How to Apply

The deadline for Fall 2025 admission, November 15, 2024, has passed.  The program is not currently accepting applications.

The UH Marine Bio graduate program will accept applications for Fall 2026 admission September – November 15, 2025.  Applications submitted outside of the application cycle will not be considered for admission.   

If you would like to receive emails about applying to the UH MBGP for Fall admission, join the UH MBio Fall applicant email listserv at this link

Complete applications will include the following components:
  1. The University of Hawaiʻi Graduate School Application 
  2. Curriculum Vitae
  3. Statement of Objective (500 minimum, 2000 words max)
  4. University transcripts
  5. Three Recommendation/Reference Letters
  6. MBGP Applicant Survey (survey will be available in Fall 2025)

International applicants have additional requirements. Please follow the guidance and instructions on the Graduate Division webpage for International applicants.

Incomplete applications will not be considered for admission.
All application components must be submitted by November 15 (11:59pm HST.)  

The University of Hawaiʻi Graduate School Application 

Begin your application by creating an applicant account on the University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa Graduate Division application portal. You will submit and manage all components of the application, except the MBGP Applicant Survey, through the UH Graduate Division applicant portal. Direct questions regarding the applicant portal to support@manoagrad.myliaison.com.

The application fee is administered by The University of Hawaiʻi. The MBGP does not collect the application fee and does not have the authority to waive the fee. Please address any questions regarding the application fee to gradss@hawaii.edu.

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

A CV provides a summary of your educational and professional experiences.  CVs are common in academic and research environments.  Unlike a resume, which focuses on employment history, a CV allows you to highlight your accomplishments. If you do not have a CV, you may submit a resume with your application. 

Your CV may include various headers, such as Education, Honors & Awards, Professional Experience, Research Experience, Service / Volunteering, Publications, Conferences & Presentations, Grants and Funding. Select and order the headers of your CV to best present your strengths. 

Upload your CV or resume through the UH Graduate Application portal.

Statement of Objective
(500 minimum, 2000 words max)

Your Statement of Objective is a written statement that will:

  • address your motivation for attending graduate school.
  • address your interest in the UH MBio Graduate Program. 
  • describe your research interests or potential research questions that you would explore. 
  • demonstrate writing skills.

The statement of objective should be an example of your strongest writing skills.  Proofread your statement carefully and ensure that your name appears in the document (e.g. in a header, footer or title.) 

Occasionally applicants will submit a Personal Statement that addresses the applicant’s personal history as it relates to continuing their education.  If you submit a personal statement it will be included in your application file.  Personal statements are not, by default, associated with strong applications or offers of admission.  Submit a personal statement only if it will contribute substantially to your application beyond what you are able to communicate in the Statement of Objectives.  

Upload your statement through the UH Graduate Application portal.

University Transcript

The UH Graduate Division must receive a transcript in order to verify your application.  The UH Graduate Division will accept unofficial transcripts during the application process.  Only verified applications are submitted to the UH MBio graduate program for review; submit your transcript(s) at your earliest convenience.  Read more about submitting your transcript on the Graduate Division web page about Document Requirements.

Upload your transcript(s) through the UH Graduate Application portal. 

Recommendation / Reference Letters  

A complete application to the MBGP will include a minimum of three letters of recommendation/reference.  The program will accept up to five recommendation letters. A strong letter of recommendation will address, as applicable, the applicant’s:

  • Relationship to the writer 
  • Strengths as a student / researcher / professional
  • Scholarly accomplishments
  • Professional accomplishments
  • Research experience (when applicable)
  • Professional goals

Request recommendation letters early in the application process.  Make your initial request for a recommendation in person or via a personal note. Ensure that your recommendation providers have at least four weeks to prepare and submit a recommendation letter.  

The applicant is responsible for ensuring that a minimum of three recommendation letters are submitted with their application to the MBGP.

Solicit your letters of recommendation through the UH Graduate Application portal.

MBGP Applicant Survey

The MBGP Applicant Survey collects program-specific information about your research-related interests, skills and experiences as they relate to research conducted by MBio graduate faculty.  In addition, the survey is the means by which you may indicate the MBio graduate faculty with whom you are interested in working.  The survey will also provide you with an opportunity to report extramural funding for which you have applied or that you have received. 

The MBGP Applicant Survey is a required component of the MBGP application.  However, it is not accessible through the UH Graduate Application portal. 

Complete and submit the MBGP Applicant Survey here. 

All application components must be submitted by November 15 (11:59pm HST.)  

Incomplete applications will not be considered for admission.