PhD Biology at University of Virginia

Programme overview

Rigorous PhD training for future scientists in Molecular Genetics, Cell and Development, Ecology and Evolution, and Neurobiology and Behavior, with resources including Mountain Lake Biological Station, the Genomics Core and the W.M. Keck Center for Cellular Imaging.

Faculty: Graduate School of Arts & Sciences | Department: Biology | Intake: Application deadline December 1. | Study mode: full-time | Location: Charlottesville, VA, United States

What you will study

Research training across four areas; MA and MS degrees are offered on a limited basis.

Career pathways

Research scientist; university or college instructor; laboratory manager; biotechnology or pharmaceutical research associate; conservation or environmental scientist; science policy analyst.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Graduate School of Arts & Sciences (all master's and PhD programs, University of Virginia): online application with a 500-1,000 word statement of purpose, two letters of recommendation (some programs require more), unofficial transcripts of all post-secondary study, and an $85 non-refundable application fee. A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 is expected. GRE is not required unless noted for the programme (required for Economics, Sociology, Statistics; Physics GRE required for Physics). International applicants need TOEFL iBT 90 (22 speaking, 22 writing, 23 reading, 23 listening), IELTS 7.0 in each section, or Duolingo English Test 130 overall unless waived (automatic waiver for undergraduate degrees earned entirely in English-medium instruction); committees may consider scores below these minimums. Enrolling students without an English-medium undergraduate degree take the UVA English Language Proficiency Exam in May before their first term.

Requirements published at faculty level.

Application fees (2026-27): undergraduate $75; Graduate School of Arts & Sciences $85; Architecture $80; Batten graduate $75; Darden non-PhD $250, Darden PhD $100; Data Science $85; Education and Human Development $65; Law $85; McIntire graduate $85; Medicine $80; Nursing $88; SCPS $70; Graduate Engineering no fee.

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