Apply Now: Fully Funded Data Science Graduate Assistantship at UNC Charlotte (Spring 2026 Intake)
Scholarships in the US
Welcome to another daily fully-funded scholarship opportunity. Subscribe here to get scholarship strategy guides in my free weekly newsletter delivered straight to your inbox:
We’re already in October, and that means one thing - the 2026 scholarship and funding cycle has quietly begun. While most people will wait till January to start applying, the smart ones - the ones who get the funding - are already shortlisting schools right now.
If you’re serious about studying Data Science abroad without paying your way through, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNC Charlotte) should be one of the first schools on your list.
Here’s why 👇🏾
What UNC Charlotte Offers
UNC Charlotte’s School of Data Science (SDS) awards 30-35 Graduate Assistantships every semester across its:
M.S. in Data Science & Business Analytics (DSBA)
M.S. in Health Informatics & Analytics (HIA)
M.S. in Applied Data Science
These roles are fully funded, meaning you’ll work part-time (about 20 hours per week) while the university covers your tuition and living stipend.
Here’s what the package typically includes:
This isn’t a token grant - it’s one of the most reliable assistantship systems in the US. for Data Science students.
🧭 Eligibility & Requirements
To qualify, you’ll need to:
Be admitted to one of UNC Charlotte’s Data Science programs (DSBA, HIA, or Applied Data Science).
Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 throughout your studies.
Be enrolled full-time (9 credit hours/semester).
Be available to work up to 20 hours/week in teaching, grading, or research roles.
If you have any background in Python, R, SQL, or data visualization, that’s a major plus. Teaching or mentoring experience (even informal tutoring) also makes your profile stand out.
🗓 Key Timeline (for Spring 2026 Entry)
It’s not too early to start. In fact, October is exactly when you should begin.
Assistantship decisions at UNC Charlotte happen early, so those who wait till 2026 deadlines often miss out.
Tip: Apply before February even if the official deadline extends - UNC Charlotte starts reviewing applications as soon as they’re submitted, not after the deadline. Also, assistantship allocations usually begin once the first batch of admissions is reviewed. Remember - the earlier you apply, the higher your funding chances.
💼 How to Strengthen Your Application
Here’s a peek into how I advise my Bootcamp students to position themselves for funding like this:
Start with a Targeted SOP.
Mention specific faculty or labs you’d love to assist in.
Show how your data or research interests align with the department.
Reach Out Professionally.
Once you apply, email 1-2 professors or the Graduate Coordinator expressing interest in assistantship roles.
Keep it brief - 5 sentences max. (We provide templates in the SA Bootcamp 3.0).
Highlight Technical Skills.
Python, SQL, R, Excel, Tableau, Power BI, or any relevant certifications - even free ones from IBM SkillsBuild or freeCodeCamp count.
Show Consistency.
Include projects, volunteer data analysis work, or tutoring experience in your CV.
📍 Program Snapshot
If you’ve been waiting for the perfect time to start your scholarship journey, this is it. October is when new doors quietly open for those who are prepared.
Warm regards,
Prof Zubby
PhD Candidate, KSU | Founder, ScholAfrica
Meet the Author!
Hi, I’m Nzube Ohalete, the voice behind ScholAfrica. I am pursuing a fully funded Ph.D. in Data Science at Kennesaw State University in Georgia, USA. I have received over $439,508 in scholarships, and I’m on a mission to help 1 million African scholars achieve the same.
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