Application Process
How do I apply for the graduate program in Microbiology?
Please visit How to Apply for detailed instructions.
Do I need to send duplicate paper copies of my application or any application materials?
No, all application materials should be submitted through the online application or sent directly to the Graduate School by the testing agency.
How much is the application fee?
$65 for U.S. applicants and $90 for international applicants who have not previously been enrolled at UT Austin. All application fees are nonrefundable.
How do I pay the application fee?
Visit the Graduate and International Admissions Center for instructions.
Will UT Austin waive the application fee?
A fee waiver may be requested by those with documented financial hardship. To be eligible for a fee waiver, you must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident pursuing your first graduate degree. Requests should be submitted to Graduate and International Admissions Center.
What is the UT Austin code for TOEFL score submissions?
The institution code for the University of Texas at Austin for GRE and TOEFL score reports is 6882. No department code is necessary.
Is the GRE exam required?
No, the Biochemistry graduate program does not require the GRE exam. GRE scores will not be considered by the admissions committee.
How do I check if my application materials have been received by UT Austin?
Please check your MyStatus page to verify whether your application materials have been received.
Do you offer admission for a Master’s degree in Microbiology?
No, the Microbiology program only accepts candidates seeking a PhD.
General Program Info
Will I receive financial support while pursuing my Ph.D.?
Yes. During your first academic year in the Microbiology Graduate Program, you will be fully supported through Graduate Research Assistantship with the Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology (ICMB). This provides an annual stipend of $32,500, full tuition and fees, and univeristy health insurance. After the first year you are responsible for joining a permanent lab. Financial support is then coordinated with the permanent laboratory and may take the form of research assistantships, teaching appointments, or univeristy fellowships.
Continuing students are also eligible for competitive external fellowships that are awarded on the basis of teaching performance or academic excellence.
Funding for travel to professional conferences and professional development is also available.
Is it necessary for me to work as a Teaching Assistant during my studies?
Yes, you must work as a teaching assistant (TA) for at least one long semester while completing a PhD. Graduate students in the Microbiology program are limited to working no more than three long semesters as a TA during the first five years of study.
Are there fellowships or scholarships available for this program?
Yes, fellowships are available to continuing students on a competitive basis through the UT Austin Graduate School, College of Natural Sciences, and other external funding agencies.
New students may be eligible for additional awards upon admission to the university. Admitted students are automatically considered for available university fellowships. If awarded, these will be stated in the offer of acceptance.
How long does it normally take for a student to complete their Ph.D.?
Most graduate students complete the Biochemistry program in five to six and half years, though some may take longer to finish.
What kind of professional opportunities does the PhD prepare me for?
Many graduates pursue postdoctoral positions in academic settings immediately following graduation. Other graduates may go on to careers as research scientists in colleges, universities, research institutes, government agencies, and in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. Please visit After Graduate School for more info.
Additional Questions
Questions not answered in the above section may be addressed to the Graduate Program Administrator.
