Graduate assistants in the department actively appointed as a research assistant (RA) or teaching assistant (TA) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign are assessed fees each term and are eligible for several benefits. Some of the fees are mandatory, while others are waived.
Tuition waiver benefit
Graduate assistants appointed between 25% and 67% FTE for at least three-quarters of the semester receive a full tuition waiver. The Atmospheric Sciences M.S. and Ph.D. are designated full-waiver programs. Students who hold a qualifying assistantship in spring are also eligible for an automatic summer waiver. For eligibility details and appointment date requirements, see the Graduate College’s Tuition & Fee Waivers page. For tax questions, see Understanding Taxability.
Fee waivers
Graduate assistants receive full waivers of the Service Fee, AFMFA Fee, Library/Technology Fee, Transportation Fee, Health Service Fee, and International Student Fee (if assessed). They also receive an 87% waiver of the Student Health Insurance Fee. Assistants are responsible for the General Fee, Student-Initiated Fees, and the remaining 13% of the health insurance fee. Current dollar amounts, including what assistants pay after waivers, are listed in the fee waiver table on the Graduate College Tuition & Fee Waivers page and on the Registrar’s tuition and fee rates page.
Health insurance
Domestic students with their own qualifying coverage may waive the Student Health Insurance Fee. Coverage is also available for spouses, partners, and dependents. See Student Insurance for current costs.
Leave and other employment benefits
Sick leave, holidays, parental accommodation, and other leave are set by the graduate employee contract. See Illinois Human Resources for current terms.