Purdue University

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How do I apply for admission?

A. Visit the Web page of the graduate program that interests you and apply electronically or go directly to the Graduate School Admission page and complete the electronic application.

Q. Can I apply to two or more graduate programs separately?

A. Yes. If you are interested in applying to two or more graduate programs separately, you will be required to create a new application and pay an application fee for each application submitted. If you apply to graduate programs separately, you will have the opportunity to customize your supporting documentation (for example, statement of purpose, recommendations, resume, and fellowship essay) for each program. The Graduate School recommends that this option be considered when the programs to which you are applying are not closely related. See the next FAQ for information about selecting an alternate (or second choice) program and not paying an additional application fee.

Q. Can I specify an alternate program when I apply for admission to the Graduate School?

A. Yes. When you complete the Graduate School application, you will have the option to select an alternate program of interest without paying another application fee. Both the primary program and the secondary program will have access to your application. You will be able to customize supporting documentation (for example, statement of purpose, recommendations, resume, and fellowship essay) for the primary program only. The Graduate School recommends that this option be considered when the primary and secondary program choices are similar. Consider applying to programs separately if you wish to customize your application for each program.

Q. How do I pay my application fee?

A. You must pay your application fee online with your credit card. Visa and MasterCard cards are accepted and processed using a secured online payment system. Your application will not be processed until your nonrefundable application fee has been paid. Our application fee is $55 (U.S. dollars).

Q. Why must I authorize the Graduate School, at the end of the electronic application, to share my educational records with World Education Services?

A. In rare instances, the Graduate School consults with World Education Services to understand or verify your transcripts, diplomas, or other application materials.  The Graduate School pays for this evaluation.  To learn more about World Education Services, see http://www.wes.org/.

Q. Can I update my online application after it is submitted?

A. You may submit your application only once. You will not be able to make changes to your application information using the online application system after submission. The application should be submitted and all required materials should arrive by the appropriate deadline. For deadline information, please visit the Program Instructions Web pages.

Q. Can I add or remove recommendation providers after my application is submitted?

A. Once your application is submitted, you do not have the ability to return and make revisions to your recommendation provider list.

You do have the ability to have a hard copy recommendation letter sent to the program to which you are applying. For recommenders wishing to complete a paper recommendation, please send the following recommendation form (PDF)

Q. If deadlines provided by the Graduate School and the graduate program conflict, which one has precedence?

A. You should follow the deadlines issued by the graduate program.

Q. Who should I contact for information about the application process?

A. Email gradinfo@purdue.edu.

Q. Are three-year degrees acceptable?

A. The Graduate School welcomes applications from Bologna bachelor's degree recipients.  Bologna bachelor's degrees are conferred in European countries listed on the following Web site. 

Q. Will you accept photocopies of TOEFL scores that are more than two years old?

A. We do not accept TOEFL scores that are over two years old, and we do not accept photocopies of TOEFL score reports.

Q. How can I take graduate-level courses at Purdue, without stating a degree objective?

A. You can apply as a non degree graduate student.

Q. What procedures should I follow if I wish to decline my offer of admission to the Graduate School?

A. Inform the graduate program if you decide not to attend Purdue University.

Q. How do I get an advisor?

A. You will be assigned an advisor upon admission to the Graduate School.

Q. How can I obtain financial support information regarding graduate assistantships, graduate fellowships, or other financial aid?

A. See www.gradschool.purdue.edu/funding for a wealth of funding information