Application Process
How do I apply for admission to the graduate program?
Please visit the Admissions page for instructions.
What is the major code for my graduate program?
The Biochemistry major code is 613500.
The Cell and Molecular Biology major code is 615400.
The Microbiology major code is 667500.
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 Office of Graduate Admissions 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 Office of Graduate Admissions.
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, ILS graduate programs do 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 reviewed until after the application deadline has passed. Top candidates may be invited to conduct an interview and/or to conduct a recruitment visit after their application is evaluated. Final decisions are typically announced by mid-February.
Do you offer admission for a Master’s degree?
No, we only accept candidates seeking a Ph.D.
Can I begin the graduate program in the spring semester?
No, ILS graduate programs only accept 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.
A virtual campus tour is available 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 semester 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 your prospective program's 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 semester, you will be fully supported through a 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 coverage, and access to university health insurance. Beginning with the spring semester you are responsible for joining a permanent lab. 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.
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 Ph.D. You 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.
How long does it normally take for a student to complete a Ph.D.?
Most graduate students complete their program in five and a half to six years, though some may take longer to finish.
What kind of position can I find once I complete my Ph.D.?
Many graduates pursue a postdoctoral position in an academic setting immediately following graduation. Other graduates may have careers as research scientists in colleges, universities, research institutes, government agencies and in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. Visit these resources for more information:
Additional Questions
Questions not answered above may be addressed to our Graduate Program Staff at ilsgrad@austin.utexas.edu.