Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
This page covers questions regarding admission and stay in Huntsville. For travel-related questions go to the Pre-Travel page. Many new students are tormented by some of these questions. First and foremost, admission and funding are issues which only departmentel staff can answer accurately. Here, we only offer an opinion as to what the criteria may be. The ISO DOES NOT take responsibility for individual students receiving admission and/or assistantships and/or on-campus jobs.
What is the difference between on-campus jobs and assistantships?
On-campus jobs are openings provided by the university-associated departments that are either technical or non-technical in which a student is employed 20 hrs per week. You will be paid at an hourly rate. The employer determines the rates. This type of employment DOES NOT cover your tuition and insurance expenses. This only might cover your living expenses here.
On the other side assistantships are of two types. One is teaching (TAs) and the other is research (RAs). TAs are provided by the academic departments here based on the requirements of the department and the credentials of the applying student. On the other hand RAs are offered by the professors and the independent research groups associated with the university. The scales of pay are determined by the department or the research center. Unlike the on-campus jobs, assistantships DO cover the tuitionand insurance expenses of the student.
What are the chances of myself getting some type of employment?
On-campus jobs, though competitive, are available to those who try hard. This will most probably cover your living expenses here. Once you come here you need to visit Career Services to apply for these jobs. We advice you to come here a bit early and look for options.
The decision about giving a TA is taken by the department. So please contact one of the student in UAH from your department to get an idea. Also while applying to UAH you would have filled an assistantship application. That is the only formality you need to complete. The department meets at the beginning of each semester to decide on TAs for that semester.
Getting a RA is dependent upon the availability of such positions with a professor or a research group. Contact the professors personally (say by email etc.) to know about any such positions. Sometimes there may be advertisements on department noticeboards.
Please be advised that securing any of these funding options CANNOT be guaranteed by anybody at any time. It is primarily up to the student to try these options. ISO can only guide you regarding the formalities involved.
How much is the tuition fee?
As a graduate student you are supposed to enroll in at least 9 credit hours per semester which is usually 3 courses. The non-resident tuition (which means you don’t have any assistantships) for 9 credit hours is roughly $4879 and it changes at the discretion of the university. Check Bursar's Office for latest amount.
Am I required to take any health insurance?
YES. It is MANDATORY to take health insurance upon your arrival at UAH. You will be taking a group insurance policy sponsored by the university for which you need to pay around $900 for a year’s coverage. Click here to know about insurance fees and other fees.
How much money will I need to meet my initial expenses and in what form should I bring it? (How much money should I bring?)
If you don’t have any assistantship then you should get a amount covering Tuition fees + Insurance Fees. In addition, carry with you around $5000 towards possible first semester costs if you do not have assistantship, This is NOT an actual figure. This might vary slightly based on raises in tuition and cost of living here.
You can bring this amount either in form of Traveler’s Checks (TC) or by a demand draft drawn in favor of you. We suggest you to get the amount you need for the tuition and fees in the form of TCs so that you can en-cash them immediately.
You can deposit the money you bring here in the bank and you’ll be given temporary checks if you need.
If you have assistantship, it is sufficient to get about $500 to cover initial expenses.
Where will I stay (initially)?
Just fill the Airport Pick-up Request form on the web page and we will take care about your pick-up from the airport and initial stay.
Are there any on-campus housing provided by UAH?
Yes. On-campus housing is provided by UAH and you can contact University Housing to know more about it.
What are the ‘things to do’ immediately after coming to UAH?
0) Go to Charger Central (UC 118) and get yourself registered as a student.
1) Attend Student Orientation. Take the ELPT.
2) Meet International Student Advisor (get the letter to apply for SSN)
3) Apply for SSN
4) Meet your Program Advisor.
5) Open a Bank Account.
6) Register for courses.
7) Look for On-campus jobs (if you don’t have an assistantship).
8) Find a permanent accommodation as soon as possible, as we have very less temporary accommodation.
You can always ask your temporary room-mates for help with these.
