Your application and all supporting documentation must be received between Sept. 1 through Dec. 1, including letters of recommendation.

The admissions application is free. There is no application fee for applying to our Ph.D. program.

Applicants can only apply to one research track of interest for each admission cycle. Applicants selected for the program may have the opportunity to do research in any Mayo Clinic research lab regardless of track choice.

When you apply to the program you need to select a location where you plan to study: Jacksonville, Florida; Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona; or Rochester, Minnesota. Please note if you are appointed to the program, a campus change is allowed if the research lab you ultimately select after the required lab rotations is on a different campus. 

Application instructions

Complete all of the following steps to apply:

1. Create an account to begin the online Application for Admission
   • Select – Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
   • Select – PhD
2. Complete each section of the application and submit
3. After submission, view the required Supplemental Items and Documents
   • Upload each required item in the Supplemental Items section
   • Complete the Recommendation Request section

The following items, including all Letters of Recommendation, must be received by the application deadline of Dec. 1 within the Supplemental Items and Documents area of the application. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

• Three letters of recommendation are required and must be completed in the Recommendation Requests section. Letters of recommendation should be from individuals who can directly speak to your research experiences and/or potential for success in a research-related career.  Recommenders can include research mentors, science instructors, or principal investigators.
  • Within the Supplemental Items & Documents area of the application, in the Recommendation Requests section, you will provide contact information for each letter writer. Each of your recommenders will receive an email with a link to complete a rating form and upload their letter of recommendation. 
• CV/Resume
• Personal statement
  • List your prior research experience in chronological order, indicating the role you played in each project.
  • Indicate which has been your most satisfying research project and why it was satisfying to you.
  • Summarize your current scientific interests and career goals.
  • Specifically answer the question: "Why do you want to be a biomedical scientist?"
  • Your personal statement should be two to four pages if single-spaced, or three to five pages if double-spaced.
• Publications (optional)
  • If you would like to upload any of your research experience(s) which have resulted in publication. Upload the following as one document:  
    • Publications: The first two pages of each publication (which should contain the abstract and introduction sections. Be sure the name of the publication and your name are listed).
    • Poster presentation award certificate information if received for any of your publications. 
• Unofficial transcripts of courses from all colleges or universities attended must be uploaded in the Supplemental Items and Documents area for application purposes. If accepted to the program, official transcripts will be requested.
  • International transcript requirements
• English language proficiency documents for non-native English speakers (see international applicant information).

The most qualified applicants are invited to interview. Mayo Clinic welcomes applications from diverse learners.