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Applications are now open for the Fully funded Ohio State University Fully Funded Assistantship 2026 for international students
Applying for a graduate degree can be a daunting experience, and for international students, the financial considerations can be especially challenging. The prospect of a full tuition waiver and a living stipend is a game-changer, and it can transform a distant dream into a realistic opportunity.
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The Ohio State University is offering such a chance through its fully funded graduate assistantships, designed to provide comprehensive financial and professional support to international students pursuing a master’s degree in the USA. These assistantships offer a unique blend of academic funding and hands-on, professional experience within a top-tier university setting.
The Ohio State University Scholarship package is designed to be comprehensive. It includes a full tuition waiver and a competitive monthly stipend of $2,682 for a period of two academic years. In this post, you will be provided with the key details of the Ohio State University Graduate Assistantship and the procedures to successfully apply for it. This guide will help you understand the full scope of the opportunity and how to present your strongest application. To learn more about applying for a masters degree abroad, check out this guide on how to apply for scholarships successfully.
Details of the Ohio State University Graduate Assistantships
Are you dreaming of earning a U.S. graduate degree with your tuition fully covered and gaining valuable, paid leadership experience on campus? The Ohio State University’s Department of Recreational Sports is actively seeking talented candidates for the positions of Graduate Assistant (GA) for the 2026-2027 academic year. These assistantships are available in several key areas, including Facilities, Special Events, Member Services, Group Fitness, and Personal Training.
The assistantship is structured as a two-year commitment, which gives students consistent financial and academic support throughout their entire graduate studies. This is a perfect fit if you’re aiming to become a leader in sport management, campus recreation, student affairs, or fitness & wellness, as these roles are designed to provide real responsibility and professional growth from day one. Graduate assistants are not just students; they are active members of the department, entrusted with managing staff, leading programs, and contributing to the overall success of the university’s recreational community. This hands-on experience is a crucial part of the learning process, blending theoretical knowledge with practical application.
Benefits of Ohio State University Graduate Assistantships
The graduate assistantship at Ohio State is more than just financial aid; it is a comprehensive support package designed to help you succeed.
- Competitive Monthly Stipend: GAs are appointed to 9-month terms and receive approximately $2,682 in a monthly stipend. This provides a stable income for living expenses, allowing you to focus on your studies and assistantship duties without the added stress of financial instability. The annual stipend totals to over $24,000, which is a significant resource for a student.
- Full Tuition Waiver: The assistantship includes a full tuition waiver, which covers all tuition fees for both in-state and out-of-state students. For an international student, this benefit is particularly impactful, as out-of-state tuition fees can be a major financial barrier. The waiver effectively makes your graduate education at a top public university free of cost.
- Two-Year Commitment: This is a rare and valuable benefit. Most assistantships are awarded one year at a time, but this program’s two-year commitment provides a sense of security and continuity, allowing you to plan your graduate journey without concern for re-application.
Eligibility Requirements for Ohio State University Scholarships
To be considered for the Ohio State University Graduate Assistantships, you must meet the following criteria:
- Graduate School Application: You must first apply to the Ohio State University Graduate School and specifically to one of two qualifying programs: the Master of Science in Kinesiology, Sport Management program or the Master of Arts in Educational Studies, Higher Education and Student Affairs. The graduate assistantship is directly tied to admission into one of these two departments.
- Minimum GPA: You must have a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 to be eligible for admission into the graduate school at Ohio State University. It’s important to remember that this is a minimum requirement; a higher GPA will make your application more competitive, especially given the selective nature of these programs. For advice on how to handle a lower GPA, see this guide on the best way to explain low GPA in personal statements.
- Application Deadline: While the general application deadline for the university may be later, preference will be given to applications received by November 1, 2025. Meeting this early deadline is highly recommended to ensure your application is reviewed with top-tier candidates. Submitting your documents early demonstrates your commitment and strong interest in the program.
Required Documents for Ohio State University Graduate Assistantships
To apply, candidates must be ready to submit the following documents. It is crucial to prepare each one meticulously to present the best possible profile.
- Application Form: You must complete and submit the official online application form for the Graduate Assistantship program. This form collects your personal information and preliminary details about your academic and professional background.
