KGI is the youngest of the Claremont Colleges, set up in the late 1990s to train scientists for the life sciences industry. Its best-known programme is the Master of Business and Science, which pairs bioscience with management. A team project for a real company caps the degree. There is also a pharmacy school and a genetic counselling programme. Students share libraries and events with the other Claremont schools.
Claremont, California, United States
Official website: kgi.edu
Private graduate institute
Member of The Claremont Colleges
Applied life sciences and healthcare
$52,000 – $62,000
International students, graduate programmes, before scholarships
$22,000 – $28,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on kgi.edu before you apply.
Master of Business and Science
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 7.0, TOEFL: 90
MS Human Genetics and Genetic Counseling
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 7.0, TOEFL: 100
Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)
DoctorateDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 7.0, TOEFL: 90
Master of Engineering in Biopharmaceutical Processing
Masters DegreeDuration
12 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 7.0, TOEFL: 90
Degrees that mix life sciences with business training.
Team projects sponsored by biotech and medical device companies.
Membership of the Claremont Colleges consortium.
Graduates join biotech, pharmaceutical and medical device firms in project and product roles.
Genetic counselling graduates work in clinics and diagnostic labs.
STEM-designated master's graduates can apply for OPT and the STEM extension.
Undergrad
No UG intake
Postgrad
Main intake
Claremont is a leafy college town at the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains, with a walkable village of cafes and shops. The Metrolink train runs to downtown Los Angeles.
Housing is pricey, as it is across greater Los Angeles, and most KGI students rent shared apartments nearby.
Form I-20 issued by Keck Graduate Institute
Proof of funds for one academic year
SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
Completed DS-160 online application
US embassy or consulate interview
Passport valid six months beyond stay
KGI runs several application rounds from autumn into spring for a fall start. International applicants should aim for the earlier rounds to leave time for the I-20 and visa.
Nearly all programmes start in the fall.
You'll need an F-1 visa. Once you accept your offer and send proof of funding, Keck Graduate Institute issues the Form I-20. After that it's the SEVIS fee, the DS-160 form and an interview at a US embassy or consulate.
The Master of Business and Science, genetic counselling, PharmD and biopharmaceutical processing are the main programmes. Entry needs a science or engineering degree for most, plus IELTS 7.0 or equivalent.
KGI gives merit scholarships to many master's students at admission. Ask about awards in your programme.
