Bioinformatics @ UCSF: Multidisciplinary graduate study in biological composition, structure, function and evolution at the molecular and systems levels

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NEWS: UCSF wins HHMI Award for its Integrative Program in Complex Biological Systems

Admission Information

Applications for the fall quarter must be received by December 1, 2009. You must use our online system to apply. Prospective students may apply to only one graduate program at UCSF.

Outstanding students are considered, usually with backgrounds in physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, computer science, or engineering. Admission is based on a combination of five criteria: a) Academic excellence; b) Letters of recommendation c) Previous research experience; d) Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test; and e) Personal interview. Interview dates for 2010 will be Feb. 11-12, 2010 and Feb. 18-19, 2010. For application, the GRE should be taken as early in the fall as possible so that scores are reported before the deadline. The GRE subject test is encouraged but is not mandatory. Applicants from outside the United States must also take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Foreign applicants should check with the UCSF Graduate Division for minimum scores required for admission. Foreign applicants should be aware that funding for students is very limited; therefore, admission is difficult. The Admissions Committee reviews all applications and schedules interviews; admission decisions are announced after the interview. The application fee for US citizens is $70; foreign applicants pay $90.

The graduate program pays students a stipend for living expenses ($27,000 in 2009-10) with a full remission of all UCSF fees. No specific forms for financial support are required. The graduate program receives support from sources including an NIH training grant, UCSF Chancellor’s office and Graduate Division, and its faculty. During the first year, students are funded by the program. During the subsequent years, students are supported either by the program, their faculty mentors, or their own fellowships.

Students are encouraged to apply for predoctoral fellowships from a variety of sources, such as the National Science Foundation, Office of Naval Research, and the Fannie and John Hertz Foundation. The Fellowship Office of the National Research Council is a source of information about these fellowships. Information about awards and fellowships is also available on our Graduate Division website.