Frequently Asked Questions

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Academics

Program

Where can I learn about the graduate program?

The best resource to learn about the graduate program is the BME Graduate Program Handbook. The handbook covers all program requirements, including detailed information about coursework, milestones, supervisor selection and general departmental information. All questions about the program should be directed first to the BME Graduate Coordinator.
Can I transfer coursework?

UT Austin permits the transfer of up to 6 hours of coursework to the M.S.E., as long as those courses do not count toward another conferred degree. PhD students who earned an M.S.E. or completed graduate-level coursework prior to admittance at UT Austin are eligible to receive credit for up to 6 hours of coursework toward the Ph.D. program of work.
How can I schedule a visit with the department?

Due to the overwhelming number of requests to visit our department, we do not conduct individual visits. Applicants who are offered admission will have the opportunity to visit during recruitment events. To meet with a faculty member outside of a recruitment event, contact them directly.
I am currently a graduate student at The University of Texas Austin. Can I complete a Change of Major application to apply to BME?

Change of major applications are not accepted. Even if you are currently a UT graduate student, you must apply to the program.
Am I required to have an undergraduate degree in biomedical engineering to apply?

The department accepts students from a variety of backgrounds, including engineering, natural sciences, math, physics, computer science, and more. We recommend a number of college-level prerequisites be complete at the time of application.
What professional development and extracurricular activities are available for students?

Our students participate in national and departmental engineering organizations and serve in leadership roles in the Graduate Student Society, Graduate Student Assembly, Graduate Engineering Council and other student organizations. Our department hosts several seminar speakers throughout the year and students are encouraged to attend seminars in other departments that are related to their work.

A number of students attend and present at national and international conferences each year. Many faculty, department staff, and graduate students attend the Biomedical Engineering Society each year to present and support graduate student recruitment efforts.
What are the requirements to enter the graduate program?

Learn more about requirements here.
How long does it typically take to finish the degree?

The time to completion varies but averages 5 to 6 years for the Ph.D. degree.
I've contacted faculty and haven't received a response. What do I do now?

Our faculty teach, research, and travel often. Follow up with them. If after a while you still cannot get in touch, you may contact the Graduate Coordinator.
Who are the faculty in the department of Biomedical Engineering?

Learn more about our faculty here.
What are the application statistics for your department?

Application statistics are maintained by the Graduate School and can be found here.
I have questions that are not answered on the website or the BME Graduate Program Handbook. Who should I contact?

Contact the Graduate Coordinator.

Admissions

When is the application due and when should I submit it?

Applications for admission are due December 1 each year for fall admission. After submitting the initial application and paying the application fee, it takes up to 48 hours to receive the link to upload required documents. Submit your application well in advance of the deadline to ensure all materials are received on time.
Can I submit materials late?

No, you may not submit materials after the deadline or change your application. Ensure your first submission is accurate and complete as changes are not allowed.
Do I have to take the TOEFL?

International applicants are required to take the TOEFL and submit official, valid, unexpired scores as part of the application process. The score must be valid at the application deadline. The Department of Biomedical Engineering does not accept IELTS scores for English proficiency. Some international applicants may be exempt from the TOEFL. Learn more.
Is there an application fee waiver?

Some applicants are eligible for a fee waiver. Learn more.
Where do I send paper/print documentation?

All application materials must be submitted online. If you must submit paper documents, do not send them to the BME department. Instead, send materials to Graduate and International Admissions.
Can you tell me the status of my application?
Applicants may check their application and materials submission on the MyStatus page.
Can you confirm that materials have been received by the Graduate and International Admissions Center (GIAC) and International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)?

The department cannot confirm that application materials have been received. You may check the MyStatus page.
I am concerned my references will not submit by the deadline. What do I do?

After entering your recommender’s information in the application, an automatic email will be sent to them with instructions for submitting their recommendation online. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that reference letters are submitted prior to the deadline. Once you have submitted your application, you can use the self-service feature on the MyStatus page to resend the Request for Reference email to your recommenders, if necessary. You can use this site to supply an alternate email, such as Gmail, if your recommender's spam filter blocks the original request or has removed the link. Submitting an early application will ensure your recommendation letters are received by the deadline.
When will I know my admission status?

You will receive notification typically by the end of March for fall admission. All applicants will receive notification; please do not contact us asking for updates.
I am an international student. What additional requirements must I fulfill? If I am accepted, what paperwork do I need to complete?

Review our admissions page to learn more about required application materials. You should also review the International Student and Scholar Services page.

