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Application Instructions

The PPBS application for Fall 2023 is closed. The Fall 2024 application will open in July.

Deadline

Your application must be completed and supporting documentation must be received by December 15.

How to Apply

  1. Use the Apply Now button below and sign in using your existing account information or create a new account to start a new application.
  2. Fill out the application in full and submit it when complete. Once submitted, you will be emailed a link to the Status Portal. 
  3. In your portal, you will be able to submit your application fee payment and supporting documents (personal statement, CV, etc.). 
  4. Use the checklist on the Status Portal to make sure your supporting documents are submitted by the deadline for your application. All supporting documents must be received by the application deadline for you to be reviewed. 
  5. Once all application materials are received, your application will be sent for review. If additional materials are needed, you will be notified.

Requirements

Transcripts

You must submit transcripts for every college or university you have attended. At the point of application, please only submit unofficial transcripts. If admitted, official transcripts will be required in order to matriculate. 

Letters of recommendation

Three letters of recommendation are required. You will enter contact information for letter writers when you fill out the application, and they will be notified automatically and will be sent a link to submit their letter. In your portal, you can check the status of your letters, send reminders, or edit recommenders.

Personal statement and resume/CV

You will submit both of these items in your status portal after you have submitted your application. Your personal statement should state your career objectives and research experience. There isn’t a word or page requirement, but most statements are 1 to 2 pages in length.

Application fee

Once you submit your application, you will have access to your status portal, which will include a link to pay your $85 application fee.

Notes

  • The GRE is no longer required.
  • Strong consideration is given to students who majored in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, physics, mathematics, engineering, pharmacy or psychology. Recommended undergraduate courses include general chemistry, organic chemistry, biology, physiology, physics and mathematics, including calculus and statistics.        

International Applicants

Special Note for International Students

If you are applying from outside the United States, apply as early as possible to ensure time for application and visa processing.

Regardless of your program’s deadline, it is recommended that you apply at least 6-9 months prior to the term start date (depending on your country of origin). Check with your program’s application coordinator for specific guidelines.

UB Is An International University

As one of the United States’ most global universities, the University at Buffalo is home to more than 4,500 students from 110 countries.

We value international students as members of our community and will provide outstanding support services for you and your dependent family members, if they accompany you to Buffalo.

Our resources that will help you succeed at UB include:

  • one of the best and most thorough international student orientation programs offered by any U.S. university
  • a mentoring program for new international students
  • world-class learning and research opportunities
  • many opportunities to be involved in campus life, including international and local clubs and activities

In addition to being an affordable, friendly and fun city, Buffalo welcomes and respects international students.

  • English Proficiency Requirement

    International applicants must present a valid English Language Proficiency test score. It is university policy that test dates be no older than two years when students enter a program.

    • Institution code: R2925 (SUNY-University at Buffalo)
  • Financial information

    You do not need to fill out the financial section of the online application. All accepted students receive a full-tuition scholarship and stipend.

Financial Support

Because your goal is to be a research scientist, we provide the financial support that sets you on the path to the career of your choice.

Tuition and Stipend

We provide you with the financial freedom to focus on your research. As a doctoral candidate, you will receive:

  • a full-tuition scholarship
  • a $31,000 stipend 
  • medical/dental insurance

Our doctoral students often also successfully apply for awards, fellowships and other supplemental funding from organizations such as the American Medical Association, the National Institutes of Health and the American Heart Association.

New for the 2021-22 Academic Year

As part of UB’s PhD Excellence Initiative, the university will support the cost of broad-based fees for doctoral students who are full time and fully funded, starting in the 2021-22 academic year. Covered fees include the Comprehensive fee, academic excellence and success fee, student activity fee, and the international student fee, where applicable.

Read the June 11, 2021, UBNow article for additional information.

Admissions Timeline

Timeline

Application OpensJuly 15
Application DeadlineDecember 15
Application ReviewNovember-February
InterviewsJanuary-February
Admissions DecisionsJanuary-April
Response to Admissions Offers DeadlineApril 15

Interviews

Strong applicants will be invited to interview. The interview serves two purposes:

  • to conduct faculty interviews as part of our evaluation of your application
  • to showcase the facilities, faculty and students of the PhD Program in Biomedical Sciences so that you can evaluate us