Teaching assistantships in German are competitive ($11,000 for the 2009/2010 academic year; with the possibility of a Kade Foundation supplement). TAs in good academic standing are eligible for tuition scholarships awarded by the Graduate School. So far every candidate we have recommended has received a tuition scholarship. These scholarships cover only the tuition fees proper, not the health fee, which is mandatory for all full-time students, optional for part-time students. At the beginning of the semester all students are required to pay a registration fee, which is later credited to their accounts if they were awarded a tuition scholarship.

Teaching assistant appointments are normally made for one academic year. They are renewable for a second year, provided students maintain satisfactory academic and teaching records and progress toward their degree. Each TA's performance as teachers and students is reviewed by February 15. In case of non-reappointment, the candidate is notified and given an explanation of the Department's decision no later than March 1. Appointments are renewed for a third year only under very unusual circumstances.

The University annually awards a limited number of graduate fellowships to outstanding students. These fellowships are usually announced in January and awarded in university-wide competition. The Department may nominate candidates who meet the eligibility criteria set by the Graduate School, i.e. minimum grade point averages and GRE scores. The Graduate School also awards minority fellowships as well as fellowships for students who are graduates of privately supported colleges in central Appalachia.

For fellowships to study in a German-speaking country see below under "Study Abroad."