The University of Chicago offers need-based, annual child care stipends to eligible PhD student applicants. While not intended to cover all child care expenses, these stipends are intended to help alleviate financial hardship. The summer application will open Friday, May 30.

Application Process

Applications are accepted quarterly. One application per family will be considered. Application deadlines are 5 p.m. CT on the following dates:

  • Summer: June 20, 2025
  • Autumn: October 3, 2025
  • Winter: January 9, 2026
  • Spring: March 27, 2026

Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants are expected to provide information that is true, complete, and given in good faith. Applicants who falsify any information or supporting documentation will be required to pay back the stipend in full, will be deemed ineligible for future stipend awards, and will be referred for area disciplinary action. Students must apply annually and receiving the stipend in a previous academic year does not guarantee future support.

All applications must be submitted via the secure online portal.

Eligibility

One application per family will be considered, and students of any citizenship may apply. Anyone who meets the eligibility criteria below may apply, but applicants with the greatest need will be given preference. Students must apply annually and receiving the stipend previously does not guarantee future support. Child Care Stipend applicants must:

  • Have dependent child(ren) born on or after July 1, 2014;
  • Have gross family income of $100,000 or less (this includes spouse/partner income);
  • Be registered in the quarter in which you receive the stipend, as a full-time UChicago PhD student in good academic standing; and
  • For non-U.S. citizens: Hold valid visa and be eligible to receive income at the time of award.

For security reasons we cannot accept applications via e-mail.

Information for Awardees

Stipend payments are taxable to the recipient, and depending on the student’s immigration status, the University may have a legal obligation to withhold income taxes from the payment and report it. Recipients should consult a tax advisor for an understanding of their reporting obligations to the IRS. In order to receive the stipend, domestic students may be asked to provide copies of the Form W-9 and foreign students may be asked to provide copies of Form W-8, Form UPP-192, I-94 cards, and Form DS-2019. Child care stipends may also affect student loan borrowing eligibility, and awardees should consult Student Loan Administration with questions related to student loans. Stipend recipients who do not provide appropriate documentation when requested will forfeit their awards.

Questions?

Please reach out to Graduate Administrative Services at gradhelp@uchicago.edu