MIT University Scholarships

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is one of the world’s most prestigious universities, renowned for innovation, research, and academic excellence. However, studying at MIT can be financially challenging without proper support. To make education accessible to talented students from all backgrounds, MIT offers a wide range of scholarships, fellowships, and financial aid programs.

What makes MIT unique is its commitment to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students, both domestic and international—without requiring student loans. This ensures that finances never stand in the way of education and innovation.

Why Choose MIT Scholarships?

  • No loans policy: All aid comes in the form of scholarships or grants.
  • Global accessibility: Both U.S. and international students benefit equally.
  • Comprehensive coverage: Tuition, living costs, research, and travel expenses are often included.
  • Merit and diversity support: Special fellowships encourage academic excellence and inclusivity.

MIT University Scholarships for Undergraduate Students

MIT’s undergraduate financial aid program is one of the most generous in the world. More than 58% of undergraduates receive need-based aid, and nearly 40% attend tuition-free.

1. MIT Need-Based Scholarships

The MIT Scholarship is the primary financial aid available to undergraduates, designed to make MIT accessible to students regardless of family income.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Must be admitted into MIT’s undergraduate program.
  • Financial aid is determined by family income, assets, number of dependents, and living expenses.
  • Families earning below $90,000 annually qualify for full tuition coverage.
  • Families earning below $140,000 annually receive substantial aid.
  • Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress during their studies.

Benefits

  • Full Tuition Coverage – Up to $60,000 per year.
  • Room and Board – Up to $20,000 annually.
  • Coverage for books, travel, and personal expenses.
  • No repayment required, as all aid is grant-based.

2. MIT International Student Financial Aid

MIT is one of the few U.S. universities offering full-need financial aid to international students. This makes MIT a highly attractive option for global talent.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Must be admitted as an international undergraduate student.
  • Must demonstrate financial need through the CSS Profile.
  • Financial evaluation considers family income, dependents, and living costs in home country.

Benefits

  • 100% of demonstrated financial need is covered.
  • Aid is provided in the form of grants and scholarships only (no loans).
  • Access to additional funding for research, study abroad programs, and travel grants.
  • Equal financial aid opportunities as U.S. students.

3. MIT Pell Grants and Federal Aid (For U.S. Students)

In addition to MIT’s institutional scholarships, U.S. citizens and permanent residents may qualify for federal aid programs.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
  • Must file the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
  • Eligibility depends on family income, assets, and the federal Expected Family Contribution (EFC).

Available Federal Aid

  • Pell Grant (up to $7,395 per year)
  • Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
  • Federal Work-Study Program – Allows students to work part-time on campus for extra income

Benefits

  • Pell Grant: Up to $7,395 annually.
  • Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG): Additional aid for low-income students.
  • Federal Work-Study Program: Opportunity to work part-time on campus, gaining income and work experience.
  • Can be combined with MIT scholarships for maximum support.

MIT University Scholarships for Graduate Students

MIT graduate programs are fully supported with fellowships, assistantships, and departmental funding, ensuring that graduate students can pursue research and advanced study without financial stress.

1. MIT Graduate Fellowships

MIT fellowships are highly competitive awards that provide funding to graduate students across its schools.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Must be admitted to a graduate program at MIT.
  • Selection is based on academic excellence, leadership potential, and research goals.
  • Diversity fellowships prioritize students from underrepresented groups.

Types of Fellowships

  • MIT Presidential Graduate Fellowship: Full tuition + living stipend
  • Departmental Fellowships: Available for programs in engineering, business, and sciences
  • Diversity Fellowships: Awarded to students from underrepresented groups

Benefits

  • MIT Presidential Graduate Fellowship: Covers full tuition and provides a generous living stipend.
  • Departmental Fellowships: Awarded by individual departments (engineering, business, sciences).
  • Diversity Fellowships: Financial support for underrepresented students.
  • Covers tuition, health insurance, and living expenses.

2. MIT Research and Teaching Assistantships

Research and Teaching Assistantships (RAs & TAs) are common ways graduate students finance their studies while contributing academically.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Must be enrolled in a full-time MIT graduate program.
  • Applicants are usually assigned RA or TA roles based on expertise, academic background, and faculty projects.
  • Students must maintain good academic standing and fulfill assistantship responsibilities.

Benefits

  • Full tuition coverage for graduate study.
  • Monthly stipend averaging $40,000 per year.
  • Health insurance coverage for the student.
  • Hands-on teaching and research experience that strengthens career prospects.

3. MIT Sloan School of Management (MBA Scholarships)

The MIT Sloan School of Management provides scholarships and fellowships specifically for MBA students.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Must be admitted into the MIT Sloan MBA or Sloan Fellows MBA program.
  • Selection based on leadership experience, professional background, academic achievement, and career goals.
  • Some scholarships (like the Legatum Fellowship) require a demonstrated interest in entrepreneurship.

Scholarship options

  • Sloan Fellows MBA Program: Fully funded scholarships for experienced professionals.
  • Legatum Fellowship: Supports students launching entrepreneurial ventures.
  • McKinsey & Company Scholarship: For MBA students pursuing consulting careers.
  • Access to networking, mentorship, and leadership development opportunities.

How to apply

Applying for MIT scholarships is straightforward since all financial aid is need-based and processed through the admissions and financial aid office. Here’s how to get started:

Apply for Admission

  • Submit your application to MIT’s undergraduate or graduate program via the official MIT Admissions website.
  • Only admitted students are eligible for scholarships.

Submit Financial Aid Forms

  • For U.S. students: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the CSS Profile.
  • For International students: Submit only the CSS Profile.

Provide Supporting Documents

  • Family income statements
  • Tax returns (for parents/guardians if applicable)
  • Asset and expense documentation

Receive Your Financial Aid Package

  • MIT reviews applications and sends out customized aid packages with grants, fellowships, or assistantships.
  • Students do not need to apply separately for MIT scholarships; once admitted, aid is automatically considered.

Accept Your Aid Offer

  • Review the offer carefully and confirm your acceptance through the student portal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does MIT give full scholarships?

  • Yes. Families earning under $90,000 annually usually qualify for full tuition coverage, and MIT covers 100% of demonstrated need for both U.S. and international students.

2. Are MIT scholarships merit-based or need-based?

  • MIT scholarships are need-based only. The university does not award merit scholarships.

3. Can international students get MIT scholarships?

  • Absolutely. MIT is one of the few U.S. universities that provides full-need financial aid to international students.

4. Do MIT scholarships cover living expenses?

  • Yes. In addition to tuition, scholarships may cover room, meals, books, travel, and health insurance.

5. How competitive is MIT financial aid?

  • Once admitted, financial aid is guaranteed based on need. The challenge lies in admission, not in securing funding.

6. Can graduate students receive full funding?

  • Yes. Most graduate students at MIT are fully funded through fellowships, research assistantships, or teaching assistantships.