Role of the School of Graduate Studies in the Funding Ecosystem
As the central academic support unit at Memorial University, the School of Graduate Studies (SGS) plays a critical role in administering funding programs for graduate students. SGS is responsible for graduate enrollment management, student services, skills training, internationalization, faculty supervisor training, and notably, the administration of graduate student funding and awards.
Funding Programs Offered
SGS provides multiple funding streams for eligible graduate students:
- Awards and Scholarships: Comprehensive scholarship programs including internal Memorial awards, Tri-Council scholarships (NSERC, SSHRC, CIHR), Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship, and external awards
- Travel Funding: Travel assistance for master's and doctoral students presenting papers or posters at conferences outside Memorial University
- Graduate Assistantships: Paid positions (up to 24 hours/week) for full-time graduate students in master's or doctoral programs
- Graduate Internship Program: Part-time semester-based assistantships with external employers, paid at $25.94/hour
- Fellow of the School of Graduate Studies: Prestigious recognition awarded for outstanding academic achievement, noted on student transcripts
- Student Employment: Various on-campus job opportunities including GradSWEP (Graduate Student Work Experience Program)
General Evaluation Criteria
Scholarship standing requires a credit-weighted average of at least 75% in the last two years. Full-time students can work a maximum of 24 hours per week while maintaining scholarship eligibility.
Institutional Partnerships and Networks
SGS maintains active membership with the Canadian Association for Graduate Studies (CAGS), the Council of Graduate Schools, and the Association for Graduate Enrollment Management. The school also coordinates with Tri-Council granting agencies for major scholarship programs.