Essentially all MEMP PhD students in good academic standing receive full financial support – consisting of a semi-monthly salary/stipend, tuition, and health insurance – for the duration of their graduate study.

The following information pertains to MEMP PhD students admitted thru MIT.
MEMP PhD students admitted thru Harvard coordinate their financial support with their Harvard program (Biophysics or SEAS).

Each admitted candidate receives an offer letter that identifies the source of funding for the first academic year, typically an HST-funded fellowship. This unrestricted fellowship support gives new MEMP students the opportunity to learn about the exciting and diverse research opportunities available before making an informed choice of a research lab for their thesis project. 

For more detailed information regarding the cost of attendance, including specific costs for tuition and fees, books and supplies, housing and food as well as transportation, please visit the MIT Student Financial Services website.

In subsequent years, MEMP PhD students enrolled at MIT receive financial support from a variety of sources:

  • Research Assistantships (RA) funded by their research supervisors

  • Fellowships, including internal awards from a variety of sources within MIT and external awards from public and private agencies

  • Teaching Assistantships (TA), which are an option for students who want to gain teaching experience during their graduate training. MEMP does not have a teaching requirement.

HST maintains a special pool of funds to support a limited number of students in year 2 and beyond who do not obtain full funding through traditional mechanisms. In recent years, all MEMP PhD students have been fully funded through the combination of sources described above. Learn more here.

Stipends are paid semi-monthly, on the 15th day of the month and the last business day of the month. Stipend rates are adjusted annually, with new rates effective June 1 each year.

Enrolled students who optionally engage in entrepreneurial activities such as consulting, joining, or starting a company should consult these MIT policies and guidance on balancing academics, research, and entrepreneurship.

If you are planning to engage in outside professional activities or be away from MIT/Harvard for an extended period of time, please review the relevant policies below and contact us for specific instructions.

Questions about financial support for MEMP PhD students? Contact laurie [at] mit.edu (Laurie Ward).

HELPFUL LINKS

 

Two women in white coats working at lab bench

Researchers in lab