How to Apply

Program application deadlines vary, so be sure to check your program of interest to determine its deadline. For specific program deadlines, visit the Explore Graduate Programs web page. After you submit your application, it will be available for review by the graduate program to which you have applied.

Purdue University’s online graduate application portal is open 24/7, giving you the freedom to work at your own pace and save your progress. Whether you’re applying to our flagship campus in West Lafayette, or seeking urban opportunities in Indianapolis or our regional campuses at Purdue Northwest or Purdue Fort Wayne, you have the power to choose the path that fits you best.

For first-time applicants:

Create an account to start a new application.

For returning applicants or checking application status:

Log in to continue to application.

Domestic & International Applicants

The graduate application fee is $60 (U.S. dollars) for domestic applicants and $75 (U.S. dollars) for international applicants. The application fee payment will satisfy the payment requirement for all campus and/or graduate major selections listed on the application, up to two selections. You must pay your application fee online with your credit card. Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express cards are accepted and processed using a secured online payment system. 

Your application will not be processed until your non-refundable application fee has been paid.

If you are applying to a degree program or graduate certificate program at one of the Purdue University campuses, you will be charged an application fee. If you are a nondegree applicant applying to the West Lafayette, Northwest, or Fort Wayne campus, you will not be charged an application fee.

International Payments

Purdue University has partnered with Flywire to accept international student payments. Flywire allows you to pay your application fee securely from your home country, using local currency and preferred local payment methods. With real-time tracking, multilingual support, and competitive exchange rates, Flywire simplifies the international payment experience.

Please note: The quote you receive during this process is valid for a single application fee payment. If additional payments are required, a new quote must be obtained. A foreign currency payment is a “pending” payment and does not automatically satisfy your application fee payment.  Purdue University Accounts Receivable will post the U.S. dollar equivalent to your Business Partner account, generally within two to five days after your local bank initiates payment.  When this has occurred, your application fee payment will be updated.

Step-by-step guide to making a payment:

Step 1: Access Your Applicant Status Portal at https://gradapply.purdue.edu/apply/

• Click the “Click here to submit your payment with Flywire” button.

Step 2: Select Your Payment Country

• Choose the country from which the payment will be made to see available local payment methods. With Flywire, the option to pay in local currency is available for most countries and Purdue University will receive the payment in USD.

Step 3: Select Payment Method

• Choose from available local payment methods (e.g., bank transfer, online banking, or regional e-wallets—varies by country). Note: Credit card options are not available for this payment.

Step 4: Provide Payer Information

• Enter the required payer details, including contact and billing information.

Step 5: Provide the Student’s Details

• Enter the student’s details including the Reference Number located at the top of your applicant status page.

Step 6: Review and confirm payment information

Step 7: Complete the Payment

• Follow the payment instructions provided by Flywire. This may involve initiating a bank transfer or completing an online transaction via your selected payment method.
• Each time you make a payment, Flywire will generate a unique Payment ID. Make sure to attach this ID to your payment when making a bank transfer, since it’s the only way Purdue University can identify and confirm your payment.

Step 8: Track Your Payment

Once initiated, you can track your payment status in real time through your Flywire account. Flywire will notify you and Purdue University once your payment has been received and matched.

Application Fee Waivers

Purdue provides application fee waivers to recognize outstanding undergraduate achievement, and engage prospective students in recruitment events where Purdue is affiliated.

Applicants are eligible for one application fee waiver per program participation. Attending the same recruitment program multiple years qualifies for one application fee waiver total. Fee waivers are valid if the applicant has met the application fee waiver criteria starting on January 1, 2020 and beyond.

Applicants who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents experiencing economic hardship may request a waiver of the application fee. To request a waiver of the application fee, please send an email explaining your situation to gradinfo@purdue.edu.

