mit biology phd stipend

RA and TA Salary Levels and Health Insurance Rates

The  collective bargaining agreement  between MIT and the MIT Graduate Student Union (GSU) establishes wages, hours, benefits, and conditions of employment for all graduate students enrolled in MIT degree programs who are employed to provide instructional or research services, including:

• Research assistants
• Teaching assistants
• Instructor Gs

The collective bargaining agreement excludes undergraduate students, graduate student resident advisors, and graduate fellows who are not also employed as research assistants or teaching assistants.

Graduate Student Appointment Policies: Oct 3, 2023  provides detailed information related to research assistant appointments, effort, and  tuition subsidy .

Salary Rates

Current and future research assistant (RA), teaching assistant (TA) and instructor G (IG) salary rates are listed in Appendix 1 (page 58) of the  collective bargaining agreement  between the MIT GSU and MIT.

Health Insurance Rates

Current health insurance rates for the  Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP)  are maintained by MIT Health.  

Updated April 10, 2024

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Past Webinars:

• Wednesday, November 15, 2023, 12:00 -2:00 PM EST 2023 MIT Virtual Graduate Fair. 
• Friday, November 17, 2023 1:30 -2:30 PM EST CSB Virtual Webinar.

Thank you so much to all who attended the webinars! Please review the recorded video and slides from our Webinar on November 17th HERE

How to Apply to the Computational & Systems Biology PhD Program

Applications are submitted online at  Computational & Systems Biology (CSB) PhD Program . October 1 st  through December 1 st 

MIT Computational and Systems Biology Graduate Admissions Statement

March 26, 2020

In response to the challenges of teaching, learning, and assessing academic performance during the global COVID-19 pandemic, MIT has adopted the following principle: MIT’s admissions committees and offices for graduate and professional schools will take the significant disruptions of the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020 into account when reviewing students’ transcripts and other admissions materials as part of their regular practice of performing individualized, holistic reviews of each applicant.

In particular, as we review applications now and in the future, we will respect decisions regarding the adoption of Pass/No Record (or Credit/No Credit or Pass/Fail) and other grading options during the unprecedented period of COVID-19 disruptions, whether those decisions were made by institutions or by individual students. We also expect that the individual experiences of applicants will richly inform applications and, as such, they will be considered with the entirety of a student’s record.

Ultimately, even in these challenging times, our goal remains to form graduate student cohorts that are collectively excellent and composed of outstanding individuals who will challenge and support one another. 

Questions or concerns about this statement should be directed to [email protected]

Please note: You will be asked to attach a scanned (PDF) copy of your transcript(s) and (for international applicants), your IELTS or TOEFL exam document. These scanned documents are considered unofficial , but sufficient for review by the graduate committee. Please have these documents prepared before beginning the application. Email will be the primary method of contacting you, please do not change your email address once you have submitted your application as this will result in a record mismatch.

Application Deadline: December 1st . For fullest consideration, it is in your best interest to complete ALL parts of the application including attaching transcript(s), all evaluation letters, and the application fee, by or before the deadline of December 1st. Incomplete applications may not be reviewed. The scanned and attached unofficial copies of your transcript(s) and IELTS/IELTS scores can be used for review purposes, but official documents will be required before a positive admissions decision can be made. You can check the status of your application (complete or missing materials) online by logging into your application. 

2025 Open House Interview Day Dates:

Open House #1 Friday, February 7, 2025

Open House #2   Thursday February 13, 2025

Three letters of recommendation (at least two must be academic recommendations if you are still in school). We require that all recommendations be submitted electronically, using this system. Use Evaluations and then Letter Status to ask for electronic recommendations and to check whether recommendations have arrived. You must e-mail your recommenders the instructions shown in Letter Status . You can check the status of your application (complete or missing materials) online by logging into your application. Students may have up to 6 letters of recommendation.

Please Note: When a drop-down menu is provided for input fields, please use them as much as possible. Because your information needs to be transmitted to multiple databases, if an item is manually input instead of selected from the drop-down menu and it causes a mismatch, that can prevent the application form being properly transmitted. For example: When indicating your major, if you do not see your major included in the drop-down menu, choose the closest major from the list provided. You can always provide information specific to your major in your personal statement.

Academic Transcript : Only one official transcript from each school is required. If you are invited to interview, please have the Registrar’s Office of each college or university you have attended mail your official transcripts to:

Computational & Systems Biology (CSB) PhD Program Building 68-120C Massachusetts Institute of Technology 77 Massachusetts Avenue Cambridge, MA 02139 USA

Photocopies of transcripts will not be accepted as official documents.

The Subjects Taken Page is optional only if you have attached a PDF of your transcript. Attaching your transcript is strongly preferred for the completion of your application. If no transcript has been attached, this page must be filled in to complete your application and you must follow up with an official transcript sent to the address indicated on the Overview/Help page. Please complete the subjects taken in the following order: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Math, Engineering/Other Sciences. All other sections are required. We generally do not review CVs as the information can be included in your online application.

The Computational and Systems Biology PhD program does not use the GRE test in our admission process.

Additional Requirements for International Students Only English language proficiency test scores are required of all applicants whose primary language is not English. Test scores must be from within the past two years. Registration information is available at IELTS , IELTS Indicator or TOEFL .  The MIT code is 3514, there is no additional code for our interdepartmental program.

• IELTS or IELTS Indicator - Minimum score required: 7 or higher.
• TOEFL- Minimum score required: PBT: 600, CBT: 250, iBT: 100 or higher

English Proficiency Exam Waivers: Waivers are automatic in the online system for  International students who have received instruction in English in their primary and secondary schools, or students who have been in the United States for four years or longer, or who have or will receive a degree from a US institution or an international English speaking institution are eligible for an automatic English proficiency exam waiver within the online system. 

