How to Apply
The application for the Plant Biology Graduate Program is only available on line at https://grad.ucr.edu/apply/
Qualifying applicants may fill out the Fee Waiver Form.
The Plant Biology Graduate Program will have applications available for the following academic year in September 2024. Prospective students should apply for the Fall Quarter of the academic year they wish to enroll.
Application Deadlines and Procedure
November 22, 11:59 pm
Deadline for Department Paying Application Fees
The Plant Biology program will pay the application fee for Domestic Plant Biology Ph.D. applicants who fulfill any one or more of the following criteria:
- cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.3 or higher
- self-identify as an underrepresented minority in science (e.g., Black, Hispanic/Latinx, Native American)
- first-generation college student
Those who qualify must SAVE (not submit) their completed application, attach unofficial transcripts and fill out the Application Fee Request Form by November 22th (11:59 Pacific Time). Please see above for details.
November 22nd
Deadline for Early Funding Consideration for Fall Quarter
The Plant Biology Graduate Program uses an early funding consideration priority deadline. The applications completed by this date will receive priority consideration for funding and admission.
Where to Send Materials
Please attach unofficial pdfs of transcripts and optional GRE scores through the Scholastic information section in the online application.
If admitted to the program, you must send all official application materials to the below address:
Graduate Program in Plant Biology
1140 Batchelor Hall
University of California
900 University Avenue
Riverside, CA 92521 USA
New Applicants and Reapplicants
If you are applying for the first time or reapplying due to not being admitted, admitted but unable to attend, or admitted and unable to complete your entire first quarter, you will need to complete our standard application.
Domestic (U.S. Citizen and U.S. Permanent Resident)
- Fall - January 5th (Fellowship Consideration*) / August 1st (Admission Only)
International (Non-Immigrant/Visa Students)
- Fall - January 5th (Fellowship Consideration) / June 1st (Admission Only)
What do you need to apply for the Plant Biology Graduate Program?
Critical items needed for the online application to the Plant Biology Graduate program include:
A completed on-line application with unofficial transcripts attached into the Scholastic Information section.
Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts can be used for the initial review process. Please attach them to the Scholastic Information section of the application.
If admitted to the program, please send official, sealed transcripts from undergraduate and MS degree-granting institutions to:
Graduate Program in Plant Biology
1140 Batchelor Hall
University of California
900 University Avenue
Riverside, CA 92521 USA
Three letters of recommendation. Include the names of your letter writers in your application; they will be automatically prompted to send letters when you submit your application.
Personal History and Statement of Purpose essays as part of the application
GRE (optional)
The GRE is now optional for admission to the Plant Biology graduate program and selection for supplemental funding awards. Applications will continue to be reviewed holistically.
The UCR institution code for the GRE is 4839
The Plant Biology GRE code is 0205.
TOEFL Scores (for international students)
The UCR institution code for the TOEFL is 4839
The Plant Biology TOEFL code is 37.
Names of UCR faculty with whom you have communicated or who you would be interested in working with.
We look forward to seeing your completed application. If you have questions about the program or application process, please contact the Staff Graduate Advisor for the Plant Biology Program.