PhD / Graduate Program
Graduate Admissions
The Department of Biochemistry 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.
The Department of Biochemistry 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 Stanford Biosciences Admissions Office, not the Department of Biochemistry, processes applications for the Ph.D. program. All materials should be uploaded electronically to the online application.
2026-2027 Admissions Timeline
The graduate application for 2026 entry have now closed! The online application for 2027 entry will open in mid-September 2026.
- Application Deadline – Tuesday, December 1, 2026, at 11:59:59 PM (PST)
- Interview Session - Wednesday, March 3 through Saturday, March 6, 2027
Questions about the graduate and/or postdoctoral programs in Stanford Biochemistry can be directed to Jazmyn Lamas, Student & Postdoctoral Affairs Manager, jlamas@stanford.edu.
Knight-Hennessy Scholars
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program develops a community of future global leaders to address complex challenges through collaboration and innovation. The program will award up to 100 high-achieving students with three years of funding to pursue a graduate education at Stanford. To be considered, you must apply to both the Knight-Hennessy Scholars by Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at 1:00 pm (PST) and to one of the Stanford Biosciences PhD programs by Tuesday, December 1, 2026, at 11:59:59 pm (PST). Information about the program and the application process can be found on the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program website.
