Possible to negotiate funding?

[LebaneseKafta]

This may be a silly idea and question but, perhaps someone who's already attending or has been through this can shed light if this is even possible. My top choice programs funding is not all that great my second choice funding package is quite good for the same program. Is it possible to tell my top choice that the other school offered me more funding and that makes their school more appealing to me and they may match it? Or are these funding packages pretty much set in stone? Both programs are in clinical psych in Canadian schools if that makes any difference.

[morningsun]

I had a potential supervisor from Carleton tell me to let him know if I got a better funding package elsewhere and he'd see what he could do. I did get a better funding package but decided to go to the other school so I didn't pursue this offer to see what would happen.

 

I don't think it is a bad thing to do though. It lets them know other people want you and they should give you more money!

 

Hope this helps

[iphi]

This may be a silly idea and question but, perhaps someone who's already attending or has been through this can shed light if this is even possible. My top choice programs funding is not all that great my second choice funding package is quite good for the same program. Is it possible to tell my top choice that the other school offered me more funding and that makes their school more appealing to me and they may match it? Or are these funding packages pretty much set in stone? Both programs are in clinical psych in Canadian schools if that makes any difference.

 

It depends. My university has tiers (project assistants, teaching assistants, research assistants) and each group is paid differently. But that amount is set. So you could maybe move from PA to RA (highest) but you can't negotiate the actual pay within your paygrade because that is set. Or you can negotiate maybe 33% to 50%.

[when]

Certain sources of funding from the university may have a set amount, but your supervisor may be able to make their own decision about, for example, how large a stipend to give. 

[EastCoasting]

If your adviser has a grant than it is probably negotiable. Even if not, you can always ask. I don't think I would phrase it as asking them to make their offer as more interesting to you. Rather, I would mention that although they are your first choice (only say this if true!), you are forced to contemplate an offer from a school you prefer less due to financial concerns. They should be able to pick up the elephant hint, or you could ask if there are any fellowships you may be able to receive or whatever (I did this and received more money as well as a small fellowship).