The Cornell University Graduate Assistantships 2026–2027 provide financial support for eligible graduate students pursuing research-based master’s and PhD degrees at Cornell University in the United States. Through teaching, research, and academic support appointments, students can receive a stipend, tuition credit, and individual student health insurance while gaining valuable academic and professional experience.
For the 2026–2027 academic year, Cornell’s published minimum standard nine-month stipend for teaching assistants, research assistants, graduate assistants, and graduate research assistants is $36,684. Eligible students with full assistantships also receive a full tuition credit at the research degree rate and Cornell individual student health insurance.
Assistantships are awarded by graduate fields, departments, and principal investigators. There is no separate university-wide assistantship application, so prospective students should identify their intended graduate program and follow its admissions and funding procedures.
Cornell University Graduate Assistantships 2026–2027: Summary
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| University | Cornell University |
| Location | Ithaca, New York, USA; Cornell Tech appointments may be based in New York City |
| Funding type | Graduate teaching and research assistantships |
| Eligible students | Full-time PhD and research master’s students, subject to program rules |
| Minimum nine-month stipend | $36,684 |
| Summer stipend | $12,228 for a 13-week appointment |
| Standard 12-month stipend | $48,912 |
| Tuition support | Full tuition credit at the research degree rate for full assistantships |
| Health insurance | Cornell individual student health insurance |
| Appointment categories | TA, RA, GA and GRA |
| Application method | Through the relevant graduate field, department, or faculty |
| Separate assistantship application | No general separate application |
| 2026–2027 rates effective from | August 21, 2026 |
| Official stipend information | Cornell Graduate School stipend rates |
| Official assistantship information | Cornell Graduate School assistantships |
Note: These are published minimum standard rates for the 2026–2027 academic year. Individual awards, appointment lengths, summer funding, and additional supplements may vary.
What Are Cornell University Graduate Assistantships?
Cornell University Graduate Assistantships are funding arrangements that support graduate students who contribute to the university’s teaching, research, or academic activities.
They allow eligible students to earn a stipend while developing research skills, assisting faculty members, supporting courses, or conducting research connected to their degree.
The Cornell Graduate School recognizes four general categories of assistantships:
- Teaching Assistantships (TA)
- Research Assistantships (RA)
- Graduate Assistantships (GA)
- Graduate Research Assistantships (GRA)
These appointments are administered by academic departments, graduate fields, and principal investigators.
Cornell states that full-time PhD and research master’s students may be awarded assistantships. However, funding availability and eligibility depend on the student’s graduate field, appointment, and program requirements.
Official source: Cornell Graduate School Assistantships.
Benefits of Cornell University Graduate Assistantships 2026–2027
1. Graduate Stipend of $36,684
Cornell’s minimum standard nine-month stipend for the 2026–2027 academic year is $36,684 for teaching assistants, research assistants, graduate assistants, and graduate research assistants.
The stipend helps students cover living expenses such as housing, food, transportation, and personal necessities.
The amount is a published minimum rather than a guarantee that every graduate student will receive an assistantship.
2. Full Tuition Credit
Students appointed to full assistantships receive a full tuition credit at Cornell’s research degree rate.
This substantially reduces the tuition burden for eligible research master’s and doctoral students.
The tuition benefit applies according to the assistantship’s terms. Students should confirm the exact tuition credit in their appointment offer.
3. Individual Student Health Insurance
Full assistantships include Cornell individual student health insurance.
This benefit helps eligible graduate students access health coverage while enrolled and appointed under the university’s assistantship arrangements.
Students should review Cornell’s current insurance rules for details of coverage, enrollment, and any applicable fees.
4. Potential Summer Funding
Cornell’s published 2026–2027 schedule lists a summer stipend of $12,228 for a standard 13-week appointment.
However, summer funding is not automatic for every student. It depends on the graduate field, faculty funding, appointment availability, and the number of weeks covered.
5. Research and Teaching Experience
Assistantships provide opportunities to develop skills that can strengthen a student’s academic career.
Depending on the appointment, students may gain experience in:
- University teaching and course support.
- Laboratory work and research methods.
- Data collection and analysis.
- Academic event planning.
- Thesis and dissertation research.
- Collaboration with faculty and other researchers.
6. Additional Funding Opportunities
Some Cornell graduate fields may supplement the minimum stipend or provide summer appointments.
