Funding Resources
Finding graduate funding can be complicated, particularly when funding structures differ across Wayne State schools and colleges. The Wayne State University School of Medicine (WSUSOM) has several funding mechanisms specifically relevant to biomedical Master’s, PhD, and M.D./Ph.D. students.
Use the resources below to explore university-wide funding opportunities as well as funding mechanisms specific to the School of Medicine.
Funding Sources
School of Medicine Biomedical Graduate Funding
The Office of Biomedical Graduate Programs provides financial support for qualified students pursuing Ph.D. training in the School of Medicine.
For qualified full-time Ph.D. students, the School of Medicine reports a financial support package that includes:
Stipend support
Full tuition and fees
Potential additional stipend enhancements for students with exceptional academic and experiential backgrounds
Funding may come from several sources, including:
Graduate Research Assistantships (GRAs)
University fellowships
Graduate traineeships
Individual investigator research grants
Financial support is limited and competitive, and funding arrangements can vary by graduate program and research mentor.
Learn more:
WSUSOM Biomedical Graduate Programs - Financial Aid
Tip for prospective Ph.D. students:
Funding should be an important part of your conversation with prospective graduate programs and research mentors. Ask how many years of support are guaranteed, what sources of funding are typically used, and how funding is handled after fellowship or training-grant support ends.
Graduate Research Assistantships (GRAs)
Unlike traditional graduate assistantships that may involve teaching responsibilities, students may receive support through research funding associated with their mentor, department, training program, or other sources.
The School of Medicine requires funding sources for doctoral students to be identified as part of the process of establishing a research mentorship. Funding after fellowship support ends may come from sources such as:
Institutional training grants (T32)
Individual fellowships such as NIH F30/F31 awards
Other federal or foundation fellowships
Research funds awarded to the student's mentor
Departmental or discretionary funds
Learn more about WSUSOM doctoral student funding policies:
WSUSOM Funding & Allocation of Graduate Research Assistants
Fellowships
Fellowships can provide an important source of stipend and tuition support while also helping students develop independent research and grant-writing experience.
NIH F30/F31 Fellowships
For students conducting biomedical research, NIH predoctoral fellowships are among the most significant external funding opportunities.
F30 - Predoctoral fellowship for M.D./Ph.D. and other dual-degree students
F31 - Predoctoral fellowship for Ph.D. students
WSUSOM also provides access to research administration support through the Office of Research and Biomedical Graduate Programs (RAS), including assistance with fellowship budgets.
Learn more about external funding:
WSUSOM Office of Research - External Funding
Training Grants
Institutional training grants, commonly known as T32s, can provide another source of funding for biomedical Ph.D. students.
T32 programs are typically organized around a particular scientific area or training theme and may provide stipend, tuition, and other trainee support.
Students should check with their graduate program and potential research mentors to determine:
Which T32 programs are available
Whether they are eligible
When applications are due
Whether students apply directly or are nominated by a program
How T32 funding interacts with other sources of support
Tip: Ask your graduate program director or research mentor about T32 opportunities early in your training. Some programs have application or nomination processes that occur well before the funding begins.
Scholarships & Awards
In addition to assistantships and fellowships, graduate students may be eligible for scholarships and competitive awards offered by:
Wayne State University
WSUSOM
Individual graduate programs
Professional societies
Foundations
Federal agencies
Research organizations
WSUSOM maintains a Student Funding Opportunities resource with examples of organizations that offer funding and research opportunities to students.
Explore WSUSOM Student Funding Opportunities:
WSUSOM Student Funding Opportunities
For university-wide scholarships and awards, visit:
External Funding Opportunities
Graduate students should not limit their funding search to Wayne State opportunities.
WSUSOM's Office of Research maintains resources for identifying external funding opportunities from organizations including:
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Department of Defense / CDMRP
Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI)
Foundations and professional societies
The Office of Research also provides access to funding-search resources such as Pivot and Grants.gov.
Explore external funding resources:
WSUSOM Office of Research - External Funding
Questions to Ask About Your Funding
Before accepting a graduate position or choosing a dissertation mentor, consider asking:
How many years of funding are guaranteed?
What is the current stipend?
Is tuition fully covered?
What health, dental, and vision benefits are included?
What happens when fellowship or training-grant funding ends?
What funding sources are typically used in later years?
Are students expected or encouraged to apply for F30/F31 or other fellowships?
Are there T32 or other institutional training-grant opportunities?
Quick Links
Wayne State University Graduate School
Graduate Student Funding - Main Page
Wayne State University School of Medicine
WSUSOM Biomedical Graduate Programs - Financial Aid