Submitting Adjunct Application Materials Scanned PDF transcripts and IELTS and TOEFL scores are considered unofficial documents but are sufficient for review purposes. Official documents are required before an admissions decision can be made. Please have your scores electronically transmitted to MIT Admissions and mail official copies of your transcript(s) to:

Please address questions about Computational & Systems Biology (CSB) and the application process to [email protected] . Please send technical questions about the application web site to [email protected] . You can find more general information about MIT graduate admissions here .

Admissions The Graduate Admissions Committee reviews all completed applications and invitations to interview are generally sent early-to-mid January. Two Open House/Interview Days are scheduled usually mid-February to early March. Offers of admissions are generally sent after the second Open House/Interview Day.

Financial Support Students admitted to the program are considered for full support for their graduate studies, independent of personal resources or citizenship. Financial support may take the form of a research assistantship, fellowship or training grant. An appointment of this type includes full tuition, full health insurance, as well as a generous stipend/salary for living in the Cambridge area.

Students with Special Needs

The CSB Program encourages individuals with disabilities to apply to our program. Interested students may contact the MIT Student Disabilities Services office to learn about the many resources available on the MIT campus to support students with disabilities.

Privacy Policy MIT is committed to protecting the individual privacy of applicants and students by restricting the use of all collected information as specified by Institute policies. In accordance with these policies, the information in your application may be used by MIT officials only for appropriate administrative and research purposes.

This site uses cookies to maintain a session identifier while you are actively using the site, but does not use cookies for any other purpose.

The software we use to process credit card payments uses secure encryption technology (SSL) to reduce the possibility of theft, manipulation, and other alteration of information that you provide to us.

Any changes to our policy will be posted on this page. If you have questions or concerns about this policy, please send email to [email protected] .

MIT and the Computational and Systems Biology PhD Program are committed to the principle of equal opportunity for students with disabilities. Our objective is to ensure that qualified students with disabilities receive equal access to all of the Institute's programs, activities, and services.

Q: When will applicants be notified of the status of their application?

A: All applications will be notified in mid-January on the status of their application.

Q: Can I obtain a Master's Degree in your program?

A: No, the CSB Ph.D. program is strictly a Ph.D. program

Q. Can I take classes online?

A. No, all required courses must be taken in person.

Q. Do I need to contact MIT Faculty before applying?

A. No, it is not necessary to contact MIT faculty before applying to the CSB PhD Program

Q. Can I apply to multiple MIT departments/programs?

A. Yes,  you may apply to more than one MIT Department or program. A fee is required for each application submitted

Q. Are students financially supported in the program?

A. Yes, all admitted students are fully supported ( stipend/ full tuition/full single health insurance). Students are fully supported as long as they continue to make satisfactory progress in the program.

Please also see our FAQ page

Do you have a question? Email [email protected]  

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PhD Application Process & Ideal Candidate

How does the admissions process work.

Applications are reviewed after the submission deadline. Top applicants are then selected and invited to visit the department to interview with the faculty and meet current graduate students. Our visit weekend is in early March. Our visit weekend is structured to allow applicants to hear about the BE program & faculty research areas, meet our current students, and see their work. Additionally, prospective students will get the opportunity to present some of their own undergraduate research and participate in faculty interviews as well as get a feel of the BE and MIT community.

What are the minimum requirements?

Minimum requirements to qualify for the visitation weekend vary every year with the applicant pool. The BE department is interested in applicants who have excelled in their previous research and academic endeavors, and who bring a diversity of thought and experience to our student body. A strong applicant has a demonstrated interest and excitement for research, an academic grounding in the quantitative and life sciences, and enthusiastic support from previous mentors. Applicants should be able to identify faculty within BE whose research aligns with their scientific interests. We do not require that students have had a certain undergraduate major to apply to BE. We encourage students with a science, math, or engineering background to apply. We recommend that students include both biochemistry and cell biology in their undergraduate curriculums, or demonstrate familiarity with these disciplines through their previous research experiences.

What are the program requirements and admissions process?

Please see the Graduate Application page .

What is BEAAP?

BEAAP is a department-supported, student-run application assistance program that pairs students applying to MIT BE with a graduate student mentor. BEAAP aims to assist underrepresented applicants who may need additional support during the application process. Mentors can answer questions about BE and MIT and provide feedback on application materials. If you are interested in participating in BEAAP, check out the Application Assistance Program page for the interest form and more details.

Who is eligible to participate in BEAAP?

BEAAP is intended to support applicants who may not have had the same opportunities and support in the graduate admission process as other students. This includes, but is not limited to: – Students from groups traditionally underrepresented in STEM – Students with non-traditional academic backgrounds – Students from lesser-known academic institutions Only students applying for BE’s PhD program for the current admissions cycle are eligible to participate in BEAAP.

Who should write my reference letters?

The admissions committee is looking for students with demonstrated excitement for and experience in research, a strong background in the quantitative and life sciences, and a diversity of thought and experience. Letter writers should be able to speak to those traits, with strong emphasis on research experience. Reference letters may also include complementary material to your application (e.g. lack of life science coursework on the transcript can be complemented by a strong reference letter describing your research experience in a life sciences lab). Writers that know you well and can speak to your potential for success in our program will provide particularly strong references.

Are you looking for a specific profile for your applicants? What is the ideal candidate?

A strong applicant is one that has shown a demonstrated interest and excitement for research, an academic grounding in the quantitative and life sciences, and enthusiastic support from previous mentors.

What are your selection criteria?

Please see the Graduate Application page

How can I improve my application?

How much emphasis is placed on research/grades/scores/publications.

