An assistantship is an appointment in which graduate students pursuing an advanced degree engage in specified teaching or research duties. Assistantships carry a bi-weekly stipend and may cover tuition costs. A fellowship is a non-service award made to academically superior graduate students to assist them in the pursuit of an advanced degree. This award carries a monthly stipend and usually covers tuition costs.
All stipends are taxable income.
Or, students may send letters to the DGS, in care of the department, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506. Most fellowships and assistantships are awarded for the academic year, which begins in August. Most departments make appointment decisions for the next academic year between February and April. Departments notify students of assistantship appointments and the Graduate School Fellowship Office notifies students of fellowship appointments. Most departments require letters of reference or recommendation, and many have their own recommendation form.