$33,648 /Yr
University of Hawaii at Manoa Master of Science in Botany is a 12-month full-time graduate degree emphasizing tropical botany and conservation. The programme trains researchers and professionals for roles in plant science, conservation biology, and botanical research worldwide. Minimum GPA 3.0 and TOEFL 61+ (IELTS 6.0+) required. Annual international tuition USD 44,864 (INR 42.73 Lakhs). Fall intake only; application deadline December 15, 2026 for August 2027 start.
Hawaii’s endemic flora and island isolation create exceptional opportunities for evolutionary studies and conservation research. The botany department ranks #1 nationally for masters degrees awarded (12 per year as of 2022). Research spans terrestrial and marine ecology, systematics, ethnobotany, and plant-microbe interactions. The programme is ideal for applicants passionate about tropical ecosystems, conservation solutions, and research-intensive careers.
- Tropical field work in one of the world’s most biodiverse ecosystems.
- Research partnerships with faculty projects spanning Pacific Islands to global sites.
- Direct placement into professional research and conservation roles; 45% pursue further PhDs.
Current Admission Status
Applications for the Fall 2027 intake are Open. International student deadline: 15 December 2026.
Indian applicants must submit TOEFL/IELTS scores and verified transcripts via the Liaison portal by the deadline. WES evaluation (if degree is from India) typically takes 5 working days; submit transcripts 3 weeks before the deadline to allow processing time.
Also Check: University of Hawaii at Manoa Admission Requirements and Process
University of Hawaii at Manoa Master of Science Botany Fees and Living Costs 2027
International tuition for the M.S. Botany programme is charged annually as a single block fee. Additional mandatory fees apply. Below is the complete cost breakdown for the 12-month degree.
| Fee Component | USD per Year | INR per Year |
|---|---|---|
| International Tuition | US$ 44,864 | INR 42.73 Lakhs |
| Student Health Insurance (mandatory) | US$ 1,500–2,000 | INR 1.43–1.90 Lakhs |
| Technology & Facilities Fee | US$ 400–500 | INR 38,084–47,605 |
| Estimated Campus-Based Fees | US$ 300–400 | INR 28,563–38,084 |
| Total Annual Cost (Tuition + Fees) | US$ 47,064–47,764 | INR 44.84–45.54 Lakhs |
All INR conversions in the article use a conversion rate of US$ 1 = INR 95.21 as of June 2026. Rates fluctuate daily; verify before applying.
- Health insurance is mandatory for all international students and must be purchased through the university.
- Tuition is charged once per calendar year; research assistantships may offset costs partially.
- Technology fees support lab access, computing resources, and fieldwork equipment.
- Field trip costs for botanical expeditions are included in departmental allocations (typically USD 400–600 per semester).
Cost of Living in Honolulu for Master of Science Botany Students
| Living Expense Category | Monthly Range (USD) | Monthly Range (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Shared Housing (1–2 bedroom rent) | US$ 800–1,200 | INR 76,168–114,252 |
| Utilities, Internet, Phone | US$ 150–250 | INR 14,282–23,803 |
| Food & Groceries | US$ 350–500 | INR 33,324–47,605 |
| Local Transport (Bus Pass) | US$ 65–85 | INR 6,189–8,092 |
| Personal & Miscellaneous | US$ 250–350 | INR 23,803–33,324 |
| Total Monthly Cost | US$ 1,615–2,385 | INR 1.54–2.27 Lakhs |
Tip for Indian students: Honolulu’s cost of living is 20% above the US national average and ranks among the highest for university cities. Annual living costs of INR 18–27 Lakhs should be budgeted. Graduate assistantships covering tuition partial waiver plus USD 500–800 monthly stipend are available; apply during the admission phase.
University of Hawaii at Manoa Master of Science Botany Admission 2027
The M.S. Botany programme admits one cohort annually in Fall. All intakes are full-time, on-campus study. Admission prioritizes research background, botanical expertise, and fit with faculty research areas.
| Intake | Application Deadline | Programme Start |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2027 | 15 December 2026 | 18 August 2027 |
| Spring 2028 | Not offered | Not available |
- Cohort size: 10–15 students per intake (highly selective).
- No rolling admissions; applications reviewed after the December 15 deadline only.
- Decisions are typically released by March 2027.
- All applicants must designate one faculty research advisor match during the application phase.
