Work-Study Positions & FAQs

Work-study is a federal and state student aid program that provides opportunities for part-time employment while you are enrolled in school to help pay your education expenses.

• The Office of Financial Aid manages your work-study award. Please contact their office or check your MyMav to see if you are receiving an award. You must accept your work-study award to be able to see work-study positions in Handshake.
• Participation is optional; in other words, just because you accepted a work-study award as part of your financial aid package does not mean you are under any obligation to work in a work-study position.
• You must seek out and apply for work-study jobs.
• You will be paid directly for the hours you work and the amount you earn cannot exceed the total amount awarded by UTA for the award year.
• The availability of work-study jobs varies by semester.
• Undergraduate students are automatically considered for work-study by the Office of Financial Aid based on their eligibility for need-based financial assistance from the university.
• Graduate students who wish to receive a work-study award must apply for it directly through the Office of Financial Aid.
• If you have questions about the status or details of your work-study award, contact the Office Financial Aid.

Like all student positions, Work-Study positions are found through Handshake. You can easily search for on-campus and off-campus work-study positions; consult this handout for more information on filtering options. The job title will denote if a position is work-study. Having a work-study award does not limit you to working in only work-study positions - you can apply for non-work-study positions as well. As you apply to work-study positions, you will be required to attach your Work-study Eligibility Form to your application. For information on how to access this form, review these steps. (PDF – How to Access Your Work-Study Eligibility Form)

We encourage you to look for positions as early as you can, as it may be more difficult as the year progresses. Please note, many positions are only hired during specific times of year so be sure to check back frequently to see what positions are open.

We recommend you stop by the Career Development Center or make an appointment with a Career Consultant through Handshake for help with resumes, cover letters, and interview preparation to make sure you're putting your best foot forward on each application. You’ll increase your chances of success in finding a position by making sure you are prepared for the application process.

Participating in part-time employment during your college years can help you gain a variety of experiences and learn workforce skills that can be used in a full-time career after graduation. These opportunities are conveniently located on or near campus, help you to make connections with UTA faculty and staff, and are encouraged to be accommodating to your academic schedule and related needs.

On-campus work-study positions can be found in nearly any UTA department, office, institute, or center. Positions include research, administrative assistant, project assistant, communications and marketing, tutoring, and more. On-campus positions are conveniently located and can help you broaden your connections to the UTA community.

Search for work-study jobs from on-campus departments in Handshake using the job type "On-Campus” and then checking the “Work-Study” box, too.

We offer a unique opportunity to utilize your work-study award at pre-approved off-campus non-profits and government organizations that have applied and been selected to participate. You have the opportunity to earn your work-study award at sites like Reading Partners, InspirED, Boys and Girls Club of Greater Tarrant County, Arlington Life Shelter, and more.

Please click here to review the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships website for information on how to accept your award.

Yes, however, you may not have more than two work-study jobs and may work no more than a combined total of 19 hours per week during the semester.

To be eligible for Summer Work-Study, you will need to contact the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships at workstudy@uta.edu. Please include your name and UTA ID number (if you have one). You must also be enrolled in at least six credit hours (Summer I, Summer II, or combined). 

Work-Study funding is awarded and managed by the UTA Office of Financial Aid. If you believe you may need additional funding, contact workstudy@uta.edu to ask whether you are eligible for an award increase. Funding increases are not guaranteed and depend on factors such as your financial aid eligibility and the availability of Work-Study funds. The Career Development Center and your employer cannot increase or modify your Work-Study award.

No. You may not begin orientation, training, or any other job-related activities until your Work-Study eligibility has been verified and all required hiring and onboarding steps have been completed. Required orientation and training are considered paid work time and must be recorded on your timesheet. These activities cannot be completed on an unpaid basis or before the official Work-Study employment period begins.

Your Work-Study award is the maximum amount you are eligible to earn; it is not a guaranteed payment. You are paid only for the hours you work. If you do not earn your entire award, the remaining amount will not be paid to you, and you will not be required to repay it. Unearned funding does not automatically transfer to another aid year.

Yes. Your Work-Study award is generally divided between the fall and spring semesters, and your earnings should remain within the amount allocated for each semester. Do not assume that unused funding from one semester will automatically transfer to another. If you are approaching your semester limit or would like to request an adjustment, contact the Office of Financial Aid at workstudy@uta.edu. Adjustments are not guaranteed and depend on your eligibility and the availability of funds.