AY2026 Stipend Levels & Additional Support for Graduate Students
We are writing to share information for graduate students pertaining to stipend levels (for those on fellowships), health insurance premiums, and additional support for the 2025-2026 academic year.
3.25% Stipend Increase for Academic Year 2025-2026 (AY2026)
Effective June 1, stipend rates for fellowship awards have increased by 3.25% over current levels. For those who have partial fellowship awards combined with RA, TA, and Instructor-G appointments, this increase will apply only to the fellowship award component. For RA, TA, and Instructor-G appointment rates, see page 62 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Health Insurance and Optional Dental & Vision Plans
MIT Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP)
Due to significant increases in medical and medication costs, health insurance premiums will increase by 27 percent. The plan will still offer the same comprehensive benefits with no increases in copayments or deductibles.
For graduate students in research programs, SHIP premiums are typically covered by a full fellowship award (those internally-funded or externally-funded and administered by MIT) or through their RA or TA appointment. While the new premiums may represent a small portion of their overall AY2026 bill paid to MIT, professional and other self-funded students who are already enrolled in SHIP and/or are considering enrolling should review the costs as they consider their health insurance options for the coming academic year.
MIT student health insurance has historically had lower premiums than most peer institutions for more robust coverage, but this is no longer sustainable. Even with efforts to increase premiums and control costs, since FY22, medical and pharmacy claims expenses have increased by double the rate of premiums. MIT has funded recent shortfalls, but given stresses on the Institute’s budget from federal policy changes, it can no longer continue to do so going forward.
Optional Dental & Vision Plans
The optional dental plan rates will remain flat, while the vision offering will see a small increase. See the eligibility requirements for additional information.
Financial Support Options
MIT’s ongoing work to provide targeted assistance to students with the most pressing needs is detailed below.
Support for students with dependent children
- The MIT Grant for Graduate Students with Children (GGSC) is a need-blind grant available to all full-time PhD students. Master’s students who are eligible for summer tuition subsidy are also eligible for the grant. In order to qualify for the grant, the student’s child must reside with them at least half-time throughout the year.
- Fellows with dependent children are also eligible to apply for an annual needs-based supplemental grant of up to $10,000.
Additional financial assistance programs for students in need
- A list of key financial support programs and related benefits (organized by appointment/funding status and degree type) is available on the Office of Graduate Education website.
Finally, for more detailed information on the above, refer to this FAQ.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us or to the Office of Graduate Education if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
David L. Darmofal, Vice Chancellor for Undergraduate and Graduate Education
Brian Schuetz, Executive Director, MIT Health
Ian A. Waitz, Vice President for Research