Graduate Students
In choosing CU Boulder, you join a community with strong academic values and a commitment to groundbreaking research; a student body that is dedicated to making positive change around the world; and a network of faculty and staff committed to working with you.
Throughout your time as a graduate student, your faculty advisor or graduate program assistant will be your primary point of contact for questions ranging from academics to funding. In addition, the Graduate School provides guidance on academic policies, resources for funding options and professional development opportunities.
E. Scott Adler
Dean of the Graduate School
Professor of Political Science
Important Next Steps
Your Buff OneCard serves as your campus identification and therefore you must submit your Buff OneCard photo.
Off-Campus Housing & Neighborhood Relations can help with your housing search. You can use Ralphie's List to search for available rentals and find roommates.
All students must complete health insurance, immunization and health questionnaire requirements in their first semester at CU.
The Graduate Student Orientation (GSO) is your online orientation for CU Boulder. GSO will introduce you to community expectations, resources and more. We know this is a lot of information, so take your time!
Graduate students will soon be able to register for classes. Connect with your program to learn more about the class registration process for your department.
Check back for registration information.
International Graduate Students
For immigration related information please see the ISSS New Student webpage which includes Boulder Community Resources and ISSS New Students Frequently Asked Questions.
All F-1/J-1 students MUST arrive no later than the date reflected on the I-20/DS-2019.
Fall program start date | TBD
Make sure to complete these requirements before arriving in the U.S.
Along with Grad Student Orientation, all international students are required to attend International Student Orientation. The mandatory fall 2025 International Student Orientation will take place on Aug. 16-17. You'll learn about campus resources, meet other new Buffs and find out all about resources available to you on campus!
Finances
Tuition Classification
Second-year graduate students can petition for state residency if they meet the requirements. Make sure to review residency requirements for important deadlines.
Departmental Funding
Teaching and research assistantships and training grants are typically awarded through your department.
Financial Aid
Graduate students may be eligible for federal aid. Be sure to review financial aid deadlines for important application information. Funding is mostly first-come, first-served, so apply as soon as you can.
Fellowships
Students are encouraged to apply for fellowships or grants from national, international, industrial or foundation sources
Colorado Graduate Grant
The Colorado Graduate Grant is a state grant available to eligible Colorado residents attending graduate school. Among other criteria, students must be enrolled at least half-time and be Colorado residents.
Graduate Student Appointment
Graduate student appointees must be full-time, degree-seeking graduate students each semester. Students who hold a graduate appointment will receive tuition remission based on the percentage of their appointment.