The Microbiology and Immunology department recognizes that the Supreme Court issued a ruling in June 2023 about the consideration of certain types of demographic information as part of an admission review. All applications submitted during upcoming application cycles will be reviewed in conformance with that decision.

The Microbiology and Immunology program welcomes graduate applications from individuals with a broad range of life experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds who would contribute to our community of scholars. The review process is holistic and individualized, considering each applicant’s academic record and accomplishments, letters of recommendation, prior research experience, and admissions essays to understand how an applicant’s life experiences have shaped their past and potential contributions to their field and how they might enrich the learning community at Stanford.

Microbiology and Immunology  is one of 14 Biosciences PhD programs at the School of Medicine. We welcome applications from students with a variety of scientific backgrounds and believe that diversity of previous experience enriches our multidisciplinary environment. Learn more about our program here.

Students seeking admissions to the Microbiology and Immunology PhD program typically have an undergraduate major in biological sciences, but majors from other areas are acceptable if the applicant has sufficient  coursework or interest in the field. Information for prospective students can be found on the Stanford Biosciences website.

Applying

Applications to the Microbiology and Immunology program should be submitted at the Graduate Admissions website. To apply or for more information on the admissions process and requirements, please visit the Stanford Biosciences "How to Apply" PhD admissions page. The Microbiology and Immunology Department does not consider the GRE in the application review process.

Financial Aid

Graduate students at Stanford may receive Graduate Study Funding/Financial Aid from a variety of sources. In the absence of  independent fellowship support, entering predoctoral students are fully supported with a stipend and tuition award.  Highly qualified applicants may be honored by a nomination for a Stanford Graduate Fellowship. Successful applicants have been competitive for predoctoral fellowships such as those from the National Science Foundation.

Good luck and we look forward to having you join us!

• Knight-Hennessy Scholars (KHS)
  Join dozens of School of  Medicine students who gain valuable leadership skills in a multidisciplinary, multicultural community as Knight-Hennessy Scholars (KHS).
  
  KHS admits up to 100 select applicants each year from across Stanford’s seven graduate schools, and delivers engaging experiences that prepare them to be visionary, courageous, and collaborative leaders ready to address complex global challenges. As a scholar, you join a distinguished cohort, participate in up to three years of leadership programming, and receive full funding for up to three years of your PhD studies at Stanford.
  
  KHS applicants must have earned their first undergraduate degree within the last seven years, and must apply to both a Stanford graduate program and to KHS. Stanford PhD students may also apply to KHS during their first year of PhD enrollment.  If you aspire to be a leader in your field, we invite you to apply.  
  
  The KHS application deadline is October 11, 2023.  Learn more about KHS admission.