are pro-rated for longer or shorter appointments and for lower FTE.  The minimums for a 9 month Academic appointment at 0.5 FTE are:  

  • For Academic Year 2025-2026, the minimum stipend is $22,500.00 for academic appointments and $29,250.00 for fiscal appointments.

For more information on Stipends please see the Graduate Assistant/Associate Policy on stipends.   

GAs appointed during the Academic Year will receive tuition remission.  All GAs, regardless of residency status, are charged tuition equivalent to the Arizona Resident rate.  The resulting tuition remission is based upon the FTE:  

  • If appointed at a total FTE less than 0.5, they will receive GA Remission in the amount of 50% of base tuition charged.  Students will be responsible for paying the remaining balance.
  • If appointed at a total FTE of 0.5 or more, they will receive GA Remission in the amount of 100% of base tuition charged.

The GA Tuition Remission covers only base tuition and not mandatory, program, or course fees.  For more information on Tuition Remission, please see the Graduate Assistant/Associate Policy on GA Remission. 

The University of Arizona will cover the single student Campus Health insurance premium charges for a GA during their appointment. Health insurance and health services are provided through the University of Arizona Campus Health Services and is not transferable to outside insurance providers.  Please review the GA Health Insurance Policy for details. 

For more information on the student health insurance offered please visit The University of Arizona Campus Health website.

GA Parental Leave
Graduate Assistants/Associates will be eligible for up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave. Please review the GA Parental Leave Policy for all details.

FMLA
GAs may be eligible for Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) under certain circumstances.  GAs must make a request for FMLA leave to their supervisor following established University FMLA leave procedures.  For more information please visit the University of Arizona Family and Medical Leave Act Policy.

Temporary Alternative Duty Assignment
GA's may request a temporary alternative duty assignment (no more than 6 weeks during one’s entire graduate education). The alternative duties should make it feasible to remain active as a GA under the following circumstances: the responsibility to care for the GA's newborn child or newly-placed adopted or foster child or the need to provide temporary care to the GA’s spouse/domestic partner, child or parent who has a serious health condition.  Please review the full Temporary Alternative Duty Assignment policy. 

GAs are eligible for a 10% discount off the price of select items purchased at all University Campus Stores, subject to their policies in effect. This benefit goes into effect once appointment information is processed and all requirements are satisfied. This benefit must be mentioned at the time of purchase to receive it and is not available retroactively.

The GA Deferment Plan allows a GA to defer payment of any remaining tuition, including differential tuition, mandatory fees, program fees, and/or course fees until close to the end of that semester. If you enroll in the GA Deferment Plan, you do not need to enroll in the standard UA payment plan. Students with enough accepted financial aid to cover their charges cannot use this form. Non-appointed graduate students may be interested in the payment plan offered by the Bursar’s Office.

Eligibility and Process

  1. Must be hired on a Graduate Assistantship/Associateship.
  2. The plan will be instituted after
    1. The GA position information is present in UAccess Employee (processed through hiring unit),
    2. The student has met the requirements for the GA position (including enrollment for a minimum of 6 graduate units), and
    3. The deferment form has been submitted.
  3. Defers payment of remaining tuition, including differential tuition, mandatory fees, program fees, and/or course fees until close to the end of that semester. This plan does not cover non-tuition related expenses.
  4. There is no cost to enroll in this plan. If enrolled in the GA Deferment Plan, do not enroll in the standard UA payment plan.
  5. Students with enough accepted financial aid to cover their tuition charges cannot use this form.
  6. PLEASE NOTE: Any funding that is processed through the Bursar's Office will pay for remaining charges on your bursar's account, regardless of whether the charges have been deferred with this plan.
  7. Allow 2 to 3 days for processing.
  8. PLEASE NOTE: By enrolling in this program, you agree to the conditions of this plan.

Requesting a Deferment

Graduate Assistants/Associates may request a deferment by submitting the GA Tuition Deferment Form.

Deadlines Fall 2025:

Monday, August 18, 2025 - Priority date to submit deferment form
Wednesday, November 26, 2025 - Deadline to pay all deferred charges

Deadlines Spring 2026:

Wednesday, January 7, 2026 - Priority date to submit deferment form
Friday, April 17, 2026 - Deadline to pay all deferred charges