Students may also receive funding through other approved fellowship or assistantship arrangements, depending on the program and applicable university rules.
Official source: Cornell Graduate School financial support.
Cornell Graduate Assistantship Stipend Rates for 2026–2027
Cornell’s official stipend schedule, effective August 21, 2026, provides the following minimum standard rates.
| Appointment type | Nine-month stipend | Summer stipend | Standard 12-month stipend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teaching Assistant (TA) | $36,684 | $12,228 | $48,912 |
| Research Assistant (RA) | $36,684 | $12,228 | $48,912 |
| Graduate Assistant (GA) | $36,684 | $12,228 | $48,912 |
| Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) | $36,684 | $12,228 | $48,912 |
| University Fellowship | $36,684 | $7,779 | $44,463 |
The summer figures refer to a standard 13-week summer appointment or an appropriately prorated amount. Actual summer support depends on the appointment offered.
Cornell Tech has a separate stipend schedule. For 2026–2027, the published 12-month stipend for funded students at Cornell Tech is $60,719 across the listed assistantship and university fellowship categories.
These amounts should not be confused with a guaranteed award for every applicant. Students should confirm their specific funding package with their graduate field or department.
Official source: Cornell University 2026–2027 stipend rates.
Types of Cornell Graduate Assistantships
1. Teaching Assistantships (TA)
A Teaching Assistantship involves supporting university teaching and course delivery.
Typical responsibilities may include:
- Leading discussion or laboratory sections.
- Assisting with course instruction.
- Supporting students with course material.
- Helping faculty members manage academic activities.
Cornell’s standard appointment averages 15 hours of work per week, with a maximum of 20 hours in a given week under the applicable standard rules.
International students who will teach in their first year and come from countries where English is not the first language should review Cornell’s International Teaching Assistant Program requirements.
Learn more through the Cornell Center for Teaching Innovation.
2. Research Assistantships (RA)
Research Assistantships support research activities that are not directly related to the student’s own thesis or dissertation.
For example, a student might help a professor analyze data, conduct experiments, or contribute to a research project outside their primary dissertation topic.
Standard RA appointments average 15 hours per week, with applicable limits on weekly work hours.
Students are appointed through their graduate field, department, or a principal investigator.
3. Graduate Assistantships (GA)
Graduate Assistantships involve academic support activities that contribute to the university’s teaching, research, or educational mission.
Responsibilities might include helping a faculty member organize an academic conference, coordinate educational activities, or support a departmental initiative.
The standard appointment averages 15 hours per week, subject to Cornell’s applicable work-hour rules.
4. Graduate Research Assistantships (GRA)
Graduate Research Assistantships focus on research directly connected to the student’s degree requirements.
For example, a GRA may conduct experiments, analyze data, or perform other research activities that contribute to the student’s thesis or dissertation.
Because the research forms part of the student’s degree work, the time commitment is connected to the research project. Cornell does not define the same explicit weekly-hour limit for GRA research connected to the degree as it does for standard TA, RA, and GA appointments.
Official source: Cornell assistantship information.
Who Is Eligible for Cornell Graduate Assistantships?
Cornell’s assistantships are generally available to eligible full-time PhD and research master’s students.
Applicants should consider the following requirements and conditions.
1. Admission to an Eligible Graduate Program
Students generally need to be admitted to and enrolled in an eligible Cornell graduate program.
Admission to Cornell does not automatically guarantee an assistantship. Funding decisions are made by graduate fields, departments, and faculty members.
2. Full-Time Graduate Study
The Graduate School identifies full-time PhD and research master’s students as potential recipients of assistantships.
Eligibility for particular appointments may depend on the student’s degree program and academic status.
3. Relevant Academic Background
Candidates should meet the academic admission requirements of their intended graduate program.
The required qualifications vary by department, research field, and degree level.
4. Research or Teaching Suitability
Depending on the position, students may need relevant research experience, subject knowledge, laboratory skills, teaching ability, or other qualifications.
Faculty members and departments determine the suitability of applicants for specific assistantship assignments.
5. Satisfactory Academic Progress
Students receiving graduate funding must remain in good academic standing, make satisfactory progress toward their degree, and meet the responsibilities associated with their appointment.
Funding can be affected if a student fails to satisfy the university’s academic or employment requirements.
