Applying

Applicants may apply to the next Fall academic term.

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
  • Statement of Purpose (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 or IELTS) 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)
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Note: Documents that are uploaded to the application database do NOT need to be mailed to the department.

We are looking for well-rounded, highly qualified applicants, 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.

Applicants should plan on submitting a completed application, including all supporting materials, by January 15. Complete submitted applications will be reviewed between April 1-30.

Apply Online

Application Fee

There is a $70 application fee when applying to this program.

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.

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.

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


All international students whose native language is not English are required to provide proof of English language proficiency through the submission of official test scores from one of the following exams. Scores more than two years old from the application deadline are not valid.

  • TOEFL or TOEFL iBT Home Edition: TOEFL scores can be submitted using the code 2928 (A department code is not necessary).
    • The TOEFL recommended score is 100
  • Duolingo: Duolingo scores can be sent directly to the University of Rochester at no cost.
  • IELTS: 
    • The recommended minimum score is 7.5

    • Please have the IELTS Report sent to the University of Rochester institution code 2928 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

The English proficiency test requirement is waived for citizens of the following countries whose native language is English:

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

The requirement may also be waived if a student has completed at least three years of full time and in-person postsecondary study in one of the countries listed above of the United States. We reserve the right to require further demonstration of English proficiency, even if you have received your degree from one of the above-mentioned countries.

If you would like to be granted a waiver for these exams, please email graduate.admissions@rochester.edu.

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.

Transcripts

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

(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.

Contact Information

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