FAQ: AY2024 Graduate Student Fellows Stipend Levels, Insurance Rates, & Additional Support

Stipend Levels & Additional Support

What if I have a partial fellowship award and a partial RA or TA appointment?
The rate increase will apply on a prorated basis to your fellowship award only.

What if I experience financial issues and have trouble covering all of my needs, or those of my family?
Graduate students may be eligible for the following assistance programs:

We are pleased to share that, beginning in the August 2023 application period, fellows will be eligible for a new annual needs-based supplemental grant of up to $10,000 for students with dependent children. This is in addition to the need-blind Grant for Graduate Students with Children. Students who meet the eligibility requirements for the needs-blind grant and who are on fellowships during the fall or spring award periods may apply for the supplemental grant.

For more information on financial assistanceprograms, please visit https://oge.mit.edu/finances/financial-assist/.
Note: Students in non-residency status are eligible for emergency hardship funding.

There are also a number of resources at the Institute and elsewhere that provide valuable information and can help if you experience financial challenges or unforeseen expenses.

  • Food Insecurity. If you need immediate assistance with food — either a few meals or some groceries — please see the DoingWell resources.
  • Financial Literacy. Each semester, the OGE hosts monthly lunchtime workshops that cover a variety of financial literacy topic. Additionally, graduate students can inform decision-making and round out their financial knowledge with MIT’s iGrad portal. Setting up an account is free and is available for all MIT faculty, staff, students, spouses, and partners. In addition, Student Financial Services, Career Advising and Professional Development (CAPD), and the International Students Office (ISO) all offer guidance and workshops.
  • Health Insurance Fees. Full fellowship appointments typical cover insurance, if not, you may be able to purchase insurance through the Massachusetts Health Connector. Every Health Connector plan meets the requirements to waive the MIT Student Health Insurance Plan; the Health Connector also offers discounted coverage for eligible lower-income individuals. They can help you find a plan that fits your budget and needs.
  • Individual grants. Need a little extra for something specific? The Graduate Student Council provides a number of individual grants for expenses such as travel, professional development, athletic and performance activities, and more.

Health Insurance

What will my insurance rates be next year?
The cost of MIT Medical’s Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) is detailed below.

MIT Student Health Insurance Plan Rates: Academic Year 2023-2024 Rates

 Full
year
Fall term
only
Spring term
only
Summer term only
Sept. 1, 2023 – Aug. 31, 2024Sept. 1, 2023 – Jan. 31, 2024Feb. 1, 2024 – Aug. 31, 2024June 1, 2024 – Aug. 31, 2024
Student$3,237$1,349$1,888$809
Student and partner$7,078$2,949$4,129$1,770
Student and dependent(s)$4,411$1,838$2,573$1,103
Family (student, partner, and dependents)$8,253$3,438$4,815$2,063
Note: Rates are inclusive of access to most services at MIT Medical without additional costs.

MIT Medical will send enrollment information in the late spring/early summer. 

The MIT Graduate Student Dental Plan will be available again for AY2024.