Graduate Assistantships

Students receive financial support in the form of graduate assistantships of $21,500/year, plus a waiver of tuition, or as fellowships from various University or outside sources. A number of first-year supplemental awards and fellowships are available on a competitive basis. This level of support is sufficient to allow students to devote full-time effort to graduate studies. Students are responsible for costs of books (year one ~ $300); an activity fee; a $85 thesis fee at the time of graduation; and medical insurance. Medical Insurance is required for all students - Penn State will pay 80% of the annual basic plan premium cost for the Penn State Student Health Insurance Policy (MEGA).

• Current premium information
• Health Insurance Plan information for graduate assistants and graduate fellows

Awards

Undergraduate excellence by incoming students is recognized through the Microbiology and Immunology Undergraduate Achievement Award. Award criteria include GRE scores, undergraduate academic performance, recommendation letters, and the quality of undergraduate research experience. Awards range from $1,000 to $4,000. Applicants are encouraged to apply early (January) in order to be eligible for these highly competitive awards.

The Department of Microbiology and Immunology faculty recognizes outstanding doctoral students with two yearly awards for academic excellence and scientific achievement. The Pasteur Prize is presented at the fall convocation of the College of Medicine and focuses primarily on rewarding outstanding achievement to students who have recently completed the Ph.D. comprehensive examination. The John F. Enders Award is conferred at commencement to graduating students who have exhibited both outstanding academic and research achievement. Each award includes a certificate and a cash prize.