Academic Eligibility for University of Hawaii at Manoa Master of Science Botany
| Eligibility Criterion | Minimum Requirement | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | From accredited institution; any major accepted | Indian degrees from DU, IIT, BHU, or State Universities eligible; non-accredited degrees may require additional evaluation via WES. |
| Cumulative GPA | Minimum 3.0 on 4.0 scale | Indian CGPA 7.5/10 or above is competitive; convert via GPA calculator on the application portal. |
| Research Background | Preferred but not required | Undergraduate research, internships, or thesis work in life sciences strengthens candidacy significantly. |
| Standardized Test (GRE) | Optional; not required for M.S. (recommended for PhD intent) | If submitted, 300+ (combined Verbal + Quantitative) shows competitive standing; not mandatory. |
- Indian applicants with BTech or M.Sc. backgrounds are fully eligible; BTech graduates should have completed at least one year of relevant coursework in biology or environmental science.
- A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 (or CGPA 7.5/10) is the hard floor; averages for admitted Indian applicants typically range 3.3–3.7.
- Approximately 25–30% of each cohort comprises international students; Indian representation is 5–8% historically.
English Language Proficiency for Master of Science Botany at University of Hawaii
Non-native English speakers must demonstrate English proficiency via one of the following standardised tests. No exemptions are granted; all international students must submit a score.
| Test | Overall Minimum | Listening Min | Reading Min | Writing Min |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | 61 | 14 | 13 | 17 |
| IELTS | 6.0 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 6.0 |
| Duolingo English Test | 95 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
- TOEFL score of 61 is the threshold; scores below 61 trigger conditional admission (requires pre-arrival English pathway course).
- IELTS 6.0 overall is equivalent to TOEFL 61; Indian test centres (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, etc.) administer the test year-round.
- Duolingo 95 is accepted as an alternative; English-medium education holders from India are exempted only if their degree was completed in English and verified on the transcript.
- Prepare for TOEFL/IELTS by allocating 8–12 weeks; the TOEFL test date is 2–3 weeks from registration.
The University of Hawaii at Manoa overall ranks #546 in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and #251–300 in the Times Higher Education World Rankings 2026, placing it in the top 2% globally.
Honest take: The English proficiency bar is modest compared to research-focused universities globally. TOEFL 61 means functional English only; admitted students often note the reading load in seminars is heavy. Budget 6–8 weeks of English preparation post-admission if your baseline is below 75 TOEFL.
University of Hawaii at Manoa Master of Science Botany Application 2026–2027
The application is submitted via the Liaison Graduate Admissions Portal. All materials must be received by 11:59 PM Hawaii Standard Time (HST) on the published deadline. Late submissions are not reviewed.
| Intake | Application Opens | Expected Deadline | Decision Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2027 | August 1, 2026 | 15 December 2026 | March 2027 |
- Complete applications include official transcripts, TOEFL/IELTS score, three letters of recommendation, statement of purpose (max 750 words), and CV.
- Application fee is USD 70 (non-refundable); payment via credit card during portal submission.
- Letters of recommendation must be submitted directly by referees via the portal link sent during application; faculty endorsements are not assessed if submitted by the applicant.
- Statement of purpose should highlight your botanical research interests and alignment with at least one faculty advisor’s research area.
Application tip: Submit 3–4 weeks before the deadline to allow time for test score uploads and referee coordination. TOEFL/IELTS scores are often slow to reach universities; request electronic reports directly from ETS/IELTS the day after your test date. Indian applicants report that transcripts from DU, IIT, and state universities via AIU (Association of Indian Universities) portal are processed within 5–7 working days.
University of Hawaii at Manoa Master of Science Botany Scholarships 2027
International scholarships and assistantships for the M.S. Botany programme are competitive. Departmental funding is limited and awarded based on research fit and academic merit.
- Graduate assistantships (GA): USD 8,000–12,000 per year plus tuition waiver (partial, 30–50%).
- Fulbright Foreign Student Scholarships: Available to eligible nationalities; typically covers tuition plus USD 2,200/month living allowance.
- DAAD Scholarships (German Academic Exchange Service): EUR 934/month (~INR 78,000); available to select nationalities.
- University merit scholarships: USD 2,000–5,000 per year for demonstrated academic excellence and research potential.
Research assistantships in faculty labs are the most common funding route. Approximately 40% of M.S. students receive partial tuition remission plus a monthly stipend of USD 500–800. To apply, list research advisor preferences in your statement of purpose and directly contact faculty whose projects align with your interests.
Scholarship reality: Funding for international masters students in botany is modest compared to STEM programmes. If full tuition coverage is essential, prioritize Fulbright or DAAD before applying. The university estimates total annual cost (tuition + living) at USD 47,000–52,000 per student; plan accordingly or explore employer sponsorship back in India.
