Admission Requirements

Who Should Apply

Students in STEM programs who are interested in learning and gaining a global perspective on engineering medical solutions are strongly encouraged to apply for the Global Medical Innovation (GMI) program. Aside from the traditional applicants from bioengineering, we especially encourage individuals in electrical and mechanical engineering degree programs to consider applying for the GMI program. This program has been a valuable experience as a gap year for those considering MD programs.

Competitive applicants are:

  • Individuals who are passionate about careers in the medical device industry, those applying to medical school, or individuals seeking to launch their own ventures in medical technology
  • Individuals with an undergraduate in any of the following: Engineering, Science, Medicine.
  • A grade-point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 overall with a 3.25 in your undergraduate major.
  • Relevant industry experience through internships or full-time work is a plus.
  • As of July 2019, the GRE is no longer required.

    How to Apply

    All admission materials must be submitted via the Rice University Graduate Admission system by the final application deadline of January 31 for potential entry in the fall. A priority submission before December 31 will receive prompt attention.

    You will need  to submit the following items to complete your application to the Global Medical Innovation (GMI) Masters of Bioengineer program. 

      1. Unofficial Transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate schools attended. All applicants must attach an unofficial transcript to their application. If accepted to their graduate program of choice, students are required to also send an official copy of their transcripts.
      2. A statement of purpose in addition to the “supplemental information” section of the application.
      3. A resume or Curriculum Vitae that reflects your academic and professional experience
      4. At least three letters of recommendation from teachers or advisors.
      5. The application fee of $85. The fee can be paid either by credit card or electronic check. For all programs, payment of the fee cannot be deferred until time of enrollment. The application can be processed only when the application fee has been received.*

      ***In certain circumstances, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required for students who have not received a degree from a university in the United States or where English is not the official language of instruction. Applicants who take the TOEFL, must score above 90 on the iBL,  above 600 on the paper-based  or above 250 on the computer-based version of the test.  The INTERNATIONAL ENGLISH LANGUAGE TESTING SYSTEM (IELTS)  is also allowed,  for students who choose to take the IELTS in lieu of TOEFL, the minimum score is 7.

      Please arrange to send to have all official scores sent to Rice University if you need to take the TOEFL or IELTS. The code for submitting your scores is 6609. If you run into any issues, please contact gmi@rice.edu

      Application Calendar

      Applications for the GMI program open on October 1 of each academic year. The first round due date for GMI applications is December 31. Following December 31, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until January 31. 

      Applications Open | October 1

      First Round/Priority Application Deadline | December 31

      Final Application Deadline | January 31

      Virtual Interviews | Mid to late January

      In person Visit | Mid February

      Admissions decisions sent | End of February

      Orientation and Summer program start | End of May (Memorial Day Weekend)

      To make sure scores are available when graduate admission decisions are made, and if applicable, register to take the TOEFL as required a minimum of 90 days prior to the MBE application deadlines mentioned above. Applicants should also request transcripts at least 30 days before graduate application deadlines to give senders time to get the material to Rice University.

      Address

      BioScience Research Collaborative
      6500 Main Street, Suite 1030
      Houston, Texas 77030

      Contact

      (713) 348-3253
      gmi@rice.edu