How to Apply? (PhD)

Apply online at the University of Minnesota Graduate Admissions website. You can start an application and return later to finish, so don’t hesitate to create an account and start applying.

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Below is a list of items you will eventually need to complete your application. Please read through the list below carefully and include all the materials listed here

1. Transcripts/Academic Records
Upload transcripts in “Academic History” section of the online application.

You must upload unofficial transcripts or academic records for each higher learning institution where you have earned credit, including partial or incomplete transcripts.

2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Your curriculum vitae should include educational and academic background, teaching and research experience, publications, awards, presentations, honors, activities, and additional details.

3. Personal Statement
Your personal statement should include:

  • Professional and academic background, skills, and accomplishments
  • If you are an international student, please provide the rank of your undergraduate University compared with other engineering universities in your home country
  • Research interests
  • Future career goals


4. Three Letters of Recommendation
Three letters of recommendations are required. You will need to list at least three email addresses on your online line Graduate application.

The online application includes a section for you to enter the contact information for your recommenders. Please notify the individuals you select as recommenders that they will receive an email from the application system with instructions on how to submit their letters.

It is okay to submit your application before your recommenders have submitted their recommendation to us. If a recommender is having trouble submitting their recommendation, they can email it directly to the ECE Graduate Program: ecedgsoffice@umn.edu

Please ask your recommenders to write about your technical and academic abilities, and why they believe you will be successful in a graduate program.

5. English Language Test Scores
Please use the institution code 6874. Please read the information about each English language exam the University of Minnesota accepts. To learn if your scores have been received by the Graduate School, please check your application status.

6. GRE
GRE scores are currently not required for admission to our program. However if you earned your undergraduate degree at a lesser known institution, GRE scores could support your application and help us evaluate it.

7. Writing Sample
If you have no publications, submit a paper you have written for a class.

Please review our Program and admission FAQs for questions about your application or our admission process.

If you have any additional questions about our program or our admission process that are not addressed in the admission FAQ guide, please email us at newgrad@umn.edu