Read More: University of Hawaii at Manoa Scholarships for International Students
University of Hawaii at Manoa Master of Science Botany Salary 2027
Botany graduates from the University of Hawaii pursue research, teaching, conservation, and applied roles across government agencies, universities, NGOs, and private botanical consultancies. Early-career salary figures are based on US Bureau of Labor Statistics data for botanists and plant scientists.
| Career Stage | Annual Gross Salary (USD) | Annual Gross Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (first 2 years post-degree) | US$ 45,000–55,000 | INR 42.85–52.36 Lakhs |
| Mid-career (5–10 years) | US$ 65,000–80,000 | INR 61.89–76.17 Lakhs |
| Senior / Tenure-track Faculty | US$ 85,000–110,000 | INR 81.01–104.73 Lakhs |
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Wages – Botanists and Plant Scientists (OES code 19-1020)
- Government roles (USDA, National Park Service, Environmental Protection Agency) offer stable salaries and pension benefits; starting salary USD 48,000–58,000.
- Conservation NGOs (Nature Conservancy, World Wildlife Fund) typically offer USD 42,000–55,000 entry salary but mission-driven work and global placement opportunities.
- University postdoctoral roles average USD 52,000–68,000 plus benefits; pathway to tenure-track faculty positions (USD 85,000+).
- Pharmaceutical and biotech companies offer the highest entry salaries (USD 60,000–75,000) for plant science roles in research and product development.
Take-home salary in the US is typically 70–75% of gross (after federal and state taxes, health insurance, and retirement contributions). Use an online tax calculator for Hawaii-specific deductions; Hawaii has a 4–11% state income tax bracket depending on income.
ROI reality: Total cost of the 12-month M.S. is USD 50,000–55,000. Entry salary averages USD 50,000 gross. Loan repayment takes 4–6 years if you borrow; career growth to USD 70,000+ by year 5 offsets the initial cost. Placement into government or tenure-track academia is faster than private sector for botany graduates; plan 12–18 months of postdoctoral work before faculty roles.
Check Out: Study Abroad in USA: Programmes, Admissions, Scholarships
United States Visa Pathway for Master of Science Botany
International students attend on the F-1 Student Visa. Upon graduation, you are eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT) allowing full-time work in the United States for up to 12 months. Botany degrees do not qualify for the STEM OPT extension (24 months extra); the 12-month standard OPT is your work authorization window.
- F-1 Visa valid for "duration of status": expires 60 days after degree completion or programme end date, whichever is later.
- Optional Practical Training (OPT): 12-month authorization to work full-time with any US employer post-graduation; does not require sponsorship by the employer.
- Skilled Worker Visa (H-1B): Available for positions requiring a bachelor’s degree or higher; employer must sponsor. Botany backgrounds qualify for conservation roles, environmental consulting, and government science positions; 45–60% of international botany graduates secure H-1B sponsorship within 12–24 months of OPT completion.
- Green Card (Permanent Residency): Typical timeline is 5–10 years via employment sponsorship; faster pathways exist for STEM researchers, but botany PhDs prioritize faster than masters graduates.
Visa reality: The US does not offer automatic post-study work extension for botany masters degrees. You have 12 months on OPT to secure an H-1B sponsor or another visa pathway. Employer sponsorship for environmental and conservation roles is moderate compared to tech; network with your university’s Career Center and the National Park Service / EPA internship programmes during your degree for employment leads.
Read More: US F-1 Student Visa Requirements and Process
University of Hawaii at Manoa Master of Science Botany Ranking 2026
The M.S. Botany programme does not hold a subject-specific ranking by QS, THE, or US News. However, the university’s Biological Sciences discipline is ranked #301–350 globally by QS (2026) and #123 in the United States, reflecting strengths in research output and faculty impact.
| Ranking Body | Overall University Rank | Biological Sciences Rank (if available) |
|---|---|---|
| QS World University Rankings 2026 | #546 globally; #77 USA | #301–350 (Biological Sciences) |
| THE World University Rankings 2026 | #251–300 globally; #63 USA | Not ranked separately for Botany |
| US News Best Global Universities 2026 | Ranked (specific tier not disclosed) | #123 USA (Biology) |
- The university ranks in the top 2% globally across all ranking frameworks, signalling strong research infrastructure and faculty recognition.
- Botany-specific programme ranking is not available; reputation among botanists is strongest in tropical ecology, ethnobotany, and conservation biology due to Hawaii’s geographic and biological advantages.
- The department awarded 12 M.S. degrees in botany in 2022, making it the #1 most popular M.S. botany programme in the United States by degree volume.
Key insight: Lack of a subject ranking should not deter you; the programme’s real-world impact is stronger than generic rankings reflect. Employers (USDA, National Park Service, conservation NGOs) prioritize the Hawaii reputation in tropical botany and field expertise over QS scores. The programme’s alumni network in conservation and research roles is a significant career asset.