Can International Students Apply?
International students may be eligible for Cornell graduate assistantships if they meet the requirements of their graduate program and the particular appointment.
However, international students must also comply with the applicable U.S. immigration, employment, and university requirements.
Those who expect to teach should review Cornell’s additional language assessment and teaching preparation requirements where applicable.
How to Apply for Cornell University Graduate Assistantships 2026–2027
Cornell does not have a separate, universal application for graduate assistantships. Instead, funding is awarded through graduate fields, departments, and principal investigators.
Follow these steps to explore the opportunity.
Step 1: Choose a Graduate Program
Visit the Cornell Graduate School website and identify a research master’s or PhD program that matches your academic background and research interests.
Step 2: Review the Program’s Funding Policy
Check the department’s official website for information about assistantships, fellowships, and funding packages.
Some graduate fields may offer funding as part of admission, while others may have different appointment procedures.
Step 3: Submit Your Graduate Admission Application
Apply to the appropriate graduate program through Cornell’s official admissions process.
Use the Cornell Graduate School application information page to find the current application instructions.
If the admissions application asks whether you want to be considered for university assistantships or fellowships, follow the instructions provided.
Step 4: Contact Your Graduate Field or Department
Ask the graduate field administrator or department about available assistantships, funding eligibility, and the selection process.
If you are interested in a research position, you may also discuss opportunities with faculty members whose work aligns with your research interests.
Step 5: Check Your Funding Offer
If you receive an assistantship offer, review the appointment length, stipend, tuition credit, health insurance, work responsibilities, and any summer funding arrangements.
Do not assume that all appointments include the same duration or benefits.
Step 6: Meet All Appointment Requirements
Follow Cornell’s instructions for accepting the appointment, completing employment documentation, enrolling in the required health insurance arrangements, and maintaining satisfactory academic progress.
Official assistantship information: Cornell Graduate School Assistantships.
Is There a Separate Deadline for Cornell Graduate Assistantships?
There is no single university-wide deadline for all Cornell graduate assistantships.
The timing depends on the graduate program, admissions cycle, department, faculty funding, and appointment availability.
Prospective students should check their intended program’s admissions deadline and funding instructions. Some assistantships may be awarded as part of the admission process, while other appointments are handled separately by departments or faculty.
For the current published stipend rates, visit the Cornell Graduate School stipend page.
Cornell Graduate Assistantships vs. Fellowships
Although assistantships and fellowships can both provide financial support, they operate differently.
| Feature | Assistantship | Fellowship |
|---|---|---|
| Main purpose | Supports teaching, research, or academic activities | Supports graduate study and research |
| Work responsibilities | Includes assigned service duties | Generally has no required teaching or research service |
| Stipend | Provided according to the appointment | Provided according to the award |
| Tuition support | Full assistantships include a full research-degree tuition credit | University fellowships generally include tuition support |
| Health insurance | Included with full assistantships | Generally included with university fellowships |
| Selection | Through departments, graduate fields, or principal investigators | Through the relevant fellowship award process |
The exact terms depend on the specific award and program.
Learn more about Cornell graduate fellowships.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Cornell graduate assistants receive in 2026–2027?
The minimum standard nine-month stipend is $36,684 for TA, RA, GA, and GRA appointments. A standard 13-week summer appointment is listed at $12,228, and the standard 12-month stipend is $48,912.
Does Cornell provide full tuition coverage for graduate assistants?
Students on full assistantships receive a full tuition credit at the research degree rate, together with a stipend and Cornell individual student health insurance.
Can master’s students receive assistantships?
Eligible full-time research master’s students may receive assistantships. Funding is limited for some master’s and professional degree programs, so applicants should check the specific program’s policy.
Are Cornell graduate assistantships open to international students?
International students may qualify if they meet the program and appointment requirements and comply with applicable immigration and employment rules.
Do I need a separate application for an assistantship?
No general separate application is required. Assistantships are awarded by departments, graduate fields, and principal investigators. Applicants should follow the funding instructions for their intended graduate program.
Is summer funding guaranteed?
No. Cornell publishes summer stipend rates, but summer appointments depend on the availability of funding and the student’s appointment arrangements.
Where can I apply?
Start with the Cornell Graduate School admissions page and review the funding information for your intended program.
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