As part of our series on How to Fully Fund Your PhD, here is a list of universities that offer fully funded PhD programs in Bioinformatics. Earning a PhD in Bioinformatics not only equips you with advanced analytical and computational skills but also opens doors to various career paths, from academic research and biotech industry roles to data analysis, pharmaceutical research, and computational biology. With rapid advancements in personalized medicine and genomics, bioinformatics is emerging as a versatile and in-demand field. Our list highlights institutions that provide comprehensive funding packages, empowering you to focus on groundbreaking research and launching a successful career in this dynamic discipline.
“Full funding” is a financial aid package for full-time students that includes full tuition remission and an annual stipend or salary for three to six years of the student’s doctoral studies. Funding is typically offered in exchange for graduate teaching and research work complementary to your studies. Not all universities provide full funding for a PhD in Genetics, which is why we recommend researching the financial aid offers at all the potential PhD programs in your academic field, including smaller and lesser-known schools both in the U.S. and abroad.
You can also find several external fellowships in the ProFellow database for graduate and doctoral study, as well as dissertation research, fieldwork, language study, and summer work experience.
10 Fully Funded PhD Programs in Bioinformatics
University of California San Diego Fully Funded PhD in Bioinformatics and Systems Biology
The University of California, San Diego, offers a fully funded PhD in Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, organized into two tracks, Bioinformatics and Systems Biology (BISB) and Biomedical Informatics (BMI), with the flexibility to switch tracks as research interests evolve. Students receive comprehensive financial support, including tuition, fees, UC health insurance, and an annual stipend, contingent on maintaining good academic standing. The program features a rigorous curriculum with core courses and electives. Additionally, several UCSD doctoral programs allow students to earn a specialization in Bioinformatics by integrating this core curriculum with targeted research training.
University of Utah Health Fully Funded PhD in Biomedical Informatics
The University of Utah Health offers a fully funded PhD in Biomedical Informatics that trains independent scientists to transform data into actionable knowledge for improved health outcomes. Students can customize their studies through four application tracks: Translational Bioinformatics, Public Health Informatics, Clinical Research Informatics, and Clinical Informatics, and choose from methods tracks in Data Science, Ethical Issues, Sociotechnical Design, and Standards & Interoperability to meet their bioinformatics learning needs. The rigorous curriculum requires approximately 35 credit hours of coursework with a minimum GPA of 3.0, followed by comprehensive exams and at least 14 research work hours leading to a dissertation. Funding includes a $40,000 annual stipend, full tuition coverage, health insurance, and conference support.
University of Guelph Fully Funded PhD in Bioinformatics
The University of Guelph offers a fully funded, research-based PhD in Bioinformatics that trains students to convert vast biological data into actionable insights. This interdisciplinary program, administered across four colleges, prepares scholars for academia, industry, or government careers through a rigorous curriculum spanning 12 semesters. Students complete core coursework, pass qualifying exams, and defend a thesis under the guidance of an advisor while benefiting from competitive funding packages—including Graduate Teaching and Research Assistantships, as well as access to scholarships like the Ontario Graduate Scholarship, NSERC awards, and International Doctoral Tuition Scholarships for eligible international students.
Yale University Fully Funded PhD in Computational Biology and Biomedical Informatics
Yale University offers a fully funded PhD in Computational Biology and Biomedical Informatics (CB&B), providing advanced training in the multidisciplinary field that bridges the gap between vast biological data and meaningful interpretation. This program emphasizes computational and theoretical approaches, including computational modeling, data management, algorithm development, high-performance computing, and statistical analysis. PhD students receive comprehensive financial support, including a full tuition fellowship, healthcare coverage, and a twelve-month stipend to cover living expenses. Yale’s CB&B program equips scholars with the expertise to drive innovation in genomics, proteomics, and broader biomedical research.
University of British Columbia Fully Funded PhD in Bioinformatics
The University of British Columbia offers a fully funded PhD in Bioinformatics that blends computer science, statistics, molecular biology, and biotechnology. Administered by the Michael Smith Laboratories, PhD students receive at least CAD $30,000 per year, plus a one-time $1,000 travel award and extra tuition support through the Graduate Support Initiative Fund. The program encourages interdisciplinary research with collaborations across UBC’s Faculties of Medicine, Science, Forestry, and Land and Food Systems, as well as partnerships with clinical research groups. Applicants can apply directly online or secure a supervisor through the traditional graduate route, with a fast-track option available from an MSc to a PhD.
Harvard University Fully Funded PhD in Bioinformatics and Integrative Genomics
Harvard University’s Department of Biomedical Informatics offers a fully funded PhD in Biomedical Informatics with two tracks: Bioinformatics and Integrative Genomics (BIG) and Artificial Intelligence in Medicine (AIM). The BIG track equips students to conduct original research and develop innovative technologies to address fundamental biomedical questions by leveraging a rich array of quantitative courses and cutting-edge research in genome-scale disease analysis. The AIM track trains students to harness real-world health data and advanced AI methods to transform healthcare, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration. Although each track has its own curriculum and mentoring approach, all students join one cohesive cohort and participate in shared community events like an annual retreat. Fellows receive full tuition and stipend support, approximately $4,083 per month.
Temple University Fully Funded PhD in Bioinformatics
Temple University’s new PhD program in Bioinformatics trains future leaders in bioinformatics, genomics, and data science. Designed for students with a biology background and strong quantitative skills, the program requires core courses and a doctoral thesis under the guidance of experts in Biology, Chemistry, and Computer & Information Sciences. Located in Philadelphia, a major biotech hub near over 100 academic institutions, Temple offers excellent opportunities for collaboration with industry, government, and research partners while uniquely integrating computational genomics, chemistry, and data science.
Boston University Fully Funded PhD in Bioinformatics
The BU Bioinformatics Graduate Program is fully funded through the NIH T32 grant and offers a variety of fellowships to support PhD students pursuing careers in the molecular life sciences. Additional funding avenues include fellowships, research, and teaching assistantships that cover full tuition, health insurance, travel, and a stipend of at least $38,833 per year. Additional Diversity and Inclusion Fellowships are available for underrepresented PhD students, renewable for up to two years, and International Research Fellowships for three-month travel to support thesis work. Applicants with a bachelor’s degree must complete 64 credits and pass a qualifying exam by the end of their second year, with all funding managed by the Admissions Committee.
Duke University Fully Funded PhD in Biostatistics and Bioinformatics
Duke University’s Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics offers a fully funded PhD in Biostatistics that integrates seamlessly with Duke’s world-class biomedical research. The program trains students to become independent researchers in statistical genetics, genomics, and other health-related fields while developing innovative methodologies tailored to medical challenges. Students benefit from a comprehensive funding package for at least five years of study, including a stipend, full tuition and fees coverage, and health and dental insurance for up to six years. Prospective students are encouraged to consult with the program’s director of graduate studies to understand the full scope of financial support available as they plan for their future.
Georgia Institute of Technology Fully Funded PhD in Bioinformatics
The Georgia Tech PhD in Bioinformatics is a fully funded, interdisciplinary program designed to prepare students for leadership in bioinformatics and computational biology. Students complete core courses in biology, biochemistry, mathematics, and computer science while focusing on an independent research project that culminates in a publicly defended dissertation. The program requires passing both written and oral comprehensive exams to advance to candidacy, ensuring graduates are ready to launch independent research careers. By integrating coursework and research across multiple academic departments, Georgia Tech offers a dynamic environment that equips students with the skills and expertise needed to transform information technologies into breakthrough solutions in biology and medicine.
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