Biology PhD

The Fall 2027 entry season

Requirements and funding

GRE

Not accepted: scores are not considered

English tests

Minimum TOEFL 100 (iBT) or 5 (new format); IELTS 7. Required if English is not your first language and your college studies were not in English. The Biology department page lists IELTS 6.5 and says IELTS is preferred; MIT's graduate admissions page lists 7. Scores must be from the past two years.

Application fee

$90. Fee waivers for domestic applicants only. The fee cannot be waived for international applicants.

Recommendation letters

3

Funding

All students in good standing are funded. Funding covers international students. MIT's graduate admissions page says all doctoral students receive full tuition and a living stipend.

International applicants

Accepted.

Interviews

Invitations go out by email in mid-January. In-person interviews, required for an offer, take place in February. Travel is covered, with cost-sharing for international students.

Decisions

Decisions are sent after the interviews.

Good to know

At least two letters must be academic.