Research Assistantships (RAs) are typically paid by research grants or contracts, and are administered by the institute that handles the grant. For biology and wildlife students, that  is typically the Institute of Arctic Biology or the UA Museum of the North. RAs are typically assigned on a semester-by-semester basis. RAs are usually provided by your major advisor to help with grant-funded research. If your thesis research question aligns with the goals of the grant supporting your RA, the RA may pay you to do your thesis research (although you can expect to have other duties relating to the larger needs of the funded project). If your thesis research does not align with the grant supporting your RA, you should not expect the RA funding to support thesis research effort. Discuss the expectations of your RA with your advisor to ensure your expectations align. In general, open lines of communication with your advisor about financial and academic issues are important throughout your time as a graduate student.

Teaching Assistantships (TAs) are paid by the Biology and Wildlife Department and typically require students to teach two laboratory sections of a course per semester. Course assignments are based on your expertise and needs of the department. Your willingness to teach sections in high-enrollment introductory courses and those in health-related subjects such as physiology, anatomy, and genetics will help increase your likelihood of receiving TA support. Each semester, graduate students in the department will receive an email inviting applications for the next semester. TAs are typically awarded on a semester-by-semester basis.

Salary - Both Research and Teaching Assistantships provide a stipend for 20 hours per week at the following salary levels:

MS student - $24.50 hourly equivalent

PhD student - $29.00 hourly equivalent

Tuition Awards - Students supported by an RA or TA will receive tuition awards for up to 10 credits per semester. Students must enroll in 6 or more credits during each semester they work as a TA or an RA.

Health Insurance - Research and Teaching Assistantships provide health insurance. Read more about graduate student health insurance on the UAF Graduate School's website.

University Fees - Starting in academic year 2024-25, students supported by an RA or TA will receive a waiver toward UAF consolidated and infrastructure fees. (More details to follow.)

The National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP). Students may apply before beginning graduate school or within their first year of graduate school for 3 years of financial support. Applications are generally due in October.

Alaska IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) provides one- and two-year fellowships, as well as travel grants. Projects need to relate to One Health, which encompasses the health of people, animals, and the environment. Applications are generally due in February. 

UAF Graduate School Thesis Completion Award supports students in their final semester of graduate school. Applications are generally due in July, October, or February for funding in the following Fall, Spring, or Summer semester.

Institute of Arctic Biology Summer Research award around $7,500 for summer expenses. (Award size may vary from year to year.) Applications are typically due in April or May. This award competition is announced annually in spring by email and on the Institute of Arctic Biology website (linked previously). These funds do not have tax withheld, so you will need to anticipate paying taxes on them when you file taxes.  

There are a number of scholarships and awards available to graduate students through UAF that can be found through the Biology and Wildlife Department and UAF Financial Aid. 

Other sources of graduate funding are available through grants and fellowships through a variety of government and non-government sources. Students are encouraged to seek such funding, to keep an eye out for opportunities, and to discuss additional funding opportunities with their advisor. 

During the summer there are few TAs available; most students are supported by RAs or student awards and grants. (For example, see the Institute of Arctic Biology Summer Research Award described above, under Graduate Fellowships and Awards.)

In summer, Research Assistants may be paid up to 40 hours per week. Students working 20 hours or less per week are exempt from SSN and FICA tax.

Students may apply for emergency funding through the UAF Student Support Fund or the Biology and Wildlife / Institute of Arctic Biology BioCares Fund.