At Iowa State University, graduate assistantships are an integral part of the academic ecosystem, providing valuable opportunities for graduate students to gain experience, financial support, and mentorship while contributing to research, teaching, or administrative tasks within their respective departments. 

Assistantships at Iowa State typically come with a stipend, tuition remission, and sometimes health insurance benefits. The specific terms and conditions vary depending on the department, funding availability, and the nature of the assistantship. Graduate students interested in assistantships should directly inquire with their respective departments or explore available opportunities through the university's job portal or academic advisors.

Once enrolled at Iowa State, you are eligible to apply for hourly positions through the Student Employment Center. These jobs are open to all ISU students who meet the requirements shown on the job vacancy listings which are posted on the Online Job Board. By checking with your program and professors, you may find an opening in your field that is not listed with the general vacancies. This possibility applies particularly to research areas, computer services, and other jobs that require specialized education, training, or work experience. All hourly employment of graduate students requires prior approval of the Graduate College.

The Online Job Board also lists off-campus positions from employers in Ames and surrounding communities. Employers in Ames and surrounding communities advertise for such jobs as light yard work, housework, food service, cashier and sales clerk positions, bookkeeping, child care, and farm help.

External fellowships at Iowa State University refer to financial awards granted to graduate students by organizations outside of the university. These fellowships are typically awarded on a competitive basis and are often based on academic merit, research potential, or other criteria specific to the goals of the external funding organization. 

Some of the commonly awarded external fellowships include: NSF GFRP, Fulbright, NIS and more! If you've received an external fellowship and wish to bring it to Iowa State, please contact ga_support@iastate.edu.