Applicants are required to hold a BSc in Biochemistry, Microbiology or an acceptable equivalent before final acceptance can be granted. Priority is given to students with a grade point average (GPA) of 77% or above (B+ average, 3.65 on a 4 point scale, high Second Class in Britain), however, the department will consider applications from students who have a minimum GPA of 73% (B average) if they have a demonstrated record of research accomplishment. The GPA calculations are based on the most recent two years of full-time study.

Applicants whose first language is not English and who do not hold a degree from a designated English-speaking country will need to provide proof of language proficiency. A minimum TOEFL exam score of 100 (on the internet based exam) or an overall IELTS score of 7.0 with no score of less than 6.5 on each academic component is required.