Ph.D. Admission Process
Applying for ECE Ph.D. Graduate Study - Admission Requirements
Details you should be aware of prior to applying:
- Applications for the ECE PhD Program are accepted for Fall Admission ONLY.
- Deadline for submission of all completed application materials is DECEMBER 15. This is a hard deadline and no exceptions will be made.
- Applicants are responsible for the submission of all completed application materials prior to the DECEMBER 15 deadline.
- Applications that remain incomplete after the DECEMBER 15 deadline will be considered ineligible for admission.
- We do not require GRE Scores. If you submit test scores, they will not be considered or reviewed.
- If you are a Foreign National whose primary language is not English, a TOEFL or IELTS Score will be required. Be sure to review the Cornell Graduate School’s English Language Proficiency Requirements prior to submitting your application. TOEFL or IELTS Scores that do not meet the minimum score requirements will NOT be considered for admission.
- The submission of Test Scores (TOEFL, IELTS) are valid ONLY for the admissions cycle you are specifically applying for. Submitted Test Scores are not carried over from previous years. If you submitted Test Scores prior to the year you are applying for, you will be required to submit them again and pay the full cost.
- You must submit an online application through the Cornell Graduate School to be considered for admission to our PhD Program.
- ECE only makes fully funded PhD admission offers that include tuition, stipend and health insurance.
- For questions regarding the admissions process, contact ece-phd@cornell.edu.
Need to contact the Cornell Graduate School Admissions Team?
Required Items to Accompany Application Submission
All ECE Ph.D. Applicants are required to submit the following items to be considered for admission.
- Online Application:All Applicants must apply through the Cornell Graduate School’s Online Application.
- Academic Statement of Purpose (REQUIRED): Detail your academic background and research interests, along with specific faculty members you are interested in working with.
- Personal Statement (ALSO REQUIRED): Describe how your personal background has influenced your decision to pursue a graduate degree. Provide insight on your potential to contribute to a community of inclusion and belonging.
- English Language Proficiency Scores: ALL Foreign Nationals whose Native Language is not English are required to submit either a TOEFL or IELTS score. See below for additional details regarding Test Scores.
- Unofficial Transcripts: An Unofficial Transcript from each University you have attended is required for submission. The Transcript(s) must be in English. You will upload your Transcript(s) yourself in your online application.
- Letters of Recommendation: A Minimum of Three (3) Letters of Recommendation are required. At least Two (2) of the letters should be submitted by faculty members familiar with you and your background.
- Resume / Curriculum Vitae
We do not require GRE Scores.
DO NOT submit any Hard Copy Materials of any kind. They will not be considered or added to your online application materials.
Test Scores: TOEFL and IELTS
TOEFL Scores
- If you are a Foreign National whose Native Language is not English, you will be required to provide proof of your English Language Proficiency.
- Minimum Required TOEFL Scores are: 20 – Reading, 20 – Writing, 15 – Listening, 22 – Speaking.
- If you are not able to meet or exceed the required scores in each of the four areas, you will not be considered for admission.
- Only Official TOEFL Scores submitted by ETS will be considered.
- TOEFL Scores should be submitted to the Cornell Graduate School only; they should not be sent to ECE directly, or any other office on the Cornell Campus.
- Use the required Institutional Code of 2098 for Cornell University when having ETS submit your official TOEFL Scores. A Departmental Code is not required.
- Official TOEFL Scores are required to be submitted by the DECEMBER 15 Deadline.
- Be aware that Official TOEFL Scores are only considered Valid for up to Two (2) Years from the Original Test Dates. Invalid scores will not be considered.
- If you believe you may qualify for a TOEFL Waiver, you should consult the Cornell Graduate School’s English Language Proficiency Requirements page.
The English Language Proficiency Requirement is set by the Cornell Graduate School. There are no exceptions.
IELTS Scores
- If you are a Foreign National whose Native Language is not English, you will be required to provide proof of your English Language Proficiency.
- Minimum Required IELTS Score: 7.0 Overall Band Score.
- Official IELTS Scores should be sent directly to the Cornell Graduate School; they should not be sent to ECE directly, or any other office on the Cornell Campus.
- Scores must be sent electronically (e-delivery) to the Cornell University Graduate Admissions, Caldwell Hall e-download account. E-delivery may also be referred to as an e-TRF by your test center.
- Hard Copy IELTS Scores are not acceptable.
- Official IELTS Scores are required to be submitted by the DECEMBER 15 Deadline.
- If you believe you may qualify for an IELTS Waiver, you should consult the Cornell Graduate School’s English Language Proficiency Requirements page.