Typically, all admitted graduate students are supported by a Graduate Teaching Assistantship (TA) and/or a Graduate Research Assistantship (RA). TA positions are granted for the fall and spring semesters (nine months total). RA positions are granted for one semester, one year, or multiple years and are generally provided by a grant awarded to the major advisor.
International students are expected to take an internet-based TOEFL (iBT) to evaluate English proficiency and instructional ability prior to the start of their first semester. In order for an individual whose native language is not English to receive a TA, s/he must score 26 or higher on the "speaking section" of the iBT. Students who score 21-25 must take and pass the OSU International Teaching Assistant (ITA) exam before being allowed to teach. Students who score 20 or less must undergo additional spoken English training before being allowed to take the ITA exam.
All students on a TA, RA or Fellowship appointment receive a full tuition waiver each semester for required courses specified in their Plan of Study.
All RAs and TAs receive university-paid health insurance. There is also the opportunity to purchase health insurance for spouses and children.
The Graduate and Professional Student Government Association (GPSGA) awards grants to assist in the costs associated with travel for students presenting research at a state, regional, national, or international meeting or conference. To be eligible both academic unit/departmental representatives need to be present for at least 75% of all meetings (typically 1 absence per semester). Visit the GPSGA website for guidelines, Travel Reimbursement Request Form, and a related FAQ.
The Graduate College offers some awards and provides links to USA.gov to search for fellowships and scholarships or grants. To explore the various options to finance a gradaute degree go to The Graduate College web site and click at 'Financing a Graduate Degree'.
faculty. It is designated for student travel for fieldwork and attendance/participation at scientific conferences. Eligibility requirements include demonstrated satisfactory progress toward degree.