How to Apply

Doctoral Degrees in the Basic Sciences

Candidates seeking traditional PhD degrees in the any following basic science research disciplines must apply to and enter through the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences (IGPBS). IGPBS oversees first year curriculum and four, eight-week exploratory laboratory rotations. Lab placements occur at the end of the first year.

The instructions below outline the steps necessary to begin an application to this centralized first year experience and the doctoral disciplines above.

1. Review the Application Requirements
2. Submit the Application
   • Select the program option listed as "Start a New PhD in Basic Biomedical Research Application".
   • The Fall 2027 application opened July 28, 2026..
   • The deadline for application submission and receipt of all supporting documentation is Monday, December 21, 2026 (11:59 PM Central Time).
   • Early application is strongly encouraged.
   • Stipends are awarded on a competitive basis.
3. Submit Transcripts
   • Must be submitted from each college and university you have attended (including junior/community colleges and other institutions whose coursework may be listed as transfer work on another transcript).
   • Transcripts must be sent directly from the institution to grad.admissions@rosalindfranklin.edu. If an electronic option is not available, unopened official transcripts can be sent via mail to:
     Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science,
     Office of Admissions and Enrollment,
     3333 Green Bay Road
     North Chicago, IL 60064
   • The university reserves the right to initiate an international transcript evaluation by an approved US evaluation agency such as World Education Services www.wes.org. By submitting this application for admission, an individual grants permission to the university to do so.
4. Submit Letters of Recommendation
   • Three letters must be submitted in support of an application. These letters must be written by professionals who are qualified to comment on your potential for graduate study and research. A letter from the candidate’s primary research mentor is required. Two additional letters of recommendation are required, which can be from professionals and/or academicians who know you well.

International Applicants

International applicants from areas in which English is not the official language and who have not attended a university or college in the U.S., full-time, for at least two consecutive years must provide an official report of Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT) scores. This test must have been taken within the last two years.

Scores must be sent directly from Educational Testing Services (www.ets.org).  Please use Institution code 1117 and Department code 30 for "Other Biological Sciences" when requesting scores.  Please note that we do not accept IELTS, Duolingo, TOEFL Essentials or any other exam in place of the TOEFL iBT.

Please refer to our International Applicants page for more information.

Materials Submission Address

Please see the application form for the address to which all materials must be sent.

Questions?

Phone: 847-578-8493
Email: igpbs@rosalindfranklin.edu