We consider each application holistically, taking into consideration all aspects of the application and how it fits with the BE department’s mission.

Who do I contact with questions about applying?

If you have specific questions about the application process, please contact the BE Academic Office at [email protected] . If you have questions about BEAAP or receiving application assistance, please contact [email protected] . The Department of Biological Engineering has a Communication Lab that provides resources and tips that can help create effective presentations and writing. They also have advice about writing a successful personal statement .

Applicant Background & Education

Is my background suitable.

We do not require students to have had a certain undergraduate major to apply to BE. We do encourage students with a science, math, or engineering background to apply.

Do I have sufficient background in research?

Do i need to have published something to be able to apply.

No, but in order for an application to be competive, the applicant needs to demonstrate an aptitude for research. If invited to attend the Visit Weekend in March, the applicant will present a poster on a research topic of their choice.

What classes do I need to take to apply?

We recommend that students include both biochemistry and cell biology in their undergraduate curriculums, or demonstrate familiarity with these disciplines through their previous research experiences.

What educational background do you need to apply? Do you need a science or engineering degree to apply?

Do you accept applications from students whose degree was in math, physics, computer programming, do you accept applications from international students and foreign universities, do you need a masters degree to apply, applicant scores & gpa requirements, what ielts score is required.

The minimum IELTS score we accept is an overall score of a 7. We do not accept the TOEFL exam.

Do you accept the TOEFL in place of the IELTS?

Can the ielts be waived do i need to take it i am from (country), i have a masters from… i have a bachelors from….

The IELTS is waived for applicants who are citizens of Australia, Canada, India, Ireland, New Zealand, Nigeria, Singapore, or the United Kingdom, or for applicants who have or will earn a BS degree at a US university.

My IELTS is out of date. Can I use it anyway?

The IELTS needs to be current.

Are GREs required or recommended?

What is the minimum gpa i need to be able to apply.

There is no minimum GPA required to be able to apply. The pool of applicants typically has an average GPA of 3.8-3.9 out of 4.0.

What was the average GPA of last year’s applicants?

The pool of applicants typically has an average GPA of 3.8-3.9 out of 4.0.

Deadline & Application Requirements

What is the application deadline for the ph.d. program.

Applications to the department close on December 15th, at 11:59 PM.

When is the deadline to submit IELTS scores? Reference letter? Can they be submitted after 12/15?

It is strongly recommended that all parts of the application are uploaded by the December 15th deadline. Please be aware that your application will not be reviewed until it is complete.

Do I need to send in an official copy of my transcript or IELTS?

A scanned copy is sufficient for review purposes. If you are invited to attend our Visit Weekend in March, you will need to submit an official copy before your visit.

Are there any guidelines for the Statement of Objectives? Any length or page restriction?

There are no specific guidelines but an understanding of the BE department’s mission and a demonstrated interest and excitement for research would be helpful. The average length is between 1-3 pages.

Application Decision

When will decisions go out.

The decisions will go out by late January or early February.

What is the status of my application?

You can check your status online. If your application is complete, then you can consider your application under review. Decisions will go out by late January or early February.

Is it possible to receive feedback on why I was not admitted?

I was not admitted but plan to apply again next year. what can i do to improve my application.

If there are significant changes to your application from the prior year, then you may apply again.

Funding & Grad Life

What is the typical length of a ph.d. in the mit be department.

The average length of a BE Ph.D is 5.5 years.

Can I choose to be advised by a faculty member outside of the BE department?

Students may choose to be co-advised by faculty outside of the department, but all BE students must also be co-advised by a BE faculty member.

Should I reach out to advisors before applying? How does advisor selection work?

The choice of research advisor is made at the end of the first semester of study. The department gives graduate students time to find an advisor that best matches the student’s research interests. Included in this process are research presentations by each faculty member as well as informal rotations, if desired.   Contacting faculty or potential advisors before applying does not give an advantage to your application. However, if you have specific questions for particular faculty members, you can contact them.

How many courses will I take?

The program requires 6 subjects, though more may be taken at the suggestion of the student’s advisor. See Ph.D. Course Requirements for more info.

What about funding?

All MIT Biological Engineering PhD students are fully funded for tuition, health insurance, and a stipend either through a Research Assistantship, Teaching Assistantship or a fellowship. Until advisor selection at the end of the first semester, students are supported by a departmental fellowship. After this period, the selected advisor provides support through appropriate research accounts. The Graduate Student Council at MIT tracks average stipend levels across departments (Note: the stipend is paid in addition to tuition and health insurance). For more detailed information regarding the cost of attendance, including specific costs for tuition and fees, books and supplies, housing and food as well as transportation, please visit the SFS website .

How livable is the stipend in the Cambridge/Boston area?

Most students find the stipend to be sufficient for their expenses. The Department assesses the stipend annually to address inflation and the cost of living in the area. The stipend is only intended to support one person, but there are students who support spouses and/or families on the stipend. The greater Boston area has a high cost of living. The Graduate Student Council at MIT surveyed students and composed a cost of living analysis , but individual expenses vary. For instance, students with loans would need to incorporate those costs into their budget.

What careers are possible with an MIT BE Ph.D.?

Graduates of the BE PhD program have gone on to a wide range of careers. Many of our alumni go on to academia or the biotech/pharmaceutical industry, however many also enter the fields of consulting, venture capital, and government research.

How do I learn more about BE graduate students?

To learn more about our graduate students, visit the Graduate Life page or visit the BE Graduate Board website . At the visit weekend, prospective students will have the opportunity to meet and ask questions of current graduate students.

Do you accept transfer credit?

In a very few specific instances transfer credit has been accepted.

Do you accept spring entry?

