Fifth Year Option Overview

MD students can opt to take a fifth year to dedicate time for research (typically between their third year and fourth year). Please note, no academic credit is awarded for fifth year research.

For more information, visit the Student Handbook:

Funding

External Funding

You are encouraged to apply for a wide range of external fellowships and grants. Explore opportunities on the External Funding for Student Research page. If you plan to apply for external funding, please notify the Program in Medical Education Office of Finance and Administration at least three weeks before your grant submission.

Office of Scholarly Engagement (OSE) Funding

  • OSE offers a limited number of funding awards, with a new application deadline for projects starting between May 2026 and February 2027 (see application and deadline details below). Applications will undergo a rigorous review process.
  • HST students should first consult with their Society Advisors before planning a fifth year.
  • Stipends are capped at $30,000 for 12 months of full-time research ($1,250 per month from OSE and $1,250 per month from your research mentor).
  • For projects less than 12 months duration, there is minimal funding available.
  • Matching funding expectation: Students are responsible for securing matching funding from their mentors or an external funding source. Mentors should acknowledge their funding contribution in the Mentor Agreement Form. Mentors pay their funding contribution directly to the student. If your mentor is unable to provide matching funding, please mention this in your OSE funding proposal.

Application and Deadlines

Deadline: February 1, 2026, 6 p.m. (no late applications accepted) for students who will start their fifth year between May 2026 and February 2027. There is no longer a rolling deadline.

Steps:

All applications are reviewed by a committee of OSE faculty. You may be asked to revise your proposal.

Funding Decisions:
  • Notifications will be sent in early March 2026
  • You must accept the OSE funding offer within 7 days of the award letter date

Once accepted, an award letter will be sent to you with a payment schedule for your OSE funding. Funding is disbursed in two installments, the first at the beginning of your project and the second midway through your project.

Expectations & Requirements

  • All HMS-funded students must submit an abstract on their funded project and are invited to present a poster at the annual Soma Weiss Student Research Day.
  • OSE awards are non-transferable. Significant project changes (scope, mentor, location, duration) require OSE approval for continued funding. If there are any changes to your project and you do not inform OSE, your award may be rescinded.