PhD Biomedical Sciences (Tropical Medicine) at University of Hawaii at Manoa

Programme overview

The Tropical Medicine PhD programme trains researchers through advisory-committee-directed coursework, qualifying and comprehensive exams, a written research proposal, a dissertation and a final oral defense. Students are encouraged to take coursework across disciplines relevant to tropical medicine, including diagnosis, molecular evolution, immunopathogenesis and vaccine development for SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19.

Faculty: John A. Burns School of Medicine | Department: Tropical Medicine, Medical Microbiology and Pharmacology | Study mode: full-time | Location: Honolulu, HI, United States

What you will study

Coursework is determined by the student's advisory committee, followed by a qualifying examination, comprehensive examination, written research proposal, dissertation and final oral defense.

Career pathways

Professional research, teaching and administrative careers at academic institutions, state and federal government agencies, international health agencies and biotechnology companies.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Graduate Division English proficiency (applicants whose native language is not English; programme minimums may be higher): TOEFL iBT 61 (pre-2026 scale) or 3.5 (2026 scale), IELTS Academic 5.5, Duolingo 90. Catalog lists no programme-specific admission criteria.

Domestic applicants: USD 10,400 a year (2026-27). Graduate tuition for 2026-27 based on a typical full-time load of 8 credits per semester (indicative budget figure from the cost of attendance page); excludes fees ($934), housing, food, books and other costs. Hawaii resident rate. Source

International applicants: USD 22,432 a year (2026-27). Graduate tuition for 2026-27 based on a typical full-time load of 8 credits per semester (indicative budget figure from the cost of attendance page); excludes fees ($934), housing, food, books and other costs. Non-resident rate. Source

Graduate applications are accepted for Summer, Fall and Spring terms; Graduate Division begins processing applications from August 1 for the following Fall and Summer semester and from April 1 for the following Spring semester.

All graduate application deadlines are set by the graduate programmes and vary by programme; some programmes set priority deadlines. Most Fall applicants hear a decision by late March/early April and Spring applicants by November/December. Application fees are non-refundable.

Apply through the official page: https://manoa.hawaii.edu/graduate/

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