Graduate Student Support

Funding is a critical element of your graduate studies and research future. Through a combination of NIH training grants, extramural & university fellowships, and teaching & research appointments, the Vision Science Group offers opportunities and resources that will provide 5 years of financial support for students progressing toward a PhD degree.

NIH National Eye Institute Training Grant (T32)

The NIH National Eye Institute Training Grant is a major source of funding for most Vision Science students. In an effort to attract outstanding trainees who will develop independent and productive vision research careers, the Vision Science Program offers funding in the form of the T32 Training Grant. At this time only US Citizens and Permanent Residents are eligible for NIH funding.

• Each pre-doctoral and health profession degree trainee (OD or MD), admitted to the Vision Science program, will participate in a 4-5 year training. Stipend support during the first two years of the PhD program may come from the NIH T32 Training Grant. While not all admitted students are supported by the Training Grant, those students admitted with funding, are guaranteed support for two years.
• During the later years of training, support is provided by other University resources; individual faculty research grants, departmental or university fellowships, foundations, and research assistantships.
• Optometry (OD) and medicine (MD) graduates who are working toward a PhD are supported at the higher post-doctoral stipend level and have opportunities for substantial optometry/medical school loan repayment through the new NIH loan repayment program (LRP). [www.lrp.nih.gov/].

Other NEI-sponsored Clinician Scientist Awards

OD or MD graduate students also qualify for competitive awards from the National Eye Institute (K08, R23, R24); they not only can be used to support years 4 and 5 of the PhD program, but may also be carried forward for the remaining years of the grant as a postdoctoral fellowship or other university position (e.g., faculty position).

Fellowships

In addition to funding available through the Vision Science group, students may apply for extramural & university fellowships. The Graduate Division Fellowships Office administers most fellowships. Acomplete list can be found at www.grad.berkeley.edu/financial/fellowships_office.shtml. Many students may also qualify for National Science Foundation (NSF) fellowships which are available at www.nsf.gov/div/index.jsp?org=DGE.

You are encouraged to seek out fellowships in support of your graduate research. Two great sources to check are the campus' Sponsored Projects Office (SPO) www.spo.berkeley.edu/links/uc.html and Science magazines GrantsNet www.grantsnet.org.

Please be advised that all trainees are expected to meet the formal course and teaching requirements of the Vision Science program to be eligible for continuous support.

There are three broad classes of financial support: University Fellowships, Vision Science Program Funds (see Graduate Student Support), and Teaching and Research Assistantships. These sources together ensure that almost all PhD students in Vision Science receive 5 years of support covering stipend (a minimum of $23,500 in 2004-2005), plus tuition fees, health insurance, and conference travel. Continuous support is contingent on students staying in good academic standing.

Beyond the 3rd year, funding typically comes from research grants held by the professor in whose lab you are working. During your third year you should seek faculty guidance in planning your continued financial support, to insure that sufficient grant funds will be available.

Students are encouraged to apply for University and external fellowships.

There are a large number of financial aid sources administered by the University for graduate students in all programs, including the Berkeley Fellowships for Graduate Students, the Chancellor's Opportunity Predoctoral Fellowships, and the Regents' Intern-Fellowships. In addition, there are various need-based grants, loans, and work-study programs. For these sources of support, you must apply directly to the University (see UCB Aid).

The Vision Science Program currently holds a National Institutes of Health (NIH) Training Grant, which supports pre-doctoral graduate students and those who hold OD, MD, or DVM degrees. Block Grant Fellowships are also available to Vision Science graduate students. These grants are used to support students in the first 2 years of their program.

Graduates with relevant professional health degrees have opportunities for substantial school loan repayment through the new NIH Loan Repayment Programs (LRPs). See LRP to read more about the benefits of this program. All applications for 2008 awards must be submitted by May 1, 2008.

Many graduate students are employed as Graduate Student Instructors(GSI) and/or Graduate Student Researchers (GSR). PhD candidates are required to teach a minimum of two semesters. GSI and GSR appointments can be discussed with your major advisor after acceptance to the Vision Science Program.

Information on student assistantships and employment is available from the Graduate Division.

Contact the Graduate Student Affairs Officer for more information.