Application Requirements
All applications to the Plant Biology and Microbiology Ph.D. programs are submitted electronically through UC Berkeley’s Graduate Application portal. Students may only apply to one program per admission term. Applications open in mid-September and close in mid-November for admission to the following fall cohort.
Required Application Materials
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Statement of Purpose (1–2 pages): The statement of purpose should convince readers—the faculty on the selection committee—that you have solid achievements behind you that show promise for your success in graduate study. Please be specific about why UC Berkeley would be a good intellectual fit for you.
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Personal Statement (1–2 pages): The personal statement should give concrete evidence of your promise as a member of the academic community, giving the committee an image of you as a person. This is also where you represent your potential to bring to your academic career a critical perspective rooted in a non-traditional educational background, or your understanding of the experiences of groups historically under-represented in higher education and your commitment to increase participation by a diverse population in higher education.
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Transcripts: Upload unofficial transcripts from each institution attended after high school. Redact sensitive information. If transcripts are not in English, upload both the original and an English translation as a single PDF.
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Resume/CV: Include education, work/research experience, honors, awards, publications, and activities.
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Three Letters of Recommendation: At least two must be from science faculty familiar with your scholarly and/or research abilities. Letters are submitted directly by recommenders through the application system. Please allow your recommenders enough time to write and submit the letters. Late letters will not be accepted as we review applications immediately after the deadline.
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English Language Proficiency: Required for applicants whose undergraduate education was not in English. TOEFL or IELTS scores must be sent to UC Berkeley (institution code 4833). Minimum TOEFL: 90 iBT, 230 CBT, or 570 PBT. Applicants with at least one year of full-time study in the U.S. (grades B or higher) may be exempt.
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Application Fee: $135 (U.S. citizens/permanent residents) or $155 (international applicants). Fee waivers are available for U.S. citizens/permanent residents who demonstrate financial need. You may find details and the application for the fee waiver here.
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Faculty Preferences: Indicate the faculty whose research aligns with your interests. If your preferred faculty is not listed, enter their name under “Other Faculty Member.” Review our faculty page for guidance.
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GRE Scores: Not required and will not be considered.
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Optional Uploads: You may submit publications, posters, or other scholarly work. Do not submit unrelated writing samples.
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Optional Sections: Employment history, honors/awards, and website links are not required but may be included.
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Program Selection: Our department offers two Ph.D. programs tailored to different research interests. Choose Plant Biology if you’re interested in plant development, genomics, physiology, or molecular biology. Select Microbiology if your focus is microbial ecology and evolution, fungal diversity, or mycology.
Applicants must submit all required materials, including the application fee or an approved fee waiver, by the deadline in order to be considered for admissions review.
Please review UC Berkeley's Graduate Admissions Requirements for futher information on the application requirements.
Should you have any questions or concerns about the graduate admissions application or graduate admissions process, please contact the Graduate Advisor at pmbgrad@berkeley.edu.