FAQs

Q. How will the COVID-19 pandemic affect the review of my application?

A. The Admissions Committee recognizes that grades, as well as research experience and accomplishments, may have been affected by the pandemic. The Committee will take into account that research progress may have slowed or stopped altogether for some period of time.

Q. What do IBiS students say about the program?

A: See our students' video

Q. If I apply to the IBiS Program, can I get financial support?

A. Yes, all students (including international students) who are admitted receive full tuition, stipend and health/dental insurance as long as they progress satisfactorily through the program.

Q. What is the current Stipend?

A. $45,000 for 2024-25

Q. Is health insurance provided?

A. Yes, a comprehensive plan is offered through Northwestern University along with dental and vision insurance.

Q. Do I need to know what type of research I want to do when I start?

A. No, lab rotations give you an opportunity to explore many types of research before you have to select your dissertation lab and project.

Q. Does IBiS offer a Master's degree?

A. No, it does not. Upon successful completion of the IBiS Program, a doctorate in Biological Sciences is awarded.

Q. Can I start in winter or spring quarter?

A. No, IBiS admits students only in the fall each year.

Q. How many students matriculate in IBiS each year?

A. Approximately 20.

Q. Is the submission of GRE scores required?

A. No, neither GRE general nor subject scores are required. 

Q. Do you have a cut off for GPA?

A. No, all application materials are considered together. No one thing is weighted more heavily. Admitted students usually have substantial research experience and strong letters of recommendation.

Q. How can I apply?

A. You can apply online through The Graduate School website. Click here for the application webpage. There are no paper applications available.

Q. Is an application fee waiver available?

A. Application fee waivers are available from The Graduate School for domestic students. The number of waivers issued each year is limited, and all waivers are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information regarding the process, please see TGS Admissions.

Q. Do I need to send paper copies of my official transcripts?

A. No, only a scanned copy of your transcript from each postsecondary institution attended is required at the time you apply. If you are accepted and choose to attend Northwestern, then you will need to submit official paper transcripts.

Q. Is there a form for recommenders to fill out?

A. Recommenders may submit their letters online through the same service as applicants.

Q. What is the minimal TOEFL score?

A. 577 on the written test or 90 on the internet-based test. Information regarding the TOEFL exam can be found on the TGS website.

Q. What are the department codes for the TOEFL?

A . The institutional code assigned to The Graduate School at Northwestern is 1565. Test takers may be asked by ETS to choose the "department" to which they want their scores sent. While you should choose the department most closely aligned to the program to which you are applying, TGS does not use this information to distribute scores. ALL scores sent to school code 1565 are made available to the TGS programs, regardless of the "departments" selected on the ETS form.