How do I Apply?

Applicatons are accepted for Fall of each academic year.

Please use the online application to apply to the program and submit the following materials by January 15:

  • University of Rochester graduate program application form
  • Personal Statement (upload to the application database)
  • Three letters of recommendation (upload to the application database)
  • Official transcripts (upload to the application database)
  • Official copy of English proficiency test (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo) results
  • Any supplemental material you want to provide (upload to the application database)
  • GRE reporting is optional (if GRE score is self-reported, an official score report from ETS is required for score verification)

Note:

  • Documents that are uploaded to the application database do NOT need to be mailed to the department.
  • There is a $70 application fee.
  • We accept applications for a fall program start only.
  • Application review takes place between Janaury 15 and April 1.

The ECE department looks for well-rounded, highly qualified applicants. The department also looks for students with a strong research background and will review all supporting materials for evidence of this.

Our current graduate students typically ranked in the top five percent of their undergraduate classes, had very strong GPAs, and provided excellent recommendation letters.

January 15

Applicants should plan on submitting a completed application, including all supporting materials, by January 15.

April 1

Complete submitted applications are reviewed between January 15 and April 1.

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Financial Aid

The University of Rochester offers fellowships, scholarships, and assistantships on a competitive basis for full-time graduate study. Departments are also able to provide some support for graduate students who are US citizens through the College Work Study Program. Applicants are encouraged to apply for outside funding such as NSF or DOE fellowships.

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Standardized Tests

Graduate Record Exam (GRE)

Reporting the results of the GRE is optional. If you choose to self-report these results, the department requires a score report from ETS for score verification. The GRE University of Rochester institution code is 2928. No department code is required.

Required English Language Proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo)

If your native language is not English, you must show proof of English language proficiency.The ETS University of Rochester institution code is 2928. No department code is required.

International applicants that have, or will receive, a bachelor’s or master's degree from an English-speaking university located in the United States or one of the countries listed below, will have the English Proficiency requirement automatically waived.

List of countries:

  • Australia
  • Canada
  • Commonwealth Caribbean Nations
  • Ghana
  • Ireland
  • Kenya
  • Liberia
  • New Zealand
  • Nigeria
  • Singapore
  • South Africa
  • Uganda
  • United Kingdom
  • United States
  • Virgin Islands
  • Zimbabwe

If your native language is English, but your country is not listed above, please send an email request to michele.foster@rochester.edu once the application has been started.

TOEFL

If you take the TOEFL, we recommend that your score be a minimum of 100. The University of Rochester institution code is 2928. No department code is needed. The test should be no older than two-years. The University of Rochester will accept results from the in-person exam or the TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition Test. We will not accept scores from the TOEFL ITP Plus Assessment.

IELTS

We recommend a minimum score of 7.5. (We will not accept results for the IELTS Indicator.)

Please have the IELTS Report sent to the ECE Department at The University of Rochester institution code 7267 or mailed to the following address.

Graduate Admissions
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
University of Rochester
514 Computer Studies Building
RC Box 270231
Rochester, NY 14627 USA

DUOLINGO

The recommended score is 120. https://englishtest.duolingo.com/

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Application Requirements for Non-US Students

Please upload all documents and letters in support of your application in English. If necessary, you can send supporting materials in original formats supplemented by English translations.

Please do not send secondary school records.

Many countries do not issue visas without proof of adequate proficiency in English, such as a satisfactory score on the TOEFL. To obtain a visa for study in the United States, international students must present their Certificate of Eligibility (I-20 or IAP-66) at a US consulate or embassy and demonstrate full proof of ability to pay all tuition and living expenses for the first year of study.

Online Application

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Transcripts

Please upload in-progress transcripts to the application database for review when submitting your application.

Applicants with a three-year degree or Higher National Diploma (HND) from a foreign institution must provide a WES evaluation certifying that their degree is equivalent to a US bachelor’s degree. 

(Final official degree conferral documentation and transcripts will be required when matriculating and enrolling into the University of Rochester graduate program.)

Non-discrimination Policy

The University of Rochester values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity for persons regardless of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion/creed, sex, sexual orientation or any other status protected by law. Further, the University complies with all applicable non-discrimination laws in the administration of its policies, admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs and activities.

Questions on compliance should be directed to the particular school or department and/or to the University's Equal Opportunity Coordinator, University of Rochester, P.O. Box 270039, Rochester, NY 14627-0039. Phone: (585) 275-9125.

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Contact Information

Graduate Administrator
Michele Foster
michele.foster@rochester.edu
(585) 275-4054

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