Frequently Asked Questions about Financial Aid – Graduate Students

I have been admitted to the School of Architecture. When will I find out if I am to receive financial assistance?

There are three types of financial assistance available to you within the School of Architecture: fellowships, work–study funding, and loans. Fellowships are provided by the School of Architecture. Work–study funding and loans are processed through University of Virginia Student Financial Services

. For more information on how to apply for federal financial aid, and how you may receive merit-based aid, please visit Financial Aid, Scholarships, and Grants.

Do I qualify for the University’s Graduate Student Health Insurance Subsidy?

The University of Virginia covers the full cost of single–coverage premium for qualifying graduate students. This subsidy may be applied toward the purchase of a single–student, spousal, or family plan from the University’s graduate student health insurance provider, Aetna Student Health (formerly Chickering Group).

To qualify for the subsidy, you must receive at least $5,000 during the academic year through fellowships or GTA/GRA wages (not work–study). Prior to matriculation, qualifying students will be notified by e–mail and will receive detailed enrollment instructions.

If you have questions regarding coverage specifics, which include plan enrollment requirements to be completed for every year of eligibility, please direct them to the Architecture Graduate Admissions Office or Student Health, (434-243-2702).

Are grants or fellowships taxable?

According to the Tax Reform Act of 1986, all grant aid (scholarships, fellowships) which exceeds the cost of tuition and required fees, books and related classroom expenses is subject to U.S. income tax. There will be no withholding on aid paid to U.S. students and Permanent Residents. For nonresident aliens, the University is required to withhold federal income tax on grants received in excess of the expenses described above.

Confusion about the taxability of fellowships can arise because while fellowships may be taxable, they are not reportable. Universities are not required by law to report fellowship amounts to the IRS, nor are they required to withhold taxes from them. This means that it is your responsibility to report the taxable fellowship income on your federal income tax return and pay any relevant tax associated with the fellowship.

You may obtain the current cost of attendance (also called cost of education allowance) at the University Student Financial Services website.

Disclaimer

Although every effort has been made to provide accurate information regarding the Tax Reform Act of 1986, the University of Virginia School of Architecture is not responsible for any tax liability or penalty students may incur because of the information provided by us. The information we have provided is general and should not replace detailed, professional advice from the Internal Revenue Service (http://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc421.html

or http://www.irs.gov/publications/p970/ch01.html

) or a qualified tax professional.

	Home > Frequently Asked Questions about Financial Aid – Graduate Students I have been admitted to the School of Architecture. When will I find out if I am to receive financial assistance? There are three types of financial assistance available to you within the School of Architecture: fellowships, work–study funding, and loans. Fellowships are provided by the School of Architecture. Work–study funding and loans are processed through University of Virginia Student Financial Services. For more information on how to apply for federal financial aid, and how you may receive merit-based aid, please visit Financial Aid, Scholarships, and Grants. Do I qualify for the University’s Graduate Student Health Insurance Subsidy? The University of Virginia covers the full cost of single–coverage premium for qualifying graduate students. This subsidy may be applied toward the purchase of a single–student, spousal, or family plan from the University’s graduate student health insurance provider, Aetna Student Health (formerly Chickering Group). To qualify for the subsidy, you must receive at least $5,000 during the academic year through fellowships or GTA/GRA wages (not work–study). Prior to matriculation, qualifying students will be notified by e–mail and will receive detailed enrollment instructions. If you have questions regarding coverage specifics, which include plan enrollment requirements to be completed for every year of eligibility, please direct them to the Architecture Graduate Admissions Office or Student Health, (434-243-2702). Are grants or fellowships taxable? According to the Tax Reform Act of 1986, all grant aid (scholarships, fellowships) which exceeds the cost of tuition and required fees, books and related classroom expenses is subject to U.S. income tax. There will be no withholding on aid paid to U.S. students and Permanent Residents. For nonresident aliens, the University is required to withhold federal income tax on grants received in excess of the expenses described above. Confusion about the taxability of fellowships can arise because while fellowships may be taxable, they are not reportable. Universities are not required by law to report fellowship amounts to the IRS, nor are they required to withhold taxes from them. This means that it is your responsibility to report the taxable fellowship income on your federal income tax return and pay any relevant tax associated with the fellowship. You may obtain the current cost of attendance (also called cost of education allowance) at the University Student Financial Services website. Disclaimer Although every effort has been made to provide accurate information regarding the Tax Reform Act of 1986, the University of Virginia School of Architecture is not responsible for any tax liability or penalty students may incur because of the information provided by us. The information we have provided is general and should not replace detailed, professional advice from the Internal Revenue Service (http://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc421.html or http://www.irs.gov/publications/p970/ch01.html) or a qualified tax professional.	Undergraduate Admissions Graduate Admissions Tuition & Fees Financial Aid, Scholarships & Grants Visiting the School Diversity Computer Requirement Student Work Gallery University of Virginia Nondiscrimination Statement Contact School of Architecture Graduate Admissions (434) 924-6442 arch-admissions@virginia.edu