Childcare Subsidy Program for Graduate Students

Boston University is proud to continue our childcare subsidy program for graduate students on both the Charles River and Medical Campuses. This program is available to PhD students and other graduate students receiving full-time stipend support who are within their funding guarantee and who meet the below eligibility criteria.

Eligible students will be able to apply once per academic year for the following awards per child:

  • $3,658 per child per year for children ages 0-5 years old;
    • If a child’s 6th birthday falls after September 1, 2026, they are eligible to receive this subsidy.
    • This amount will increase annually by 4.5% each September.
  • $2,000 per child per year for children ages 6-10 years old;
  • $2,000 per child per year for disabled children ages 10-18.

Timeline & Process:
The 2026 childcare subsidy application has closed. The application will reopen in spring 2027.

  • Beginning in spring 2027, applicants will apply by completing the Qualtrics survey linked in the official email announcement and provided below.
  • The application will remain open with a rolling deadline until the end of the spring semester.
  • Applicants will be notified of a decision via email, with funds disbursed via direct deposit.

Application:
Please apply by completing the secure Qualtrics survey available below. Please complete only the sections pertaining to the childcare subsidy application.

Secure Qualtrics survey: Forthcoming for spring 2027.

We will accept additional applications on a rolling basis until the end of spring 2027.

Eligibility:

  • You must be a full-time PhD student or graduate student receiving a full-time stipend, be within your funding guarantee, and be in good academic standing at Boston University;
  • Your 2026 combined household modified adjusted gross income must be $100,000 or less. Modified adjusted gross income is your household’s adjusted gross income with any tax-exempt interest income added back;
  • If both parents are Graduate Workers at Boston University, only one application per family may be submitted;
  • International Students in F-1 and J-1 non-immigrant status are eligible to apply.

Please be aware of the following if your application is accepted and you receive the subsidy:

  • Childcare stipends may affect student loan borrowing eligibility
    • We recommend connecting with your respective schools/colleges’ financial aid office for further consultation.
  • Childcare stipends may be considered taxable income.