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Graduate Assistantships

Graduate assistantships are awarded to graduate students by academic departments (e.g., History, Computer Science, etc.) and offices. They generally require 5-20 hours per week of research, administrative, or teaching assistance from the student in exchange for an hourly pay, stipend and/or payment of tuition. If offered a stipend, most graduate assistantship stipends are only for 9 months (fall and spring semesters), therefore, students receiving assistantships may need additional funds to cover living expenses during the summer. The compensation for graduate assistantships may vary by departments (e.g., hourly pay, stipend, etc.), therefore, students should review their assistantship offers carefully. Students can inquire with the academic department as to the availability of an assistantship. 

Working in the US

Students in valid F-1 and J-1 status, with an I-20 or DS-2019 issued by 91¿´Æ¬Íø, may be eligible to work in the US with the proper work authorization. It is not possible for students to fund their studies by working in the US, however, the money earned might cover some of their costs (e.g., clothes, entertainment, etc.).

During the fall and spring semesters, F-1 and J-1 students may only work a maximum of 20 hours a week at W&M or VIMS. This total is the aggregate of all employment (i.e., one could have a 10 hours per week Graduate Assistantship, and work 10 hours per week in the Swem Library, totaling 20 hours). However, some graduate programs do not recommend that their students work while classes are in session due to the demanding nature of their programs.

In general, most students will only be eligible to apply for off-campus work authorization after they have completed two academic semesters and declared a major (for undergraduate students).

See F-1 student employment or J-1 student employment for more information.

On-campus Resources (available to students after they have begun study)

• Reves Center Scholarships
  Scholarships for international students, administered by the Reves Center for International Studies.
• Sponsored Programs
  An office of 91¿´Æ¬Íø, their website has several links to potential funding sources.
• Charles Center
  The Charles Center provides assistance in locating scholarships and grants for undergraduate students.
• Office of Career Development & Professional Engagement
  The Office of Career Development & Professional Engagement provides funds to cover expenses associated with their sponsored activities and funding for internship opportunities.

Off-campus Resources (available to students before or after they have begun study)

• 
  This site provides information for international students studying in the U.S.
• 
  A database of scholarships, fellowships, and grants, maintained by the Institute of International Education (IIE).
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  Scholarship for graduate international students.
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  Contains a searchable database of scholarships and loans for international students.
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  Scholarship for female graduate international students.
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  Scholarship for women from developing countries.
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  Scholarship for graduate or undergraduate international students, from a previous W&M graduate.

Private Loans

These loan programs are for international students and do not require a U.S. co-signor for the loan.