Help! Offered a TA and wait-listed for scholarship... don't really know what's going on!

[btd7777]

Hi guys,

 

I'm new to the forum so forgive me if I'm posting in the wrong place.

 

A few months ago I applied to a Masters program in Canada. Well, it turns out I've been offered a place.

 

I've been unofficially informed that I'll be offered a TA and that I'm top of the wait-list for a scholarship.

 

Anyway, I am 100% unable to go unless I am fully funded because I will graduate from my BA soon and have no money.

 

My questions are:

 

1. If I am offered the TA, will this mean I don't have to pay any university fees? 

2. If offered the TA, will it be enough to live on? (In other words, does a TA count as full funding?)

3. If I am at the top of the waiting-list for a scholarship, do I have a good chance of getting one?

 

Sorry if this sounds completely stupid to you guys. I know nothing about North American graduate schemes... (I'm an international student). I merely applied because a good opportunity arose.

 

Suffice to say I'm ecstatic that I've been this lucky!

 

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

Thanks.

[tarrman]

The tuition requirement is waived, but sometimes you have to pay fees at the beginning of each semester (usually < US$1000). You'll also receive a stipend, but the amount they will offer varies greatly depending on the field and school. It could be anywhere from $1.2k/month to $2k/month. You should be able to live off of it, provided you make sound financial decisions (like where you live). Try to room with someone, as this usually cuts the amount you pay for rent in half. You ought to also ask the department what the stipend is for the TA and also look into the cost of living in the area.

Being at the top of the wait-list means that if someone who has received the scholarship rejects the offer, you receive their offer. I'd say it's likely, but I wouldn't make any assumptions.

[selecttext]

Tuition is rarely waived for graduate students in Canada. There are some exceptions at the PhD level. Canadian masters students usually take out loans. Departments often save scholarships and discretionary funds for international students to bring their tuition in line with Canadian tuition. Sorry to bear bad news but it's a sorry state for Canadian students.

[tarrman]

My apologies I did not read the OP post carefully.