Prospective Students
Our Mission
We educate students to become the innovative biomedical scientists of the future.
Our Vision
With state-of-the-art technology, an entrepreneurial mindset and a highly personalized program, we are dedicated to educating the next generation of outstanding biomedical scientists who will drive future cutting-edge basic and translational research.
About the Program
The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBS) at Sanford Burnham Prebys in La Jolla offers a PhD degree in Biomedical Sciences. Our approach eliminates the need for rotations, and instead matches each prospective student with a faculty mentor as a prerequisite for acceptance to GSBS, meaning students can begin their doctoral work on day one of graduate school. As a result, our program’s time-to-degree averages 4.8 years, shorter than nearly all other Ph.D-granting programs in science. Applicants are encouraged to identify and contact potential faculty mentors as part of the application process.
Our graduate program prepares students for careers in scientific research through laboratory research and courses. The curriculum is highly personalized and tailored to the research interests of each individual student. In the first two years, students complete six multi-disciplinary core courses, eight “tutorials” (special-topics courses with 1-3 students), as well as numerous written and oral reports. This curriculum is designed to complement the extensive practical laboratory training under the supervision of a faculty mentor.
All GSBS students receive an annual stipend, which for 2024-2025 is $47,000 and for 2025-2026 will be $50,000/year. Throughout their tenure, graduate students are also eligible for a merit-based supplement of up to 10% of their annual stipend. Students receive the same outstanding medical, dental and vision care as all other members of the Sanford Burnham Prebys community. Moreover, each student is allocated $500 annually for allowable educational support purchases.
Course Catalog & Student Handbook
Application Requirements
The 2026 application period will open September 2025.
Because our PhD program does not have rotations, it is expected that applicants communicate with multiple prospective faculty mentors throughout the admissions process. Mutual interest and a contractual agreement between applicant and faculty is required for formal admittance into the program. GSBS considers both domestic and international applications.
All applications are reviewed by the GSBS Admissions Committee. Some application materials (CV, personal statement, recommendation letters and transcripts) will be shared, in confidence, with GSBS faculty members, to aid in the decision-making process. All applications are reviewed by the Admissions Committee, and interviews will be scheduled for February 2025. Admitted students will begin the program in early September 2025.
Application Prerequisites & Documentation
CV / Resume
Candidates are encouraged to highlight current and previous laboratory research experience.
Education
An undergraduate and/or graduate degree and/or significant experience in the biological, medical, chemical, physical, or computational sciences is required for consideration to the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.
Personal Statement of Interest
This statement should discuss your reasons for pursuing a doctorate in the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Sanford Burnham Prebys. Statements should be ~1,000 words and should address your research experience(s), scientific interests, and career goals, as well as obstacles and challenges you had to overcome in your academic and/or scientific journey. We encourage applicants to discuss both strengths and weaknesses, providing specific examples whenever possible.
Letters of Recommendation
At least three letters of recommendation are required. As part of your application, you will enter the contact information for each of your referees; upon submission of your completed application, a request will automatically be emailed from our Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences via our admissions portal. Referees should be positioned to speak to your strengths and weaknesses as a potential graduate student. Recommendation letters should be on official letterhead and must be received by December 4, 2024.
Transcripts
All undergraduate and graduate transcripts must be received no later than December 4, 2024. Grades must be reported on a 4.0 scale. An unofficial transcript may be uploaded with application materials, but in order to be considered for acceptance, an official copy must be submitted either by mail or electronically, to the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences: admissions@sbp.edu.
GRE Scores (Optional)
GRE scores are not required for admission to the Graduate School. However, applicants may opt to send GRE scores from exams taken within the past five years. Any GRE scores must be sent by the Educational Testing Service to the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Office. The School Code for Sanford Burnham Prebys is 2718.
TOEFL/IELTS Scores
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores are required for all foreign students whose first language is not English, or who have obtained their previous degree in a country where teaching is not in English. TOEFL scores must be sent by Educational Testing Service to the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Office. All tests must be taken within the last two years. Successful applicants generally score at or above 100 on the TOEFL or 7 or above on the IELTS. The TOEFL School Code for Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute is 2718.
Application Fee of $95 USD
Applicants may pay via PayPal at the end of the application or submit a check or money order drawn from a US bank made payable to “Sanford Burnham Prebys”.
Applicants requesting a fee waiver must meet one or more criteria listed here. To obtain a waiver, you must first contact our admissions office at admissions@sbp.edu. Fee waivers must be approved in advance from the Graduate School Office for your application to be reviewed. See fee waiver policy for further information.
Apply
The 2026 application period will open September 2025.
For general inquiries about our PhD program, please contact our Admissions office at admissions@sbp.edu.
Supporting Documents
Please arrange to have official college/University transcripts, GRE scores (optional), and if applicable, your TOEFL scores sent to us via mail or email (preferred).
Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
Sanford Burnham Prebys
10901 North Torrey Pines Road
La Jolla, CA 92037
List of fields for the application
- Contact Information: name, address, email, phone etc.
- Academic History: schools and dates attended, GPA, degrees earned
- GRE Results/Subject test scores (not required, but you may opt to send)
- TOEFL/IELTS Score (if applicable)
- Related experience
- Names and contact information for your three recommenders.
- Prior research experience
- Areas of research interest
- Names of GSBS faculty members you are interested in working with and why
- Demographic information
2024 Virtual Open House
Missed our Open House? You can still explore everything the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences has to offer by watching the recording below. Whether you’re just starting your research or ready to apply, this session will give you all the information and insights you need to make an informed decision. We can’t wait to show you why Sanford Burnham Prebys is the right place for your graduate studies in Biomedical Science!
Key Moments
- Deans’ Welcome & Introductions
2:50 – 6:35 - Our Mission
6:55 – 7:38 - Where We Are Located
7:44 – 9:46 - Three Reasons Why You Should Join Our Graduate Program
9:50 – 18:15
Admission FAQs
Anti-Discrimination Policy
Sanford Burnham Prebys does not discriminate on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, marital status, race, color, national and ethnic origin or non-disqualifying handicap in regard to all activities associated with the Graduate School. Handicapped access is provided.
The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences is accredited by the WASC Senior College & University Commission.
