Prospective Students

Application Process

Applying to the IBiS program for entry in Fall 2027

Applications to the Interdisciplinary Biological Sciences (IBiS) program for Fall 2026 should be submitted online to The Graduate School by December 1, 2026 for consideration for full financial support (tuition, stipend, and health insurance). Only complete applications will be considered for review by the admissions committee. 

  1. Complete the online application via the following link to The Graduate School and select "IBiS- Biological Sciences: PHD (B15PH)". You must complete the entire application – do not leave blank entries unless the information requested is not applicable to you. The application fee is $95.00.  For eligible applicants, a fee waiver will be provided by The Graduate School on a first-come, first-served basis.

2. Please submit the following supporting documentation as part of your online application (Note that IBiS does not require the submission of GRE scores):

  • Academic Statement (500-1,000 words): Applicants should communicate their academic interests, motivations for pursuing graduate study, and career goals, as well as how their academic and professional experiences have prepared them to achieve these goals. They should also explain why they wish to pursue graduate study in the IBiS program, why IBiS is a good fit for their academic, intellectual, and professional goals, and the fields of study or scholarly questions they are currently interested in exploring. Applicants should also identify specific IBiS faculty members whose research interest align with their own.
  • Personal Statement (125-250 words): Applicants should communicate experiences, opportunities, or challenges that have influenced their educational and professional development and/or perspectives. They may also discuss leadership experiences, community outreach, service initiatives, or research projects that have positively impacted or aim to positively impact others or the broader community. Applicants may use this space to provide additional context or information not addressed elsewhere in the application, including gaps in their academic or professional experience or circumstances that may have affected their academic record.
  • Transcripts: A scanned copy of your official transcript from each post-secondary institution attended is required.
  • Resume or Curriculum Vitae: A good resume will summarize your education, research experience, and technical skills and may also contain the following: awards, affiliations, presentations, and a list of publications if available. 
  • Research Statement (1-2 pages): Applicants should communicate a clear understanding of their scientific experiences. Statements should address the following questions: What were the larger research questions you were investigating? What aspect of the overall problem did you pursue and why was this aspect important? What were your individual contributions to the project? What did you learn from the experience and how did it shape your career goals? Are there any individual accomplishments from your research you wish to mention? Submit as "Supplemental Document 1."
  • Three Letters of Recommendation: Letters of recommendation should be from advisors/professors who are familiar with your work and achievements and can assess your potential to succeed in a Ph.D. program. Be sure to include letters from your research advisor(s) and have recommenders mention the IBiS program in their letters. The letters should speak to your academic abilities and your ability to be a successful graduate student conducting research independently. Your recommenders' institutional contact information should be listed in your online application.
  • International Applicants: International applicants whose native language is not English must certify their proficiency in English by taking the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Earning an undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited institution where the language of instruction is English exempts the applicant from having to take and submit TOEFL scores. Official scores must be no more than two years old at the time of intended matriculation and must come directly from the Educational Testing Service (ETS). The institutional code assigned to The Graduate School at Northwestern is 1565. The minimum TOEFL score for consideration to the IBiS program is 90 on the internet-based exam. Scores from the IELTS can be accepted in place of the TOEFL. The minimum IELTS score required for admission is 7.0. The minimum MET is 61. 

Completed applications will be reviewed by the Admissions Committee in December and January. Selected applicants will be invited to participate in interviews in late January and early February. Top applicants will then be invited to attend an in-person visit in March. The visit will provide an opportunity to visit the campus, talk with current IBiS students and to meet IBiS faculty face-to-face. Admissions decisions are finalized and offers are made soon after the interviews. Applicants who are not selected for an interview will receive a decision via CollegeNet by April 15th. In general, if you have not yet heard from us by February, it is unlikely that you will be invited to interview.