Biomedical Engineering PhD

Duke University Pratt School of Engineering · Durham, NC

Field: Biomedical Engineering
Degrees: Master's, PhD
Application fee: $105
GRE: Optional
Letters: 3 (recommendations)

Deadlines

PhD application, fall 2027 (guaranteed review): Dec. 3, 2026
PhD late applications closing date (reviewed as space and funding allow): March 4, 2027

Essays

Statement of purpose (1–2 pages, single spaced)

Discuss your purposes and objectives in graduate study, special interests and plans, strengths and weaknesses in your field, research you have participated in and how it shaped your goals, and any reasons for applying to Duke (e.g., a specific faculty member).

Life Experiences Statement (1 page, single spaced)

Please provide a brief statement that highlights the unique life experiences that have shaped your personal and professional identity and prepared you for graduate work. Share how these experiences have influenced your perspectives and your vision for leveraging them to contribute to Duke's academic community.

Resume

Transcripts

Editor's notes

Duke asks for two documents: a 1–2 page statement of purpose and a separate one-page Life Experiences Statement, so keep research goals and reasons for Duke in the first and personal background in the second. The statement of purpose explicitly invites you to name faculty you want to work with and to discuss your strengths and weaknesses, so be concrete on both. Submit by December 3, 2026 for guaranteed review; later files are read only if space and funding remain. Send exactly three letters, since the Graduate School says extra letters can count against you.