Application fee waivers are available for participants in the programs listed below. Please note any special requirements for each program:

• AISES Conference – must visit Purdue recruiter at annual conference and complete a contact information card.
• American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AICHE) – must visit Purdue recruiter at annual conference and complete contact information card.
• Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS) – must visit Purdue recruiter at annual conference and complete contact information card.
• Annual Health Physics Society Conference – must visit Purdue recruiter at annual conference and complete contact information card.
• Annual Society of Toxicology Meeting – must visit Purdue recruiter at annual conference and complete contact information card.
• Big Ten+ Graduate School Expo – must have registered and participated in the event.
• Big Ten Academic Alliance FreeApp – the Big Ten Academic Alliance FreeApp program is designed to increase access to graduate education for students who bring qualities and experience that will enhance the diversity of the graduate students at Big Ten Academic Alliance institutions. Through this program, you can request a fee waiver for your application to Ph.D. or Master of Fine Arts programs at Big Ten Academic Alliance universities.
• Biomedical Engineering Society Annual Meeting – must visit a Purdue recruiter at the conference and fill out necessary documentation.
• Cientifico Latino Graduate School Mentorship Initiative (GSMI) – applicants must have been enrolled in the GSMI program and have completed an interview process with the Cientifico Latino team. 
• Colombia Purdue Partnership – must be selected into this program from strategic universities within Colombia.
• Discover Purdue – must be invited and attend the visitation or online information session hosted by Purdue. 
• EducationUSA Opportunity Fund Recipient – must provide a copy of the official EducationUSA Opportunity Fund award letter.
• Engineering Undergraduate Research Office – must be a Purdue University Engineering undergraduate student and a recipient of an academic year competitive fellowship program.
• Florida A&M Graduate Feeder Program – must be a participant of this program.
• Fulbright Scholar Program – must participate in the program.
• GEM Fellowship Program – U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents who have applied for the GEM Fellows program (submitted a completed application to GEM prior to their deadline) with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0/4.0.
• Institute for Recruitment of Teachers Program – must be selected and participate in their summer program.
• Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders – must have participated in the Mandela Fellows program and be active in the fellowship directory.
• McNair Scholars Program – name must be listed in National Directory.
• Midwest Graduate School Summit – must have registered and participated in the event.
• NASA-PEER Post-baccalaureate Constellation Mentorship Program – must be a participant of the program.
• National Science Foundation Summer Internship (Purdue University) – must be selected and participate in sponsored program at Purdue.
• National Society of Black Engineers National Career Fair – must visit Purdue recruiter at annual conference and complete a contact information card.
• NIH Intramural Training/Education Graduate & Professional Fair – must attend the fair and participate in an NIH training program.
• NIH MARC USTAR/PREP/RISE – must have participated in one of these NIH-sponsored undergraduate research programs.
• Pontes Undergraduate Research Program – must be a participant of the program.
• POSSE Scholars – must provide a copy of the official POSSE scholar participation letter.
• Purdue Emerging Leaders Program – must be a participant of the program.
• Purdue Engineering Virtual Graduate Showcase – must register for and attend the Purdue Engineering Virtual Graduate Showcase.
• Purdue Fort Wayne Information Session or Recruitment Event – must attend a Purdue Fort Wayne sponsored information session or recruitment event.
• Purdue Graduate Information Session – must register for and attend the entire Purdue Graduate Information Session.
• Purdue Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) – must be a participant of the program.
• Purdue Northwest Graduate Showcase – must attend the event sponsored by Purdue Northwest.
• Purdue Northwest Professional Conference Events – must attend a professional conference event sponsored by Purdue Northwest graduate programs.
• Purdue Summer Research Opportunity Program – must be invited and participate in the program hosted by Purdue.
• Purdue Summer Undergraduate Research Experiences – applicants must participate in an undergraduate research program offered across the Purdue University campus and affiliated with the Office of Undergraduate Research.
• Purdue-Tec de Monterrey Undergraduate Research Program – must be a participant of the program.
• Sloan Scholars – must be invited and visit campus as part of this program.
• Society for Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) National Conference – must visit Purdue recruiter at annual conference and complete contact information card.
• Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers – must visit Purdue recruiter at annual conference and complete a contact information card.
• Society of Mexican American Engineers & Scientists – must visit Purdue recruiter at annual conference and complete a contact information card. 
• Society of Women Engineers – must visit Purdue recruiter at annual conference and complete a contact information card.
• Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) – must be selected and participate in the Purdue program.
• Tau Beta Pi National Convention – must visit a Purdue recruiter at the annual convention and complete a contact information card.
• University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) Meyerhoff Scholars – a student must be a member of this program.
• University Resident Theatre Association (URTA) – must visit Purdue recruiter at a recruitment event and complete contact information card.
• U.S. Veterans and U.S. Military Service Members – must be a U.S. military veteran or an active U.S. military service member. 

