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UNITED STATES · COLD SPRING HARBOR

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory

non-profit · Founded 1890 · Languages: en

In short

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) offers a highly selective, fully funded PhD program in biological sciences on Long Island, New York. It is a world-renowned research institution known for its top-tier research and close faculty mentorship.

Key facts

Type: Non-profit
Founded: 1890
Students: 120
International students: 60
Acceptance rate: 5%
Languages: EN
Location: Cold Spring Harbor, United States

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) is a world-renowned private non-profit research institution and educational centre on Long Island, New York, founded in 1890. Home to eight Nobel laureates and consistently among the top 1% of most-cited research institutions globally, CSHL focuses on cancer biology, neuroscience, genomics, plant biology, quantitative biology, and artificial intelligence. Its School of Biological Sciences (SBS) offers a small, highly selective fully funded PhD programme where students work directly with leading scientists. CSHL is also globally famous for its scientific meetings, courses, and press publications.

Why study here

Eight Nobel Prize-affiliated scientists and top 1% citation impact globally
Fully funded PhD programme covering tuition and providing a competitive annual stipend
Small cohort model — typically 20–25 PhD students per year — ensuring close faculty mentorship
Cutting-edge research in cancer, neuroscience, genomics, plant biology, and AI
World-famous CSHL Symposia and courses attract leading scientists from across the globe, enriching the intellectual environment

Student life

PhD life at CSHL is intense, collaborative, and intellectually immersive. The campus sits in a picturesque setting on the shores of Cold Spring Harbor, Long Island, offering a focused research environment complemented by on-site housing, a gym, and communal dining. Students interact daily with postdocs, visiting scientists, and luminaries attending the celebrated CSHL meetings and courses. New York City is approximately 30 miles away by car or train, providing cultural and social outlets.

Fees

InternationalThe PhD programme is fully funded for all admitted students regardless of nationality — no tuition fees are charged and students receive a living stipend.

HomeSame as international: full tuition waiver plus annual stipend (approximately USD 38,000–42,000 per year for recent cohorts).

LivingCold Spring Harbor, Long Island; on-campus housing is available. Estimated living costs beyond stipend: USD 5,000–8,000 per year for personal expenses.

CSHL does not offer undergraduate or master's programmes. All graduate students are doctoral candidates enrolled in the SBS PhD programme.

Admissions

Bachelor's degreeIn biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer science, or a related field

Research experiencePrior laboratory or computational research experience strongly preferred

Letters of recommendationThree letters from academic or research supervisors required

Personal statementDescribing research interests and scientific goals

GRENot required

TOEFL iBTMinimum 100 recommended for non-native English speakers

IELTSMinimum 7.0 recommended for non-native English speakers

Rankings

Citation Impact (Web of Science)Top 1% globally

NCI-Designated Cancer CentreRecognised for 30+ consecutive years

University scholarships

PhD Full Funding PackageFull tuition waiver plus annual stipend of approximately USD 38,000–42,000

Named Fellowship AwardsAdditional competitive fellowships available to exceptional doctoral students

Accreditation

CSHL's PhD programme is accredited through a formal affiliation with Stony Brook University (part of the State University of New York system). PhD degrees are conferred by Stony Brook University. CSHL holds NCI Cancer Centre designation from the National Cancer Institute.

For international students

United States

Student visa & funds

International students primarily enter on the F-1 visa, which requires enrolment at a SEVP-certified institution. Before the visa interview the school issues a Form I-20 — a certificate of eligibility — for which a Designated School Official must verify documented funds covering tuition, living expenses and travel for the first year, plus a reliable source for subsequent years. The financial evidence must be specific and from an identified source.

Working while you study

F-1 students may work on campus up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session and full-time during official breaks, with no separate authorization needed. Off-campus work is generally not permitted in the first academic year. After one academic year in good standing, students may use Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for paid work that is an integral part of the curriculum, authorized by the school; other off-campus work requires an approved Employment Authorization Document from USCIS.

After you graduate

After completing a degree, F-1 students may apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) — up to 12 months of work authorization in a related field — by filing Form I-765 and receiving an EAD before starting work. Graduates of a degree on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List may apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, for up to 36 months total. The extension requires an E-Verify employer and a qualifying STEM degree earned within the previous ten years.

English tests

IELTSUG 6.0–6.5; PG 6.5–7.0; top-tier programs 7.0–7.5
TOEFL iBTUG 80–100; PG 90–110; selective research universities 100+
PTE AcademicUG 50–60; PG 55–70; highly selective programs 65+

Main intakes

AugustJanuary

Typical living cost

€1,420/month

Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.

