Quick Definition
A Research Assistantship (RA) is a funded position at a US or Canadian graduate school where students work on faculty research in exchange for a monthly stipend ($15,000–$35,000/year) and typically a full tuition waiver. Primarily available for PhD students; some master's students qualify.
Research Assistantship (RA) — Full Explanation
RAs work 15–20 hrs/week in a research lab. Funding comes from the professor's grant — so RA availability depends on active research funding. Cold-emailing professors with aligned research interests before applying significantly increases RA chances.
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Written & reviewed by
Arjun SinghAcademic Counsellor — Test Prep & Complex Profiles
Frequently Asked Questions
RA work is research-focused (lab work, data analysis, publications). TA work is teaching-focused (grading, leading discussion sections). Both typically provide stipend + tuition waiver.
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