Applicants who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents must apply using the domestic application. Applicants who are permanent residents of the U.S. are not required to submit TOEFL scores. International applicants who attended UT Austin for their undergraduate degree may use the domestic application.
My TOEFL scores expire before the application deadline. If I apply before they expire, will they still count?

Your scores must be valid at the application deadline.
I applied last year and wasn't accepted. Can you provide me with specific feedback on my application?

Each year we receive a large number of competitive applications and are not able to provide individualized feedback. Know that every applicant's materials are reviewed. Coursework, GPAs, references, personal statements, CVs, and TOEFL scores (if applicable) are all heavily considered in the admissions process.
How do I submit my transcripts as part of the application for admission? Do I need official transcripts?

All applicants are required to submit copies of official transcripts as part of the application process. The Graduate School does not accept unofficial transcripts or score reports. Your application is not complete until you fulfill transcript requirements. Find information and instructions on how to submit your transcripts here.
I can't find the application on ApplyTexas. Where is it?

The Cockrell School of Engineering uses a separate application and does not accept the ApplyTexas application. Find the correct application here.
Is the GRE required to apply? Can I submit scores anyway?

The GRE general test is not required to apply to our graduate program Our committee does not consider GRE scores in its application review, even if they are submitted by an applicant. Applicants are in no way advantaged if they decide to submit GRE scores to the university.

Note that GRE requirements across UT Austin may vary. Those wishing to apply to multiple programs should confirm GRE requirements with each individual program.
Can I apply to multiple graduate programs at UT Austin?

Yes, you may apply to multiple graduate programs at UT Austin.
Does Texas BME admit students to the master's program?

As a research-focused graduate program, our admissions committees primarily admit to our doctoral program. We do not anticipate admitting students to our standalone master's program in the near future.

Texas BME continues to consider applications and admit students to the B.S. BME/M.S.E. Integrated Program (for current Texas BME undergraduate students only) and the M.D./M.S.E. Dual Degree Program (for current Dell Medical students only.

Funding

What funding will I receive if admitted?

Only students admitted to the BME Ph.D. program are guaranteed full funding throughout their program, contingent on satisfactory academic progress. Doctoral students receive a competitive stipend, tuition, and funds for health insurance through a combination of fellowships and employment as a teaching assistant or graduate research assistant. Admitted students should refer to their official funding offer for details.
How do I apply for a fellowship, teaching assistant, or graduate research assistant position?

If admitted, the department may nominate you for institutional fellowships. You will be contacted if we need additional information or materials from you. Students who are not funded by a fellowship will be offered a teaching assistantship (TA) or graduate research assistantship (GRA) after admission.

Master's students may apply for TA positions, both in BME and in other, related departments, to earn a stipend, funding toward tuition and fees, and health insurance coverage. Although not guaranteed, master's students may earn funding through a GRA position as well. More information about student employment policies are provided by the Graduate School.
What is the requirement to become a TA or GRA?

All BME doctoral students must serve as a TA for at least one semester. Students apply to be a TA and are assigned after admission to the program. We do not accept TA or GRA applications prior to admission.

GRA positions may be offered directly by faculty to students after admission.
What is the minimum stipend for TAs and GRAs?

The BME base stipend for the 2022–2023 academic year is $30,000 per year. The stipend may be supplemented with fellowships from the Cockrell School of Engineering.

Master's students who earn a position as a TA or GRA will receive commensurate stipend rates as well.
Will I receive any other benefits of employment?

Student academic employees (TAs and GRAs) receive a tuition reduction benefit and are eligible for health insurance at no cost. Admitted students should discuss professional development (travel) support with their supervisor.
Are master's students funded?

Master’s students are not guaranteed support but may earn support in some semesters. Learn more.
Should I apply for financial aid?

Whether you apply for financial aid is up to you. Doctoral students are fully funded at a competitive rate above the UT Austin’s established cost of attendance and typically do not apply for aid. If you do apply for financial aid, your financial aid offer may be adjusted based on your funding offer from the Department of Biomedical Engineering. Keep in mind that doctoral students do not pay their own tuition. Master's students are not fully funded and may require financial support in the form of financial aid.
Is there any financial support for traveling to conferences and meetings?

The department nominates students for travel awards to attend major professional meetings for the fall, spring and summer sessions. Research advisors also fund student travel to present at conferences.
Am I required to pay taxes?

In general, wages and fellowship earnings are taxable. Departmental staff cannot provide tax guidance to students. However, you can learn more about tax considerations here.

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