PhD Cancer Biology at Stanford University

Programme overview

The Cancer Biology PhD program was established in 1978 at Stanford University. During the past four decades, the understanding of cancer has increased dramatically with the discovery of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, DNA damage and repair pathways, cell cycle regulation, angiogenesis and responses to hypoxia, and the molecular basis of metastasis, among others. In addition, parallel analysis methods, including genomic and proteomic approaches, have begun to refine and redefine the taxonomy of cancer diagnosis.

Faculty: School of Medicine | Department: Cancer Biology | Duration: 27 units in the programme; 135 minimum university units | Study mode: full-time | Location: Stanford, CA, United States

What you will study

Programme load is 27 units in the programme and 135 minimum university units. Requirements are organised into: Program Requirements; Advancement to Candidacy; Oral Exam; Dissertation.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

University-level graduate admission (Graduate Admissions): a U.S. bachelor's degree or international equivalent, transcripts for every institution attended, a statement of purpose, three letters of recommendation, and TOEFL/IELTS scores unless exempt (U.S. citizens and permanent residents, native English speakers, or applicants with English-medium degrees). Each graduate programme sets its own GRE policy (required, optional or not considered). Programme-specific criteria are set by the department.

Tuition is charged for Autumn, Winter and Spring quarters (Summer quarter also billed separately). Graduate programmes such as PhD and Master's in Computer Science admit for Autumn entry only; Education PhD and Master's programmes begin September 20, 2027.

The graduate application fee is $125, nonrefundable. Deadlines are set by each programme: Computer Science PhD December 8, 2026; Education PhD November 16, 2026.

Apply through the official page: https://gradadmissions.stanford.edu/apply

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