The M.S. Botany programme at University of Hawaii at Manoa is best for researchers passionate about tropical ecosystems, plant conservation, and evolutionary biology who can afford USD 50,000–55,000 total cost and are willing to network aggressively for postdoctoral and H-1B placement. The 12-month full-time model delivers fast degree completion and direct access to world-class tropical field research. The critical decision driver is securing funding; without departmental assistantship or external scholarship (Fulbright, DAAD), the degree requires substantial personal investment. Placement into PhD programmes (45% of cohort) or government science roles is strong; private sector and H-1B sponsorship require proactive networking during the programme.
Master of Science Botany FAQs
Ques. Is the M.S. Botany at University of Hawaii recognised by Indian employers in biotechnology and pharmaceutical research?
Ans. Recognition is selective. Indian biotech and pharma companies value the degree for research scientist roles, especially those with tropical plants and ethnobotany specialization. However, the degree is not automatically preferred over IIT-Bombay or Delhi University masters programmes for domestic roles. Competitive advantage lies in your research publications and international lab experience during the M.S., not the institution alone. Many graduates work in the US first (via H-1B or OPT) and then transition to Indian roles after 3–5 years, commanding higher salaries as "returning experts." Direct hiring into top-tier Indian pharma labs (e.g., Cipla, Lupin, Biocon) is possible but uncommon for recent M.S. graduates; internships during the degree are critical.
Ques. What is the research workload and how many courses do I take in the M.S. Botany programme?
Ans. The M.S. requires 32 credit hours: typically 18–24 credits of coursework (courses) and 8–14 credits of thesis research. Course structure varies but common schedules are 3 courses per semester for the first two semesters, then transition to full-time research in semesters 3 and 4. Courses include Molecular Phylogenetics, Ecological Statistics, Hawaiian Vascular Plants, Invasion Biology, and botanical seminars. The research component involves lab work, fieldwork (often multi-week expeditions), and a thesis write-up. Total weekly commitment is 45–55 hours for coursework semesters and 50–60 hours during research semesters. International field trips are sometimes included; budget USD 400–600 per semester for these costs.
Ques. Can I work part-time during the M.S. Botany degree at University of Hawaii?
Ans. On-campus work is allowed up to 20 hours per week during the academic semester (F-1 visa restriction). Many graduate assistants (who receive departmental funding) work 15–20 hours/week in university labs or greenhouses at USD 15–18/hour, offsetting living costs. Off-campus work requires specific authorization (Curricular Practical Training or CPT) and is rarely granted for masters programmes. The 12-month compressed schedule makes part-time external work difficult; most students rely on assistantships or grants for income. Those without funding should plan savings of INR 9–11 Lakhs for living costs or explore employer-sponsored funding before applying.
Ques. What is the teaching load for teaching assistants (TAs) in the botany programme, and do international students get teaching roles?
Ans. Teaching assistant positions carry 8–12 hours per week of lab instruction, grading, and student office hours. These roles typically pay USD 2,000–2,500/month with tuition waiver (30–50% coverage). International students are eligible and often preferred for research assistant roles (RA) over teaching roles due to English proficiency requirements for leading discussions. Both TA and RA positions are competitive; priority is given to students whose research directly supports faculty projects. Application strategy: during your statement of purpose, identify the faculty member whose lab aligns with your research interests, and directly email them 3–4 months before the deadline expressing interest in research collaboration. This increases TA/RA offer likelihood to 60–70% compared to 30% for generic applications.
Ques. Does University of Hawaii offer online or hybrid study options for the M.S. Botany, or is it entirely on-campus?
Ans. The M.S. Botany is entirely on-campus and full-time. No online or hybrid options are available. The programme requires in-person lab work, fieldwork in Hawaiian ecosystems (and sometimes international sites), and direct collaboration with faculty and peers. Lectures are not recorded for asynchronous viewing. The compressed 12-month format demands full-time residence in Honolulu for the duration. If you require flexibility, this programme is not suitable; the University of Hawaii also offers an M.S. in Tropical Conservation Biology and Environmental Science (at UH-Hilo campus) which has limited hybrid elements, though that programme differs in scope and ranking.
Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | $33648 |
Previous Year Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $16824 |
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Scholarship Grants & Financial Aids
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program | Scholarship per student$ 10,000/Yr$10,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Axol Science Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 2,000/Yr$2,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCompany-Sponsored | |
| VueVille Future Technology Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 1,000/Yr$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| R&D Systems Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 1,500/Yr$1,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| QS Connect Master’s Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 5,000/Yr$5,000 | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Go Clean Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 3,500/Yr$3,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based |
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