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Graduate School of Architecture & Urban Design: Scholarships & Financial Aid


We recognize that financial support is an important part of your graduate school decision-making process, and we are committed to providing assistance to as many students as possible.
In a light-filled architecture studio, students chat together while working on laptops. At center, a faculty member and student are smiling and engaged in lively conversation.

Applications for financial aid are due February 15.

To be eligible for scholarships, teaching assistantships, and/or student loan assistance, you must apply for financial aid. Support is awarded on the basis of academic excellence and financial need. Applying for scholarships and financial aid has no bearing on admissions decisions. Some scholarships have earlier application deadlines: see below for complete information. Early applications are encouraged.


How do I apply for financial aid?



For U.S. Citizens + Permanent Residents
U.S. applicants for financial aid should submit the federal government’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which can be completed online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. In step 6 of the form, include Washington University’s code: 002520. You must reapply annually for this aid.
For International Students
Citizens of other countries who do not hold U.S. Permanent Residence status should submit this downloadable International Student Application for Graduate Financial Aid (pdf).

DID YOU KNOW?

94% of students in our graduate architecture programs received financial support in 2021-22, ranging from $5,000 to $55,586 annually.



Scholarships & Fellowships


UNIVERSITY-WIDE SCHOLARSHIPS (separate applications + deadlines apply)

The Ann W. and Spencer T. Olin – Chancellor’s Fellowship

  • Full-tuition remission
  • $45,000 annual stipend + $1,500 educational allowance
  • An elite cohort of outstanding graduate students with diverse backgrounds and from varied disciplines

The Olin–Chancellor’s Fellowship (OCF) application is submitted along with the program application. Applicants will apply through their program’s admissions platform. If an applicant is eligible for the OCF program, the program application will automatically include the fellowship application prompt. Applicants must submit an essay and resume/CV to be considered for the OCF.

McDonnell International Scholars Academy Graduate Fellowship

  • Full-tuition award
  • $29,000 annual stipend + travel opportunities
  • For incoming graduate students with an exceptional academic record and a desire to solve global challenges

Separate application required

Deadline: January 31


SAM FOX SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIPS (applicants are automatically considered for these awards; no separate applications required, except where noted)

Sam Fox Ambassadors Fellowships

  • Full-tuition award
  • Travel stipend
  • Recognizes outstanding candidates for graduate study in the Sam Fox School
  • 10 awards given each year to students across all Sam Fox School programs

Director's Full-Tuition Awards

  • Full-tuition award
  • Recognizes a student with an exceptional academic record, portfolio, and professional promise
  • Three awards given each year (one per program: MArch, MLA, MUD)

Asian Scholarship Fund

  • 75% tuition award
  • A merit-based scholarship for students from Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam

Danforth Scholars Program

  • 75% tuition award
  • Recognizes potential for University contributions and early professional promise

Honorary Scholarships for Returning Students

  • Acknowledge outstanding academic performance

AIA St. Louis Scholarships

  • Partial scholarship, from $1,500 to $12,000
  • For graduates of St. Louis high schools who meet work and other eligibility requirements.

Separate application required.

Contact Todd Farr, tfarr@wustl.edu for information


Teaching Assistantships


Graduate students are eligible for teaching assistantships, but they are not guaranteed. Assistantships are typically awarded to students who have been in the School for at least one semester and have done well academically.

TAs assist our faculty with design, graphics, structures, computer, and lecture courses. Studio teaching assistant positions are filled by students who have been identified as qualified candidates based on their cumulative academic record and design studio accomplishment at Washington University.

Students may apply for assistantships after they have arrived on campus. TA selection is coordinated through the Dean’s Office and is done in the semester preceding the one in which the student will serve as a TA. TAs are paid biweekly as a salary during the semester of the award (i.e., not as a deduction from tuition owed for that semester).

Research assistantships may also be offered annually. The number of positions will vary depending on the volume of current projects being pursued by faculty members.


Loan Assistance


Federal guaranteed loans are available to students who are U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents who meet all eligibility requirements and who have submitted the FAFSA. Loans available to graduate students include the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan and the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan.

Key Deadlines For Returning Students


Jan 31, 2023

Summer Semester Deadline for Returning Students

For all returning Sam Fox School graduate students who are applying for aid to support summer school.

Feb 15, 2023

Fall Semester Deadline for Returning Students

For all applicants and returning students in the MArch, MLA, MSAAD, MSAS, and MUD programs who are seeking aid for the upcoming academic year.