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Graduate Assistantships at New York University are paid teaching, research, and administrative roles that can cover tuition and pay a monthly stipend while you earn a master’s degree or PhD in New York City.

If you want to study at NYU without paying the full sticker price, this guide shows which schools fund students, what each package really covers, and how to apply.

Graduate Assistantships at New York University are fully funded for most new PhD students in the Graduate School of Arts and Science (GSAS) and for many PhD students at Tandon School of Engineering. Master’s assistantships are usually partial, so read the school-by-school breakdown below before you apply.

Graduate Assistantships at New York University are work-for-funding positions. You teach, do research, or support a department. In return, NYU pays you and often reduces your tuition bill.

NYU’s own financial aid office explains that graduate students can apply for an assistantship or teaching fellowship in some schools, and that these roles provide tuition remission and a stipend. Funding is decided school by school, so there is no single NYU-wide application.

In short, Graduate Assistantships at New York University cover very different packages. A GSAS doctoral package looks nothing like a Wagner master’s assistantship. That is why this guide splits everything by school.

Are Graduate Assistantships at New York University Really Fully Funded?

Sometimes, but not always. Here is the honest picture:

• Usually fully funded: Most new GSAS PhD students, through the MacCracken Program.
• Often fully funded or close to it: Tandon PhD students on a fellowship or research assistantship.
• Usually partial: Master’s assistantships at Wagner, Stern, and similar schools.
• Rare: Steinhardt says assistantships with full tuition and stipend generally do not exist there.

So, the phrase “fully funded” fits Graduate Assistantships at New York University best for doctoral applicants. Master’s applicants should plan for partial support and combine it with scholarships.

Graduate Assistantships at New York University by School

1. GSAS: Graduate Assistantships at New York University

GSAS is the strongest source of funding. According to the official GSAS fellowships and assistantships page, the MacCracken Program gives multi-year full funding to most new GSAS doctoral students.

The minimum MacCracken package includes:

• A four- or five-year award term
• A scholarship for full tuition and required fees
• Coverage of NYU student health insurance premiums
• A nine-month academic-year stipend
• A one-time Dean’s Supplementary Fellowship Grant

A few doctoral programs, such as Data Science and Cinema Studies, do not use MacCracken awards. Ask those programs directly. Read the full details on the GSAS financial aid page.

2. Tandon: Graduate Assistantships at New York University in Engineering

Tandon publishes clear numbers for doctoral students. On its PhD student funding page, the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 School of Engineering Fellowship includes:

• A monthly stipend of $3,600
• Tuition remission of up to 9 credits per semester (fall and spring)
• Student health insurance
• A one-time $4,000 welcome bonus

Tandon research assistantships, a key part of Graduate Assistantships at New York University in engineering, involve about 20 hours per week. Monthly salary is $3,700 to $3,900 before the qualifying exam and $3,950 to $4,150 after it. Tuition remission covers the larger of the full-time minimum or 6 credits, and it does not apply in the summer.

3. Wagner: Graduate Assistantships at New York University in Public Service

Wagner’s assistantship program offers Graduate Assistants a stipend plus partial tuition remission for about 20 hours of work per week.

GAs are selected during admissions, and appointments last one academic year. Only incoming full-time Master of Urban Planning and Master of Public Administration students qualify, and you must apply by the early action deadline.

Research Assistantships pay an hourly wage. Teaching Assistantships go to continuing students with strong course records.

4. Stern: Graduate Assistantships at New York University for MBA Students

Stern hires MBA students as Teaching and Graduate Fellows. According to Stern’s tuition remission page, these fellowships give partial tuition credit for the semester of employment.

5. Steinhardt and the College of Arts and Science

NYU Steinhardt says full-tuition assistantships do not generally exist there. PhD students may still be hired as research assistants. Steinhardt also notes that on-campus jobs pay a minimum of $30 per hour for up to 20 hours per week.

Types of Graduate Assistantships at New York University

Most Graduate Assistantships at New York University fall into four groups:

• Teaching Assistant (TA): You lead recitations, grade, or teach a section.
• Research Assistant (RA): You work in a lab or research center under a faculty member.
• Graduate Assistant (GA): You support a department, program, or administrative office.
• Teaching or Graduate Fellow: You hold a fellowship-style role, common at Stern.

