Ohio State University Graduate Assistantships 2026-2027 (Fully Funded Tuition + Stipend)
Dreaming of a U.S. graduate degree with your tuition fully covered and paid leadership experience on campus? The Ohio State University’s Department of Recreational Sports has opened applications for its 2026–2027 Graduate Assistantships—and international students are welcome. If you’re passionate about sport management, student affairs, or campus recreation, this is your moment.
Why this rocks (in 30 seconds)?
- Full tuition waiver (covers in-state, out-of-state, and international tuition)
- Paid 9-month GA contract at ~$2,682/month (expected two-year GA track)
- Hands-on experience in leadership, operations, events, and fitness programming
- Study at Ohio State University while building a career-ready portfolio.
Available GA Roles (2026–2027)
- Facilities
- Special Events
- Member Services
- Group Fitness
- Personal Training.
Who Should Apply?
This is a perfect fit if you’re aiming to lead in sport management, campus recreation, student affairs, or fitness & wellness—and you want real responsibility from day one.
Required Academic Pathways
To be considered, you must apply to one of these Ohio State graduate programs:
- Master of Science (Kinesiology), Sport Management (via the Graduate School), or
- Master of Arts in Educational Studies, Higher Education & Student Affairs (HESA).
A minimum 3.0 GPA is required for admission to Ohio State’s Graduate School. Recreational Sports is not accepting applicants from other programs.
Funding & Duration
Graduate Assistants at Ohio State University are appointed on a 9-month contract and receive a competitive stipend of approximately $2,682 per month. In addition to the stipend, GAs are awarded a full tuition waiver, which covers in-state, out-of-state, and international student tuition costs—making this an exceptional funding package for international applicants.
The assistantship is designed as a two-year commitment, giving students consistent financial and academic support throughout their graduate studies. While summer employment opportunities may be available within Recreational Sports, they are not guaranteed and are offered on a case-by-case basis.
Priority Timeline (Act Fast)
Preference is given to applications received by November 1, 2025 (U.S. time). Submitting early maximizes your chances for interviews and placement across your preferred GA areas.
What You’ll Gain?
- Real-world operations experience in a top U.S. campus recreation system
- Event leadership, staff supervision, member experience, and fitness programming skills
- A résumé that stands out for roles in university recreation, athletics, fitness, events, and student affairs
- A strong professional network at a Big Ten institution.
Apply: https://recsports.osu.edu/about-us/employment/graduate-assistantships
Pro Tips for International Applicants
- Start both applications (GA + graduate program) together to keep timelines aligned.
- Use your cover letter to map your career goals to the specific GA area (e.g., Facilities vs. Special Events).
- Highlight leadership, certifications (e.g., group fitness/PT), event experience, and any student services roles.
- If you need program details or assistantship descriptions, ask Kolby for the official role briefs before tailoring your materials.