What materials do I need to submit along with the application?

• Unofficial transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate universities (high school transcripts are not needed)
• Three recommendation letters from professors or professionals are required. Recommendations should be solicited from individuals who are familiar with your academic achievement, and can assess your potential for success in the Program. Letters from other individuals who are qualified to evaluate your professional qualifications and potential will be accepted if you have been out of school for a number of years.
• TOEFL (if applicable) test scores.
• Personal statement/statement of purpose and Resume/CV
• The application fee is $95.
• Please note that once admitted, international applicants are required to submit an International Student Data form and supporting financial documents.
• Please contact the Bioinformatics office to confirm all materials have been received.

What are the application deadlines?

MS Program

Fall semester July 1

Spring semester December 1

MS Program applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

*International applicants are encouraged to submit their application as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a U.S. visa in their home country.

PhD Program

The Fall application deadline is December 1

What if I don’t have experience in both computational and experimental fields?

Applicants are not required to be well versed in both fields. Even if you do not have the academic background in both the computational and experimental fields, we are looking for highly motivated students.

English Proficiency Requirement

All students whose first language is not English* are required to submit one of the following English proficiency test scores with their application:

TOEFL (internet-based) Test

Minimum score required in each component: Reading: 21; Listening: 21; Speaking: 21; Writing: 21

TOEFL (paper-based) Test

Minimum score of 550 is required

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

Minimum score required is 7.0

Duolingo English Test

Minimum score of 105 is required; when you log in to complete the exam, please select Boston University Graduate & Professional Programs as a score recipient. Once you have completed the Duolingo exam, please email cds-admissions@bu.edu with the following: Subject Line – Duolingo: include your first and last name, exam date, and the program you are applying to: Bioinformatics Program

*  Students who have earned a degree from a university from any of the following countries are exempt from the English proficiency requirement: Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom or USA.

Scheduling a Visit

Please contact us at bioinfo@bu.edu, include which of our programs you are interested in, Masters or PhD. Please attach your resumé/CV to the email.

View a campus map to locate accessible parking areas, audible crosswalk signals, TTY/TDD payphones, as well as curb cuts and building wheelchair accessible entrances at BU Maps or head over to the T Access Guide for information on the MBTA.