Scholarships, Fellowships and Assistantships

The cost of attendance at UB varies depending on a number of factors. Here is a current estimate of tuition costs. Scholarships and assistantships are designed to attract and support graduate students who have exceptional academic records and potential. These awards may include a full tuition scholarship and a stipend, and are designed to allow the student to concentrate on coursework and/or research.

• School of Engineering and Applied Sciences Scholarships
• University at Buffalo Presidential Fellowships
• National Science Foundation Graduate Fellowships
• Arthur A. Schomburg Fellowships
• Fulbright Programs
• Western New York Prosperity Fellowship Program
• UB Scholarship and Fellowships Website

Our department awards research (RA) and teaching (TA) assistantships on a competitive basis to PhD students with outstanding qualifications.

The RA/TA stipend for the current year is at least $24,000 per academic year and may be higher depending on other scholarships awarded. Both RA and TA fellowships come with a full tuition waiver, which is worth $10,870-$22,210 for domestic and international students, respectively. Health insurance is provided with the department covering 90% of the premium.

Applicants and admitted students may be nominated for additional fellowship from UB programs, such as Presidential or Arthur A. Schomburg Fellowships, which provide additional funds to raise the annual stipend up to $38,125. Qualified students are strongly encouraged to apply for fellowships. See the links above to these and other programs.

Research support is provided by individual faculty members directing research projects and not by the department. However, faculty members may consult with the CBE director of graduate studies or the department chair to ensure support for all students making satisfactory progress toward their degree.

Teaching assistantships are awarded by the department to entering PhD students for one semester. All PhD students are required to teach for for two semesters while being supported by the department or individual advisors.  

The RA/TA support is guaranteed for 5 years for PhD students. Support for advanced students is negotiated on an individual basis with the research advisor.  

A score of 55 (out of 60) on the SPEAK test is required for all international graduate assistants. The purpose of the SPEAK test is to assess the spoken English proficiency of non-native speakers of English and to measure their degree of comprehensibility in English. The SPEAK test is given the week before each semester begins. New students must register with the UB Intensive English Language Institute during orientation to take this test. Continuing students must register two weeks before the semester begins.