What funding can I get for a master's or PhD in aerospace engineering at MIT?
Graduate aerospace students at MIT are funded mainly through Research Assistantships, which are the most common source, Teaching Assistantships and fellowships. RA and TA appointments typically include full tuition coverage, health insurance and a monthly stipend. Fellowships come through MIT, AeroAstro and external organisations, with terms varying by award.
Research Assistantships are the most common funding source for AeroAstro graduate students, alongside Teaching Assistantships and fellowships. What you get depends on your degree level and the appointment or award type.
Graduate Funding Options
| Funding type | What it involves | What it typically includes |
|---|---|---|
| Research Assistantship (RA) | Working with a faculty member on a research project that often feeds your thesis | Full tuition coverage, health insurance, monthly stipend and lab research experience |
| Teaching Assistantship (TA) | Supporting labs, classes, grading and course delivery; AeroAstro offers around 20 TA appointments each year | Full tuition coverage, health insurance and monthly stipend |
| MIT-sponsored fellowship | Awarded by MIT | Usually tuition, health insurance and a living stipend for one academic year |
| AeroAstro Diversity Scholars Fellowship | Departmental fellowship | Generally one year of full funding, with some awards eligible for extension |
| External fellowship | Government agencies, foundations and professional organisations | Amounts and award periods vary by provider |
What About Undergraduates?
For undergraduates, MIT scholarships are awarded according to financial need. The funding available to you depends on your degree level, financial circumstances and appointment or award type.
My Advice
For a research degree, think of funding as part of your application strategy. Identify faculty whose projects match your interests and mention them in your statement, because RA appointments are tied to research groups. Check the official department page for the current funding terms.
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