Admissions Requirements
Please read this information carefully as you prepare to apply.
Admission to Princeton is for the Fall Semester only. We do not offer evening, weekend, or summer courses. Further information can also be found at the Office of Graduate Admission site and on our FAQ page.
Application materials are available here. Please note that you are no longer required to mail in transcripts. They are to be uploaded as part of the online application.
It is your responsibility to have all materials sent in a timely manner. An incomplete application will seriously hurt your chances for admission. Late applications will not be considered. Do not send any materials directly to the department.
We do not require the writing sample or policy memo mentioned in the application.
Faculty looking for PhD candidates
Please do not submit any application materials directly to the department.
Fee Waivers
The application fee is $75. Fee waivers are available for:
English Language Proficiency Requirements (PhD Program)
All applicants whose primary language is not English and who have not received their complete undergraduate education in a college or university where English is the language of instruction, must submit scores from either TOEFL, IELTS or the Duolingo English Test (DET). We do not require or accept TWE scores in place of these. Please note, the three internationally recognized tests of English language proficiency which we accept are the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), and Duolingo English Test (DET).
The following applicants are not required to submit English language test scores:
- Applicants whose primary language is English. Primary language is defined as the language that someone communicates in most frequently and in most situations when speaking, reading, and writing.
- Applicants whose undergraduate instruction is entirely in English as certified by the institution and for whom the degree will be awarded prior to anticipated enrollment at Princeton.
- Applicants whose graduate study was on a full-time basis for at least two years where instruction is entirely in English as certified by the institution.
All other applicants must submit valid TOEFL, IELTS or DET scores.
English Language Proficiency Requirements (MSE Program)
All applicants whose primary language is not English and who have not received their complete undergraduate education in a college or university where English is the language of instruction, must submit scores from either TOEFL or IELTS. We do not require or accept TWE scores in place of these. Please note, the two internationally recognized tests of English language proficiency which we accept for the MSE program are the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Further, applicants who are required to take the TOEFL must score a minimum of 28 on the spoken part of the TOEFL in order to be considered for the program. The IELTS equivalent to the TOEFL is an 8 on the speaking sub-section.
The following applicants are not required to submit English language test scores:
- Applicants whose primary language is English. Primary language is defined as the language that someone communicates in most frequently and in most situations when speaking, reading, and writing.
- Applicants whose undergraduate instruction is entirely in English as certified by the institution and for whom the degree will be awarded prior to anticipated enrollment at Princeton.
- Applicants whose graduate study was on a full-time basis for at least two years where instruction is entirely in English as certified by the institution.
All other applicants must submit valid TOEFL or IELTS scores.
SEAS Hidden Curriculum Series
The SEAS Hidden Curriculum Series dispels myths and unpacks hidden truths around the application process. This is a series of virtual workshops. See here for a calendar.
Pre-application Mentoring
The pre-application mentorship program pairs Princeton graduate students with applicants to aid them in the graduate school application process. Mentors will provide feedback and advice on application materials. The mentorship program aims to alleviate some of the barriers preventing students from applying to graduate school and promote greater diversity in our applicants. All are welcome to apply.
Note: The program can only support a set number of applicants. The application is now closed for 2024.
