Stipends & Tuition Waivers
Once you are admitted to the BMS (both domestic and international students), you will be appointed as a Graduate Research Assistant. The current BMS stipend is $37,000 annually, as of Fall 2026. In addition to the stipend, all tuition and fees are covered (tuition waiver). The stipend is intended to cover living expenses. All out-of-state USA citizens and permanent residents must file for reclassification as Florida residents if they are eligible.
As a graduate student admitted as a Graduate Research Assistant, you are considered an employee of the University of Florida. As a Graduate Research Assistant you are not required to teach, although some of the senior graduate students do participate in the teaching of basic science courses to the medical students and/or graduate students in order to gain pedagogical experience. While you are a Graduate Research Assistant you are not allowed to seek and hold employment additional employment, except for Reserve or National Guard military duty.
The only part of your total package that is taxable is the money that you are actually paid. Tuition waivers are not considered taxable income. Stipends are paid biweekly as a salary.
During your first two semesters of graduate study your stipend will be paid by the College of Medicine. Beyond that your stipend will be paid from other sources, usually by your mentor’s research grant or one of several NIH training grants. Your Graduate Assistantship will be continued as long as you make satisfactory progress in your courses and research.
Health Insurance
The University of Florida offers GatorCare health insurance to Graduate Assistants. GatorCare is a program created with your health and wellness needs in mind. Designed to promote improved health care access, quality of care and employee health, GatorCare is a consolidated group health insurance plan available to eligible employee groups associated with the University of Florida and its affiliates. Graduate Assistants will pay a $12.00 monthly premium toward individual coverage through payroll deduction. The university will pay the balance of the annual premium.
- GatorGradCare plan information can be found online here: https://gatorcare.org/gatorgradcare/#Plan
- General GatorCare information can be found online here: https://gatorcare.org/