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Graduate Biomedical Sciences at UAB — The University of Alabama at Birmingham
Innovation in  Modern Biomedicine
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Application Checklist

All of the following items are due by the final application deadline (December 31, 2023).

  • Online Application

    Complete and submit an online application.

    Applicants can monitor the status of their application in the online application system to see when all components have been received.  Transcripts uploaded to your application have to be reviewed and verified before they will be marked as "received," and this review is typically done one to three business days after application submission.

  • Personal Statement

    Use this component to tell the admissions committee about yourself, your research experience, the area of research you are interested in, why you want a PhD, which researchers at UAB you are interested in, etc. This would also be the place to address any gaps or inconsistencies in your timeline.

    Upload directly to your application.  We recommend uploading all documents as PDFs to maintain formatting.

  • Resume or Curriculum Vitae

    Include relevant research experience, publications, presentations, awards, etc.

    Upload directly to your application. We recommend uploading all documents as PDFs to maintain formatting.

  • Three Letters of Recommendation

    In your application you will enter the email addresses of those providing your letters of recommendation.  Letters should be from professionals who are in a position to provide appropriate input on the applicant’s suitability to be successful in a Ph.D. program. Letter writers will receive an email with a link to upload their recommendation directly to the application system.  Letters must be received by the application deadline.  After you submit your application, you will see a checklist in TargetX showing when letters have been received.

  • Transcripts

    Submit transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended, including community colleges and high school dual-enrollment.  Unofficial transcripts are accepted for the application review process, and they can be uploaded directly to your application. UAB's institution code is 1856.

    If offered admission, official transcripts from each institution will be required.  For sending official transcripts, use the following addresses:

    For United States Postal Service

    UAB Graduate School
    LHL G03
    1720 2nd Ave. S.
    Birmingham AL 35294-0013

    For UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc.

    UAB Graduate School
    LHL G03
    1700 University Boulevard
    Birmingham AL 35294-0013

    For Email

    This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

     

     

    International Applicant Transcript Requirements

    International applicants must provide documentation showing they have earned the equivalent of a 4-year bachelor's degree from the United States to be eligible for admission consideration. Documentation requirements are outlined below.

    Official Transcripts and Degree Statements

    • Original transcripts/marksheets bearing an official stamp must be submitted to the Graduate School. Copied, faxed, or scanned transcripts are considered unofficial.
    • A separate statement confirming degree conferral (degree statement) bearing an official stamp is also required.
    • Transcripts and degree statements must be in the original language of the international institution as well as in English. Applicants submitting an approved transcript evaluation (see below) are not required to submit English translations.
    • If you only have one set of original documents, please submit unofficial copies for review purposes. If admitted, original documents can be submitted to the Graduate School when you arrive in Birmingham. We will verify their authenticity in person and make copies for our records which will allow you to keep the original documents.
    • If you will be enrolling in an online only program and will not be on campus, please send the original documents along with a self-addressed and stamped envelope so we can return them.
    • Applicants who have not yet finished their degree should present a transcript showing they have earned a minimum of 91 complete semester hours or six (6) completed semesters.

    Transcript Evaluations

    We will accept a transcript evaluation from World Education Services, Educational Credential Evaluators, or Josef Silny & Associates, Inc. International Education Consultants. We do not recognize transcript evaluations from other companies. If the graduate department allows a transcript evaluation from another company, it will be at their own discretion.

    International Student and Scholar Services will have access to your decision and a representative will contact you directly if any other documentation is necessary to begin processing your immigration documents.

  • English Proficiency Scores (International Applicants)

    International applicants are required to submit English proficiency scores (e.g. TOEFL) that meet the Graduate School's minimum score requirements.  Scores must be no more than two years old at the time of application submission.  Unofficial scores are accepted for the application review process.  If offered admission, official scores will be required.

    See list of accepted exams, minimum score requirements, and waiver requirements on the International Admissions page for UAB's Graduate School. 

  • Application Fee

    Domestic Applicants: FREE before priority application deadline, $50 after.

    International Applicants: $60

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    Students participating in one of the following programs may be eligible for an application fee waiver:

    • ABRCMS - Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students
    • California Forum for Diversity in Graduate Education
    • Emerging Researchers National Conference
    • Emory STEM Research and Career Symposium
    • Fisk to Vanderbilt Bridge Program
    • Gates Millennium Scholars
    • GEM - National Consortium for Graduate Degrees for Minorities in Engineering and Sciences
    • Graduate Horizon for Native American Students
    • Hopps Research Scholars Program
    • IMDS - Initiative for Maximizing Student Development
    • IRT - Institute for Recruitment of Teachers
    • LSAMP - Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation
    • MARC - Minority Access to Research Careers
    • Math Alliance - Field of Dreams Conference
    • McNair Scholars
    • MMUF - Mellon Mays Undergraduate Research Fellowship
    • NIH Graduate Professional School Fair
    • NNE - National Name Exchange
    • PREP - NIH funded Post-baccalaureate Research Education Program
    • RISE - Research Initiative for Maximizing Student Development
    • SACNAS - Advancing Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science
    • SPIN - Summer Program in Neuroscience
    • UNCF - United Negro College Fund

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    To get a fee waiver, follow these steps:

    1. In your application, indicate that you participated in one or more of these programs.
    2. Upload documentation of your participation.  This can be in the form of a memo, email, certificate, or other documentation showing your participation.
    3. After submitting your application, if you are taken to a payment screen write "Fee Waiver" in the coupon code section.
    4. In one to three business days the Graduate School will review your proof of participation to verify your eligibility for the waiver. Monitor your checklist in TargetX to see whether the fee waiver is approved or if additional documentation is needed.