Incoming and Continuing Students

Teaching Assistantships Heading link

Most UIC philosophy graduate students are funded in this way. Teaching Assistants (TAs) typically lead discussion sections, grade written work and otherwise aid course instructors. More advanced graduate students may be offered the opportunity to teach their own courses. For the academic year beginning Fall 2023 the stipend is $23,440.00 (for fall and spring semesters), plus a waiver of tuition, the service fee, and the academic facilities maintenance fund assessment. Teaching Assistants are represented by a union, and a new contract is being negotiated for the fall term.

Fellowships for Incoming Students Heading link

Graduate Access Fellowships (AF)

Nominees for the AF must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States who come from groups that have been historically underrepresented in graduate programs. These four-year fellowships are awarded to outstanding entering students in a University-wide competition. In the first year, and in the fourth year when they begin work on their dissertation, students holding these awards do not teach or render other services; in their second and third years they work as TAs. In all four years they receive a stipend of $30,000, plus a waiver of tuition and (most) fees. After the fourth year, students are provided with Teaching Assistantships. In three of the last four years AF nominees from philosophy have received either that or the Star Fellowship.

University Fellowships

These four-year fellowships are awarded to outstanding entering students in a University-wide competition. In the first year, and in the fourth year when they begin work on their dissertation, students holding these awards do not teach or render other services; in their second and third years they work as TAs. In all four years they receive a stipend of $30,000, plus a waiver of tuition and (most) fees. After the fourth year, students are provided with Teaching Assistantships. In typical years we are able to offer at least one University Fellowship.

Pipeline Inclusive Faculty Program

Applicants from underrepresented groups who are nominated by the department for the Graduate Access Fellowship and University Fellowships are also considered for the PIF program.  This fellowship carries a stipend of $28,000 for four years (including one year of teaching); the department will provide a TA position after the fourth year.

Fellowships for Continuing Students Heading link

Dean’s Scholar Award

These fellowships are awarded in a University-wide competition to exceptionally qualified students who are working on their dissertation. These fellowships carry a stipend of $22,000, plus a waiver of tuition, the service fee, and the academic facilities maintenance fund assessment.

Diversifying Higher Education Faculty in Illinois (DFI) Program Heading link

Diversifying Higher Education Faculty in Illinois (DFI) Program

The purpose of DFI is to increase the number of underrepresented faculty and staff in Illinois institutions of higher education and higher education governing boards. To be eligible, the applicant must be a legal resident of Illinois, and must be African American, Hispanic American, Native American, Asian American, or a member of another group underrepresented in higher education in Illinois. For more information see the Graduate College DFI page.