Stipend Information for International Students
The CU 麻豆影院 Graduate and Professional Student Government (GPSG) has collaborated with the Center for Student Involvement (CSI), the Office of International Students and Scholar Services (ISSS), and the International Tax Office to clarify the differences between employment work hours and GPSG compensation.
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GPSG does not guarantee that the information displayed here is always up to date. Students should consult ISSS, the International Tax Office, and the Office of Financial Aid for the most current guidance related to employment, taxation, visa compliance, and financial aid.
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What is the difference between work hours and stipends?
For this document, work refers to the performance of specific tasks and duties outlined by an employer (CU 麻豆影院) within a formal employment relationship. Payment in that context is compensation for work completed under that relationship.
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GPSG leadership roles are considered non-employment student leadership positions. Compensation for these roles is currently processed using Job Code 3209 鈥 Internal Fellowship for graduate students.
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GPSG leadership roles are considered non-employment student leadership positions that are open to a diverse graduate and professional student community.
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These Internal Fellowships are paid as fixed, stipend-style payments distributed at regular intervals during the appointment term. The payment amount and schedule remain consistent during the appointment period.
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GPSG compensation is intended to provide support related to participation in leadership roles and is not classified as hourly wages. These payments are not tied to hourly work expectations and are not substitutes for employment wages.
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How many hours are international students allowed to work?
Per ISSS, international students may work up to 20 hours per week on campus while school is in session during fall and spring semesters.
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Per ISSS, international students may work up to 20 hours per week on campus while school is in session during fall and spring semesters, per visa regulations.
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If a student has multiple on-campus jobs, the total hours worked across all positions cannot exceed 20 hours per week while school is in session. A student may not choose to 鈥渧olunteer鈥 for duties that would otherwise be paid employment to avoid this limit.
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Time spent in GPSG leadership roles does not count toward the 20-hour/week employment limit because these roles are non-employment leadership positions compensated through fellowship/stipend-style payments.
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Can international students who work 20 hours per week also receive a stipend?
YES!
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GPSG fellowship/stipend-style payments do not contribute toward the 20-hour per week on-campus employment limit. This includes students serving as GPTIs, TAs, or RAs on 50% appointments.
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How do I check if my payment meets my visa requirements?
Students and visa holders are responsible for ensuring that all on-campus employment and payments meet government regulations for visa compliance.
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Students should consult ISSS before accepting any paid position or leadership role. General information regarding international student employment can be found on the ISSS website: /isss/
Click here to know more about F1 student campus employment: Click here to know more about F1 student campus employment
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Please confirm with the GPSG Director of Finance that the correct fellowship code is being used for your non-employment leadership position.
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How are GPSG payments set up?听
GPSG compensation is processed using Job Code 3209 鈥 Internal Fellowship.
These payments are structured as fixed, stipend-style payments and are not tied to hourly employment. An I-9 form is generally not required for this type of non-employment compensation.
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Please confirm with the GPSG Director of Finance and CSI that the correct fellowship code is being used before accepting payment, especially if you are already near the 20-hour/week employment limit.
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If you have questions regarding payment setup, please contact the GPSG Director of Finance.
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Financial Aid Considerations
GPSG compensation processed as Internal Fellowships may be considered 鈥渙ther financial aid鈥 as part of a student鈥檚 financial aid package.
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In some cases, receiving GPSG compensation may reduce or adjust other components of a student鈥檚 financial aid package if they are near the maximum aid allowed.
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Students are strongly encouraged to contact the Office of Financial Aid to understand how receiving GPSG compensation may affect their specific situation before accepting a position. This includes students with a range of financial circumstances and funding sources (for example, loans, grants, scholarships, and other fellowships).听
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Can my Fellowship (non-GPSG payment) be stipend-style?听
Yes. Some departments use fellowship pay codes such as 鈥淧re-Doctoral Trainee,鈥 which may be treated as non-employment compensation for visa purposes.
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Generally:
- Pay should not be tied to hourly work expectations or defined tasks.
- The fellowship should not function as wages for employment.
- The payment is meant to offset expenses related to academic or professional development.听
If your Fellowship is stipend-style, you may still work up to (but not exceeding) 20 hours per week in an on-campus employment role, provided your visa allows on-campus work.
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Are stipends taxed?
Yes. Fellowship/stipend-style payments may be subject to taxation depending on individual circumstances.
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Below is a helpful article released by CU Employee Services regarding taxation related to scholarships and stipend payments:
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Students may also schedule an appointment with the International Tax Specialist:
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Please note: The International Tax Office can determine whether taxes apply to a payment but cannot advise on visa eligibility or employment limits.
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Note:
GPSG is committed to supporting all graduate and professional students, including international, first-generation, low-income, and other historically underrepresented students. Students are encouraged to reach out to the appropriate offices with questions or concerns so that GPSG, ISSS, the International Tax Office, and the Office of Financial Aid can help ensure that funding and leadership opportunities are as accessible and equitable as possible.
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Contact Information
For further questions, feel free to contact:
International Students and Scholar Services (ISSS):听
Tel: +1 (303) 492-8057