[uh-sis-tuh
nt-ship] 
| a form of financial aid awarded to a student studying for a graduate degree at a college or university in which the student assists a professor, usually in academic or laboratory work. |
| as·sis·tant·ship (ə-sĭs'tənt-shĭp') n. An academic position that carries a stipend and usually involves part-time teaching or research, given to a qualified graduate student. |