Graduate Admissions - How to Apply

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

MATERIALS

All applicants must submit:

1. Electronically signed application form (domestic or international)
2. Statement of Personal Goals
3. Resume or Vitae
4. Official/original transcripts (seal bearing) from ALL institutions in which classes were taken and are to be transferred/counted in any way towards the program whether or not a degree was achieved.
5. Three letters of recommendation from professors acquainted with applicant's work.

*** GRE scores (official) are strongly encouraged. They help us to make admission decisions. We are particularly interested in GRE PHYSICS scores. A PHYSICS subject test score of 650 or higher submitted before first enrollment will satisfy the qualifying exam requirement for the PhD. Students who submit subject test scores will receive higher priority.

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

***Tell ETS to send test scores to:

KU Institutional Code: 6871

Departmental Code: 0808

 

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 initial departmental 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 (iBT) a minimum score of 20 in each category is required (a score of 24 on the speaking section is required to be a TA/Teaching Assistant).
  • WE PREFER THE iBT WHENEVER POSSIBLE.
  • Most of our new graduate students are supported by TA's. The applicant MUST take a TOEFL test with a speaking component/speaking score, in order to be considered for a TA.
  • 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.

NOTE: The TOEFL requirement MUST be met before applicants can be considered for fellowships, graduate teaching assistantships, or graduate research assistantships. The applicant must take a TOEFL test with a speaking component/speaking score, in order to be considered for a TA.


***Tell ETS to send test scores to:

KU Institutional Code: 6871

Departmental Code: 76

• 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.

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WHEN APPLYING:

• Apply online.

(Applying online is the ONLY method accepted now. We will NOT accept paper applications any longer. ALL application materials must be uploaded and sent via the KU application system.)

Please send all official/original transcripts to:

Teri Leahy

University of Kansas

Department of Physics & Astronomy

Malott Hall

1251 Wescoe Hall Dr, Room 1082

Lawrence, KS 66045

You can also email questions to tleahy@ku.edu

*** Application fees are as follows: For international students the fee is $65, for domestic it is $55.

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FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Please contact Teri Leahy , our Graduate Admissions Coordinator.
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.