Graduate Financial Aid

Funding for Prospective Master's Students

The U-M Office of Financial Aid (OFA) provides the main source of funds for financing your graduate education. This office provides need-based assistance in the form of federal loans and College Work Study. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application to apply for this assistance. The U-M Federal School Code for the FAFSA is 002325.

Tuition and cost of living expenses. Full-term tuition at the School of Kinesiology is set by the U-M Office of the Registrar. Each year near the beginning of term, updated tuition and fees are posted on the Registrar's website. There are many factors to take into consideration when calculating the cost of living in Ann Arbor. The U-M Office of Financial Aid provides a standard student budget to help get you started.

The following are external, non-University scholarship opportunities that may be of interest to University/College students. Inclusion of an external scholarship opportunity is intended only as a resource for students, and does not express or imply any University involvement with, or endorsement of, the external program.

AAUW Fellowships and Grants. The American Association of University Women (AAUW) is the nation’s leading voice promoting equity and education for women and girls. They encourage women graduate students and scholars to apply for an AAUW fellowship or grant. Deadlines for awards depend on the award, falling sometime between November 1 and December 1. Learn more on the AAUW Educational Funding and Awards page.

Athletic Training Assistantships. We do not have a master’s level assistantship program; however, our various athletic programs do offer assistantships outside of the academic program. These are posted throughout the year on the University’s jobs page at umjobs.org. Select “Athletics” under the Career Interest heading.

Funding for Prospective PhD Students

All PhD students in the School of Kinesiology are considered for funding - there is no separate application. The typical funding package includes a minimum of four years of funding, contingent on successful academic performance, teaching evaluations and progress toward your degree. This support includes tuition and stipend for four fall and four winter terms and year-round health benefits. Funding also includes a stipend for one summer term. The funding may come in the form of a graduate student instructor assistantship, a graduate research assistantship or fellowship. Additional funding may be available.

For other financial aid, such as loans and grants, contact the U-M Office of Financial Aid (734-763-6600). In addition, the Rackham Fellowships Office (734-764-8119) has information on fellowships and scholarships from outside agencies.

Funding Opportunities for Incoming and Current Graduate Students

Emergency Support

Emergency Fund for Kinesiology Students is a discretionary fund used for students who have unexpected financial needs. Use our form to apply.

Rackham Graduate Student Emergency Fund is intended to help meet the financial needs of Rackham graduate students who encounter an emergency situation or one-time, unusual, or unforeseen expenses during their degree program. Visit the Rackham site to learn more and apply

Dean of Students Emergency Funds are available to students who are unable to meet immediate, essential expenses due to temporary hardship related to an unforeseen or emergency situation. The goal is to provide flexible assistance in a timely manner to help students continue successfully in school. Learn more and apply

Program Support

Sport Management Application for Funding to Support Experiential Learning is used for students to request funding to support experiential learning activities. Experiential learning activities are hands-on activities that complement your learning outside of the classroom, reinforcing content learned in your courses. Such activities might include participation in a sales competition, case competition, or business conference. Applications may be submitted beginning October 1st through April 1st. A pply Now!

Athletic Training Student Assistance Award is intended to help current athletic training students who need financial assistance to support education-related expenses. Applications are open year round. Apply Now!

Kinesiology Journal Club Funding Award is intended to help Journal Clubs with funding for refreshments at meetings. Students may submit a request for $50 per journal club meeting through the fund application. All applications must be submitted at least two weeks before the date of the meeting.

Professional Development Grant is intended to provide opportunities for graduate students to take part in the life of their academic professions. This fund was created to encourage and support participation in professional development events. These funds should be used to pay the registration fee for a workshop or defray the cost of travel to a professional development workshop. Apply Now!

Incoming Student Scholarships

Students may apply for more than one scholarship. Recipients are chosen by the Scholarship Committee and recognized at the annual Graduate Student Research Showcase and Spring Commencement.

Don Canham Endowed Fellowship

Open to a recently admitted Sport Management master’s student for Fall 2025
Award amount: $10,000

The Don Canham Fellowship honors the memory of a visionary and legend in intercollegiate athletics. Don spent more than 40 years at the University of Michigan. First, he was a successful track and field coach. Then from 1968-1988, he was the Director of Intercollegiate Athletics. His aggressive ideas in marketing and promotion generated revenues that made Michigan Athletics one of the most self-sufficient programs in the country. This fellowship recognizes two Sport Management graduate student at the Master’s level who has been admitted for the Fall 2025 term. The fellowship will cover a portion of graduate student tuition for one semester.