Typically, MD students take a Fifth Year between their third year and fourth year. No credit is awarded for taking a Fifth Year for research. For general information about Fifth Year options students can pursue, please visit the Student Handbook:

Funding Overview

External Funding

Students are encouraged to apply for funding from the many excellent national and professional society fellowships available for MD student research project support. Databases and lists for external funding opportunities can be found on the External Funding for Student Research Page.

OSE Funding

MD students who are taking a Fifth Year for research may apply to the OSE for funding towards a student stipend. Student stipends are capped at $30,000 a year for 12 months of full time work ($1250 a month from OSE and $1250 a month from the mentor). Students participate in a rigorous application and review process to be eligible for OSE funding. The OSE does not fund research carried out while students are enrolled at HMS full-time.

  • OSE Funding Amount: $1250/month for up to 12 months of full-time research
  • 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

These guidelines are for students applying for a Fifth Year that starts anytime between June 2025 and February 2026.

HST students should meet with their society advisors for guidance prior to planning a Fifth Year.

By June 1, 2025 submit to scholarsinmedicine@hms.harvard.edu:
  • A Fifth Year Plan Form signed by your Society Advisor. Contact your society administrator for guidance.
One month prior to project start date email the following to scholarsinmedicine@hms.harvard.edu.

Your proposal will be reviewed by OSE faculty. The OSE will notify you if you need to make revisions to your proposal. It may take at least one month (or more) from submission to approval of your funding request.

Expectations

All students who receive HMS funding are required to submit an abstract on their project and are invited to present posters on their projects at the annual Soma Weiss Student Research Day.

OSE awards are not transferable. If your project significantly changes (i.e. scope, mentor, location, duration, etc.) , you need to seek OSE’s approval to continue funding. If there are any changes to your project and you do not inform us, your award may be rescinded.

After Approval

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