Financial Support - Graduate Students
Fellowships
The Mechanical Engineering Department selectively awards several fellowships to entering graduate students. To be considered for assistance as an entering student, it is only necessary to submit the Application for Admission to Graduate Study with supporting documents. Notification regarding fellowships is sent to recipients in March and April.
Stanford Graduate Fellowship
This prestigious, three-year University award is intended for outstanding candidates in graduate study leading to the PhD. The fellowship is selectively awarded to entering graduate students who are pursuing (or plan to pursue) a PhD in Mechanical Engineering. The award provides a quarterly stipend and tuition for 8-10 units per quarter for 12 quarters. The selection process is demanding, requiring nomination and confirmation by both department and university committees. Top of pageGraduate Fellowship
The School of Engineering and Department Fellowships are awarded to entering ME graduate students. Awards are based upon merit achievement including undergraduate academic performance and research potential. Recipients receive 8-10 units of tuition per quarter and a quarterly stipend, for anywhere from three to five quarters.
Top of pageAssistantships
Research Assistantships
Research assistantships (RAs) are available to continuing MS and PhD Students, and more rarely, new graduate students. In most cases, assistantships are awarded by individual faculty who have the necessary research funding. Typically, students who have successfully arranged for an RA appointment have secured it by contacting a faculty member directly. A majority of Research Assistants are in the PhD program; there are occasional RA appointments available for MS students that have a firm commitment to attaining a PhD.
Research assistants typically receive 8-10 units of tuition coverage and a monthly salary (paid semi-monthly and subject to state and federal tax withholding) in exchange for 20 hours of work per week. Some students opt to work less hours per week, and their salary and tuition benefits are adjusted accordingly. For the PhD program, incoming students are awarded RA positions based upon the information provided in their admissions application. Current students typically contact faculty members to arrange research assistantships.
Top of pageTeaching and Course Assistantships
Teaching/Course assistantships are offered primarily to continuing students and to a very limited number of entering graduate students. TA/CAs typically provide recipients with tuition coverage of 8-10 units and a monthly salary (paid semi-monthly and subject to state and federal withholding), requiring 20 hours of work per week. Reduced hours (10 hours per week) may also be available, with salary and tuition benefits adjusted accordingly. TA/CA-ships are offered by individuals who have been allocated the necessary funds to hire a TA/CA. TA/CAs must attend the TA Orientation offered by the Center for Teaching and Learning.
Students who have been offered an assistantship should refer to the ME Graduate Handbook for details on how to get paid.
Top of pageGraduate Student Loans
US citizens and permanent residents can apply for need-based loans. Information regarding student loans and application packets can be obtained by calling the Stanford University Financial Aid Office at (650) 723-3058.
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Through several projects, Professor Mark Cutkosky's Dexterous Manipulation Laboratory is developing sensitive, adaptable mechanical robotic hands that not only grasp but feels whatever it touches. Especially useful for hostile or unstructured environments, these types of devices hold the promise of one day sensing and reacting to real-world conditions in much the same way that human hands do.Visit Lab »
