The Scripps Research Institute is a world-renowned independent biomedical research center with a graduate school focused on chemical and biological sciences. It offers fully funded PhD programs for students engaged in cutting-edge research aimed at developing innovative medicines.
The Scripps Research Institute is a leading independent, non-profit biomedical research institute dedicated to understanding and addressing major health challenges. Founded over 100 years ago, Scripps Research is globally recognized for its excellence in life sciences and chemistry, focusing on both fundamental scientific discovery and translating these discoveries into innovative medicines. The institute operates with a unique model where revenues generated from new medicines are reinvested into research, creating a self-sustaining cycle of scientific advancement and public benefit. Scripps Research is committed to training the next generation of scientific leaders through its Skaggs Graduate School of Chemical and Biological Sciences. The institute's work spans diverse fields including chemistry, neuroscience, structural and computational biology, cellular and molecular biology, and immunology. Their research aims to transform our understanding of the world and develop new technologies that shape the future of medicine, addressing critical areas from pandemic threats to an aging global population. The institute maintains a strong focus on translational research, with divisions like the Calibr-Skaggs Institute for Innovative Medicines and the Scripps Research Translational Institute (SRTI) dedicated to moving scientific breakthroughs from the lab to patient care. This includes developing preventative approaches, diagnostics, and new therapies for various diseases, establishing an unprecedented standard of productivity in non-profit research.
Life at Scripps Research centers on an intense, collaborative research culture rather than a traditional undergraduate campus experience. Graduate students work alongside leading scientists in well-equipped laboratories, attend seminars by visiting researchers, and participate in a tight-knit scholarly community. The La Jolla campus offers a coastal Southern California setting near San Diego, while the Florida campus sits in Jupiter; both provide access to outdoor recreation, vibrant local communities, and proximity to thriving biotech ecosystems that support internships and career connections.
Scripps Research is a research institute rather than a tuition-driven university; admitted doctoral students are supported financially rather than paying out-of-pocket tuition.
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
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.
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 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.
Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.
Chemistry is the study of matter, its properties, and how atoms and molecules interact. At Scripps Research, we delve into the atomic world to understand molecular structures and behaviors. Our approach integrates chemistry, physics, and biology to train future leaders in interdisciplinary science. We aim to bridge fundamental research with practical applications, translating discoveries into new medicines and solutions for critical human health challenges. Our department focuses on understanding, creating, and applying new forms of matter to solve problems.
The Skaggs Graduate School of Chemical and Biological Sciences at Scripps Research offers a PhD program focused on high-impact discoveries at the intersection of chemistry and biology. With approximately 400 PhD students across campuses in La Jolla, California, and Jupiter, Florida, the program is consistently ranked among the top 10 in the nation. Students engage in intensive laboratory research from the beginning of their studies, guided by world-renowned faculty who serve as mentors and advisors. The curriculum is designed to be customizable, allowing students to tailor their coursework to their specific research interests while exploring multidisciplinary topics.
Scripps Research offers a Ph.D. program through its Skaggs Graduate School of Chemical and Biological Sciences, focusing on training future leaders in scientific discovery. The institute pioneers a model that integrates fundamental and translational research to accelerate the development of new medicines. This approach is supported by revenues from commercialized discoveries, which are reinvested into further research. Scripps Research is recognized globally for its innovation in the life sciences and chemistry, aiming to address significant global health challenges.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
The Scripps Research Institute is a leading independent, non-profit biomedical research institute dedicated to understanding and addressing major health challenges. It is globally recognized for its excellence in life sciences and chemistry, focusing on both fundamental scientific discovery and translating these discoveries into innovative medicines.
Scripps Research is primarily a research institute rather than a tuition-driven university. It operates the Skaggs Graduate School of Chemical and Biological Sciences to train future scientific leaders.
The institute's work spans diverse fields including chemistry, neuroscience, structural and computational biology, cellular and molecular biology, and immunology. Their research aims to transform our understanding of the world and develop new technologies for medicine.
Applicants typically need a Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, or a related natural science, with prior laboratory research experience strongly expected. Letters of recommendation from research mentors or faculty and a statement of purpose are also required. For non-native English speakers, strong TOEFL iBT (typically 100+) or IELTS Academic (7.0+) scores are expected.
Yes, PhD students admitted to the Skaggs Graduate School are fully funded. This includes a full tuition waiver, an annual stipend, and health insurance benefits.
Student life centers on an intense, collaborative research culture. Graduate students work closely with leading scientists and participate in a scholarly community. The campuses in La Jolla, California, and Jupiter, Florida, offer access to outdoor recreation and local communities.