Do you offer a phd in biomedical engineering, can i apply to the masters program if i am not an mit student, i am applying to more than one mit graduate program. do i need to submit separate applications, can application materials (transcripts, reference letters, etc.) be shared between departments.

MIT Department of Biological Engineering

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Graduate Student FAQs

What is the application deadline for the ph.d. program.

Applications to the department close on December 15th, at 11:59 PM.

How does the admissions process work?

Applications are reviewed after the submission deadline. Top applicants are then selected and invited to visit the department to interview with the faculty and meet current graduate students. Our visit weekend is March 13th and 14th, 2015.

Our visit weekend is structured to allow applicants to hear about the BE program & faculty research areas, meet our current students, and see their work. Additionally, prospective students will get the opportunity to present some of their own undergraduate research and participate in faculty interviews as well as get a feel of the BE and MIT community.

What are the minimum requirements?

Students are encouraged to include both biochemistry and cell biology in their undergraduate curriculums. Minimum requirements to qualify for the visitation weekend vary every year with the applicant pool, however, one can expect cutoffs around:

GRE Quantitative: 160

GRE Verbal: 156

GPA: 3.8/4.0  

Am I required to have had a certain major as an undergraduate to become a BE graduate student?

Those with a science, math, or engineering background are encouraged to apply. This includes those with experience in:

• Aero/astronautical engineering
• Computer science
• Mathematics
• Other engineering & science including biology

What is the typical length of a Ph.D. in the MIT BE department?

The average length of a BE Ph.D is 5.5 years.

Can I choose to be advised by a faculty member outside of the BE department?

Students may choose to be co-advised by faculty outside of the department, but all BE students must also be co-advised by a BE faculty member.

Should I reach out to advisors before applying? How does advisor selection work?

The choice of research advisor is made at the end of the first semester of study. The department gives graduate students time to find an advisor that best matches the student’s research interests. Included in this process are research presentations by each faculty member as well as informal rotations, if desired.

What about funding?

All MIT Biological Engineering Ph.D. students are fully funded for tuition, health insurance, and stipend. Before advisor selection at the end of the first semester, students are placed on a departmental fellowship. After this period, the selected advisor generally handles funding.

How livable is the stipend in the Cambridge/Boston area?

Students find the stipend to be quite livable despite the cost of living in the area.

What careers are possible with an MIT BE Ph.D.?

Graduates of the BE PhD program have gone on to a wide range of careers. Many of our alumni go on to academia or the biotech/pharmaceutical industry, however many also enter the fileds of consulting, venture capital, and government research.

How many courses will I take?

The program generally requires between 7-9 subjects. See Ph.D. Course Requirements for more info.

• Application Process & Candidate Qualifications
• Applicant Background & Education
• Applicant Scores & GPA Requirements
• Deadline & Application Requirements
• Application Decision
• Funding & Grad Life

Applications are reviewed after the submission deadline. Top applicants are selected and invited to visit the department to learn about the program, interview with the faculty, and meet current graduate students. Our visit weekend is in early March. Admissions offers are made following the visit weekend.

Our visit weekend is structured to allow applicants to hear about the BE program & faculty research areas, meet our current students, see their work, and get a feel for the BE and MIT community. During the visit, prospective students also have the opportunity to present some of their own undergraduate research and interview directly with faculty.

What are the program requirements and admissions process?

Please see the Graduate Application page, located here: http://be.mit.edu/academic-programs/prospective-grad/graduate-application

What are the admission requirements?

Given the limited capacity of our program, invitations to interview are made on a competitive basis each year to the most qualified 30-40 applicants. The most competitive applicants have strong interest and academic grounding in both biology and a quantitative subject, have excelled in their previous research and academic endeavors, bring a diversity of thought and experience to our student body, and plan careers related to biological engineering.

Applications are read closely for demonstrated interest and excitement for research and enthusiastic support from previous mentors knowledgeable about PhD-level training. Applicants should be able to explain how they identified faculty within BE whose research aligns with their scientific interests.

BE does not limit admissions offers to those holding certain types of undergraduate degrees. We encourage students with biological science, physical science, math, or engineering backgrounds to apply. We recommend that students include biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, and advanced mathematics including differential equations, linear algebra, statistics, computer science, and data science courses in their undergraduate curriculums and demonstrate facility with these disciplines through their previous research experiences.

How is the COVID pandemic impacting admissions?

MIT's admissions committees and offices for graduate and professional schools will take the significant disruptions of the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020 into account when reviewing students' transcripts and other admissions materials as part of their regular practice of performing individualized, holistic reviews of each applicant.

See MIT's Special Notice of March 26, 2020 at: https://gradadmissions.mit.edu/applications

What is BEAAP?

BEAAP is the BE Application Assistance Program, a department-supported, student-run application assistance program that pairs students applying to MIT BE with a mentor who is a graduate student currently in the program. BEAAP aims to assist applicants who may benefit from additional support during the application process. Mentors can answer questions about BE and MIT and provide feedback on application materials. If you are interested in participating in BEAAP, check out the Application Assistance Program page for the interest form and more details.

Who is eligible to participate in BEAAP?

BEAAP is intended to support applicants who may not have had the same opportunities and support in preparing for the graduate admission process as others. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Applicants from lesser-known academic institutions with fewer or no alumni who experienced our program or other programs at MIT
• First generation college students
• Applicants who have experienced financial or other specific disadvantages
• Applicants with non-traditional academic backgrounds
• Only applicants for BE's PhD program for the current admissions cycle are eligible to participate in BEAAP

Who should write my reference letters?

