Funded students who matriculate in the MSTP will receive three financial benefits, as long as they remain in good standing in the program: a stipend, paid tuition and fees, and access to an enhancement fund.
Finances
Graduate Student Classifications
The following Graduate Student guidelines are for MSTP students classified in the following assignment categories: Graduate Research Assistant (06) and Graduate Student Trainee (46). Students who are assigned to one of these categories must be enrolled in an official graduate program and can only have an additional assignment under special circumstances as described below with permission of the MSTP Director.
Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) (06)
GRAs conduct original, professional-level research in their field of study (e.g. conducting experiments, analyzing data, and drafting research publications for professional journals or conferences) primarily for the purpose of fulfilling the requirements for an advanced degree. The GRA assignment is considered an academic appointment and is exempt from FLSA requirements.
- Primary function: Conduct original, professional-level research in their field of study primarily for the purpose of fulfilling the requirements for an advanced degree
- Exempt from FLSA overtime rule: Yes, You are in an educational relationship with UAB
- Stipend payments: Monthly
- Tuition payments: Eligible for tuition remission
- Health insurance: Paid via tuition remission
Graduate Student Trainee (46)
Graduate Student Trainees are paid monthly from Fellowship or Scholarship resources. Graduate Student Trainees are not considered to be UAB employees. This appointment is intended to allow the individual to be a full time student. No past, present, or future services are required as a condition of receiving this appointment.
- Primary function: Perform original, professional-level research fully supported by a fellowship, training grant, or institutional sources and are not considered to be UAB employees. No past, present, or future services are required as a condition of receiving this appointment.
- Exempt from FLSA overtime rule: Have never been considered employees; no changes
- Stipend payments: Monthly
- Tuition payments: Eligible for tuition scholarships
- Health insurance: Paid via tuition scholarship
In some pre-approved cases, the graduate student is awarded a combination of the appointment categories. The student should be given two separate award letters clearly specifying the conditions of each award.
Taxes
Financial Aid