SourcesStudy in the States — Students and the Form I-20 · Study in the States — Financial ability · USCIS — Students and employment · USCIS — Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 students · USCIS — STEM OPT extension · LeapScholar — Minimum IELTS scores for USA universities · Mastersportal — Student living costs in the USA (2025–2026)

Programs

a selection

View top programs →

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory · United States

PhD in Biological and Artificial Intelligence (BioAI)

The PhD in Biological and Artificial Intelligence (BioAI) program at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) is a specialized, fast-track doctoral program designed for students at the intersection of AI and biology. This program focuses on quantitative and computational research, requiring students to have a master's degree or equivalent in a field such as computer science, physics, mathematics, or engineering. Unlike traditional PhD programs, BioAI students are directly admitted into a specific research lab, bypassing the typical rotation period. The program emphasizes "dry lab" research, meaning all work is computational or data-driven, not involving wet lab experiments. Students will contribute to shaping the future of research and industry by becoming innovators in areas where AI meets neuroscience, genomics, and other biological sciences.

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory · United States

PhD Program in Biological Sciences

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) offers an innovative PhD program in Biological Sciences. This program is designed to provide a broad understanding across various disciplines within the biosciences. The first year includes coursework and laboratory rotations, with a strong emphasis on scientific reasoning, ethics, and communication. Following the first year, students select a research mentor and focus on their doctoral research. An alternative BioAI PhD program is also available, integrating artificial intelligence and computational approaches with biological research for students interested in applying machine learning and data-driven methods to solve complex biological problems. The program aims to train scientists to become next-generation leaders in science and society.

Scholarships

for United States

Browse all scholarships →

full funding

Duke University

Karsh International Scholarship Program

Open to international (non-U.S. citizen, non-permanent-resident) high school students applying for first-year undergraduate admission to Duke University. Candidates must demonstrate financial need through Duke's need-based aid process, show interdisciplinary academic curiosity, and have a record of community engagement. There is no separate scholarship form; international applicants who indicate they are applying for financial aid are automatically considered for the Karsh award.

University of Miami (with the Stamps Family Charitable Foundation)

University of Miami Stamps Scholarship

Open to high school seniors, both domestic (U.S.) and international, applying for first-year undergraduate admission to the University of Miami through Early Decision I or Early Action. Applicants are automatically considered with no separate scholarship form; they must submit all first-year admission requirements and demonstrate strong academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement. Semi-finalists complete a Zoom interview.

QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship

Open to high-achieving US high school seniors from low-income backgrounds who are US citizens, permanent residents, or students studying in the US regardless of citizenship. Competitive applicants typically earn mostly A's in challenging courses, rank in the top 5-10% of their class, and have strong standardised test results (SAT/PSAT above 1310 or ACT above 28), though each application is read in context. Applicants must demonstrate strong writing, intellectual curiosity and determination through essays and recommendations. Matched students must attend a partner college as a binding-early-decision commitment.

Argonne National Laboratory

Maria Goeppert Mayer Fellowship at Argonne National Laboratory

Open to early-career scientists and engineers of all nationalities who hold a PhD awarded within the last three years at the time of application, or who will complete the PhD before the fellowship start date. Research interests must align with Argonne's mission areas. U.S. citizenship is required for national-security-related projects (Detection of Imaging Signatures).

Boustany Foundation / Harvard Business School

Boustany MBA Harvard Scholarship

Open to candidates of any nationality (priority to those of Lebanese descent) who have received an offer of admission to the Harvard MBA programme and have a strong academic background.

Knight-Hennessy Scholars

Open to citizens of any country who earned their first/bachelor's degree within the last ~7 years (or will by the Stanford start) and who apply for and gain admission to a full-time Stanford graduate program. Selection seeks independence of thought, purposeful leadership, and a civic mindset.

Frequently asked questions

Is the PhD program at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory fully funded for international students?

Yes, the PhD program is fully funded for all admitted students, regardless of nationality. This includes a full tuition waiver and a living stipend, so there are no tuition fees.

What are the main research areas at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory?

CSHL focuses on cutting-edge research in cancer biology, neuroscience, genomics, plant biology, quantitative biology, and artificial intelligence.

What are the living costs for students at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory?

On-campus housing is available, and the estimated living costs beyond the stipend are between USD 5,000–8,000 per year for personal expenses.

What qualifications are recommended for non-native English speakers applying to CSHL?

For non-native English speakers, a TOEFL iBT score of a minimum of 100 or an IELTS score of a minimum of 7.0 is recommended.

What kind of research experience is preferred for PhD applicants?

Prior laboratory or computational research experience is strongly preferred for applicants to the PhD program at CSHL.

Last updated 3 July 2026