- Cover Letter: Your cover letter is a key opportunity to tell your story. It should not simply repeat your resume. Instead, it should explain why you are the ideal candidate for this specific graduate assistantship. Highlight your relevant experience in sports, recreation, or student affairs, and connect your past achievements to the skills required for the GA roles. Mention your career goals and how this assistantship will help you achieve them. For more tips on crafting your essays, check out this guide on how to write a scholarship essay that wins.
- Resume: Your resume should be tailored to showcase your skills and experiences that are most relevant to the graduate assistantship roles. Highlight any leadership positions, volunteer work, or previous employment in recreation, fitness, or events. Use action verbs and quantify your accomplishments wherever possible (e.g., “Managed a team of 10 student employees,” or “Organized an event for over 500 attendees”).
How to Apply for Ohio State University Scholarship 2026 (Step by Step)
To apply for the Ohio State University Graduate Assistantship, interested and qualified candidates should follow these steps precisely:
- Visit the Program’s Website: Click the green button below to visit the official program’s website. This is where you will find the most up-to-date information and access the necessary forms.
- Submit Your Online Application: Complete and submit the 2026-2027 Rec Sports Graduate Assistant Application online.
- Email Required Documents: After you submit your online application, you must send a separate email with your cover letter and resume attached. The email should be sent directly to Kolby Carothers at carothers.50@osu.edu. It is crucial to send your documents to this specific email address.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. Final candidates are subject to the successful completion of a background check, which is a standard procedure for all university employees.
Application Deadline: 1st November, 2025
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a Graduate Assistantship? A graduate assistantship is a form of financial aid offered by universities. It provides a stipend and often a tuition waiver in exchange for the student working part-time for a specific department. These roles can involve administrative tasks, teaching assistance, research, or, in this case, a focus on recreational and fitness services.
2. What is the difference between a GA, TA, and RA? A Graduate Assistant (GA) is a broad term for any graduate student with a part-time job on campus. A Teaching Assistant (TA) primarily helps a professor with course instruction, grading, and student support. A Research Assistant (RA) works on a specific research project with a faculty member. This opportunity is a GA position that combines administrative and hands-on professional work.
3. Is the TOEFL or IELTS exam required for this assistantship? The official information provided does not explicitly require the TOEFL or IELTS exam. However, it is a standard requirement for international students applying to U.S. graduate programs. You should check the specific admission requirements for the Master of Science in Kinesiology, Sport Management and Master of Arts in Educational Studies, Higher Education and Student Affairs programs to confirm.
4. Can I apply for other departments at Ohio State University? This specific graduate assistantship is exclusively for students accepted into the two programs listed. If you are interested in an assistantship in another department, you would need to contact that department directly and apply for their specific openings.
5. How competitive are these positions? Graduate assistantships at top universities are highly competitive, especially those offering full tuition waivers and a stipend. Given the attractive benefits, you can expect a large pool of qualified applicants. A strong GPA, relevant work or volunteer experience, and a well-written cover letter and resume are essential to stand out.
6. What does the two-year commitment entail? The two-year commitment means that once you are offered and accept the assistantship, it is guaranteed for two full academic years, assuming you maintain good academic standing and perform your duties satisfactorily. This provides incredible security and allows you to focus on your studies without the annual stress of reapplying for funding.
7. Can I work another job while being a GA? The GA stipend is meant to provide a sufficient living income. However, university policies on additional employment for graduate assistants can vary. You should clarify this with the department during the interview process or after you receive an offer. The primary expectation is that your academic and assistantship duties will come first.
8. When will I hear back about my application? While the priority deadline is November 1, 2025, the timeline for hearing back can vary. The department will review all applications after the deadline. Candidates are typically contacted for interviews in late fall or early winter, and offers are usually extended in the spring.
9. Do I need to be a top athlete to be a fitness GA? No, you do not need to be a top athlete. The Group Fitness and Personal Training GA roles are about management, leadership, and teaching. You are expected to have a passion for health and wellness and a strong understanding of fitness concepts, but a professional athletic background is not a requirement.
10. What is the tuition waiver for? The tuition waiver covers the cost of your graduate education. It means you will not have to pay for your tuition, which for an international student can be tens of thousands of dollars per year. The stipend, on the other hand, is a separate payment for your living expenses and is meant to cover your rent, food, and other personal costs.