In order to request an application fee waiver under one of these programs, you will need to start a graduate application. The online graduate application can be found here. During the online application process on the ‘Additional Information’ page there is a question that asks if you are a member of a recruitment program. In the drop-down box select the appropriate recruitment program. 

Upon submission of your application, we will verify your current participation in this program and if eligible, waive your application fee. If you pay the application fee before the fee has been waived, it is non-refundable.

You must upload to the online application transcript(s) and/or academic document(s) for every institution of higher education you attended regardless of whether or not a degree was received.   Review your current/previous academic institution’s country for a listing of required admission documents.

If a degree was received then it must be printed on the transcripts.  If no degree conferral is printed on the transcripts then a copy of the original diploma (degree certificate) is needed. If the documents are not in English, you must upload an English translation certified by the college/university or translation service which issued it.

The uploaded transcript and/or academic document may be from the official or unofficial version of the document. An official transcript bears the original signature of the registrar and/or the original seal of the issuing institution. An unofficial transcript printed from your current/previous institution(s) student system is not an acceptable document.  For tips about uploading your transcripts into the online application click here.

All transcripts and/or academic documents uploaded to the online application system by the applicant or academic program are considered unofficial.

Official Transcripts

You must provide official transcripts and/or academic records at the request of the academic program.

If you are admitted and choose to enroll at Purdue University, you must submit official transcripts before you can register for your third session. Once you submit official transcripts to Purdue University, they become property of the University and will not be returned. We recognize, in very rare instances, that students may have access to only one transcript (or an extremely limited number of transcripts) or other academic credentials. In this instance, you may submit a written request (at the time you submit your transcripts) to preserve your original documents to the Office of Graduate Admissions. 

The Office of Graduate Admissions accepts electronic transcripts from accredited colleges and universities sent via Parchment Exchange, National Student Clearinghouse, TrueCopy, or directly from the accredited college and university.  The transcript must be sent to gradadm@purdue.edu in order to verify the authenticity of the documents.

An official transcript bears the original signature of the registrar and/or the original seal of the issuing institution.  Transcripts and/or English translations may be mailed directly from a Registrar’s office to the Office of Graduate Admissions or you can choose to send the transcripts yourself. 

Official documents may be mailed to:

Purdue University
Office of Graduate Admissions
155 South Grant Street
Young Hall, Room 170
West Lafayette, IN 47907

• Degree-Seeking Applicants: If you are applying to a master’s, doctoral, or educational specialist degree program, you must upload your transcript into the online application.  Your transcripts must be from each college or university you have attended which may include evidence of a baccalaureate degree awarded. This may either be your final transcript showing degree awarded (if applicable) or a copy of your original diploma (degree certificate).  If you are currently studying for a baccalaureate degree, you will later be required to submit a document that verifies the awarding of that degree.
• Re-entry Applicants: If you are seeking re-entry to a degree program and you attended another college or university since you last attended graduate studies at Purdue, you must upload a transcript of that study into the online application.
• Certificate Applicants: If applying for a certificate program, applicants must upload transcript(s)/academic document(s) into the online application. The transcripts must be from the college or university attended, that includes evidence of a baccalaureate degree awarded. Applicants can refer to the Explore Graduate Programs web page for admission requirements.
• Teacher License: If you are applying for the teacher license classification, you must upload a transcript from the college or university where your baccalaureate degree was awarded. If you are currently studying for a baccalaureate degree, you will later be required to submit a document that verifies the degree has been awarded. Your transcript may be uploaded into the online application.  If requested by the academic program or if you are admitted and choose to enroll, you must submit official transcripts and/or academic documents directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions.
• Non Degree Applicants: If you are applying for non degree classification, you must upload evidence of a baccalaureate degree. This may be a transcript, a copy of the diploma, or a letter from the college or university verifying the degree.

