Application Process
How do I apply for the graduate program in Microbiology?
Please visit Admissions Requirements for detailed instructions.
Do I need to send duplicate paper copies of my application or any application materials?
No, all application materials should be submitted through the online application or sent directly to the Graduate School by the testing agency.
How much is the application fee?
$65 for U.S. applicants and $90 for international applicants who have not previously been enrolled at UT Austin. All application fees are nonrefundable.
How do I pay the application fee?
Visit the Graduate and International Admissions Center for instructions.
Will UT Austin waive the application fee?
A fee waiver may be requested by those with documented financial hardship. To be eligible for a fee waiver, you must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident pursuing your first graduate degree. Requests should be submitted to Graduate and International Admissions Center.
What is the UT Austin code for TOEFL score submissions?
The institution code for the University of Texas at Austin for GRE and TOEFL score reports is 6882. No department code is necessary.
What is the minimum TOEFL or IELTS score required?
International students applying for admission to the University of Texas at Austin must submit either an official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score report demonstrating an adequate knowledge of English. The Institutional TOEFL (ITP) is not accepted.
International applicants to have a minimum score of 80 on the internet-based TOEFL exam. The IELTS equivalent test score is 6.5-7.0.
Is the GRE exam required?
No, the Biochemistry graduate program does not require the GRE exam. GRE scores will not be considered by the admissions committee.
When are admissions decisions announced?
Admissions decisions are made by a committee of faculty. Applications are not typically reviewed until after the application deadline has passed. Top candidates may be invited to conduct an interview or to conduct a recruitment visit after their application is evaluated. Final decisions are typically announced in February or March.
Do you offer admission for a Master’s degree in Microbiology?
No, the Microbiology program only accepts candidates seeking a PhD.
Can I begin the graduate program in the spring semester?
No, the Microbiology program only accepts new students during the fall semester.
Can I visit the UT Austin Campus?
Our program staff is unable to facilitate public tours of campus or lab facilities at this time.
The University of Texas at Austin campus is operating with additional public health recommendations in effect to mitigate COVID-19 risk. Campus buildings remain open to the public.
Please visit Protect Texas Together for more information about current university operations.
A virtual campus tour is available here, with additional programming through the Office of Admission.
Do I need to secure a faculty advisor before applying for admission?
No. While prospective students are welcome to contact faculty whose work interests them, securing an advisor prior to applying for admission is not necessary. During the first academic year, accepted students are required to complete laboratory rotations in at least three different labs prior to selecting the faculty member who will supervise their dissertation project.
Please view the Graduate Program Handbook for further information about laboratory rotations and joining a permanent lab.
General Program Info
Will I receive financial support while pursuing my Ph.D.?
Yes. During your first academic year in the Microbiology Graduate Program, you will be fully supported through Graduate Research Assistantship with the Interdisciplinary Life Sciences (ILS) Graduate Programs. This provides an annual stipend at the rate of $40,000 ($3,333 monthly), full tuition and fees, and university health insurance. After the first year students must select a faculty advisor and are responsible for joining a permanent lab to ensure continued funding. Financial support is then coordinated with the permanent laboratory and may take the form of research assistantships, teaching appointments, or university fellowships.
Continuing students are also eligible for competitive external fellowships that are awarded on the basis of teaching performance or academic excellence.
Funding for travel to professional conferences and professional development is also available.
Please visit this page for additional information about financial support.
Are graduate student stipends subject to taxes?
Is it necessary for me to work as a Teaching Assistant during my studies?
Yes, you must work as a teaching assistant (TA) for at least one long semester while completing a PhD. Graduate students in the Microbiology program are limited to working no more than three long semesters as a TA during the first five years of study.
Are there fellowships or scholarships available for this program?
Yes, fellowships are available to continuing students on a competitive basis through the UT Austin Graduate School, College of Natural Sciences, and other external funding agencies.
New students may be eligible for additional awards upon admission to the university. Admitted students are automatically considered for available university fellowships. If awarded, these will be stated in the offer of acceptance.
How long does it normally take for a student to complete their Ph.D.?
Most graduate students complete the program in five to six and half years, though some may take longer to finish.
What kind of professional opportunities does the PhD prepare me for?
Many graduates pursue postdoctoral positions in academic settings immediately following graduation. Other graduates may go on to careers as research scientists in colleges, universities, research institutes, government agencies, and in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. Please visit After Graduate School for more info.
Additional Questions
Questions not answered above may be addressed to our Graduate Program Staff at ilsgrad@austin.utexas.edu.
