2009-2010 Academic Year

General Information

All fellowships, assistantships, and other grants and scholarship awards available to graduate students are administered by the various University departments or schools. Students seeking financial aid should apply directly to their department or school for assistance first before considering federal financial aid programs and alternative loans.

•	Graduate students must be enrolled in at least 6 credit and/or research hours to be considered for any federal assistance.
•	In general, graduate students may receive up to $20,500 in Federal Stafford Student Loans (combined subsidized and unsubsidized amounts) during the award period.
•	Depending on availability of funds, graduate students may also receive a Federal Work-Study award and/or up to $6,000 in a Federal Perkins Loan during the award period.
•	Please note that the total of all financial assistance, including departmental awards and tuition remission, cannot exceed the estimated cost of attendance.

How To Apply

1. Apply for a U.S. Department of Education personal identification number (PIN) if you don't already have one. Your PIN will allow you to electronically "sign" financial aid applications and federal loan promissory notes. Apply for a PIN online at pin.ed.gov.
2. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
   
   Priority Filing Date: March 31
   Applications are accepted after the priority filing date but, due to the limited funds available, Federal Perkins Loan and employment through the Federal Work-Study programs are not guaranteed.
   
   For the quickest and most accurate processing, students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA online.
   
   The University of Virginia's school code for the FAFSA is 003745.
   
   
3. Submit a University of Virginia Financial Aid Application by our priority filing date of March 31st. 
   
   This application is available on-line in the Student Center of the Student Information System.   Students are encouraged to print out and complete the Graduate Financial Aid Application Worksheet to assist the student in completing the on-line application.  You must use 2008 estimated tax information when completing your worksheet, if completing prior to submitting your 2008 tax returns.
   
   Access to the system is available through the Student Portal.  You will receive an e-mail from the Graduate School to which you have applied supplying your log in instructions.  Once you have received that information, log in using your University computing ID, and the password you created.  Once in the system, click on Self Service.  Then click on the link to the Student Center.   Go to the Finances section and find the link to Apply Financial Aid for 2009-2010. 
   
   
   
4. Some students will be notified by e-mail or in writing that they have been selected for verification.If you have been selected for verification our office is required to verify the information you reported on your FAFSA. To complete this process, please submit the Graduate Verification form to our office as soon as possible.
   
   2009-2010 Graduate Verification Form 
   
   
   
5. Submit copies of your most recent tax documents (Form 1040 with attached schedules, 1040A, or 1040 EZ; W-2 forms) ONLY IF you were selected for Verification. Otherwise you do not need to send them.  Independent students are required to submit both their spouse's (if applicable) and their income tax documents.
   
   If you or your spouse are not required to file an income tax return, please indicate that on your University Financial Aid application.
   
   
   
6. All graduate students must reapply for financial aid every year by the priority filing date.
   

What Happens Next?

Your FAFSA will be sent to us electronically. We will review it, and if necessary, request additional documentation to verify your information. Once we receive and review all of your information, we will post your award information on the SIS, detailing your financial aid package.

Receiving Outside Scholarships

If you will receive outside scholarships, you must notify us either when completing the University Financial Aid Application, you may notify us in the SIS, under the Finances section, Report Other Financial Aid.
Non-University awards include all scholarships and grants awarded by agencies other than our office, such as:
University Alumni Association, Resident Advisor room and/or board awards, ROTC scholarships, National Merit or National Achievement Scholarships, Tuition Benefits/Reimbursements, and any scholarships or grants awarded by churches, high schools, fraternities & sororities, corporations, professional or civic organizations.