For a detailed brochure on Graduate Studies in Physics and Astronomy at KU, click on this link.

DEADLINES

April 1st - last day to apply online for Summer or Fall semester.

May 1st - last day to apply with paper application for Summer or Fall semester for International students. Domestic students will be considered on a case by case basis through July.

November 15th - last day to apply online for Spring semester

December 31st - last day to submit application materials to guarantee your consideration for University Fellowships for the following Fall semester.

***Applications beyond these dates cannot be guaranteed consideration.

MATERIALS

All applicants must submit:

1. Signed application form (domestic or international)
2. Statement of Personal Goals
3. Resume or Vitae
4. ONE official transcript (seal bearing) from undergraduate degree-granting institution and any graduate work, whether or not a degree was achieved.
5. Three letters of recommendation from professors acquainted with applicant's work.

*** GRE scores are strongly encouraged. They help us to make admission decisions. We are particularly interested in GRE PHYSICS scores. A PHYSICS subject test score of the 60th percentile or higher submitted before first enrollment will satisfy the qualifying exam requirement for the PhD. Students who submit subject test scores will be prioritized.

*** Students who will be receiving a master's degree from another institution before
attending the University of Kansas MUST submit GRE PHYSICS scores.

International students from non-English speaking countries must submit:

• OFFICIAL report of TOEFL score. Applicants CANNOT be admitted to the Graduate School without an OFFICIAL TOEFL REPORT. We can use copies for our department review, but the Graduate School will NOT accept them.
  • For the paper-based TOEFL a minimum score of 53 in each category is required for admission.
  • For the computer-based and internet-based TOEFL a minimum score of 20 in each category is required.

NOTE: The TOEFL requirement MUST be met before applicants can be considered for fellowships, graduate teaching assistantships, or graduate research assistantships.

*** The only exceptions are for students who will receive a degree from a certified, English-speaking university from the U.S., United Kingdom, Australia, or English-speaking provinces of Canada before enrolling at KU. WE PREFER THE iBT WHENEVER POSSIBLE.

• International students being considered for a TA will need to provide further proof of English speaking ability by achieving a score of at least 50 on either the TSE or the KU SPEAK test. A score of 24 on the Speaking section of the iBT will allow the student to skip the TSE and/or SPEAK test.
• If an international student is admitted to the program without financial support from the department, in order to obtain a visa the student must also provide:
  
  
  • Financial Resource Statement Form: proof of adequate financial resources is required in order for the University to issue the necessary F1 or J1 immigration documents for admitted students. The "financial resource statement" portion of the application MUST be completed by all applicants. All fellowships and assistantship applicants must complete this section even if no personal funds are available. Self supporting students must complete this section. Sponsored students also need to have their sponsors complete the "Sponsor's Affidavit." Documentation for self-supporting and sponsored students must be provided in the form of an original bank statement.

WHEN APPLYING:

• Apply online. (Preferred method)
• Apply in paper format: download pdf format domestic application or international application.

Please send all materials to the DEPARTMENT. The address is:

Teri Leahy
University of Kansas

Department of Physics and Astronomy
1251 Wescoe Hall Dr. #1082
Lawrence, KS. 66045

You can also email certain extra materials to tleahy@ku.edu

*** Please include the application fee in your package if you do not apply online. Fees are as follows:

Electronic Applications

Domestic: $45.

International: $55

Paper Applications

Domestic: $55.

International: $60

We cannot waive application fees.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Please contact Teri Leahy , our Graduate Admission Specialist.
You can reach her at (785) 864-1225, or tleahy@ku.edu.

Additional Links

Mean-Time-to-Degree Data
Additional information on Assistantships and Fellowships
KU Graduate Studies Main Site which includes links to info on housing, scholarships, tuition and fees.