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Graduate School Dissertation Assistantship

The Graduate School Dissertation Assistantship program is for Ph.D. scholars who have completed all program requirements, including didactic courses, except for the dissertation and who will defend the dissertation and graduate by the end of the semester for the award period. Qualifying students must be nominated to your school/college Dean’s Office by their program directors. Due to the funding source, this program is only available to Ph.D. students.

Dissertation Assistantships will be awarded as follows:

  • Fall-Only: university tuition (no fees) and $9,375 stipend
  • Spring-Only: university tuition (no fees) and $9,375 stipend
  • No summer support will be offered via this award.

This award is not intended to replace any existing funding or funding commitment. Programs may, however, pay university/program fees and/or supplement the stipend to align with the funding levels of other students. There may be no work required other than work on the dissertation.

Eligibility requirements

To be considered, applicants must meet these requirements:

  • Must have received Graduate School approval of degree candidacy and defended a dissertation proposal, if required
  • Must be planning to work full-time towards completion of the dissertation only during the award period, and must certify that they will not be employed in any other position, internal or external, for the award period.

Nominations will be evaluated based on:

  • Scholarship
  • Methodology
  • Clarity of style and presentation
  • Strength of recommendations
  • Academic record

Applicants

Application Period: May 12-30, 2025

Applicants are to complete the Graduate School Dissertation Assistantship application. Application materials include the following:

  • One or two-page outline of the student’s research plan
  • Letter of recommendation from the graduate program director or department chair that includes confirmation of the intended graduation date
  • Letter of certification from the student that they will not be employed in any other position, internal or external, for the award period

Please note that the Graduate School will submit completed applications to your school/college Associate Dean for a transmittal letter of support and confirmation of the intended graduation date.

If you have any questions, please contact graddean@vcu.edu.