Mail and courier services around the world continue to be negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the University at Buffalo is now issuing electronic I-20s in accordance with SEVP Guidance. An original I-20 should not be required for visa interviews, at the Port of Entry or for most purposes once students arrive in the U.S. We highly recommend that students print the I-20 when they receive it by email, since not all agencies will allow students to show an electronic I-20 on their phone or computer. Please see the UB International Student Services for further information.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 challenges, the GRE requirement for PhD application will be waived (although recommended) for Fall of 2022.
Applications for admission are evaluated by the graduate committee on the basis of criteria reflecting academic quality and probable success in advanced study.
For PhD applications, please submit
For Master’s applications, please submit undergraduate and (where applicable) graduate grades. GRE and recommendation letters are not required, although applicants are encouraged to submit them if doing so will strengthen their applications.
Fall Admission
December 15: Full consideration for funding/fellowships for PhD applicants
January 15: Masters and PhD applicants
March 1: International applicants who require a visa
We accept masters applications on a rolling basis throughout the year.
Questions? Check our Frequently Asked Questions page or feel free to contact us at gradeng@buffalo.edu.
Superior grades and exam scores are, of course, important for admission. However, cases exist where students not having the highest grades were admitted partly on the basis of strong letters of recommendation clearly indicating superior ability and dedication in undergraduate research. It is advantageous to request letters from individuals who have significant knowledge of your abilities-for instance, professors who have taught you in more than one course or with whom you have carried out an independent study project or research. You should give these individuals as much lead time as possible so that they will not be not rushed and will be able to write detailed and thoughtful letters about you.
Applicants must submit the online application in order to be considered for admission. Academic credentials are not evaluated unless submitted as part of an application.
The supplementary materials listed below must be uploaded to the online application. We ask that you do not send any documents in the mail. We no longer maintain paper files and cannot be responsible for mailed material.
In addition to the main application form, all of the following supplementary materials should be uploaded to the online application before your application will be considered:
Take the General Aptitude section of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) and arrange to have your results sent electronically to the department. University at Buffalo institution code is 2925 for the GRE and TOEFL. Our department code for TOEFL is 64; our department code for GRE is 1001.
IELTS does not link to our website so those scores must be uploaded or mailed directly from the testing agency.
Submit the $85.00 application fee, which is required to process the application forms. The fee can be paid online by credit card.
If you are not able to take the IELTS, PTE or TOEFL tests because they are cancelled due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19), the University at Buffalo will accept the Duolingo English Test (DET) for proof of English proficiency. This test can be taken online, in your own home.
Learn more about UB English language proficiency requirements
Completed PhD applications to be considered for awards are due December 15, but full consideration will be given to all applications that are completed before January 15. Early submission maximizes the opportunity for merit-based fellowships.
Completed Master’s applications are due January 15 but applications will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis while space is available. For international students who require a visa, submission by March 1 helps ensure timely processing of requisite documents for Fall admission.
