Waivers of Tuition

(Tuition waivers do not apply to course enrollment through the Division of Continuing and Professional Education.)

Graduate Assistantship and Working Fellowship Recipients

Tuition and curriculum fees are waived during the academic semester for graduate teaching and research assistants and associates and for working fellowship recipients provided that the formal service assignment pays not less than one-half of the minimum full-time assistantship stipend.

Full-Time University Faculty and Staff Members

See section titled Admission of Faculty and Staff Members to Graduate Study.

Other Employees of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Full-time employees of the Commonwealth who have completed at least six months of service at the time of enrollment and who are covered by a collective bargaining agreement or a tuition remission personnel policy are eligible for a full tuition waiver, but not fees. 

Spouses and Dependent Children of University Employees

Spouses and/or dependent children of full-time university employees are eligible for full tuition waivers. Further details such as definitions of spouse, dependent children, and full-time status should be referred to the University Human Resources Office.

Senior Citizens

Beginning with fall 2005, all entering senior citizens (Massachusetts residents 60 years of age or older), shall be granted a waiver of tuition for graduate courses offered by the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Individuals receiving this categorical tuition waiver will be responsible for payment of all other associated fees and charges in conjunction with their enrollment including, but not limited to, Continuing Education course fees.

National Guard Tuition Exemption

Tuition exemptions for members of the Massachusetts National Guard have been authorized by the Massachusetts state legislature. The National Guard, Air or Army, must certify in writing that the individual concerned is a member in good standing in the Guard. In order to enable this exemption, such certification must be made each semester and presented to the Bursar’s Office.

International Students

A limited number of tuition waivers are available on a competitive basis for foreign students enrolled in degree programs. For further information contact the Foreign Students and Scholars Office.