Apply to the Biomedical Graduate Program Consortium
A completed application to the Biomedical Graduate Program Consortium includes the submission of transcripts, personal statement, CV or resume, three letters of recommendation and the application fee. Students apply online through the UW–Madison Graduate School.
Students interested in one of the programs in the Biomedical Graduate Program Consortium should apply separately to each program of interest. If you apply to more than one program in the consortium, the programs will consult with one another during the admissions process.
If you are interested in coursework and/or a laboratory rotation in other consortium programs but do not wish to apply to those programs, you may indicate these additional areas of interest on your application.
Our programs welcome and seek a diverse student body, and we uphold the university’s equal opportunity and affirmative action policy. We work in partnership with the Graduate School’s Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Funding and with the McBurney Disability Resource Center to help create an accessible and inclusive educational experience for students.
The deadline for fall entry is December 1. We do not offer spring or summer admission. The admissions committee will only review complete applications received by the deadline. Applications received after this date may be considered; please contact the program staff.
When applying to multiple programs at UW–Madison, upload a complete set of application materials to each program. Materials are not shared among programs.
Please visit each program’s website for more information. Program profiles, which include information about acceptance rates and time to degree completion, are available from the Graduate School.
Minimum Requirements
Visit the Graduate School site to review requirements for admission.
As the programs in the Biomedical Graduate Program Consortium are at the intersection of several basic sciences, students entering the programs generally have degrees in animal sciences, biology, biochemistry, chemistry, pharmacy or related fields.
International applicants are required to have adequate financial resources to cover their expenses for the duration of their studies at UW–Madison. General information for international students is available from the International Student Services website.
Application Checklist
Complete the UW–Madison Graduate School application, available online beginning early September. Within the Graduate School application system, you will submit:
PDF Transcripts
Submit PDF transcripts for all completed post-secondary coursework.
- Upload unofficial transcripts (it is acceptable to upload an official transcript in electronic format, if it is not “secured”)
- Maximum file size for PDFs is 4MB — do not print secured transcripts and then scan as PDF
- Only electronic versions are accepted for initial screening, so do not mail hard copies of transcripts
- If accepted into a program, official transcripts will be requested
Personal Statement
Submit a personal statement, which should communicate:
- Your research interests and future career goals
- Why you chose to apply to this particular graduate program at UW–Madison
- Previous research or research-related experience
- Inconsistencies or gaps in application materials, such as: low GPA during a specific semester, time off from school, career change, etc.
- Information about yourself regarding character, work ethic, etc.
CV or Resume
Submit a CV or resume highlighting exemplary aspects of your background, including:
- Educational training
- Honors and awards
- Authored publications
- Scientific presentations
- Research or research-related experience (including name of PI and summary of work performed)
Three Letters of Recommendation
Submit three letters of recommendation from people familiar with your research experience or academic background, such as research advisors or professors.
- More than three letters may be submitted
- Do not submit copies of manuscripts, as these are not circulated to the admissions committee during the review process
For More Information
A complete list of application FAQs, including information about costs and funding, is available on the UW–Madison Graduate School website.
Application Fee
Submit the $75 non-refundable application fee to the Graduate School (an additional $6 fee for administrative processing is required for international applicants only). You can apply for up to three programs with a single application fee.
Graduate Record Examination
Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are not required. If submitting GRE scores, use institution code 1846.
English Proficiency
English proficiency test scores are required if you are an international applicant or if your undergraduate instruction was not in English. The Graduate School lists minimum test score requirements.
Application Timeline
The admissions committee considers minimum requirements, all application materials, as well as current availability of program resources in recommending acceptance into the program.
Early September
The Graduate School application is available online.
December 1
Deadline for fall entry.
January
The most promising candidates are invited to Madison for a winter recruitment weekend, which includes interviews with faculty and students.
Note: Different arrangements are made for students who do not live in the United States.
February–April
Offers of admission are typically made in February and March. Applicants who meet the standards but are not initially recommended for admission are placed on a waiting list until the initial recruitment process is completed, typically in April.
April 15
Students are required to notify the program of their decision.