When to Apply
Application opens: Early September
Application deadline: December 1
Application Review
The IPiB Admissions Committee considers all aspects of your application: we holistically review each applicant’s research experience, letters of recommendation, personal statement, and academic transcript. We encourage you to apply early as applications may be considered as soon as they are complete.
Informational materials
Click the button below to view brochures from IPiB and the Graduate School:
Questions about applying?
Contact the IPiB Student Services Coordinator at
IPiB-Admissions@wisc.edu.
Prerequisites
- Applicants must meet the general requirements of the UW–Madison Graduate School.
- Applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree from a regionally-accredited U.S. institution or a comparable degree from an international institution, in biochemistry, chemistry, physics, or one of the biological or medical sciences.
- An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 out of a 4.0 scale in the last 60 semester hours is required.
- Successful applicants will have substantive laboratory experience and demonstrate commitment and talent for research.
- Most successful applicants will have completed a rigorous undergraduate curriculum that includes courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and math. Adjusted grading scales due to the COVID-19 pandemic will not affect an applicant’s chances of admission.
- For international degree-seeking applicants, there is an English proficiency requirement. Please refer to the Graduate School for more information.
Application Materials
Applicants must submit all application materials through the UW–Madison Graduate School online application. Choose “Biochemistry PhD” in the “Program Select” field to apply to IPiB. You will be asked to provide the following materials:
- Personal Statement (PDF): In 1-2 pages, describe your career goals, academic background, research interests, and past and present research experience(s) that have prepared you for IPiB. Additionally, state concisely why you’ve chosen IPiB for your graduate studies in biochemistry, and identify which IPiB trainers you would be interested in rotating with during your first year.
- Current CV/Resume (PDF)
- Transcripts: Upload unofficial transcript(s) from each post-secondary institution you’ve attended (undergraduate and graduate), even if no degree was received. If accepted to the program, you will receive a request to submit an official transcript. Note: International academic records must be in the original language and accompanied by an official English translation.
- Letters of Recommendation: IPiB requires three letters of recommendation. Letters should be from people familiar with you and your research experience (e.g., current or previous research/laboratory advisors or mentors) and who can comment on your strengths, character traits, and potential for graduate studies. In your online application, list the names and email addresses of three references who will submit letters of recommendation. References will automatically receive an email prompt from the UW–Madison Graduate School to submit a letter electronically. Let your references know ahead of time to expect this email prompt and be sure to submit the names of your references in time for them to submit letters by the application deadline.
- Application Fee: There is a $75 application fee, which can be paid using Visa or Mastercard. The Graduate School offers a limited number of application fee grants. International applicants are subject to an additional $6 processing fee. Applicants may apply for up to three programs under a single $75 application fee.
- English Proficiency Requirement: International degree-seeking applicants should refer to the Graduate School for more information.
- GRE scores: GRE scores are not required, but can be submitted.
All application materials must be received by the application deadline. Only complete applications will be reviewed.