Apply & Financial Support

Graduate Student Admissions

Students are admitted to the PhD program in the Institute of Materials Science & Engineering in the fall semester, near the end of August. The application deadline is December 15, although petitions for later submission will be considered. We especially encourage applications from women and under-represented minorities.

When selecting the program that you are applying for in the application, Materials Science and Engineering (PhD) can be found under "McKelvey School of Engineering" listing of programs. 

Additional information on admissions Graduate Admissions| McKelvey School of Engineering
 

Admissions Requirements

A Bachelor's or Master's degree from an accredited institution is required for consideration for admission into the PhD degree program.

GRE Scores: Please have your GRE and/or TOEFL scores sent directly to the University. The institution code is 6929. You do not need to use a department code. The General Test of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required** for admission to the IMSE. The IMSE does not require a subject test. Please note that the University will consider only scores from tests taken within the last five years.

**Fall 2025 UPDATE:  The GRE is optional for Fall 2025 applicants. While this will be optional, students are still encouraged to submit their GRE scores, as it gives us additional information when evaluating their application.

English proficiency testing

• Official TOEFL/IELTS scores required for all international applicants. See waiver eligibility requirements below.
• TOEFL iBT Test, TOEFL iBT Home Edition, and TOEFL iBT Paper Edition are accepted.
• Official score reports are only available for scores that are less than two years old. We do not accept expired scores.
• We recommend a minimum TOEFL score of 90 or IELTS score of 6.5.
• Official TOEFL scores should be sent via ETS to the WashU School Code 6929.
• Official IELTS scores should be sent via IELTS electronically to Washington University in St. Louis Graduate Programs.
• See some frequently ask questions about application materials.

Waiver eligibility

The English proficiency testing requirement may be waived for applicants who meet any of the below criteria:

• Is a citizen of Australia, Cameroon, Commonwealth Caribbean nations, Ghana, India, Ireland, Kenya, Liberia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Uganda, the United Kingdom, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
• Has completed a minimum of three years of documented study in a university-level academic program in the United States or one of the countries listed above.
• Has completed a minimum of three years of documented study in an English-medium academic program in Canada, Hong Kong, or South Africa.

Based on the evaluation of your application package, we retain the right to require English testing upon arrival and you may be required to take additional English classes. If you are recommended to take English classes, the cost of the courses will be your responsibility.

Based on the evaluation of your application package, we retain the right to require English testing upon arrival and you may be required to take additional English classes. If you are recommended to take English classes, the cost of the courses will be your responsibility.

Financial Support

Students who are admitted to graduate study for a PhD from the Institute of Materials Science and Engineering (IMSE) at Washington University receive a University Fellowship for the first year (2 semesters) of study. These fellowships provides tuition remission for up to 12 credit hours per semester as well as a generous 12 month stipend. Thus, graduate study in IMSE generally does not require additional student loans, working part-time, or any other outside means of support.

Support beyond your first year is contingent on satisfactory academic performance and your acceptance into a research group that will support you. The McKelvey School of Engineering will provide a subsidy equivalent to 100% of both the mandatory university health fee and the insurance premium, as well as a subsidy equivalent to 90% of the dental insurance for students enrolling in the Washington University health insurance plan. Please note that a condition of this offer is that you not accept additional part-time employment, unless it has been specifically pre-approved by your Research Adviser and the Graduate School. 

You are encouraged to apply for additional fellowships as well.  Washington University in St. Louis offers several opportunities.  More information about funding and support opportunities.

Internal Fellowship Opportunities

Chancellor's Graduate Fellowship Program

• Students must be of the highest caliber having an exceptional academic record as well as a compelling and diverse background and vision for the future. Students must be admitted to their program of study to receive a fellowship.
• Students must be pursuing a terminal (e.g., PhD, MD or JD) degree in their field. This can be a terminal practice degree.  
• Students must have received an undergraduate degree from a U.S. institution. A U.S. institution is one whose accrediting agency is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Dean's International Award

• Full-time undergraduate student or master’s degree student at any of the universities listed  
• Meets the eligibility criteria for fall enrollment
• Applying to an eligible PhD program (includes Materials Science and Engineering)

External Fellowships