The admissions committee is looking for students with demonstrated excitement for and experience in research, a strong background in the quantitative and life sciences, and a diversity of thought and experience. Writers who know you well from research-related interactions and have substantial experience mentoring PhD students can best speak to your potential for success in our program and a BE-related career. Other reference letters may also be included. Reference letters may also emphasize applicants’ qualifications for admission to BE that do not appear on their academic transcripts and provide contextual information that helps the admissions committee better understand the institutions and programs where applicants received training.

Are you looking for a specific profile for your applicants? What is the "ideal" candidate?

BE has not defined an “ideal” applicant profile.  In past years, the strongest group of applicants represent a wide range of academic backgrounds, research interests, and personal experiences. All strong applications detail a demonstrated interest and excitement for research in Biological Engineering, academic grounding in the quantitative and life sciences, and enthusiastic support from previous mentors.

What are your selection criteria?

How can i improve my application.

Ensure your academic record and extracurricular experience demonstrate strong training, ability/experience, and interest in both biology and quantitative science.  Work closely with your letter writers well in advance of deadlines to ensure they understand the major aspects of MIT BE and our evaluation process. Get feedback on your application materials from people familiar with PhD applications in general and MIT BE in particular (ie from your academic mentors, letter writers, BEAAP, and others).

How much emphasis is placed on research/grades/scores/publications?

We consider each application holistically, taking into consideration all aspects of the application and how it fits with the BE department's mission. Academic performance and research experience are examined closely within the full context of each individual application.

Who do I contact with questions about applying?

If you have specific questions about the application process, please contact the BE Academic Office at [email protected] . If you have questions about BEAAP or receiving application assistance, please contact [email protected] .

The Department of Biological Engineering has a Communication Lab that provides resources and tips that can help create effective presentations and writing. They also have advice about writing successful personal statements (in general, not specifically for MIT BE PhD applications) on their website .

Is my background suitable?

We do not require students to have had a certain undergraduate major to apply to BE. We encourage students with biological science, physical science, math, or engineering backgrounds to apply.  All applicants need solid grounding and interest in both a quantitative subject and a life science subject.

Do I have sufficient background in research?

A strong applicant is one that has shown a demonstrated interest and excitement for research, took advantage of available opportunities to gain research experience in line with these interests, an academic grounding in the quantitative and life sciences, and enthusiastic support from previous mentors.

Do I need to have published something to be able to apply?

No. However, competitive applicants demonstrate an aptitude for research in some way, most often through research experience that did not lead to publications or for which publications are pending.  If invited to attend the Visit Weekend in March, the applicant will present a poster on a research topic of their choice.

What classes do I need to take to apply?

We recommend that students include biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, and advanced mathematics including differential equations, linear algebra, statistics, computer science, and data science courses in their undergraduate curriculums and demonstrate facility with these disciplines through their previous research experiences.

What educational background do you need to apply? Do you need a science or engineering degree to apply?

We do not require students to have had a certain undergraduate major to apply to BE, although most admits did have science or engineering majors. We encourage students with biological science, physical science, math, or engineering backgrounds to apply.

Do you accept applications from students whose degree was in Math/Physics/Computer Programming...?

Do you accept applications from international students/foreign universities, do you need a masters degree to apply, what toefl/ielts score is required.

The minimum IELTS score we accept is an overall score of a 7.  We do not accept the TOEFL exam.

Do you accept the TOEFL in place of the IELTS?

Can the toefl/ielts be waived/do i need to take it i am from (country), i have a masters from…i have a bachelors from….

The IELTS is waived for applicants who are citizens of Australia, Canada, India, Ireland, New Zealand, Nigeria, Singapore, or the United Kingdom, or for applicants who have or will earn a BS degree at a US university.

My IELTS is out of date. Can I use it anyway?

The IELTS needs to be current.

Are GREs required or recommended?

What is the minimum gpa i need to be able to apply.

No minimum GPA required. However, because admission is extremely competitive, essentially all applicants receiving an interview invitation have a GPA in the A range (>3.6 on an A = 4.0 scale), with most invitees having GPAs towards the upper end of that range.

What was the average GPA of applicants invited to interview in recent years?

From 2019-2022 the median GPA of interviewees was 3.94 (on an A = 4.0 scale). 

Applications to the BE department close on December 15th, at 11:59 PM.

When is the deadline to submit IELTS scores? Reference letter? Can they be submitted after 12/15?

It is strongly recommended that all parts of the application are uploaded by the December 15th deadline.  Please be aware that your application will not be reviewed until it is complete.

Do I need to send in an official copy of my transcript or IELTS?

A scanned copy is sufficient for review purposes.  If you are invited to attend our Visit Weekend in March, you will need to submit an official copy before your visit.

Are there any guidelines for the Statement of Objectives? Any length/page restriction?

No specific format is required for the Statement, which is a free-form opportunity to introduce yourself in writing to the admissions committee, explain your interest in Biological Engineering at MIT, and contextualize other application components including your academic record, research experience, personal experience, and letters of recommendation. The admissions committee wants to hear why PhD-level training in Biological Engineering under the mentorship of MIT BE faculty is right for you, which research groups you may be interested in joining, how you have prepared to receive PhD training, and how this training may power your aspirations for the future. Most statements received are between 1 and 3 pages in length or 500 to 1500 words.

When will decisions go out?

Interview invitations go out asynchronously in January and early February. Admission offers are released after the visit weekend.

What is the status of my application?

You can check your status online.  If your application is complete, then you can consider your application under review.  Interview invitations go out asynchronously in January and early February.

Is it possible to receive feedback on why I was not admitted?

I was not admitted but plan to apply again next year. what can i do to improve my application/chances.

Re-application is allowed and advisable in cases where significant changes to your application may increase its competitiveness.

The average duration of study to earn a PhD in BE at MIT is 5.5 years.