Fellowships are different. The NYU College of Arts and Science explains that a fellowship usually covers tuition and health insurance and does not always require work, while an assistantship exchanges work for tuition remission and a stipend.

Eligibility for Graduate Assistantships at New York University

Requirements for Graduate Assistantships at New York University change by school, but most programs look for:

• Admission to a full-time NYU graduate program
• A strong academic record and detailed research or teaching fit
• Good standing and full-time status during the appointment
• English proficiency that meets your program’s rules

International students can apply. GSAS states that international applicants who apply by the deadline are automatically considered for Graduate School fellowships and scholarships. Note that F-1 visa holders are generally limited to 20 hours of on-campus work per week during the term. Confirm the rules on the official Study in the States on-campus employment page and with NYU’s Office of Global Services.

How to Apply for Graduate Assistantships at New York University

Follow these steps to secure Graduate Assistantships at New York University:

• Pick your school and program. Funding rules depend on it.
• Read the department funding page. Look for MacCracken, fellowship, or assistantship details.
• Apply by the earliest deadline. Wagner GA selection, for example, happens during admissions.
• Complete the funding section of the application. Tick the assistantship box where it exists.
• Contact faculty and the program office. Ask whether RA positions are open.
• Check your financial aid package. If an assistantship is missing, contact the Office of Financial Aid and your department.
• Apply for extra funding. Use the Tuition Incentive Program and outside scholarships.

 How to Improve Your Chances of Securing Graduate Assistantships at New York University

• Apply early. Funding for Graduate Assistantships at New York University often gets decided during admissions.
• Name two or three faculty whose research matches yours.
• Show teaching or lab experience in your statement.
• Keep your CV to one or two pages.
• Ask recommenders to mention your teaching or research strengths.
• Email programs politely and only after reading their funding pages.
• Apply to more than one NYU school if your background fits.

Union protections for student workers

Many NYU graduate workers are covered by a union contract. The NYU and Local 2110 UAW contract covers pay, hours, and grievance procedures for graduate employees at Washington Square and Tandon, including teaching assistants and many PhD research assistants. Some groups, such as research assistants in certain science departments, are outside the unit, so check your own appointment letter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does NYU offer graduate assistantships?

Yes. Graduate Assistantships at New York University exist in several schools, including GSAS, Tandon, Wagner, and Stern. Availability, pay, and tuition coverage vary by program.

Are graduate assistantships at NYU fully funded?

Graduate Assistantships at New York University are fully funded for most new GSAS PhD students through the MacCracken Program. Master’s assistantships are typically partial, and some schools, like Steinhardt, do not generally offer full-tuition assistantships.

How much do graduate assistants at NYU get paid?

Pay for Graduate Assistantships at New York University depends on the school. Tandon lists PhD research assistantship salaries of $3,700 to $4,150 per month for 2025-2027. Wagner and Stern offer stipends or partial tuition credit. Always check your offer letter.

Can international students get graduate assistantships at NYU?

Yes. International students are considered for funding, but F-1 work rules generally limit on-campus work to 20 hours per week during the term.

How do I apply for a graduate assistantship at NYU?

Apply to your program, complete any funding section, meet early deadlines, and contact your department. Wagner GA selection, for example, happens during admissions.

Do NYU graduate assistants get free health insurance?

MacCracken and Tandon fellowship packages include student health insurance coverage. Tandon RA appointments also list it. Other roles vary, so confirm in writing.

What is the difference between a fellowship and an assistantship at NYU?

A fellowship usually covers tuition and often a stipend without a work requirement. An assistantship trades teaching, research, or office work for tuition remission and a stipend.

Final Point

• Graduate Assistantships at New York University can turn a costly degree into a funded one, especially for doctoral applicants.
• Match your goals to the right school, apply early, and always verify the numbers with your department.
• Start your applications today and pair Graduate Assistantships at New York University with outside scholarships for the best chance of full funding.