Building the Future.
Van Andel Institute Graduate School develops scientists to be tomorrow’s biomedical research leaders through an intense, problem-focused Ph.D. degree in molecular and cellular biology.
Your future starts here.
Become a VAI Graduate Student.
Ready to start your graduate school experience? The application for the 2025 cohort is officially open! Learn more or apply today to Van Andel Institute Graduate School.
By combining rigorous coursework with extensive laboratory experience under the mentorship of VAI’s expert faculty, the Graduate School prepares students for productive careers in biomedical research and beyond.
The Graduate School’s Ph.D. program was designed to train students to think like scientists through a problem-based approach. After exploring this page, we hope you’ll apply. If you have any questions, you can reach out to our admissions team via email at [email protected] or call us at (616) 234-5708.
Doctoral Program
Our Ph.D. program provides students with the resources of a world-class research institute and the support of a close-knit community.
Explore our program
Life at Van Andel Institute
VAI’s exceptional facilities are situated in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan, a fast-growing mid-sized city with a vibrant and supportive community.
Discover VAI student lifeFaculty, Leadership & Staff
Led by Distinguished Biomedical Scientists and Educators.
Meet the Van Andel Institute faculty and staff who mentor and support students from day one.
Latest from Vai
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Current Students
Meet Our Graduate Students
Each cohort brings their unique experiences and strengths to the Graduate School.
Distinguished Alumni
Van Andel Institute Graduate School Alumni Association
The Van Andel Institute Graduate School Alumni Association supports and connects our alumni and offers mentorship to current students.
Accreditation and Standards
Van Andel Institute Graduate School is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
This accreditation assures current and prospective students that the Graduate School meets Higher Learning Commission standards of higher education. To maintain accreditation, our programs are continuously reviewed to ensure institutional quality and integrity. The Graduate School was first accredited in 2013 and was reaffirmed in 2018 and 2024.
For more information regarding our status or affiliations with the Higher Learning Commission, please visit www.hlcommission.org.
Our Impact
We're raising thousands to save millions
We’re turning hope into action for the millions of people around the world affected by diseases like cancer and Parkinson’s. Find out how you can help us make a difference.
- 5.3 yrs VAI Graduate School students’ average time to degree
- 100% First-Year Retention (2017-2022)
- 79% Cumulative Graduation Rate