General Information

The GPSA has a limited number of research assistantships to award each year.  To be considered for these funds, students must have a complete application on file with the program and must have an identified GPSA faculty advisor.  Generally, program assistantships are awarded to new students and are limited to one year in duration.

Additional financial assistance may be provided through faculty research grants and by resources available through participating departments.  Applicants are encouraged to contact GPSA faculty members directly to discuss possible sources of support.  Assistance through these channels may be in the form of research and/or teaching assistantships.

On occasion, special fellowships may also be offered.  Information about such programs will be posted on this page and the GPSA home page when applicable.

Available Funding Sources

The funding opportunities listed below are provided as a service for faculty and students seeking matches of interests and resources.  For additional information on any of these opportunities, contact the persons or organizations listed with each announcement.

  • GPSA-sponsored research assistantships are available at the 1/4-time rate.  For details, contact the GPSA program coordinator at gpsa@iastate.edu.


  • The Butler Travel Fund for International Studies in Sustainable Agriculture has been created to support current GPSA students in pursuing research abroad.  For complete details, please see http://www.sust.ag.iastate.edu/gpsa/butler_fund.html.


  • The Henry A. Wallace Assistantship for Underrepresented Students is a special program designed to provide support to students from traditionally underrepresented groups who wish to pursue study in sustainable agriculture.  For nomination criteria and other details, please see http://www.sust.ag.iastate.edu/gpsa/waus.html.
The following sources of financial support are administered independently of the GPSA.  They offer a range of financial opportunties, including scholarships, fellowships, loans, and grants to aid travel and research activities.  GPSA students have frequently been successful in obtaining funds through a number of these sources.