Applicant FAQ

Application Deadlines and Requirements

When can I start filling out my application for the program?
Now! The 2025-2026 UC Davis Applications are now open. You can initiate your application here: https://grad.ucdavis.edu/apply.
Will late applications be accepted?
No, all applications are due by 11:59 PM (PST) on December 1st.
What if my GPA doesn't meet the 3.0 requirement?
Please still consider applying! Our Admission Committee reviews each application holistically, meaning GPA is just one aspect of the review. Be sure to explain the reason for the low GPA in your personal history statement, and focus on highlighting your strengths in the other components of the application.
Do I need to secure a faculty mentor before applying?
No, but we highly recommend that you reach out to faculty of interest before submitting your application to get a better sense of lab availability, current research projects, and funding expectations.
What if I don't have all of the pre-requisite courses completed prior to applying?
That's okay! It is common that applicants are missing a course or two when they join the program. If recommended for admission, our Graduate Program Advisors will work with you to determine any courses that you may need to complete. If there is a chance that you can complete coursework either at your current home institution or a community college, we highly recommend you meet with an academic advisor at your current institution to discuss this option.
Can I get the application fee waived?
Domestic PhD applicants can apply for the CBS Fee Waiver Application. At this time, the program is not able to offer fee waivers for M.S. or Non-Domestic applicants.
Where do I go if I have questions about the language proficiency requirements?
For more information about English Language Proficiency guidelines and waivers, please visit the Graduate Studies Website here: https://grad.ucdavis.edu/english-language-examinations.
What should I focus on when completing my application?
When reviewing applications, our Admission Committee focuses on the following areas: Academic Preparedness, Research and/or Work Experience, Motivation, Diversity and Inclusion, and Commitment to Service. Each application is reviewed holistically with these core values in mind. We encourage you to approach your application as if you are a curating a story about who you are as a scientist and why you feel this program is the best fit for you!

Degrees Offered

I have my Bachelor's Degree but haven't completed a Master's Degree. Can I still apply for the PhD?
Yes, Bachelor's Degree and Master's Degree holders are both eligible to apply for our PhD program.
Does PBGG offer a Master's Degree? What are the options?
Yes, the PBGG offers a Master's Degree in either Plan I or Plan II. To learn more about the differences between these two paths, please review our PBGG Degree Requirements.
What if I start the Master's Program and then want to switch to a PhD?
PBGG students can apply to add the PhD degree objective to their academic plan after their first year within the program. The PBGG Admission Chair and Master Advisor will need to approve of all requests to change one's academic degree objective.
What if I start a PhD and want to just complete the M.S.?
Yes! We understand that plans change and that our students may need to refocus their goals. Students are encouraged to speak to their Major Professor and Graduate Academic Advisor before making a final decision.

Financial Support

What financial support can I expect as a graduate student?
Financial support can come in many different forms for PBGG affiliated graduate students. PhD students recommended for admission will receive a fellowship offer letter that outlines the financial support that the graduate group will provide for the first two quarters of the program (in order to allow students to rotate in different laboratories). PBGG does not offer fellowships for incoming MS students. Students directly admitted to the program will consult with their Major Professor on funding expectations. All students are able to apply for Teaching Assistant positions and Graduate Student Researcher positions. Historically, PBGG PhD students have been able to fully support themselves through a combination of fellowships (both internal to UC Davis and external), teaching positions, and research positions.
Is there funding available for Master's students?
MS students should plan to self-fund part or all of their degree. Funding opportunities are available, although they are limited and very competitive. Some financial aid, including loans, may be available. While MS students are considered for campus-wide fellowships at the time of application, it is very rare for MS students to receive fellowships.
Once enrolled, all MS students may apply for Teaching Assistant (TA) positions. TA positions at 25% or higher cover full in-state fees (students must pay out-of-state fees). TA positions are highly competitive, and students must apply for them early. Learn more here.
MS Plan I (thesis) students may apply for Graduate Student Researcher (GSR) positions through their thesis advisor. Like all MS funding, these positions are limited and competitive. GSR positions at 25% or higher cover all fees (in-state and out-of-state).

Recruitment Timelines

I submitted my completed application on December 1st. When can I expect to hear back?
Application will take place during the first three weeks of December. Invitations for our virtual recruitment events will be sent to successful applicants by January 1.
What does the recruitment process look like?
Finalist applicants will first go through a round of virtual interviews, scheduled for the second week in January. If you are selected for interviews, you will first receive an email from the Graduate Program Coordinator requesting scheduling information. After virtual interviews, a second round of finalists will be invited to in-person recruitment events the first week in February. After in-person recruitment events have concluded, applicants who are being recommended for admission should expect to hear from the program by March 1.
How can I prepare for my virtual recruitment interviews?
The Graduate Program Coordinator will notify you of your interview schedules prior to the recruitment events. To better prepare for you interview, we recommend researching the faculty and students you are interviewing with, discussing who you are as a scientist and what you are interested in researching, and sharing with the interviewers why you feel the PBGG is a good fit for you and your academic goals.
When will I know if I've been invited to in-person recruitment events?
Our intention is to have invitations sent to our finalist by the second week of January.