Federal Work Study
Federal Work-Study is a program that promotes access to employment for students who demonstrate financial need. Available funds are provided by a federal allocation and a University matching contribution. For more information about Federal Work-Study please visit Boston University Student Employment Office (SEO). Work-study students are responsible for finding and securing their own jobs through their department, School, elsewhere at BU or at an eligible non-profit agency. Students may also find employment opportunities through the work-study listings on the Student Link. Please note that funding is extremely limited for Federal Work Study at the graduate level.
Work-Study Listings
Please read all program details below before completing the application for Federal Work Study
2023-2024 Graduate Federal Work Study Application
- 2023-2024 Graduate Federal Work Study Application
- This application will be for Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 semesters only.
- The application window has closed for the 2023-2024 semester, we are no longer accepting applications.
Eligibility and Award Amounts
Please note that you are paid by Boston University, NOT your employer. Please complete the required paperwork from the Boston University Student Employment Office.
Eligibility Requirements
- Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen.
- Be enrolled in a graduate degree program at CFA.
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- Complete the Federal Work-Study Application.
Award Amounts
Due to the high volume of applications received and the limited size of our graduate work-study budget, it is important not to count on receiving a graduate work-study position. Once your application is submitted please allow 2-3 weeks for review.
The amount shown on your award notification is the maximum amount you can earn over the academic year. Actual earnings will depend on your work schedule and hourly rate. Generally, students work 8 to 12 hours per week. The lowest hourly pay rates start at the minimum wage set by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. You cannot use your Federal Work-Study award as a credit on your bill because these funds are paid directly to you as wages for the hours you work each week.
Direct Deposit
Students have their weekly pay directly deposited into a bank account of their choice. Pay stub information, as well as Direct Deposit Authorization, is available through the Student Link. Weekly paid students receive their first payment on the Friday of the second week of work, provided timesheets are submitted on time. You should bring sufficient funds with you when you arrive on campus to cover any immediate expenses such as books, supplies, and personal items.
Eligible students may enroll by selecting Direct Deposit Authorization on the Employee Self Service tile on MyBU Portal. You will need your bank’s routing number and your bank account number. Click here for written step-by-step instructions.
Summer Work-Study Program
The Summer Work-Study program is a separate application, funding, and financial aid consideration from the Academic year Work-Study program. Applications for the 2023 Summer Work Study Program can be completed in the embedded form below or through this link. Please note that this application is for undergraduate students only. Graduate students should contact their school or college’s financial aid offices for Summer Work-Study awarding.
Eligibility Requirements
- Be a U.S. citizen or a Permanent Resident
- Be enrolled in a graduate degree program at CFA.
- Complete the 2023-2024 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- Complete the Federal Work-Study Application.
- You have paid both Fall 2022 and Spring 2023 balances, and your student account bill is currently settled for 22/23.
- You will not be graduating in May 2023 or September
The Summer Work-Study program is a separate application, funding, and financial aid consideration from the Academic year Work-Study program.
Note: Funding is extremely limited; not all interested students receive an award. Students are responsible for finding a job at the University. Applications for the 2023 Summer Work Study Program can be completed in the embedded form below. Please note that this application is for Graduate students only.
