Graduate Appointment

All first-year students accepted into the GEMS program are appointed as Graduate Research Assistants (GRA) at 50% FTE. Active students for the 2025-2026 academic year receive an annual stipend of $40k/year , paid monthly. In addition to the stipend, there is an $800 allowance for tech supplies from the UIC Bookstore, as well as waiver for all tuition and most fees. Please review the UIC Tuition and Fee Schedule for clarification.

Guaranteed Waivers while in GEMS Program

• Waived Fees via GRA appointment:

  • Tuition

  • Service fee

  • Health service fee

  • Academic Facilities Maintenance Fund Assessment (AFMFA) fee

  • Library/Technology Assessment

  • 50% of International Student Fee

  • CampusCare Health Insurance fee (unless waived) (Fall/Spring only) $275.00 or 40% whichever is higher

Waived by Department or PI:

• General fee

• UPass Transportation fee (UPass+ differential applied to student account)

• Student-to-Student fee

• Sustainability fee

• Remainder of the cost of Campus Care over the amount listed above

• International Student fee- $35 owed by student each term 

The UIC HR Graduate Student Handbook provides further detail on the appointment process and available waivers, policies and conditions.