At the graduate level, financial aid is largely decentralized, as available funds are managed directly by departments.
Funding is usually available from each individual department to support doctoral students for the duration of their time at MIT. Typically, at the time of admission, doctoral students receive offers of funding in the form of research and teaching appointments or fellowships, which cover the cost of full tuition and health insurance, and provide a salary or stipend. Funding for master-level students is more limited, and depends greatly on the program of study, so students may be required to seek their own sources of funding or utilize student loans.
Graduate funding may take the form of research, instructor, and teaching assistantships, fellowships, traineeships, scholarships, grants, and/or other forms of employment, such as working as a resident advisor in an undergraduate residence.
Please note: Applicants are considered for funding after they have been accepted into a graduate program. There is no separate application for financial aid prior to admission for any program of study.
Funding for students in need
MIT provides assistance to graduate students experiencing financial hardships, has established new ranges to stipends and changes to health insurance rates and plan benefits, and offers additional health and well-being support resources.
Hardship funds are tax-reportable income and may reduce eligibility for educational loans. If you want to explore how a fund of this type would impact you, please contact us to discuss your options.