How to Apply
Application Deadline
The Bioengineering department accepts applications to our graduate programs once per year for Fall quarter entry only.
The application deadline for Fall 2024 entry was December 1, 2023 at 11:59pm (PST).
Late applications will not be accepted. Please note that we cannot guarantee the review of materials, including letters of recommendation, received after the deadline.
Application Materials
Scores from the general or subject Graduate Record Examination (GRE) are not required for admission to the Bioengineering PhD or MS Program for Fall 2024 entry.
1.Completed Online Application
2.Transcripts/Education History
Applicants are required to upload copies of their transcripts/academic records (including any legends/keys) directly into the online application. Please ensure that your scans are legible since the Admissions Committee will use them in their review process. Official transcripts will only be required for applicants who are admitted and accept the offer of graduate admission. Please do not arrange for any official transcripts to be sent to the department or Stanford graduate admissions until that time.
When completing the “Educational History 1” section of the application, you will be asked to list every college and university you have attended for a year or more, and any degree program in which you are currently enrolled. Please list the highest undergraduate degree awarded (e.g. Bachelor’s, Diplom, Maitrise, etc.) in the “Post-Secondary Institution 1” section.
3.Statement of Purpose (1–3 pages)
In your statement of purpose, you should succinctly describe your reasons for applying to the Bioengineering graduate program, which may include:
- Preparation and motivation for graduate study in Bioengineering
- Research and relevant work experience
- Specific features of our program and university that make us a good fit for you
- Possible general areas of research you might pursue
- Possible general areas of bioengineering that you might pursue in your career
- Any faculty member’s research that is of specific interest to you
- Aspects of your background and interests outside of research that are directly relevant to thriving in graduate school, such as obstacles overcome and experience in service and leadership
The maximum length is three pages (single-spaced); the recommended length is two pages. Your statement of purpose should be a well-structured essay that effectively communicates the information above while demonstrating your expository writing ability; it is often effective to open with a summary paragraph rather than e.g. a personal anecdote.
4. Three letters of recommendation
Recommenders should know you well and be able to comment on your strengths and your potential for graduate study. Our faculty strongly prefer letters of recommendation from academic (or professional) references who can speak to your academic and/or research background (e.g. professors who have acted as research supervisors, or instructors who have had extensive individual interactions with you). Additionally, our faculty find it helpful to hear from references who can comment on your personal qualities that would enable you to succeed in our graduate programs (such as your work ethic, commitment to goals, passion for learning and teaching, and capacity to overcome adversity), even if these references are from outside of STEM fields (e.g. coaches, academic advisors, and university leaders).
5. Resume/Curriculum Vitae
Your resume/CV provides the admissions committee with additional information to better evaluate your preparation and fit for our program. Your resume/CV is an opportunity to summarize your qualifications, honors, educational accomplishments (including publications and presentations) and interests.
6. TOEFL scores
If your first language is not English, you are required to submit an official test score from the Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT). Please see the Test Scores page on the Stanford Graduate Admissions website for more information on Stanford's TOEFL test requirements, reporting scores, exemptions, and waivers.
7. Application Fee
Applicants who need assistance with the application fee are encouraged to apply for a fee waiver. Preference is given to low-income, first-generation, and underrepresented minority students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
For applicants who are not receiving a waiver, a nonrefundable application fee of $125 is required for each application submitted to a graduate program at Stanford University. The fee must be paid through the payment section of the online application. The only accepted method of payment is by credit/debit card (Visa or MasterCard only).