The Program in Biomedical Sciences offers you the flexibility and convenience of applying to any of our participating programs through one application. We welcome applications each year from September through December 1.
All applicants must apply to PIBS through the Rackham Graduate School. You need only submit one application to be considered for any of the 14 participating Ph.D. programs. If you submit more than one application, only the first application we receive will be considered. No application fee refunds will be issued for subsequent applications.
Although PIBS is a highly selective program, every application is carefully reviewed and evaluated. We work diligently to put together a motivated, diverse, and academically strong class of incoming students every year.
The application deadline for 2019 admission is December 1, 2018 (11:59 p.m. EST). We do not accept materials, including updated CV, letters of recommendation, statements, etcetera, after the deadline.
Select two Ph.D. program/department choices, in rank order. On the 'Program Selection' page of the application, click on 'Program in Biomedical Sciences (PIBS)' and select your primary program. You will have an opportunity to select your second program choice on the 'Program-Specific Information' page. These choices are not binding and will only be used for assignment of your application for review. You should only submit one application. If you submit more than one application, only the first application we receive will be considered. No application fee refunds will be issued for subsequent applications.
Provide a Statement of Purpose that describes your research background, your career goals, and how Michigan's graduate program will help you meet your career and educational objectives. A detailed description of your research experience is strongly recommended. Please limit your Statement of Purpose to two pages.
Submit a Personal Statement that describes how your background and life experiences, including cultural, geographical, financial, educational or other opportunities or challenges, motivated your decision to pursue a graduate degree at the University of Michigan. Describe any major obstacles that you had to overcome to achieve your goals. Please limit your Personal Statement to 500 words.
Solicit three letters of recommendation from research mentors or professors who can evaluate your academic and scientific potential. These letters must be sent electronically by the December 1 deadine. As you complete the Rackham Graduate School application, you will have the opportunity to electronically send invitations to professors/mentors to submit letters of recommendation. It is highly recommended that you use the online recommender system. If your recommenders are unable to use this system, you should contact PIBS (pibs@umich.edu) immediately for further instructions.
Upload an electronic version of your official transcript(s) for each Bachelor’s, Master’s, Professional, or Doctoral degree earned or in progress through your ApplyWeb application account. You can scan and upload a copy of your official transcripts, but do not upload unofficial copies. You are not required to send official transcripts to Rackham Graduate School at the time of application. If you are recommended for admission, the Rackham Graduate School will require official transcript(s). Admitted applicants will receive an email notification when the official transcript(s) are required for submission.
If you are a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident, but attended a non-U.S. institution, please review Required Academic Credentials from Non-U.S. Institutions for transcript/academic record requirements by country or region. Submitting transcript/academic records is a two-step process. First, upload an electronic version of your official transcript/academic record for each Bachelor’s, Master’s, Professional, or Doctoral degree earned or in progress through your ApplyWeb application account. Second, send an official transcript(s) to Rackham Graduate School. Please send transcripts for each institution attended at the time of application. See our detailed instructions on how to submit transcripts/academic records to the Rackham Graduate School.
NOTE: PIBS does not accept hard copies of any application materials. All materials must be submitted electronically.
Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency and may need to take an exam such as the TOEFL. Rackham Graduate School offers a full explanation of this requirement.
$75 per application. Some applicants may be eligible for a waiver. Please visit the Rackham Graduate School website for more information on fee waivers and grants.
Participation in a Summer Research Opportunity Program (SROP) at a BTAA university with a 3.0 or higher GPA.
For more information and to request a graduate application fee waiver, please visit their website.
Please note: Admission to PIBS is extremely competitive. PIBS accepts only 5% or less of the international applications received each year. In addition, not all programs accept international students.
Microbiology & Immunology and Pharmacology will accept applications from international students only if they are currently undergraduate or graduate students in the U.S. with an F1 visa.
Select two Ph.D. program/department choices in rank order (please note restrictions above on programs not accepting international applications). On the 'Program Selection' page of the application, click on 'Program in Biomedical Sciences (PIBS)' and select your primary program. You will have an opportunity to select your second program choice on the 'Program-Specific Information' page. These choices are not binding but will be used to determine which programs review your application. You should only submit one application. If you submit more than one application, only the first application we receive will be considered. No application fee refunds will be issued for subsequent applications.
Solicit three letters of recommendation from research mentors or professors who can evaluate your academic and scientific potential. These letters must be sent electronically by the December 1 deadline. As you complete the Rackham Graduate School application, you will have the opportunity to send electronic invitations to professors/mentors to submit letters of recommendation. It is highly recommended that you use the online recommender system. If your recommenders are unable to use this system, you should contact PIBS (pibs@umich.edu) immediately for further instructions.
Review Required Academic Credentials from Non-U.S. Institutions for transcript/academic record requirements by country or region. Submitting transcript/academic records is a two-step process. First, upload an electronic version of your official transcript/academic record for each Bachelor’s, Master’s, Professional, or Doctoral degree earned or in progress through your ApplyWeb application account. Second, send an official transcript(s) to Rackham Graduate School. Please send transcripts for each institution attended at the time of application. See our detailed instructions on how to submit transcripts/academic records to the Rackham Graduate School.
NOTE: PIBS does not accept hard copies of your materials. All materials must be submitted electronically.
Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency via the TOEFL exam. Rackham Graduate School offers a full explanation of this requirement, including exemption criteria. Please contact Rackham directly (rackadmis@umich.edu) with questions regarding the TOEFL.
We also welcome applicants with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status. Visit Rackham Graduate School's website for specific instructions on how to fill out your application.
Check out application tips and answers to common questions in our FAQ section.
Get more application information directly from Rackham Graduate School.
If you or your recommender need technical assistance regarding the application or recommendation systems please email ApplyWeb at help@applyweb.com. Include the following information: user name, full name, email address, and phone number. Please allow 24 hours for a response.
For any remaining questions, please call 734-647-7005 or email PIBS.