UW-Madison offers a fully funded, three-year master of fine art in studio art program. All students entering the program are offered full tuition remission, generous monthly stipends, access to UW-Madison health benefits and other annual funding opportunities including the option to teach undergraduate studio courses. Admittance and funding are based on the quality of portfolio, writing samples, proven academic and professional success and strong recommendations from professionals working in the field of art and design.
Our funding packages reflect our commitment to our students and require students to perform both academically and professionally at the highest level. Funding is based on the student’s sustained academic and artistic progress, and satisfactory performance toward the completion of the degree. Funding is also contingent on continued departmental support from both UW-Madison and state funding.
Funding comes with responsibilities such as: teaching assistant instructor of record (TA), teaching assistant – instructional support (TA-IS), or faculty project assistant (PA). Other forms of funding are offered through graduate school and advance opportunity fellowships and scholarships offered through private endowments. Students may also hold appointments that relate to gallery / exhibition work, arts administration, graphic design, or annual departmental projects. Additional funds can be applied for annually such as travel and presentation grants, grants and scholarships to attend summer artist residency programs, professional development grants and summer research stipends.
Departmental Funding
Teaching Assistantships: Students apply annually for Teaching Assistantship (TA) positions. Due to the demanding responsibilities of a TA, Instructor of Record the department prioritizes students moving into their second and third year of the program. Qualified incoming applicants will be considered for an interview if class sections become available. Students may hold a TA position for a maximum two years while in the program. TA appointments include tuition remission (excluding segregated fees or extra course fees) and access to UW health benefits for the duration of the appointment. Appointments usually require teaching two studio sections or three discussion sections per semester.
Project Assistantships: Project Assistantships (PA) are available within and outside of the department. These are limited-term appointments that pay a salary and provide benefits for help in supporting faculty studio work and research. PA positions are offered directly by faculty to qualified students. PA appointments can range from one semester to the full calendar year and provide tuition remission (excluding segregated fees and extra course fees) and access to UW health benefits for the duration of the appointment.
Teaching Assistant (Instructional Staff): Teaching Assistant-Instructional Staff (TA-IS) positions are available within and outside of the department. These are limited-term appointments that pay a salary and provide benefits for technical assistance within the art department’s industrial studios, labs and administrative offices. An appointment as a TA-IS includes tuition remission (excluding segregated fees or extra course fees) and access to UW health benefits for the duration of the appointment.
Fellowships: Fellowships are awards that enable graduate students to pursue their degrees full-time without having the work requirement of a standard university appointment. Fellowships offer the most flexibility for students to pursue both their studio practice and engage with research outside of the university. The Art Department Graduate Committee nominates students for fellowships. Administered by the Graduate School, the Graduate School homepage has general fellowship information.
Non-Departmental Funding
Office of Student Financial Aid
333 E. Campus Mall #9701
Financial Aid information for graduate student grants, employment appeals, and general loans is available at Student Financial Services. Please note that student financial aid awards are not connected with the Art Department.
Work Study
Work-study is awarded through the Financial Aid Office. Work-study positions are listed in the work-study office. Many professors in the Art Department hire work study students to assist them in lab courses.
