Frequently Asked Questions
What are the prerequisites for admissions to UPGG?
Students seeking to do graduate work at Duke University for degree purposes must hold a US bachelor's degree or the equivalent of a US bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and the required TOEFL scores.
How do I know which interdisciplinary program to apply?
Graduate training programs at Duke differ primarily by intellectual focus, but also can vary in course and rotation requirements, faculty membership, and funding structure. This information is available on the training program websites: we recommend that you investigate the program that best matches your interests and goals for graduate school. The UPGG is specifically emphasizes breadth and depth in genetics and genomics training.
How many lab rotations will I be expected to complete? How long?
Typically 8-10 week rotations in 3-4 different labs
What opportunities are available for students to be involved in the program?
UPGG graduate students are an important part of our program. Graduate students take the lead in electing student-invited distinguished speakers, yearly recruitment, and planning and inviting select faculty to the annual retreat. Additionally, many of our students get involved in outreach, including through UPGG’s own science and outreach group, DOinGG
What about life in Durham, North Carolina
Visit the Student Life section of the Duke graduate school website for information on Duke and living in Durham.
What is the application deadline?
Please refer to The Duke Graduate School Website
https://gradschool.duke.edu/admissions/application-deadlines/
What is the application fee?
$90
Subject GRE - which subjects if any are required or recommended for UPGG application?
UPGG does not require Subject GRE's
What is the minimum GRE Score?
The GRE is not required for admission into the UPGG program.
Is TOEFL required for international students?
If your first language is not English, you must submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
What are the Minimum TOEFL Scores?
The minimum scores are 90 for the Internet-based TOEFL, 577 for the paper-based TOEFL, and 7.0 for the IELTS test.
What are the GRE and TOEFL Institution codes?
The Duke Institutional Code is 5156.
Where do I send my application and /or my supporting documents?
Applications and materials are submitted electronically through the Duke Graduate School.
Are Financial aid and stipend available?
Yes. UPGG graduate students receive stipends for the entire time they are in graduate school. The uniform stipend for academic year 2023-2024 is $38,600, which goes very far given Durham's low cost of living. Tuition and most fees are usually also covered by the University. Unfortunately, funds available to cover stipend, tuition and fees for non-US citizens or permanent residents are extremely limited, which makes the competition among foreign student applications much higher than for domestic students.
Additional Links
For general admissions questions
https://gradschool.duke.edu/admissions/admissions-faqs#147
For application questions
https://gradschool.duke.edu/admissions/application-instructions
For UPGG enrollment statistics
Contact the UPGG administrative coordinator with any additional questions
Amanda Shipp