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The application for fall 2024 admission is now closed.

Applications are open from September through January for admission commencing in the fall term of the following academic year. We do not accept late applications, and our application process is fully electronic. There is no spring admission, and graduate study at Princeton is offered on a full-time basis. 

You may apply only to one academic degree program for one degree per year. The Graduate School will not offer admission to an applicant seeking a second Ph.D. in the same or similar field of study. After the application is submitted, you will be able to view the application checklist and manage recommenders.

The Online Application

Understand the basics of Princeton University’s online application, and then manage it with our Application Checklist. The application and all materials submitted to the Graduate School become the property of Princeton University and will not be returned under any circumstances.

File Upload Requirements

During the application process, you will be required to upload a statement of academic purpose, resume/curriculum vitae, transcripts, fall semester grades, and additional required files as specified by the individual degree program requirements. We suggest gathering these materials in advance and reviewing the file upload requirements below to make the application process as easy as possible.

Application Tips

Prior to beginning an application, review the helpful tips below:

  • Requirements: Application materials should only be uploaded online in the appropriate spaces provided and under the additional information section of the application. Princeton does not accept paper application materials, with the exception of architecture portfolios. Please refer to the file upload requirements for specific instructions. Also, please be sure to review any additional department or program requirements.

  • Test Scores: All test scores must be sent directly from the test center to Princeton University. Department codes are not used at Princeton and are not required by Educational Testing Services (ETS). Please refer to the Required Tests page for specific information on the tests. Please allow extra time for test scores to be received and reflected on the application checklist.

  • Recommendations: Do not delay submitting your application because you are waiting for recommenders to submit their recommendations. See the Recommendation Letters page for more information.

  • Revisions: Before submitting an application, double-check it. No revised documents will be accepted after the deadline.

  • International Students: There is only one application, which can be used by U.S. citizens, permanent residents or international applicants for any academic department or program.

  • Application fee: The application fee of $75 is nonrefundable. View information regarding application fee waivers.

Admission Decisions

March 15

Admission decisions are emailed separately by department or program starting at the end of January through March 15. All decisions are sent to all applicants no later than March 15. Decisions will not be released by telephone or fax. If placed on the waitlist, it might be closer to April 15 before receiving a final admission decision. If the email used in the application changes, please let us know by emailing [email protected].

April 15

The Graduate School must receive a submitted acceptance by April 15, 11:59 p.m. ET or the offer of admission may be rescinded. An offer of admission may also be rescinded based on the Policy on Rescinding an Offer of Admission

Unexpected and Emergent Events

Unexpected and emergent events such as natural disasters, political unrest or armed conflict, and widespread internet or power outages may make it impossible for applicants from an entire region or country to meet an application deadline. Due to the highly decentralized, degree program-based nature of graduate admissions, the Graduate School cannot make blanket changes to application deadlines, nor can we guarantee that any accommodations are possible. Such blanket changes would prevent the University from meeting its own deadlines for making admission decisions and informing all applicants of outcomes. However, prospective applicants from affected regions or countries are encouraged to send an email to [email protected] . When possible, the Graduate School and departments or programs will work with prospective applicants on a case-by-case basis.

The University GDPR Privacy Notice  is available on the University Registrar’s site.