1. Graduate

Graduate Funding

Graduate Financial Aid

The School of Middle East and North African Studies (MENAS) awards financial aid on a competitive basis. Meritorious factors include demonstrated excellence in academics including GPA, progress in the program (for current students), test scores (for incoming students), publication, and professional experience such as a previous assistantship or other Middle East-related experience.

Most funding is awarded in the fall for the academic year, therefore students entering the program in the spring have a minimal opportunity for departmental support. Many of our students also receive academic year and summer Foreign Language Area Studies scholarships (FLAS) through the Center for Middle Eastern Studies. 

Complete only ONE Financial Aid Application to request the following types of support:

  • Teaching Assistantships (TAs)
  • Tuition and Registration Scholarships
  • Graduate College Fellowships (normally for incoming students only)

The following awards require separate applications:

This page does not include information on financial aid available through the UA Graduate College, Office of Student Financial Aid, or other sources outside the administration of MENAS. See also CMES page for information on FLAS scholarships.

Teaching Assistantships

MENAS offers a variety of teaching assistantships in general education and language courses. Applications for these positions are typically due the first week in March for fall and the first week of October for spring.

Graduate College Fellowship Awards

MENAS has regularly awarded Graduate College Fellowships to support our students. These fellowships are mainly a recruiting tool, and incoming students are automatically considered for the award.

Roshan Fellowship for Excellence in Persian and Iranian Studies

Provides financial assistance to outstanding graduate students working towards the Ph.D. in Persian and Iranian Studies at the University of Arizona. 

Learn more about the Roshan Fellowship for Excellence in Persian and Iranian Studies

Nofal Family Foundation Fellowship

Thanks to a generous gift from the Nofal Family Foundation, the School of Middle Eastern & North African Studies (MENAS) will be able to offer financial support to incoming Masters students in their first year pursuing degrees in MENAS.

Travel Awards

Small travel awards may be available for students presenting at or attending scholarly conferences. Preference is given to students who are presenting, but funding for attending a conference may also be available. To apply for this award, please submit your Travel Authorization form to our Director for approval at least 30 days prior to the conference.

Travel Authorization Form

Thesis/Dissertation Tuition Waiver

Thesis/Dissertation Waivers cover nonresident tuition charges only. Recipients must be degree-seeking graduate students who are enrolled for only 1 to 6 units of 900 level. Maximum enrollment is six (6) units. Units other than 900-level are not allowed and disqualify the student from using this award.

You must have a minimum graduate GPA of 3.0. Recipients should NOT be using University resources (i.e., libraries, computer, labs, faculty time) to any significant extent, except for exams and final defense.

Tuition Waiver Application