PhD Biology at California Institute of Technology

Programme overview

Doctoral program giving early original research experience and broad training in biology and basic sciences across subjects such as biophysics, cellular biology, computational biology, developmental biology, genetics, immunology, microbiology, molecular biology and systems biology.

Faculty: Division of Biology and Biological Engineering | Department: Biology | Study mode: full-time | Intake: Fall | Location: Pasadena, CA, United States

What you will study

An individual program recommended by an advisory committee, a thesis proposal examination in the winter of the second year and a Thesis Advisory Committee after admission to candidacy.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent in science or engineering related to the option; transcripts from each institution attended, three letters of recommendation, CV and essays; GRE policy is set by each graduate program; English proficiency (e.g. TOEFL, PTE Academic, IELTS) expected for applicants whose native language is not English; application fee $100 (waivers available). Admission is once a year with fall-term enrollment; deadlines vary by program from December 1 to January 15. PhD matriculation requires evidence of US work authorization unless alternative support is arranged with the option. Programme-specific: Minimal preparation: mathematics through calculus, general physics, organic chemistry, physical chemistry (or equivalent) and elementary biology; deficiencies must be remedied in the first years. The division does not encourage applications from Caltech biology undergraduates.

USD 68,574 a year (2026-27). Annual graduate tuition rate for all Caltech graduate students (Fall, Winter and Spring terms at $22,858 each); no programme-specific rate; excludes mandatory fees ($2,448). The same page states that PhD financial packages cover tuition and mandatory fees Source

Graduate admission takes place once each year, with enrollment starting in the following fall term.

Graduate applications are accepted between December 1 and January 15 for enrollment the following fall term, with deadlines varying by programme. The application fee is $100, with fee waivers for a limited number of applicants. Applications are submitted online.

Apply through the official page: https://www.gradoffice.caltech.edu/admissions/applyonline

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