This page details the application process for the graduate program in Biology, including the application timeline, application requirements, and information for international students and students with disabilities.
MIT Graduate Biology is a doctoral program. There is no Masters offered. The average length of time until degree is 5 1/2 to 6 years.
The Biology department also participates in a number of Interdisciplinary and Joint Degree Programs, including the Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience graduate program, the joint MD/PhD program, the Biophysics Certificate program, and the joint program with the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. If you are interested in any these programs, please make sure you explore the different requirements to participate in or apply for these programs.
View Interdisciplinary and Joint Degree Programs
Application timeline
| Deadline | Date |
|---|---|
| Online application opens | October 1 |
| Application Deadline | December 1 |
| Interview invitations sent via email | Mid-January |
| Open House / Interview Dates (by invitation) | February 10 – 12, 2024 February 24 – 26, 2024 |
| Admissions decisions sent | Following interviews |
Application requirements
Application for admission is completed through our online system GradApply. For fullest consideration, it is in your best interest to complete all parts of the application by or before the deadline. Incomplete applications may not be reviewed. A complete application should include:
Academic transcript
Application fee
Letters of recommendation
Standardized tests
Statement of Objectives
Things to note
- If you are applying to more than one department at MIT, you must submit a separate application for each department.
- CVs can be included in your online application in the “Test Scores / Experience” section.
- Wherever possible, use the provided drop-down menu options to ensure that your information is submitted correctly.
- Email will be the primary method of contacting you. Do not change your email address once you have submitted your application, as this will result in a record mismatch.
In-person interviews
In-person interviews are required for an offer of admission to the Biology program. Invitations will be sent out to selected applicants by email in mid-January along with further details about the interview process. The program will cover interview travel expenses, or provide cost-sharing for international students.
Information for international applicants
- We cannot waive the application fee for international applicants.
Non-native English speakers
Fluency in spoken and written English is essential for success in our program. We judge fluency in several ways, including scores from standardized tests.
- The IELTS (preferred), TOEFL, Cambridge English Qualifications C1 Advanced, or Cambridge English Qualifications C2 Proficiency test is required of all applicants whose primary language is not English or who did not complete college education in English
- Test scores: TOEFL (required minimum 600), IELTS (required minimum 6.5), or Cambridge English Qualifications C1 Advanced/C2 Proficiency (required minimum 176)
- Test scores must be from within the past two years
More information about these tests is available on the MIT Graduate Admissions website.
Students with disabilities
MIT is committed to equal access for qualified students. Interested students may contact the MIT Student Disabilities Services office to learn about resources on campus.
Biology Application Assistance Program
The Biology Application Assistance Program (BAAP) is a student-led effort to support MIT Biology applicants and lower the application information gap for applicants from underrepresented or non-traditional backgrounds. If you are a prospective graduate student applying during this application cycle, submit an application to participate in student-led application activities, including office hours and panels with current MIT Biograds, to help you prepare your application before submission. BAAP applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until November 15, 2024. Questions? Email mitbaap@gmail.com or visit the BAAP website to learn more.
Questions and concerns
- Additional information about the application process is available on the Graduate Admissions website.
- For specific questions about the Biology Graduate Program and the application process, contact us by email (gradbio@mit.edu) or phone (617-258-6502).
- For technical questions about the online application site, contact gradapply-email@mit.edu.
Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to respond to requests for updated status of application materials received or to provide feedback about unsuccessful applications.
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