Review frequently asked questions about our graduate admissions process.
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 Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 FAQ for further information.
No, individual faculty will not be able to comment on your application or chances of admission since the decision for admission is made centrally by the graduate admissions committee only. Admission to the graduate programs is competitive and the outcome depends on the quality of the applicants that we have each year. As a result, it is impossible for individual faculty to provide an "appraisal" of a candidate's chances of getting admitted to a program.
Admission to the PhD program is by merit only. Typically all students admitted to the doctorate program are supported by teaching or research assistantships or fellowships that provide stipend support and cover tuition costs.
Yes. This is necessary to complete your application.
Master's students are not offered financial support by the department
Yes
The graduate admissions committee begins sending out offers of admission for Masters in the late fall. PhD applications are reviewed beginning December. This process continues until the end of April.
The graduate admission committee makes all admissions decisions. An evaluation of the applicant's academic qualifications is done. These evaluations are based on the applicant's academic record, GRE scores, personal statement, and letters of recommendation, not on specific scores alone. The criteria for evaluation varies each year depending on the pool of applicants.
The university minimum is a score of 79.
There is no specific minimum for GRE.
The university minimum GPA is 3.0. Applicants below 3.0 can be accepted, but the Dean’s office has final say on those applications.
We prefer to receive online recommendations electronically through the application system.
We admit students into the department as a whole, and then students select their research advisors within the first two months of their studies here. There is a presentation and interview process which involves students and faculty.
Please write to gradeng@buffalo.edu to enquire about your application. Individual faculty will be unable to respond. Because of the number of applications, we cannot answer questions about the receipt of documents. We will notify you of missing documents.
Please do NOT send any hard copy (paper) documents to our department or the university. UB has a paperless application system. Please upload your documents electronically with your application and do not mark your application complete until you have provided all the required documentation. Test scores can be sent through ETS electronically (our code is 2925). We are not responsible for materials sent through the mail or by courier. If offered admission, you will be notified what documents are necessary to bring with you to campus.