Students may choose to be co-advised by faculty outside of the department, but all BE students must match with a BE faculty member.

The choice of research advisor is made at the end of the first semester of study. BE faculty recruiting students give research presentations, and new graduate students spend fall term meeting with faculty and completing optional research rotations to find an advisor that best matches the student’s research interests.

Contacting faculty may help you decide whether to apply but does not give your application an advantage or assure an advising match.

The program requires 6 subjects, though more may be taken in agreement with the student's advisor. See PhD Course Requirements for more info.

All MIT Biological Engineering PhD students are fully funded for tuition, health insurance, and a stipend either through a Research Assistantship, Teaching Assistantship or a fellowship. Until advisor selection at the end of the first semester, students are supported by a departmental fellowship. After this period, the selected advisor provides support through appropriate research accounts. Students who receive external fellowships may have an augmented stipend consistent with department and institutional policies.

The Graduate Student Council at MIT tracks stipend levels across departments (Note: the stipend is paid in addition to tuition and health insurance).

For more detailed information regarding the cost of attendance, including specific costs for tuition and fees, books and supplies, housing and food as well as transportation, please visit the MIT Student Financial Services website.

Most students find the stipend to be sufficient for their expenses. The Department assesses the stipend annually to address inflation and the cost of living in the area.

The stipend is only intended to support one person, but there are students who support spouses and/or families on the stipend. The greater Boston area has a high cost of living. The Graduate Student Council at MIT surveyed students and composed a cost of living analysis, but individual expenses vary. For instance, students with debt service obligations would need to incorporate those costs into their budget.

Graduates of the BE PhD program have gone on to a wide range of careers. Many of our alumni go on to academia or the biotech/pharmaceutical industry, however many also enter government, finance/venture investing, and the law.

How do I learn more about BE graduate students?

To learn more about our graduate students, visit the BE Graduate Life page or visit the BE Graduate Board website.

At the visit weekend, prospective students will have the opportunity to meet and ask questions of current graduate students.

Do you accept transfer credit?

In specific rare circumstances transfer credit for a limited set of electives has been accepted.

Do you accept spring entry?

Do you offer a phd in biomedical engineering, can i apply to the master's program if i am not an mit student.

No. There is no Master’s program for non-MIT students.

I am applying to more than one MIT graduate program. Do I need to submit separate applications?

Is it to my advantage to disclose other programs i am applying to at mit and beyond in my mit be phd application.

Yes.  Many students apply concurrently to multiple programs, including multiple programs at MIT.  BE recommends that applicants indicate all the programs they are applying to on their BE application to maximize their chances for a successful match.

Can application materials (transcripts, reference letters, etc.) be shared between departments?

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• Universities /

PhD Biology Program from MIT: Acceptance Rate, Application, Stipend and Ranking

• Updated on  
• Feb 29, 2024

MIT University is the world’s top university, known for its excellence in the fields of engineering, technology, and science. Currently ranking at #1 globally , the institute offers top-notch education up to doctoral levels. It also offers general and specialist degrees in these disciplines, such as the MIT PhD Biology program. But how competitive is it? What are the requirements, deadlines, and benefits of being a doctoral student at MIT? In this blog, we will answer these questions and more, as we explore the acceptance rate, application process, stipend, and ranking of MIT’s PhD biology program. Read on to know more!

This Blog Includes:

Mit phd biology program: overview, mit phd biology program: ranking, mit phd biology program: acceptance rate, mit phd biology program: stipend, entry requirements, important dates, documents required.

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Department of Biology offers a PhD program in Biology, allowing students to pursue research in various areas within the broad field. The program is designed to train students to become independent researchers who can significantly contribute to the field.

The program offers a strong foundation in the fundamentals of biology, and the opportunity to specialise in a particular area of research. Students have the opportunity to work with world-renowned faculty members on cutting-edge research projects.

Here’s an overview of the different specializations offered by the program:

• Biochemistry
• Cell Biology
• Developmental Biology
• Computational and Systems Biology
• Cancer Biology
• Molecular Medicine
• Neuroscience

Also Read: PhD at Columbia University: Courses Overview, Tuition Fees and Duration

Similar to the institute, the MIT PhD Biology program has also maintained its international reputation. The graduate research program has stood at #2 from 2017-2023 according to QS World University Rankings by Subject. Other frameworks like the National Academy of Sciences and US News and World Report place the program in the top 5 on a national level.

Due to its world-class reputation, the acceptance rate of MIT’s PhD Biology program is also low, ranging from 10-15% . This indicates the competitive nature of the program, admitting only a handful of students every year. So aspiring applicants need to have a very strong academic background to secure a spot in this prestigious institute.

The stipend offered by the MIT PhD Biology program varies with the type of appointment, such as research assistantship (RA), teaching assistantship (TA), or fellowship. According to the MIT Office of Graduate Education, the monthly stipend rates for the academic year 2023-2024 are as follows:

These rates are based on a 12-month appointment and include full tuition coverage and individual health insurance. The annual stipend ranges from USD 43,787 – 49,062 , and departments have the freedom to set higher rates that are in line with their funding policies. Additionally, students can apply for external fellowships from various organizations that offer different stipend amounts and benefits.

Also Read: PhD in Chemistry at Edinburgh University: Entry Requirements, Cost, Application Process

Here are the entry requirements for international students applying to the MIT PhD Biology program:

• A Master’s degree in Biology or a closely related field from an accredited university.
•  Consistently high GPA throughout undergraduate and graduate studies.
• 3 strong letters of recommendation from professors familiar with your academic work and research experience.
• The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required for the Biology PhD program.
• Proof of English language proficiency through TOEFL and IELTS.
• A well-written statement of purpose outlining your research interests, career goals, and reasons for applying to the program.
• Curriculum vitae (CV) or resume
• Research experience through previous lab work, internships, or research projects.

