Financial Assistance
The Department of Biology and Biochemistry
believes that high-quality Graduate studies require a commitment to high-quality
research. As a result our graduate students receive financial support
sufficient to provide a modest standard of living that enables them to make a
full-time commitment to their graduate training. The types of financial support
available to students are listed below. TAs are the main source of support for first year
students, but are available in subsequent years for students not supported by
grant funds. TAs will be provided a salary of $1,900/month (US$22,800 per
year). This level of support is sufficient for international students to obtain
an F1 visa. RAs are the main source of support for students
after their first year in the program. RA support is provided through grants to
the lab the student joins to conduct graduate research. RA support is currently
$1,900/month (US$22,800 per year). Students supported as TAs or RAs are eligible for
tuition fellowships to cover most of their tuition. These fellowships provide
the students with about $5,700/year to pay for their tuition. Mandatory university
fees are not covered. Out-of-state students and international students
are given a waiver of the additional tuition charged to non-residents. All applications submitted for admission to the
Biology and Biochemistry graduate program are reviewed by our Graduate
Recruiting and Admissions Committee. This committee is comprised of a group of
faculty from each division of our department. Once admitted to our program,
accepted applicants are further evaluated for the Presidential/Cullen/Ehrhardt
Fellowships. The criteria for evaluation are as follows: If awarded, the student receives fellowship money for
the first two years. This money is in addition to the monthly stipend and
Graduate Assistant Tuition Fellowship given to all students who are admitted to
our graduate program. This scholarship is awarded to outstanding
students enrolled in our graduate program.
The maximum award is $2,000/year.
Recipients must be residents of the state of Texas and citizens or
permanent residents of the United States.
Students apply annually and the Graduate Recruiting and Admissions Committee selects the students. Most students choose the student health insurance at a
cost of $850/year. In addition, all students supported as TAs and RAs are
eligible to take employee health insurance instead of student health insurance.
One-half of the premium is covered by the University. Insurance for additional
family members can be obtained at additional cost. Houston has a relatively low cost of living
compared to most major US cities and many low cost apartments and houses are
available.Teaching Assistantships (TAs)
Research Assistantships (RAs)
Graduate Assistant Tuition Fellowship (GATF)
Non-resident Tuition Waiver
Presidential/Cullen/Ehrhardt Fellowships
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Scholarship
Medical Insurance
Cost of Living
