Applying

Each of the degree programs offered by the Department of Biomedical Engineering provides a comprehensive education across the full spectrum of the field, integrating engineering and physics principles with applications in biology and medicine. Admission to the graduate programs in biomedical engineering is highly selective.

Ready to advance the future of healthcare? Apply online today!

Admissions Process

Admission to the program is decided by the Graduate Admissions Committee rather than by a potential research supervisor. Only after being admitted and then completing two semesters of courses, do students join a research group. Applications should not be directed to individual faculty members.

The Graduate Admissions Committee considers many factors in their decision: GPA, GRE, TOEFL/IELTS scores, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, classes taken, and grades of those classes.

We look at an applicant as a whole, and don’t discount an application just because it is weak in one area, especially if other areas are strong.

Application Information by Program

While the MS and PhD program share many of the same application requirements, the MD/PhD program has a unique admission process in conjunction with the School of Medicine and Dentistry.

MS and PhD Programs

This section refers to individuals applying to the following programs:

  • Biomedical engineering MS program
  • Medical Technology and Innovation (CMTI) MS program
  • Biomedical engineering PhD program

MS and PhD Program Eligibility

A bachelor's degree in engineering, applied physics, or a related technical field is required.

Students without a background in engineering or the physical sciences may still be admitted to the program, but may be required to complete additional coursework, typically during their first year of study.

Minimum undergraduate GPA is 3.0 out of 4.0.

Application

MS and PhD program applications are accessed through the online admissions portal.

To apply to the Medical Technology and Innovation (CMTI) MS program, apply to the biomedical engineering MS program, then select the CMTI program within the biomedical engineering MS application.

There is a $70 application fee for each application. This fee will be waived for applications submitted by December 1.

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Required Materials

As part of the application process, students will need to submit the following materials online.

Transcripts

Upload a copy of your transcripts and have a sealed copy of your transcript mailed to the Institute and addressed to “Graduate Admissions”. Transcripts in a non-English language must be accompanied by a certified English translation.

Standardized Tests (GRE/TOEFL/IELTS)

Have the testing institution send the original paper score sheets to the department.

Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

Reporting the results of the GRE is optional. We do not consider GRE scores unless you decide to submit them. Deciding not to submit GRE scores will not harm your application in any way.

GRE general and subject codes:

  • Institution code: 2928
  • Department code: 1603

English Language Proficiency

All international students whose native language is not English are required to provide proof of English language proficiency through the submission of official test scores from one of the following exams. Scores more than two years old from the application deadline are not valid.

  • IELTS
  • TOEFL or TOEFL iBT Home Edition
  • Duolingo

To send in IELTS scores please use the following address:

University of Rochester
Graduate Studies
500 Joseph C. Wilson Blvd
P.O. Box 270401
Rochester NY 14627

TOEFL scores can be submitted using the code 2928 (A department code is not necessary).

Duolingo score can be sent directly to the University of Rochester at no cost.

Qualified applicants have a minimum TOEFL score of 620 (paper-based test), 260 (computer-based test), or 105 (Internet test). For the IELTS, qualified applicants have a minimum score of 7.2. While a test score below the minimum score would not entirely exclude an applicant from receiving an offer, it is strongly considered.

Recommendations

Submit three letters of recommendation.

Statement of Purpose

The Statement of Purpose should clearly describe your:

  • Reasons for applying to the Department of Biomedical Engineering at University of Rochester
  • Preparation for your field of study
  • Research/professional interests

In the statement you can reflect on how your background aligns with the University’s core values of Meliora—ever better—including equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. We want to know how your unique experiences will shape your future pursuits in your chosen field. Please share here any information you think is relevant for the admissions committee to evaluate your application.

The Statement of Purpose is typically one to three pages long with a three-page limit. Your name and date of birth should appear at the top of each page; also include page numbers.

Resume/CV

All applicates must submit a resume or CV written in English. There is no specific format required.

MD/PhD Medical Scientists in Training Programs (MSTP)

MD/PhD students begin by applying directly to the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry MD program. Learn more about the School of Medicine and Dentistry's admissions process and requirements.

After completing the first two years of the MD curriculum, students identify a PhD advisor. Once an advisor is confirmed, students are automatically transitioned into the PhD portion of the program—no separate graduate application is required. After completing the PhD, students return to the MD program to finish their remaining medical school requirements.

Apply to the MD/PhD Program

  • Academic Requirements

    An undergraduate degree is required from an accredited college or university. We prefer that science coursework be completed in a US or Canadian college. Minimum undergraduate GPA for admission to the Hajim School of Engineering is 3.0 out of 4.0. The average GPA is for admission to the School of Medicine and Dentistry is 3.8, range of 3.0 - 4.0. The average MCAT score is 517, range of 503 - 528.

  • International Applicants

    The School of Medicine and Dentistry only accepts MD/PhD applications from international students who have applied for the Levitan Family Endowed Scholarship. All other applicants must be US citizens, have permanent residency status or asylee status. The MD/PhD program is NIH funded therefore international students are not eligible to apply. We welcome you to apply to our MD program.

Application Deadlines

Some of our programs have different start dates and application deadlines.

PhD Program

Program start: Fall 2025 starts August 25
Application due: January 5, 2025

MD/PhD Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP)

AMCAS application opens: May preceding the year of expected entry
Applicants interviewed: October-January
Final decisions sent to applicants: December-March
Applicants second-look: March-May
MD-PhD programs start: August

MS Program

Program start: Fall 2025 starts August 25
Suggested deadline for international applicants*: February 1, 2025
Application due: May 15, 2025

*International MS applicants are encouraged to apply by February 1 each year, to allow processing of visa applications.

CMTI MS Program

Program start: Fall 2025 starts August 25
Application deadline: rolling*

*Prospective MS students are highly encouraged to apply before January 1.

Financial Information

Financial support varies by program.

PhD Support

All students accepted into our PhD program are granted financial support in the form of a full tuition waiver as well as a competitive stipend and health insurance coverage.

Outstanding candidates may also be nominated by the Admissions Committee for special fellowships that are awarded on a competitive basis.

Financial support does not require teaching or laboratory assistant duties beyond those that are integral to the academic program. Instead, students are supported with research funds from his or her faculty advisor.

Student progress is reviewed on a yearly basis, and satisfactory progress must be demonstrated for support to continue.

MS Support

No stipend support is available for MS degree candidates but a limited number of partial tuition scholarships are available.

Full-time MS students who also work as teaching assistants are eligible for a competitive tuition discount (typically around 35 percent). Federal work-study program funds, government or personal loans, or part-time employment may sometimes be used to meet expenses.

See the Bursar Office website for current tuition rates.

Non-discrimination Policy

The University of Rochester values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity for persons regardless of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion/creed, sex, sexual orientation or any other status protected by law. Further, the University complies with all applicable non-discrimination laws in the administration of its policies, admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs and activities.