The purpose of graduate research assistantships (GRAs) is to engage qualified students in challenging research and academic work, while earning compensation for performing research contributing to their thesis or dissertation. GRAs are most often awarded to incoming full-time US and international students. 

An initial 12-month GRA provides tuition, maintenance fee, medical insurance, and a stipend. GRA’s may be renewed based on satisfactory progress toward degree goals, research work, and funding availability. 

Applicants must provide GRE scores (general test) and three letters of recommendation.  A cumulative GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale is recommended to be competitive for an initial award. No minimum GRE score is required.

Deadline: No deadline, but early application increases chances of award.

American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Scholarship

The AIAA Foundation presents awards to graduate students doing excellent research in the air and space sciences. The awards range from $1,000 to $2,500 and are available to all full-time US and international students. Applicants must be current AIAA Student members in good standing, have completed at least one academic semester of full-time graduate work, and have a minimum GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale. Postdoctoral students are not eligible. 

Deadline: January 31. 

UTSI Fellowship

Several endowments have been established in honor of individuals that have made a unique contribution to UTSI. These fellowships, available to US students, range up to $3,000 per year and are intended to supplement GRAs or fellowship awards. 

Deadline: February 15 for Fall term. Initial awards are generally made in March.

Access and Diversity Fellowship

To help promote diversity among the student body, a limited number of Access and Diversity Fellowships are available to full-time graduate students from underrepresented groups. These awards are available to US and international students.

Deadline: No deadline, but awards are limited and early application is recommended.

GEM Fellowship

The National Consortium for Graduate Education for Minorities in Engineering (GEM) is a network of leading corporations, government laboratories, top universities, and top research institutions that enables qualified students from underrepresented communities to pursue graduate education in applied science and engineering. Students awarded a GEM Fellowship will be considered for a UTSI Supplemental Fellowship, making the total stipend equivalent to the GRA stipend. These awards are available to US students. 

Deadline: GEM applications (to headquarters at Notre Dame) is December 1; no deadline for UTSI Supplemental Fellowship.

Student loans are administered by the University of Tennessee’s Financial Aid Office and require a FAFSA. Submitting the FAFSA to the Federal Student Aid Programs starts the process of obtaining a Stafford, Supplemental, Perkins and/or Plus loan. A limited loan may also be available for emergencies. Students must be admitted as degree seeking and enrolled a minimum of six semester hours to qualify for a student loan. 

Deadline: Applications should be submitted no later than June 30 for Fall term.

The Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) Academic Common Market (ACM) is an agreement among Southern states for sharing unique programs. Participating states can make arrangements for their residents who are fully admitted to specific programs at UTK to enroll on an in-state tuition basis if these programs are not available in the state of residence. 

Deadline: No deadline, but early application is recommended.