Passionate about the place where science, engineering, and medicine intersect? Earn a PhD grounded in quantitative science or engineering, combined with extensive training in biomedical sciences and clinical practice.

Learn how to apply below, or explore the program further.

Who should apply?

HST thrives when it reflects the diversity of the community it serves. We encourage students from groups historically underrepresented in STEMM, students with non-traditional academic backgrounds, and students from academic institutions that have not previously sent many students to Harvard and MIT to apply. 

What should I know before I apply?

The HST PhD Admissions Committee values new perspectives, welcoming students from a wide range of disciplines. Successful applicants will have a strong undergraduate background in an engineering discipline or a physical/quantitative science (for example, chemistry, physics, computer science, computational neuroscience).

In response to the challenges of teaching, learning, and assessing academic performance during the global COVID-19 pandemic, HST will take the significant disruptions of the outbreak in 2020 into account when reviewing students’ transcripts and other admissions materials as part of our regular practice of performing individualized, holistic reviews of each applicant.

In particular, as we review applications now and in the future, we will respect decisions regarding the adoption of Pass/No Record (or Credit/No Credit or Pass/Fail) and other grading options during the unprecedented period of COVID-19 disruptions, whether those decisions were made by institutions or by individual students. In addition, we no longer accept GRE scores. We expect that the individual experiences of applicants will richly inform applications and, as such, they will be considered with the entirety of a student’s record.

Ultimately, our goal remains to form graduate student cohorts that are collectively excellent and composed of outstanding individuals who will challenge and support one another.

How can I strengthen my application?

In addition to outstanding undergraduate performance, we look for students who have demonstrated a sustained interest in applications of engineering and physical/quantitative science to biology or medicine through classes, research, or work experience.

Are standardized tests required?

International applicants should review additional requirements below. We do not accept GRE or MCAT scores.

What about funding? 

Essentially all MEMP students in good academic standing receive full financial support - consisting of stipend, tuition, and health insurance - for the duration of their graduate studies. This support comes from a combination of fellowships, research assistantships, and teaching assistantships. 

How do I apply?

All prospective MEMP PhD candidates must apply to HST via MIT. MEMP PhD students enrolled through MIT can work in the labs of any Harvard or MIT faculty member, including those at the many local institutions affiliated with Harvard and with MIT

Candidates who are simultaneously applying for graduate study with one of our partner units at Harvard - the Harvard Biophysics Graduate Program or the Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) – may optionally follow these instructions to apply to participate in the MEMP curriculum in conjunction with their PhD at Harvard. This path is appropriate if you have a particular interest in the curriculum of Harvard's interdepartmental Biophysics Program, or if you’re interested in joining the lab of a Harvard SEAS faculty member to work on a SEAS-based project. 

How to apply

Applying to HST's MEMP PhD program via MIT

Ready to take the next step with HST? You’ll submit your application through GradApply, MIT’s online application tool. GradApply opens on August 1, 2022 for entry in fall 2023. Here’s what we’ll ask for:

1. Statement of objectives

Recommended Length: 800-1200 words

Please give your reasons for wishing to do graduate work in HST. Explain how your background has prepared you for this graduate program. Identify the research area(s) you plan to investigate during your graduate studies, the issues and problems you wish to address, and how HST's program supports your research interests. State your long-term professional goals and specify the unique aspects of the HST program that will help you to accomplish those goals. Prepare your Statement of Objectives in whatever format clearly presents your views. If applicable, describe any specific academic or research challenges you have overcome. The Admissions Committee will welcome any factors you wish to bring to its attention concerning your academic, research, and work experiences to date.

2. Personal Statement

Recommended Length: 400-800 words

The HST community is composed of individuals who come from a variety of backgrounds, may have faced personal challenges, and serve as diverse leaders in society. Please discuss how your experiences and background inspire you to work for the betterment of your communities. Your response is not limited to, but may discuss, one or more of the following:

  • A personal challenge you have faced and how you overcame it;
  • Steps you have taken to advocate for others;
  • How you have fostered justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in the past;
  • What you will do to foster justice, equity, diversity, inclusion and social consciousness in HST and in your future career; 
  • How the training you will receive in HST could help you address disparities in healthcare or biomedical sciences/technology;
  • How you have been, or will be, a leader to advance or serve your community.

3. Your unofficial transcript(s)

Upload unofficial transcripts or grade reports from any school where you received or expect to receive a degree.

Please do not send official transcripts until you are invited to interview and prompted to submit them. More info here.

4. Letters of recommendation

Ask a minimum of three (and maximum of five) people to submit letters of recommendation on your behalf.

At least two letters should be from people well acquainted with your academic work and research capabilities. Your recommenders must upload their letters online by the application deadline. The letter should be on institutional letterhead and include a legible signature.

5. Resume/CV

The online application will prompt you to upload a resume or CV.

Additional Notes

Please do not send copies of journal articles, certificates, photographs, or any other materials; they will not be reviewed. 

Training programs

MEMP offers optional training programs in Neuroimaging and Bioastronautics. You can indicate your interest in these specializations by selecting the Program option within the "Application Information" section of GradApply. Otherwise, you should select MEMP/No training program.

Fee Waivers

Applying to graduate school can present a financial obstacle for many qualified applicants. Application fee waivers are available for US citizens and permanent residents who meet eligibility requirements set by the MIT Office of Graduate Education.

Information for applicants to Harvard

Joining HST's MEMP PhD program via Harvard

Are you simultaneously applying for graduate study with one of our partner units at Harvard? If so, you may optionally apply to participate in the MEMP curriculum in conjunction with your PhD at Harvard.

1. In addition to your MIT application (instructions above), submit a full application to either the Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) or the Program in Biophysics.

2. Notify HST of your Harvard application.

Send a PDF copy of your completed Harvard application to the hst-adms-team [at] mit.edu (HST PhD Admissions Team)

Ideally, we would like to receive Harvard applications by our Dec. 1 deadline but we will continue to accept and upload Harvard applications through Dec. 16

Additional Notes

Successful applicants to MEMP through Harvard must be accepted by both their Harvard program and HST. If you are accepted to MEMP through both MIT and Harvard, you can choose which offer to accept.

Information for international applicants

Information for international applicants

Here are a few additional things to consider when applying from abroad.

1. Transcripts 
Submit transcripts as described elsewhere for all candidates. Transcripts that do not already include an English version must be accompanied by a certified English translation.

2. English language proficiency
You are required to take either the TOEFL or IELTS exam unless you meet one of the following criteria: 1) English is your first language, or 2) English was the language of instruction for your secondary (high school) or undergraduate educationMore information here

Additional Notes

All applications are evaluated without consideration of nationality or citizenship. Funding offers to admitted candidates are typically the same for domestic and international candidates.

Have Questions?

Please check our PhD Admissions FAQ.

Still have questions?

Just email the hst-phd-admissions [at] mit.edu (HST PhD Admissions staff). We’re here to help.

Key Dates (all Eastern Time)

October 13, 2022 at 12pm
PhD Admissions Information Session - sign-ups have ended. 

November 15, 2022, at 12pm
PhD Admissions Information Session - sign-ups have ended.

December 1, 2022, at 11:59pm *CHANGE!*
Deadline for applications via MIT


Mid-January 2023
Promising applicants invited to interview

Late January 2023
Virtual Interviews

Mid-February 2023
Admission decisions released

Early March 2023
Open House for admitted applicants

April 15, 2023
Last day for applicants to declare admission decision