The Office of the Vice Provost for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars reserves the right to require official transcripts and/or academic documents at any time during the admissions process.

The Academic Statement of Purpose is an opportunity for you to share information that will help reviewers understand your academic interests and objectives, assess your academic background, preparation, and training, and determine if you are a good match for the program to which you are applying.

The graduate application allows applicants to select up to two graduate campuses and/or majors per application. If you are applying to a 2nd choice program, you are only required to submit one academic statement of purpose with your application. Be sure your academic statement of purpose is all-inclusive, and supports your suitability for your enrollment in all the graduate programs listed on your application.

A statement, not exceeding two pages in length, is encouraged.  The following topics should be addressed in your Academic Statement of Purpose.

1. What are your professional plans and career goals? How will pursuing graduate studies assist you in reaching those goals?
2. Describe your research, scholarly, or creative interests. What topics are of particular interest to you? Reviewers know that interests change over time but try to be as specific as possible.
3. Discuss how your experiences, skills, and abilities have prepared you for graduate study. Relevant topics may include coursework, work and research experiences, internships, presentations, exhibits, publications, and community service. If you describe a research or scholarly experience, include information on the topic, research mentor, your role, and outcomes.
4. Describe how your skills, preparation, and interests are a match for the program to which you are applying. Identify faculty who share your research and scholarly interests. Reviewers will want to know that you have researched the program, faculty, and key focus areas.

The Academic Statement of Purpose and the Personal History Statement are two of the most important documents in your graduate application. The documents should be concise, clear, and free of spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. You should have others review your document for content, organization, and to ensure that there are no errors. Information in the Personal History Statement should complement but not duplicate information in the Academic Statement of Purpose.

The Personal History Statement helps reviewers learn more about you as a whole person and as a potential graduate student. This may include relevant details on community service, leadership roles, participation in diverse teams, and significant barriers that you overcame to pursue graduate studies.

The Purdue University graduate application allows applicants to select up to two campuses and/or graduate majors per application.  If you are applying to a 2nd choice program, you are only required to submit one personal history statement with your application. Be sure your personal history statement is all-inclusive, and supports your suitability for your enrollment in all the graduate programs listed on your application. 

Required of all applicants:

1. Describe how your background and life experiences contribute to your ability to be both persistent and resourceful in your graduate studies.
2. Describe how your life experiences have prepared you to contribute to an academic community where scholars with diverse research interests, abilities, backgrounds, and experiences are supported, respected, and valued.

Optional:

3. Please address concerns that you may have that your academic record does not reflect your true capabilities and discuss mitigating factors that have affected your academic record. Reviewers will be interested in understanding your accomplishments relative to your opportunities.

The Academic Statement of Purpose and the Personal History Statement are two of the most important documents in your graduate application. The documents should be concise, clear, and free of spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. You should have others review your document for content, organization, and to ensure that there are no errors. Information in the Personal History Statement should complement but not duplicate information in the Academic Statement of Purpose.

The graduate application allows applicants to select up to two graduate campuses and/or majors per application. If you are applying to more than one graduate program, we highly suggest you contact your recommendation providers and encourage them to write all-inclusive letters of recommendation that support your suitability for all graduate programs listed on your application.

