Work-study and student employment

Work-study awards are a form of financial aid that is available to undergraduate and graduate students with financial need. You must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for a work-study award. Work-study awards are included in your Financial Aid Notice.

Note: Work-study is not guaranteed; you must first apply for a position, be offered the position, and accept the position.

How to receive a work-study award

Work-study funds do not disburse automatically to your student account. You must obtain a work-study job at the University to receive work-study funds. You receive your work-study award through your work-study job in the form of a paycheck distributed every two weeks.

You may be awarded work-study if you:

  • Indicated an interest in work-study employment on your FAFSA
  • Qualify for need-based aid, which is determined by your FAFSA results
  • Are enrolled at least half-time

Graduate and professional students

If you are a graduate or professional school student, you will be awarded work-study upon request if you have need-based eligibility and will be enrolled at least half-time. Any undergraduate, graduate, or professional school student who has been awarded work-study in prior years will continue to be awarded work-study as long as you meet necessary criteria.

Receiving a work-study award by working at the University

If you plan on working at the University, you must complete an I-9 form by providing documentation that proves your identity and your eligibility to work. A list of acceptable documents is available on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website. Photocopies of official documents will not be accepted.

Questions?

If you are interested in a work-study position, but were not granted work-study on your Financial Aid Notice, contact One Stop Student Services.

Information on student employment

Information on student employment at the University of Minnesota is available on the University’s Office of Human Resources website.