<p>Does anyone know how the graduate fellowships (specifically at UC Berkeley) are paid? Lump sum at the start of the semester or monthly? Also, how about the loans? Thanks.</p>
<p>Fellowships are usually paid out in monthly installments over a 9, 10, or 12-month period - depending on whether or not the fellowship covers the summer, and how long the summer is considered to be. They do this because the funds are meant to cover living expenses, which most often are paid monthly. RA and TA funding is generally the same.</p>
<p>Loans are generally paid at the beginning of the semester. Loans are expected to be used to pay tuition, which is charged once per semester, and the disbursements match this schedule. Usually loans are disbursed a couple of weeks before the semester starts.</p>
<p>Thanks cosmicfish for a thoughtful response.</p>