Apply
Applications to the program are processed through the University of Notre Dame Graduate School. The Biophysics Graduate Program welcomes applications from highly motivated individuals with strong scientific backgrounds. The application deadline for Fall 2024 admission is December 1, 2023.
Biophysics graduate program brochure
Applicants to the Biophysics program may also be interested in other, related graduate programs at Notre Dame. Applicants are encouraged to explore and apply simultaneously to a separate PhD program in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Biological Sciences, Physics, or Applied & Computational Mathematics & Statistics. Each program makes independent admissions decisions.
Incomplete applications may not receive full consideration. The Biophysics program does not admit students in the spring semester. If you are interested in a spring admission, please contact one of the programs above.
Preparing your application
Each aspect of the application is considered by the Admissions Committee, in order to develop a comprehensive picture of the applicant.
The following information is required of all applicants:
- University of Notre Dame Graduate School Application
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Statement of Intent
- Transcripts
- Letters of Recommendation
- TOEFL scores (for non-native speakers of English only)
The following information is optional:
- Graduate Record Exam (GRE) Scores
University of Notre Dame Graduate School Application
All required information and materials must be completed in the online application. Mailed paper documents will not be accepted. For more specific help, see
Frequently asked questions about the Graduate School application.
Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
The CV should concisely list your educational background, honors, positions held, research experience, and any scientific publications and/or presentations. Submit your CV as a PDF document to ensure formatting is retained.
Statement of Intent
This essay is your opportunity to demonstrate your ability to communicate clearly. At the same time, these documents help the Admissions Committee understand your interest in our program and what you will contribute if enrolled. Include, as much as possible, examples to illustrate your points. If your academic history is not already cross-disciplinary, please include examples to demonstrating the breadth of your interests. Also include a brief overview of your overall career goals and the Research and Training cluster (or clusters) in which you are interested. Maximum length is two pages.
Transcripts
Unofficial copies of all your university-level transcripts should be uploaded to your online application in the Academic History section. (Please include a certified English translation, if necessary.) If your undergraduate degree is currently in progress, upload transcripts for all coursework completed. If an undergraduate transcript does not show proof of degree and date earned, a diploma confirming the degree should also be uploaded. Unofficial copies will suffice for admissions decisions, although the University will require official transcripts from all accepted students.
Letters of Recommendation
At least three letters of recommendation are required. Strong letters are crucial for favorable admissions decisions. Letters should be from professors, employers, or colleagues who can describe in detail your qualifications, experience, motivation, and ability to succeed in graduate training. Your recommenders should submit their letters to the Graduate School electronically through the online application system. Please enter the full name, email address and complete contact information for each provider in the Recommendation section of the online application. Once the recommendation provider information is saved, an email will be sent to the recommender with instructions on how to proceed with the online recommendation. When the recommender submits the form to the Graduate School, it will become a part of your application. Arrange for letters of recommendation to be submitted well in advance, to ensure they are submitted before the application deadline.
TOEFL scores
All applicants who are not native speakers of English must submit scores for the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) exam. The institution code for Notre Dame is 1841. A department code is not necessary. More information about the TOEFL >
GRE Scores
Scores from the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General test (verbal, analytical writing, and quantitative sections) are optional, as is a GRE subject test. The institution code for the University of Notre Dame is 1841. A department code is not necessary.
More information about the GRE >