Graduate Education
 

Nonresident Doctoral Research

A doctoral student who has completed all requirements except for the dissertation may apply for nonresident thesis research status for financial reasons. Students granted this status pay approximately 15 percent of regular tuition.

Application

Permission to become a nonresident doctoral candidate must be sought from the dean of graduate students. The request form is submitted to the Graduate Students Office at least one month before the start of term (a fee is assessed for late requests). The student’s thesis advisor and the department’s graduate officer must approve the application prior to submission.

Approval can be granted for two successive regular terms in the same academic year. Registration as a nonresident student is not required during the summer. Students must reapply each year for additional terms of nonresident status up to a maximum of six terms. Students must return to regular status to defend and submit their doctoral dissertation.

Eligibility

  • Registered in a doctoral program
  • Completed all degree requirements except for the dissertation
  • In residence as a regular graduate student for at least four regular terms
  • Must have an approved thesis proposal

Privileges of a Nonresident Student

Nonresident students are considered full-time students. They may retain their MIT IDs and are permitted access to the libraries and athletic facilities. They continue to have the same student health plan options as resident students.

However, nonresident students are NOT eligible to:

  • use offices, laboratories, design studios or computer facilities at MIT
  • reside in student housing
  • serve as graduate resident tutors
  • receive financial support from sources administered by the Department of Architecture or processed through any MIT office. This includes fellowships, assistantships, work-study, loans, etc. (In addition, MIT administrative offices cannot accept payment on behalf of nonresident students from an outside sponsor.)
  • accept employment of any kind at MIT

Quick Links
Nonresident Request Form

 
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