Graduate School Application
Admission to the Duke Graduate School is required of all students who pursue a PhD degree in Immunology. The Admissions Committee for the Immunology Graduate Training Program seeks applicants with evidence of strong academic performance, commitment to careers in research, and the desire to contribute to a culture of scientific citizenship and service.
We use a holistic process to assess applications to our PhD program. This includes assessing undergraduate and/or graduate GPAs, any prior research experiences, letters of reference, evidence of resilience, and a commitment to contribute to a culture of service through science. International applicants whose native language is not English must also provide TOEFL scores.
We receive on average 140 applications annually and invite 15-20 for interviews. Our average class size is 6 students. Learn more about Duke Immunology admissions and enrollment statistics.
Application fee waivers are available and are examined on a case-by-case basis. Inquiries should be made BEFORE applying by emailing Alan Kendrick.
Students in Duke’s Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) students may apply to the Immunology Graduate Training Program in during their second year of medical school. MSTP applicants should contact the Director of the MSTP and the Director of Graduate Studies in the Duke Immunology Graduate Training Program for guidance on the application process.
Financial Support
Students are admitted to the Immunology Graduate Training Program with full support for 12 months. Upon joining a research team, student’s fees, health insurance, and stipends are guaranteed through the remainder of their training as long as they remain in good academic standing. The stipend for PhD students for the 2023-2024 academic year is $38,600. The first-year matriculant's stipend starts in August. The full-year total is 13 Months, from August through August with a monthly stipend of $2,969.23. For students entering the second year of graduate school stipends start in September. The full-year total is 12 Months, from September through August, with a monthly stipend of $3,216.67.
Academically exceptional students will be nominated for additional support from the James B. Duke Fellowship Program, Dean’s Graduate Fellowships, and Chancellor’s Scholarships. Duke Integrative Immunobiology also offers D. Bernard Amos Diversity Fellowships to outstanding students from historically under-represented backgrounds.
Support for immunology students comes from the department's NIH predoctoral training grant, Chair funds, the School of Medicine, and endowment fellowships. Beginning in the second year, most students will be supported by research grants to their thesis advisors. The Duke Graduate School and various Duke Centers and Institutes also offer conference travel for doctoral students to attend and present their work.
Students in the Immunology Graduate Training Program are encouraged to apply for extramural funding to support their research activities. Students independently supported by foundations and federal agencies are eligible for additional support through D. Bernard Amos Graduate Fellowships. Students who receive external awards should notify the Director of Graduate Students' Assistant to determine if they are eligible for these awards.
Applications and Deadlines
All required application materials, including letters of recommendation, must be received by November 30th. Applications are reviewed in mid-December and in late December candidates are invited for virtual interviews. Offers of admission are made shortly thereafter and candidates are invited to visit the university and the department in February.