2026 30 Fully funded PhD Positions at University of Missouri Biology Graduate School

The University of Missouri’s Biology Sciences Graduate School is offering 30 fully funded PhD positions for graduate students interested ininterested in research across various areas of biological sciences.

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Interview Process
• Application Documents
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineNot Specified
• ValueFully funded
• Study LevelPhD
• SponsorUniversity of Missouri
• City to studyMissouri
• School to studyUniversity of Missouri
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

• Students admitted students to this program receive financial support while making acceptable progress. Financial support includes a competitive stipend, student medical insurance, and tuition support. In most cases, support comes in the form of a teaching assistantship. This may be supplemented by research assistantships, grants, and fellowships.

Requirements

• Applicants are considered once a year for fall admission, with a December 1 application deadline. All applicants must fulfill the eligibility and admission requirements of the Graduate School and show likelihood of successfully completing the departmental program.
• The Division of Biological Sciences prioritizes evidence of attributes such as drive, diligence, passion for sharing scientific knowledge, and a willingness to take scientific risks. Therefore, the application process should be seen as an opportunity to highlight these attributes through the essays and letters of reference.
• International students whose native language is not English are required to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores.
• Students who obtain a speaking score of 26-27 (8) on the TOEFL (IELTS) can be considered for a teaching assistantship in the Biological Sciences (see MU's International Teaching Assistantship Program for details).
• All prospective students are encouraged to make contact with the doctoral faculty member with whom they wish to work before they apply.

Selection Process

• Select candidates will be invited for an interview. Admission decisions will be made based on the interview and the applicant’s record.

Application Documents

1. Transcripts from each college or universitythat you have attended.
2. Two essays.
3. For Essay 1, you will describe your previous research experience and how it has influenced the topic(s) you are interested in pursuing for your graduate education. Please use the essay template provided on this page to prepare Essay 1. For Essay 2, you will discusses why you are interested in pursuing a graduate education.
4. Names and contact information for three individuals who have agreed to write letters of recommendation, preferably those who can comment on your potential for success in graduate work and as a teaching assistant.
5. Current resume/CV, to include (as applicable) research experiences, publications, conference attendance, presentations, awards/honors, teaching experience, and extracurricular activities

Note: The Division of Biological Sciences does not accept GRE scores as criteria for admission to the graduate program. GRE scores have been demonstrated to have virtually no relationship to the ultimate success of graduate students in STEM. Further, the use of GRE cut-offs and performance adversely affects women and minority applicants for admission to STEM graduate programs [link]. For these reasons, any applications that include GRE scores will have these scores removed before any evaluation occurs by our graduate admissions committee.

Application Deadline

How To Apply

Before applying, prospective graduate students are encouraged to review and be familiar with our graduate program of study, the research strengths of the Division of Biological Sciences, our faculty members, and our course offerings on myZou. Most graduate students entering this program establish connections with potential advisors before submitting their applications. These early interactions are crucial for determining if an applicant's research interests align with the projects of specific advisors and labs, as well as the broader research strengths of the Division. 

• List of labs recruiting graduate students.

For more information, kindly visit University of Missouri scholarship webpage.