Unless otherwise noted on the admission requirements on the Explore Graduate Programs web page, three (3) letters of recommendation are required for degree-seeking applicants. If you choose to apply to more than one campus and/or graduate major, the graduate program that requires the highest number of letters of recommendation will establish the minimum number of letters of recommendation to be submitted.

Your references should be persons who can assess your academic potential such as faculty members, academic staff, supervisors, industry leaders, employers, or advisors. The Office of the Vice Provost for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars (OGSPS) strongly encourages you to provide reference email addresses that are affiliated with an academic institution, professional organization, or employer.

When you create an online application; once you click “Send to Recommender,” your recommendation providers will receive an email with instructions on submitting their recommendation online. Once the online recommendation is submitted the graduate program to which you applied will have access to view your online recommendation.

If you waive your right to examine your recommendation, you forfeit your right to request a copy of your recommendation letter. If you do not waive your right, you have the ability to request a copy of your recommendation letter. Some recommendation providers may be reluctant to submit a recommendation on your behalf if you do not waive your right to view the letter.

For recommenders wishing to complete a paper recommendation, please send the following recommendation form (PDF). Not all programs use the default form. Please consult the Explore Graduate Programs web page for recommendation letter requirements. If your program indicates that it uses a separate recommendation form, a link to that form will be provided by the graduate program.

For additional information, please visit our Letter of Recommendation FAQ.

Depending upon your field of study, you may be required to take one or more standardized tests. Standardized tests are uniform in nature and are administered and scored in the same fashion for all students by organizations not affiliated with Purdue University.

Typically these tests are completed in your senior year before you begin applying for graduate study, but always be sure to check with the Purdue graduate program to which you may apply in order to determine its specific admission requirements and deadlines.

Common standardized tests that may be required for admission include:

The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), IELTS (International English Language Testing System), and Duolingo English test evaluate a person’s level of English proficiency for individuals whose native language is not English. Although the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not an Office of the Vice Provost for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars (OGSPS) admission requirement, many graduate programs require this test. Check the admission requirements for this requirement.

The GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) has a general test component, which is most often required for graduate admission. Some programs will also require the completion of a GRE Subject Test that focuses on a specific field of study.

Purdue University West Lafayette’s (including Purdue University in Indianapolis) code for the GRE application is 1631.

Purdue University Northwest’s code for the GRE application is 1638.

Purdue University Fort Wayne’s code for the GRE application is 1336.

The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is often required for individuals interested in management or other business-related programs.

Score reports are sent to Purdue University electronically, approximately 10 to 15 days after your test date. Once your score report has been sent, it may take an additional 2 to 3 weeks or longer for your application checklist to update and show received.

International applicants whose native language is not English are required to provide proof of English proficiency for admission to degree, certificate, non-degree, and teacher license graduate programs in one of the following ways:

TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language

The Office of the Vice Provost for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars (OGSPS) accepts the following TOEFL English proficiency test scores: TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test), TOEFL iBT Home Edition, TOEFL iBT Paper Edition, and TOEFL Essentials^†. Purdue University does not accept TOEFL MyBest scores. To learn more about these test options visit www.toefl.org.

Minimum TOEFL Scores Required by OGSPS for Admission (For exams taken before January 21, 2026)

Minimum TOEFL Scores Required by OGSPS for Admission (For exams taken on or after January 21, 2026) 

Note: Some graduate programs require higher minimum scores than those listed above. Please review the English proficiency requirements for your specific program of interest here.

To be valid for admission, TOEFL test scores must be no more than two years old at the time the recommendation for admission is received at the OGSPS.

Purdue University must receive official TOEFL scores directly from Educational Testing Service (ETS). For more information about transmitting test scores, visit www.toefl.org.

Score reports are sent to Purdue University electronically, approximately 10 to 15 days after your test date. Once your score report has been sent, it may take an additional 2 to 3 weeks or longer for your application checklist to update and show received.