MIT PhD Biology Program: Application Process

Here’s an overview of the application process for the PhD program in Biology at MIT University:

•  Thoroughly read the information on the program website, particularly the “ Application Process ” section.
• Fill out the application form as per the instructions given on the official page of the program and submit it well in advance.
• The program reviews applications considering various factors like academic record, research experience, research fit, and the statement of purpose.
• Shortlisted candidates are invited for interviews, in person or virtually.
• Applicants will receive their admission decisions by email in the spring.

Given below are some important dates regarding the MIT PhD Biology program. Students must keep these dates in mind to apply timely:

• Completed online application form
• Statement of purpose (SOP)
• Academic Transcripts
• English Language test scores (IELTS, TOEFL)
• Research proposals or publications

Relevant Reads:

Answer: The PhD in Biology program at the institute is very competitive, with its acceptance rate ranging from 10-15%.

Answer: A strong application for the MIT PhD Biology program should showcase the following elements: 1. Stellar academic record 2. Compelling research experience 3. Strong recommendation letters 4. Well-crafted statement of purpose

Answer: Yes, MIT’s PhD Biology program is fully funded, meaning it covers full tuition and provides a generous stipend to help with living expenses. MIT also offers health insurance to its PhD students. It allows students to focus on their academic and research pursuits without financial burdens.

We hope that this blog gave you a detailed insight into the MIT PhD Biology program. Keep following Leverage Edu for more content on study abroad courses like this. Thank you for reading!

Disha Kaira

Disha is an electrical engineer turned writer passionate about bringing a spark (and accuracy) to whatever content she comes across. Whether it's UI/UX Design or writing blogs on abroad education, she relishes every chance to learn and test the limits of her creativity.

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Application and Program Dates

The dates of the 2024 program are May 27 through Aug. 3, 2024. Application will open on November 15, 2023.

Program Eligibility

Non-MIT undergraduates who meet the following requirements are eligible:

• Full-time undergraduate students at a U.S. university or college
• Current sophomores, juniors, or non-graduating seniors
• Successfully completed introductory courses in the life sciences
• Minimum GPA of 3.5 in all STEM courses
• Must have prior research experience
• Demonstrated interest in basic research and in a career in the sciences
• Must provide all transcripts
• Available to begin the first day of program, no exceptions
• International students on F-1 visas with outstanding academic records who meet ALL of the above criteria are eligible

Program Goals

The Bernard S. and Sophie G. Gould MIT Summer Research Program in Biology (BSG-MSRP-Bio) is offered in collaboration with MIT’s Department of Brain & Cognitive Sciences . The program provides a unique opportunity for students who do not have access to cutting-edge research facilities at their own institution to conduct supervised research in a fast-paced environment with state-of-the-art research facilities, and to experience first hand the academic, social, and cultural environment at MIT.

The program is designed to encourage students from low income families, first-generation college students, students from socio-economically-disadvantaged backgrounds, veterans and students with disabilities to attend graduate school and pursue a career in basic research by providing them the opportunity to conduct supervised research in an outstanding research institution, in a supportive learning environment with plenty of interaction with graduate students and faculty. Over 85% of past participants have enrolled in highly ranked graduate programs within three years of completing this summer program. A number of our summer students have been awarded Goldwater Scholarships, pre-doctoral NSF fellowships (GRFP), or Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Gilliam Fellowships for Advanced Study.

Priority will be given to students studying at non-research intensive institutions , small colleges or public universities.

MIT undergraduates are not eligible for this program. If you are an MIT undergrad, see the UROP Program website.

MSRP Alum in the News

Program Structure

During the program, students work full-time in the laboratory, participate in weekly meetings with faculty, and attend weekly academic seminars. The weekly seminars are designed to help students improve their presentation skills and to be more competitive graduate applicants, and cover topics such as applying to graduate school, giving an oral presentation, writing a research abstract, and learning about various career options available to PhD graduates. Students will also have the opportunity to attend departmental retreats, research seminars and symposia, learn about the graduate application process and meet with various MIT faculty members. The program solicits constructive and timely feedback from the students through the use of surveys.

At the end of the program students give a poster presentation on their research, submit a 5-page research summary, a one-page personal statement about their summer experience at MIT and complete a program evaluation.

All BSG-MSRP-Bio participants are eligible for application fee waivers for any MIT graduate program.

Explore MIT Bio Research

Program Features

All students accepted into the program receive:

• Campus housing in shared suites
• A weekly stipend
• Travel allowance to and from MIT (domestic travel only)
• Peer mentoring

Extracurricular activities

As part of the program, we organize social activities and weekend outings. Past activities have included:

• Visit to Biotech labs
• Tour of Boston and the Freedom Trail
• One-day trip to Martha’s Vineyard
• 4th of July barbecue
• Charles River cruise

You will also have subsidized access to MIT athletic activities.

Online Application

Application Requirements

• Online application form and CV
• 1-page personal statement
• Unofficial college transcript (submitted electronically)
• Three letters of reference from science faculty* (submitted electronically)

* At least one letter must be from a research mentor or lab supervisor. Students with no prior research experience are not eligible. You MUST include letters of reference from your most recent research experiences.

If you have additional questions about the application, contact [email protected] .

Program Funding

This summer internship program is funded in part by the MIT Department of Biology, the Department of Chemistry, the Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, the Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, the McGovern Institute, the Simons Center for the Social Brain, and generous gifts from private donors. Students with external funding are also encouraged to apply.

