TA Application

TA Application

  • All physics TA hiring is done through the TA application. Do not contact professors individually to ask to TA for them, as they will just redirect you to apply via the TA application.
  • Complete the TA Application by the deadline for the quarter you wish to apply. Applications typically open around:
    • Autumn: Aug. 12–27 (end of Summer Week 7)
    • Winter: Oct. 18–Nov. 1 (end of Fall Week 5)
    • Spring: Feb. 1–15 (end of Winter Week 5)
    • Summer: May 15–22 (end of Spring Week 7)
  • The application generally closes about two weeks after opening
AUTUMN 2026/27 TA Application

Application Requirements

Full Time Enrollment

In order to receive a salary from the university, you must be registered as a full-time student.  For Physics graduate students, this means you must enroll in courses and/or research adding up to 10 units each quarter during the academic year or for the zero-unit TGR course PH802 if you are on TGR status.  Enrollment levels for Summer quarter will vary according to your total RA/TA appointment percentage.

Eligibility to work in the United States

All students, scholars and fellows receiving financial support or wages from Stanford must have a U.S. social security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) on file with the University and an I-9 form on file with Payroll.  In addition, foreign students must have a current visa and passport.

English Proficiency for Teaching Assistants (International Students Only)

The University requires that International graduate students who wish to be appointed as TAs  must first be screened by proficiency in the English language. The screening is conducted by the English for Foreign Students Program in the Stanford Language Center.  More information on the screening exam can be found at https://language.stanford.edu/esol-ta-screening-and-waiver. We strongly recommend that students get screened at least one quarter prior to the quarter in which they wish to TA.

Tax declaration

All students must have submitted a form SU-32/W-4/DE-4 Employee's Tax Data (includes federal and state withholding certificate).

Questions? Please email physicsstudentservices [at] stanford.edu (physicsstudentservices[at]stanford[dot]edu) 

Back to Top