Fellowships and Funding FAQs
- How are most students supported during their studies?
Graduate Student Instructor (GSI) and Graduate Student Researcher (GSR) appointments and department grants are typical sources of funding for all HSPA students. Students who have completed the course requirements are encouraged to apply for dissertation grants to fund their research.
- How do I apply for a fellowship? What are the criteria?
You must indicate on your application that you wish to be considered for a fellowship or other sources of funding. The Admissions Committee makes the determination of eligibility for types of funding and nominates applicants based on the strength of the applicant’s academic achievements.
- What type of financial assistance do you have for international students?
Full funding is more limited for students who are not US citizens; there is one campus fellowship opportunity which is open to international students. The HSPA department nominates one student who has achieved academic excellence and that nominee is considered in competition with candidates from departments across the Berkeley campus. Non-resident students are generally eligible to work as GSRs; to be eligible for GSI positions, students must first take and pass a SPEAK test (English).
- Is there any other source of funding available for international students?
Services for International Students (SISS) on campus awards housing and partial fellowships to some students. The Ford Foundation International Fellowships Program provides support for up to three years of formal graduate-level study leading to a masters or doctoral degree. Fellows are selected from countries and territories where the Ford Foundation maintains active overseas programs.
- What does it cost to attend UC Berkeley? How much should I budget?
For information regarding tuition costs and fees, please navigate to the Graduate Division site here.
- Can students expect to receive teaching or research experience?
Students are expected to work as Student Researchers or Instructors as part of their training. Most students are able to gain experience in each capacity; there are many opportunities to find positions across campus and at UCSF. HSPA students have had the opportunity to gain valuable experience at research institutions such as Kaiser Permanente’s Division of Research and as summer interns for WHO and the World Bank.
- Do students with outside sources of funding have priority in admissions?
All applicants are reviewed and considered in the same manner. The HSPA program is a small one; the “fit” of experience, academic training, and area of research interest remain the key considerations.
- What is the FAFSA, and do I have to fill this out?
U.S. citizens and permanent residents must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to be considered for many forms of funding.
- What other information can you provide regarding funding for graduate school?
Graduate Divison has prepared a Guide to Financial Support.