Purdue Institution Codes

• Purdue University West Lafayette (including Purdue University in Indianapolis) – 1631
• Purdue University Northwest – 1638
• Purdue University Fort Wayne – 1336

†Essentials Test: The TOEFL Essentials requirements of the OGSPS are not accepted by all graduate programs. Please review the English proficiency requirements for your specific program of interest here.

‡iBT (Test Center and Home Edition): In addition to required iBT minimum scores for writing, speaking, listening, and reading, the OGSPS also requires a minimum overall iBT score that is higher than the minimums for the four area tests combined. Applicants must meet or exceed each of the five scores for admission to the OGSPS.

IELTS – International English Language Testing System

OGSPS accepts IELTS (Academic Module) English proficiency test scores. Purdue University does not accept the One Skill Retake. For more information about these testing options, visit www.IELTS.org

Minimum IELTS Scores Required by OGSPS for Admission

Note: Some graduate programs require higher minimum scores than those listed above. Please review the English proficiency requirements for your specific program of interest here.

To be valid for admission, IELTS test scores must be no more than two years old at the time the recommendation for admission is received at the OGSPS.

Official IELTS test scores can be uploaded to your applicant status portal after application submission under IELTS Score Report, sent electronically to the Purdue University, West Lafayette Graduate or the hard copy score report can be mailed directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions.

Duolingo English Test

OGSPS accepts the Duolingo English test with integrated subscores in Production, Literacy, Comprehension, and Conversation. Individual subscores of Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening are not accepted. To learn more about this test option visit https://englishtest.duolingo.com/applicants. 

Minimum Duolingo English Test Scores Required by OGSPS for Admission

Note: Some graduate programs require higher minimum scores than those listed above. Please review the English proficiency requirements for your specific program of interest here.

To be valid for admission, Duolingo test scores must be no more than two years old at the time the recommendation for admission is received by the OGSPS.

Please request to have your results submitted to: Purdue University Graduate Office.

English Course – Intensive English Language Programs

OGSPS accepts results showing that a student has satisfied the English proficiency exit requirements of one of the intensive English language programs listed below.

Intensive English Language Programs and Exit Requirements Accepted by OGSPS for Admission

Successful completion of the intensive English language program must be certified, in writing, by the intensive English program faculty to the Office of Graduate Admissions or the equivalent office at the regional campuses before applicants using this method of establishing English proficiency may be admitted to the OGSPS.

The certificate of completion can be uploaded to the online application status portal (after submission) under Miscellaneous Supporting Documents, sent electronically to the Office of International Education, or the hard copy certificate can be mailed directly to the Purdue Fort Wayne Office of Graduate Studies.

Waiver – Citizen of or Degree from English Speaking Country

The OGSPS will routinely waive the English Proficiency testing requirements for applicants who have received a baccalaureate degree or graduate or professional degree, within the last 36 months prior to the time of recommendation for admission, from a school where English is the primary language of instruction in a country/location where English is the native language. Note: Some graduate programs may still require a test of English proficiency for admission; please confirm the acceptance of this waiver with your academic program.

If you are admitted under this waiver and are still finishing your degree, you must satisfactorily complete your degree and submit a final official transcript showing that this degree has been awarded BEFORE the Office of International Students and Scholars (ISS) can produce your US immigration document (I-20 or DS-2019) or before you can enroll in courses at Purdue University.

Official English-speaking countries/locations, in addition to the U.S., include:

Waiver – Current Purdue University Student

Routine waivers of English proficiency requirements are granted to current Purdue University undergraduate degree, graduate degree, certificate, non-degree, and teacher license students. In order to obtain the English Proficiency waiver, the student must have:

1. Previously met Purdue English proficiency requirements (via one of the options listed above); and
2. a recommendation for admission to a Purdue graduate degree-seeking, non-degree, teacher’s license, or graduate certificate program within three consecutive sessions of their last Purdue University registration.