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Graduate teaching assistant: teaching during your master’s or PhD
A graduate teaching assistant (GTA) is a master’s or doctoral student who helps teach at their university under the supervision of a faculty member. It is a source of funding and early teaching experience that is highly valued for an academic career. This guide covers duties, conditions in different countries and how to apply.
What a GTA does
Depending on the university, GTAs lead seminars or lab sessions, mark assignments, hold office hours and prepare materials. They occasionally give lectures, always under the responsibility of a faculty member.
Teaching hours are capped to leave time for research: check the figure in your contract.
In the United States
Teaching assistantships are often offered with PhD admission. They frequently include a tuition waiver and a stipend in exchange for teaching duties, often around 20 hours per week.
International students on an F-1 visa can generally work on campus up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session, which covers this kind of role.
In the United Kingdom
Doctoral students can be hired as GTAs, often paid by the hour. Many universities require short teaching training, which can lead to Associate Fellowship of Advance HE.
Degree-level students on a Student visa are generally limited to 20 hours of work per week during term time.
In France and Algeria
In France, the closest equivalents are the doctorant contractuel with a teaching assignment, capped at a number of hours per year set by regulation, and the ATER post (temporary teaching and research fellow), often at the end of the thesis.
In Algeria, doctoral students may teach as sessional lecturers (vacataires) depending on faculty needs. Arrangements vary by institution: ask your department.
How to apply
In the US, mention your interest when applying to the PhD; elsewhere, departments publish openings. Prepare a CV highlighting any teaching or tutoring experience and a short statement of your teaching approach.
Before accepting, ask for the expected hours, pay, training provided and the effect on your thesis timeline.
Frequently asked questions
What is a graduate teaching assistant?
A master’s or doctoral student who helps teach (seminars, labs, marking) under the supervision of a faculty member.
Are GTAs paid?
Yes. In the US the role often comes with a tuition waiver and a stipend; in the UK it is often paid by the hour.
How many hours does a GTA work?
It depends on the contract; in the US a common appointment is around 20 hours per week.
What is the equivalent in France?
The doctorant contractuel with a teaching assignment, or the ATER post at the end of the thesis.
Can international students be GTAs?
Yes, within the hours allowed by their visa, generally 20 hours per week during term in the US and the UK.
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DzCademia practical guides
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- Research internship abroad: find, fund and prepare your stay
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- What is a PGCE? The UK teacher training qualification explained
- How many ECTS credits is a master’s degree? Understanding and converting credits
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