Explore Gould Fellowship

• Science Magazine: Making Your Summer Research Internship a Good One 
• A guide for effective scientific posters

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617-258-6502 [email protected]

Website: Biology

Application Opens: October 1

Deadline: December 1 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time

Fee: $90.00

Terms of Enrollment

Fall Term (September)

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Master of Engineering in Computer Science and Molecular Biology*

*The MEng Degree Program in Computer Science and Molecular Biology is available to MIT undergraduates only.

Interdisciplinary Programs

Joint Program in Oceanography/Applied Ocean Science and Engineering (WHOI)

Standardized Tests

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

• Minimum score required: 6.5
• Electronic scores send to: MIT Graduate Admissions

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

• Minimum score required: 100 (iBT) 600 (PBT)
• Institute code: 3514
• Department code: 35

Cambridge English Qualification (C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency)

• Minimum score required: 185

Waivers may be available. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required.

Areas of Research

• Biochemistry
• Bioengineering
• Bioinformatics/Computational Biology
• Biological Oceanography (WHOI)
• Cancer Biology
• Cell Biology
• Developmental Biology
• Ecology and Evolution (WHOI)
• Human Genetics
• Marine Biology (WHOI)
• Marine Toxicology (WHOI)
• Microbiology
• Microbiology (WHOI)
• Molecular Ecology (WHOI)
• Molecular Medicine and Human Diseases
• Neurobiology
• Plant Molecular Biology
• Structural Biology and Biophysics

Financial Support

All doctoral graduate students receive:

• Full-tuition coverage
• Stipend to cover living expenses
• Individual health insurance (via the MIT Student Health Insurance Plan )

We encourage applicants and current students to apply for independent funding from outside organizations. Please see the Biology website for a list of outside fellowships for U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents, and international students.

Application Requirements

• Online application
• Statement of objectives
• Three letters of recommendation
• Transcripts
• English proficiency exam scores

Special Instructions

Applicants should not send published papers, theses, writing samples or other supplemental material with their application.

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AY2024 Graduate Student Stipend Levels, Insurance Rates, & Additional Support Announced

Dear Students, We hope the final weeks of the semester are going well for you.

We are writing to share information on stipend levels, health insurance and housing rates, and additional support for graduate student fellows for academic year 2023-2024.

Note that while we are sending this email to all graduate students, the information below pertains only to those of you who will have fellowship awards on or after June 1, 2023 (and this will apply only to the fellowship award component for those who have partial fellowship awards combined with RA, TA, and Instructor-G appointments).

It is unusual for us to announce these details for fellowship awards separately from RA, TA, and Instructor-G appointments. However, because MIT is still in negotiations with the Graduate Student Union (GSU) over compensation and other terms and conditions of employment for RA, TA, and Instructor-Gs, we cannot address their salary increases at this time. 

Moreover, since  the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has determined  fellows are not included in the bargaining unit, we did not want to delay these increases and benefits, and accordingly, are notifying you now. 5.25% Stipend Increase for Academic Year 2023-2024 (AY2024) Effective June 1, stipend rates for fellowship awards will increase by 5.25% over current levels. Combined with the 8.7% increase in the prior year, this amounts to a 14.4% increase over two years.

This 5.25% increase also compares favorably against falling rates of inflation: Just this week, the federal government reported that prices are now  4.9% higher  than they were a year ago. This new stipend rate increase will provide additional and immediate support for our graduate students, is fair and sustainable, and upholds the responsibility MIT has to provide support for all students and staff — both today and into the future. Additional Financial Resources & New Grant The stipend increase is coupled with MIT’s ongoing work to provide targeted cash assistance to students with the most pressing needs. Over the past three years, MIT established new programs for graduate students with dependent children and doctoral students who need longer-term support. Combined with a short-term emergency assistance program,  MIT has directed $2 million in grants  that help to address these students’ unique needs. We are pleased to share that, beginning in the August 2023 application period, fellows will be eligible for a new annual needs-based supplemental grant of up to $10,000 for students with dependent children. This is in addition to the need-blind  Grant for Graduate Students with Children , with award levels for one, two, and three or more dependent children of $6,500, $7,500, and $8,500, respectively. Students who meet the eligibility requirements for the needs-blind grant and who are on fellowships during the fall or spring award periods may apply for the supplemental grant.

We committed to develop this supplemental program last year, and also look forward to making it available to RAs, TAs, and Instructor-Gs if the package MIT’s bargaining team has put forward is approved in next week’s GSU vote.

This new program builds on MIT’s other financial assistance programs for students in need:

• Short-Term Emergency Funds  (for one-time, non-recurring emergencies); and
• Doctoral Long-Term Hardship Funding  (a resource for doctoral students who are experiencing recurring financial distress).

A list of key financial support programs is available on the  Office of Graduate Education website .

Health Insurance & Housing Rates Health insurance costs, which are typically covered by a full fellowship award, will increase by 4.8%, after remaining flat for AY2023. MIT’s comprehensive health insurance premiums remain among the best-in-class and are very competitive with those of peer institutions.

We note that MIT’s  on-campus housing rates  will go up by a modest weighted average of 3.5% for AY2024. Last year housing rates went up by a weighted average of 3%, and in the prior year, on-campus housing rates were held flat. This approach allows MIT to position its rates at approximately 10% below market, on average.  The Graduate Student Housing Working Group  has also worked to support license arrangements and policies that make living at MIT more attractive. Building on an effort begun in 2017, MIT is now well on its way to adding over 1,000 new beds on campus for graduate students and anticipates completion for AY2025.

Additional information can be found in this  related FAQ . Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us or to the  Office of Graduate Education  if you have any questions. 

Ian A. Waitz, Vice Chancellor for Undergraduate and Graduate Education Brian Schuetz, Executive Director, MIT Medical Maria T. Zuber, Vice President for Research

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