The PhD program trains students for careers in research and teaching. In addition to a wide range of courses, the PhD program offers informal but intensive instruction in laboratories and seminars, characterized by close contact between students and their faculty advisors. Biology is one of fourteen home programs in the Biosciences, which span the School of Medicine and the School of Humanities and Sciences.
How to Apply
Application and Deadline
Applications to the Stanford Biology PhD Program must be made through Graduate Admissions. The application for Autumn Quarter 2018 matriculation will be available in mid-September 2017 and it is due on December 1, 2017. All transcripts and supporting documents must be submitted to the address below by the deadline in order for your application to be considered in the review process. In addition to the information below, please review the Graduate Admissions website prior to starting your application. Applications are considered for admission in Autumn Quarter only.
Requirements
- U.S. Bachelor's degree or its foreign equivalent
- Graduate application
- Non-refundable application fee of $125
- Statement of Purpose
- Three Letters of Recommendation (a maximum of six letters will be accepted)
- Transcripts - Unofficial transcripts from all universities and colleges you've attended for one year or more must be uploaded to the online application. If you are selected for an interview, you will be required to mail two official transcripts from each school to the Biosciences Admissions Office.
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
- TOEFL Test of English as a Foreign Language (required for non-native English speakers)
- A current Curriculum Vitae/Resume
General Admissions Information
Applications for the PhD program are processed by the Biosciences Admissions Office, not the Department of Biology. All materials should be uploaded electronically to the online application. If you are selected to interview, please arrange to have official transcripts mailed directly to the Biosciences Admissions Office:
Biosciences PhD Admissions Office
Stanford University
1265 Welch Road, MSOB X1C12
Stanford, CA 94305-5421
Certified electronic transcripts or other official electronic application materials should be sent to biosci@stanford.edu.
Knight-Hennessy Scholars
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program awards up to 100 high-achieving students every year with full funding to pursue a graduate education at Stanford, including the PhD in Biology. To be considered, you must apply to Knight-Hennessy Scholars by September 27, 2017, and separately apply to the Biology department by November 15, 2017.
Application Status
To check the status/activity of your application materials, please log into your application account. There you will find the most current status of all your application materials. You will also be able to send reminders to those recommenders who have not yet submitted their letter of recommendation.
Diversity
We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds to apply to our program. While race and ethnicity are commonly cited in relation to diversity, we recognize that there are many different aspects to identity, including culture, socioeconomic and educational background, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, physical ability, life experiences, hobbies, and interests. Providing this information in the application assists the admissions committee in its goal of creating a diverse class. Please see the websites below for more information and resources.
Biology PhD Program General Info
Inquiries about the PhD in Biology should be directed to biologyadmissions@stanford.edu.
