Update on graduate student financial support

Annually, the Graduate Student Relations Committee (GSRC), brings together graduate students, Faculty leaders, and University administrators to conduct a holistic review of graduate student support levels. The Committee is co-chaired by the President, Graduate Student Association, University of Waterloo (GSA-UW), and the Associate Vice-President, Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs. Through a collegial, transparent, and data-informed process, the Committee works to reach a consensus on proposed support levels for you, our graduate student researchers. 

"As the co-chair of the committee, I am pleased to share the outcome of the discussions and the mutual dialogue that occurred during the annual update of financial support offered to our graduate students."

The minimum funding levels – annual review process web page provides details on the process of how the values and rates are determined annually.

Following GSRC recommendations, with approval by the University of Waterloo Provost, the recommendation for the 2023/2024 guaranteed minimum doctoral funding, and the graduate student employment rates (Research Assistant/Teaching Assistant) are now posted online. 

An update has been made to the GSPA minimum funding web page, reflecting the new  University of Waterloo’s guaranteed minimum funding for doctoral students in good academic standing – effective May 1, 2023, the minimum will be $25,962 (up from $25,000 in 2022/2023)

The Research Assistant (RA) and Teaching Assistant (TA) have been updated on GSPA’s TA/RA web page. The 1% annual increases to the RA and TA rates have been adjusted to comply with the provincial allowable limits, as prescribed by the Protecting a Sustainable Public Sector for Future Generations Act, 2019 – Bill 124.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the members of GSRC, particularly those who join and contribute to this important process, for the candid and important conversations that inform these decisions.”

We would also like to share that earlier this month, the University has been made aware of the provincial government’s review of Bill-124, given a recent court decision where the bill was declared to be void and of no effect. Provided there are no statutory constraints in force and effect that would prevent the University from lawfully doing so, the University will review the annual wage increases, but only to the extent permitted by law and having regard to the employer’s financial position and funding availability. If the University reaches a salary scale adjustment agreement with other employee groups, the University will apply the same salary scale adjustment agreement to the RA/TA annual wage increases; updates will be shared once available.  

Should you have questions about the new rates, which go into effect May 1, 2023, reach out to your graduate studies program contact.