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Fellowships Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I received a fellowship and have not received my payment.  What’s involved before payment is made?

Students receiving fellowships must be registered and enrolled in units as well as clear any registration blocks before the fellowship payment is disbursed.  Most graduate students need to be enrolled in at least 12 units.  Exceptions include students advanced to doctoral candidacy or those in part time programs.  For more information, refer to sections E1.1 to E1.3 of the Guide to Graduate Policy (PDF).

International students must complete their tax information and submitted to Payroll as stated below. Your award will not be disbursed until the proper tax forms are completed and submitted.

Payments are issued by Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). If a payment has been issued before your registration is complete or if you have a block on your account, a check will be issued and held for 21 days at Billing and Payment Services, 140 University Hall, even if you are enrolled in EFT. You may pick up that check once your registration is complete. You are encouraged to keep your email address up to date via Bear Facts so that you can be notified in advance of payment release dates. 

Q: Since I am an international graduate student, do I have to submit any special forms to receive my stipend?

All international students must now register on-line and submit tax information to Payroll via the GLACIER System:

If you do not complete the information in GLACIER and/or submit the required forms and documents every calendar year, the maximum amount of tax will be withheld from all payments made to you. Therefore, please make certain you have enough funds to support yourself until fellowship payments can be made.

Your department support staff will complete the initial GLACIER Information Form.  You will receive a copy of the form as well as an email message from support@online-tax.net with your logon ID and password to GLACIER.  Within ten days of the receipt of the email, please log into GLACIER and provide U.C. Berkeley with your tax information in order to have the proper amount of tax withheld from payments made to you.  After completing your GLACIER tax status record, print, review, sign and date the required tax documents that GLACIER creates.  Then forward those documents along with any required attachments noted on the Tax Summary to the address indicated on the Tax Summary Report Instructions.  Please provide your Department with copies of all documents.

Q: How do I sign up for Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)?

Instructions for Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) are on the Web.  Please note:  EFT for fellowship stipend payments is separate from automatic payroll deposits for GSI/GSR positions. Each needs to be authorized separately.

Q: Are taxes withheld from my fellowship? How do I file taxes if I received a fellowship?

Federal taxes are not withheld on fellowships for students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Federal taxes will be withheld at a rate of 14% for international students unless their country has a tax treaty with the U.S. that exempts its citizens from withholding. You can find additional information about tax issues related to your fellowship awards on the Web at the IRS “information for students” website. Information from the Student Legal Clinic can be found on the Web. Visit the website for questions on the Hope Scholarship and the Lifetime Learning Credit. The Berkeley International Office website has general information regarding taxes for international students.

Q: Where can I find information about fellowships and other funding?

The Graduate Fellowships Office (GFO) is a resource center for graduate students seeking information on fellowships funded by the University and outside sources. The Annual Register of Grant Support is another reference source of financial and grant support programs. The Annual Register lists grant support programs offered by agencies, foundations, corporations, and associations. In addition, GFO distributes an annual calendar of upcoming graduate fellowship competitions. GFO also offers a list of Web sites for online databases to enable students to research funding opportunities via the Web, which continues to be the most up-to-date resource for fellowship information.

Q: I am an international graduate student. What fellowships am I eligible for?

In addition to the resources mentioned above, international graduate students may review Funding for United States Study: A Guide for International Students and Professionals. It is a comprehensive guide that identifies fellowships and grants for foreign nationals in pursuit of a U.S. education at all levels. As an international student, you should pay particular attention to eligibility requirements.

Q: Are there any fellowships for traveling abroad even though I haven't advanced to candidacy?

The Institute of International Education (IIE) publishes Financial Resources for International Study: A Guide for US Nationals. It is available for use in the Graduate Fellowships Office and provides a complete listing of agencies that offer awards for U.S. citizens and permanent residents to study, teach, and/or conduct research abroad. Graduate students should pay particular attention to eligibility requirements.