Funding

Funding as a graduate student is also a top priority, especially as a first generation or international student. Non-California residents are also required to pay Non-Resident Supplemental Tuition (NRST).

Unfortunately, due to the way our graduate group is structured, our funding can be more limited compared to other PhD programs. The program does not guarantee a stipend, and you are expected to pay tuition for your whole time as a student (including after passing the QE). 

Most students will rely on fellowships for all or part of their first year, then transition to a combination of GSR's*, extramural funding, or TAships*. 

1. Graduate Group Student Support Fellowship

• • • Look out for the GGE Continuing Student Support fellowship application (usually ~September)

    • Annual Internal Fellowship Competition for Continuing Graduate Students

      • Common for first-year students and students writing their dissertations

      • Students who have passed their QE qualify for more dissertation-based grants

2. Graduate Student Researcher (GSR)

• • • Advertised online or

    • Assigned by your major professor for you to assist on a project that may or may not be related to your thesis

3. Extramural funding

• • • Funding that you apply for to support your 

    • Tuition and/or research costs, for example:

      • • GSSP: covers stipend only, for students with major professors with primary appointments in SVM

        • NSF GRFP: competitive national funding for stipend and tuition for three years across any US graduate school. Unfortunately limited to US citizens and personal residents only.

4. Teaching Assistant (TA)

• • • May be your primary source of funding for much of your PhD prior to obtaining a GSR, or even to support you alongside a GSR

    • TAships within the Epi grad group are limited since there is no undergraduate Epi major, meaning there are no Epi TAships for first-years

    • Most Epi students get TAships for classes in other departments, particularly if you want 50% TAships

    • All departments have their own methods and deadlines for applying (often as early as the year prior) -- check department websites for TA information, and don't be afraid of emailing coordinators and/or professors for info/openings

5. Graduate Studies Emergency Grant Program (up to $1500)

• If you are experiencing unexpected challenges

  • health emergencies

  • events such as natural disasters

  • expenses associated with family emergencies