Graduate Assistantships
Graduate assistantships combine academic learning with professional experience. As a graduate assistant, you'll work closely with faculty, staff and researchers while building skills that support your career goals.
What is a Graduate Assistantship?
A graduate assistantship is a paid, part-time position available to some graduate students. It allows you to gain professional experience while helping support your education. As a graduate assistant, you may work in areas such as teaching, research or administrative support. Your responsibilities will vary depending on the role and your program.
Graduate assistants play an important role in the day-to-day work of the university. You help support faculty, contribute to research, enhance student services and strengthen academic programs. Your work helps create a high-quality learning environment for undergraduate and graduate students alike.
Depending on the position, graduate assistantships may provide:
- Professional experience related to your field of study
- Faculty mentorship and networking opportunities
- Financial support through wages or stipends
- Employee benefits for qualifying appointments
- Reduced tuition rates
Find Graduate Assistantship Opportunities
Start your search as early as possible. Many assistantships are filled months before the academic year begins. If you're considering graduate school, ask about assistantship opportunities during the admissions process rather than waiting until after you're enrolled.
Program-Specific Assistantships
Some graduate programs offer assistantships directly through their department. These opportunities are awarded through internal program processes and are not posted in Handshake. Because availability varies by program, contact the graduate chair for your program to learn about current opportunities.
Campus Employment Opportunities
Additional graduate assistant and student employment opportunities may be available across campus. Current students can search and apply for positions through Handshake, UW-Green Bay's student employment platform.
Types of Graduate Assistantships
UW-Green Bay offers three types of graduate assistantships—teaching, research and program assistants. All graduate assistantships provide applied learning experiences connected to your graduate education and are awarded on a competitive basis.
Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA)
Assist with instructional activities that support student learning and academic programs.
Graduate Research Assistant (GRA)
Support faculty-led research projects while developing research skills and experience.
Graduate Program Assistant (GPA)
Assist with program operations, administration and student support activities related to your field of study.
How much do graduate assistants get paid?
Graduate assistantship minimum compensation is listed below. Contracts may vary based on the position and funding source.
Compensation by Type
| Assistantship Type | Minimum Compensation |
|---|---|
| Graduate Program Assistants (GPAs) | $17.25 hourly wage |
| Graduate Research Assistants (GRAs) | $13,453 stipend (minimum) |
| Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs) | $13,453 stipend (minimum) |
Benefits
Assistantships that are at least 13.5 hours per week (0.3375 FTE) for 4.5 months or longer will include:
- Fringe benefits, see the 2026 Benefits Summary (pdf)
- Wisconsin resident tuition rates for eligible Non-resident and Midwest Tuition Rate students
- Fellows should consult their award letter for tuition benefits
Eligibility Requirements
Graduate assistantships are awarded competitively based on qualifications and position requirements. Financial need is not a factor in hiring decisions. Additional requirements may apply depending on the position. To be eligible, you must:
- Be admitted to a UW-Green Bay graduate degree program in full academic standing
- Enroll in at least 6 graduate credits during each term of employment
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Make satisfactory academic progress toward your degree
- Demonstrate English proficiency if hired as a Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA)
More About Graduate Assistantships
Looking for more details? The Graduate Assistantship page in the Graduate Catalog includes information about eligibility requirements, employment conditions, tuition benefits, international student considerations, graduate teaching, research and program assistant responsibilities, exceptions and policy requirements.
Graduate Assistantship FAQs
Below are frequently asked questions about graduate assistantships at UW-Green Bay.
Do graduate assistants get paid?
Yes, graduate assistants receive either an hourly wage or a stipend for the academic year. See the compensation and benefits listed on this page for minimum compensation. Contracts may vary based on the position and funding source. For additional details see the gradate catalog's Graduate Assistantship page.
How do I become a graduate assistant?
Graduate assistantships are competitive positions, so get started as early as possible. While getting an assistantship isn't guaranteed, you can follow these steps to find opportunities:
- Apply and gain admission to a graduate degree program
You cannot receive a graduate assistantship unless you are an admitted graduate student. To be eligible, you must be admitted in good academic standing to a UW-Green Bay graduate degree program, enroll in at least 6 graduate credits per term, maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA and make satisfactory progress toward your degree. - Research assistantship opportunities early
Some graduate programs have assistantships available while others may have limited or no positions. Contact your program chair to ask about current and upcoming opportunities. - Prepare application materials
The application process varies by program and hiring department. You may be asked to submit a résumé, cover letter, references or interview for the position. Some assistantships are tied directly to academic programs, while others are posted separately. - Demonstrate strong qualifications
Competitive applicants typically have:- Strong academic performance
- Relevant professional or research experience
- Good communication skills
- Skills that match the assistantship duties
How many hours do graduate assistants work?
Graduate assistants typically work between 13.5 and 20 hours per week, depending on the position. You need to work a minimum number of hours to be eligible for benefits and some scenarios have maximum numbers of hours you can work. For additional details see the Academic Catalog Graduate Assistantship page.
Can international students hold graduate assistantships?
Yes. International students are eligible for graduate assistantships if they meet position requirements.
Need Help?
Whether you're exploring assistantship opportunities or wondering how they fit into your graduate education, our Graduate Studies team is here to help.