A graduate assistantship (GA) is an employment position held by a full-time graduate student who is receiving financial assistance through the University. Graduate assistantship work is administrative, clerical and research-based in nature.

These positions are classified as part of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) 3903 Unit 3 bargaining unit. As CUPE positions, GA positions have health insurance and benefits as defined in the York-CUPE 3903 Unit 3 Collective Agreement.