Find more answers to common questions at the Graduate Division Admissions FAQ
Q: How do I acquire an application fee waiver?
A: Application fee waivers are managed through the UC Berkeley’s Graduate Division, not the department/program. Please seek this out and be sure to begin the process before our December 1st deadline for applications. See: https://grad.berkeley.edu/admissions/apply/fee-waiver/ for more information.
Unfortunately, International Students are not eligible.
Q: Where do I indicate faculty of interest?
A: In your Statement of Purpose. See the writing guide: https://grad.berkeley.edu/admissions/steps-to-apply/requirements/statement-purpose/
Q: If I apply to the Joint Berkeley-UCSF program via the Berkeley application, can I apply to another UCSF program?
A: Yes, you can only apply to one graduate program on each campus. Thus, if you apply to the Joint Berkeley-UCSF program through the UCB’s application system, you can apply to another program at UCSF and through the UCSF application system.
You cannot, however, apply to another Berkeley program. The joint Berkeley-UCSF PhD graduate application is only available through UC Berkeley’s application system.
Q: How do I convert my GPA to the four-point scale?
A:Please see follow these conversion instructions. This is the most information we can provide in this respect. Please follow the rubric given and include your calculations along with the application.
If your institution uses a grading system different than described in points 2 and 3 on the website, as may be the case for some international Universities, please use the “other scale GPA” section on the graduate application and enter your undergraduate cumulative GPA as determined by your institution.
Q: I’ve indicated the correct email address for my referee / recommendation letter writer, however, the letter writer has stated that they have not received the email to upload the letter of recommendation.
A: Here are some items that may help troubleshoot: 1) Have your letter writer check their spam inbox and filter settings. 2) Double check to make sure the email address is correct. 3) Email the Graduate Admissions Office at gradadm@berkeley.edu for further technical assistance.
Q: Unfortunately my referee / recommendation letter writer has stated they cannot meet the application deadline. Can they submit the letter after the deadline?
A: The system does allow recommendations to be submitted after the deadline. All submitted applications are reviewed. However, the Program cannot guarantee that the committee will have timely access to review letters submitted after the application deadline.
For further information see the Graduate Division policies.
Q: My IELTS/TOEFL is older/newer than the date you give on the program site?
A: BioE follows the University’s guidelines for the age of IELTS/TOEFL. The information on our program site follows this policy. If you have questions about your specific case, please write to Admissions at gradadm@berkeley.edu.
Q: I attended school in country fill in the blank (listed on the site), do I need the TOEFL/IELTS?
A: BioE follows the University’s guidelines for IELTS/TOEFL requirements. The information on our program site follows this policy. If you have questions about your specific case, please write to Admissions at gradadm@berkeley.edu.
Q: What about my exam score? What if the official copy will not reach Berkeley by the deadline?
A: Please self-report scores and submit the application on time. The official scores will “catch up” with a submitted application. Nothing will “catch up” with an un-submitted or late application (late applications are not accepted).
Q: I will receive my Fall quarter/semester grades/article submission/update to my CV after the December 1 deadline, can I send them along when available?
A: Updates to application materials and late submissions are not accepted.
Q: Can you check the completeness of my application?
A: Applicants are able to view the completeness of their application through the application status page. Applicants are responsible for uploading all required materials onto the online application by the deadline.
Q: I’m interested in talking with current students about the program. Can you connect me to some students?
A: Applicants invited to interview will have the opportunity to talk with current graduate students and faculty.
Q: Are you having interviews and program visits in 2025?
A: Yes, the BioE program will be hosting interviews and visits on the following dates.
Wednesday – Friday; Feb 19 – 21, 2025
Wednesday – Friday; Feb 26 – 28, 2025
Applicants selected for interviews will be notified electronically and provided details.
Q: If accepted can I request to defer admission?
A: Admitted applicants are expected to join the program on schedule, the fall semester of their admission year – e.g. fall 2025 for students who apply in fall 2024. Please plan your application accordingly.
In very rare cases, formal deferral requests from students who have formally accepted their offer of admission may be reviewed by both the Bioengineering Program Executive Committee Chairs and the University. These are not guaranteed.
The length of an admissions deferral granted by the University is one year. Typically, deferral requests are only approved for military, medical, visa or exceptional education-related purposes and with appropriate documentation.