Application Deadline: December 31

The Applied Physics Graduate Program application deadline for the Ph.D. program is December 31st at 11:59p.m. Eastern Time. Applicants can begin applying as early as September 1st. You should begin as early as possible. Late applications will not be accepted. Students applying for admission to our Ph.D. program are asked to submit the following:

1. A completed application form

Apply online at Rice University's online graduate application at https://gradapply.rice.edu.

2. Application fee

The application fee is waived for all applicants.

    3. Unofficial transcript

    Transcripts of grades from all undergraduate and graduate schools attended.

    For reviewing purposes, electronic copies of transcripts from each college or university you have attended can be uploaded through the online application system to meet the application requirements. If you are offered admission to Rice, official copies of the transcripts will be required and can either be sent directly to the Applied Physics Graduate Program from the institution or sealed by the institution in a signed envelope.

    4. English as a Foreign Language

    The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required of any student whose native language is not English. Your score must not be more than two years old and an official copy must be sent to the Graduate School directly from ETS. Students must score at least 90 on the iBT (internet-based) TOEFL, at least 600 on the paper-based TOEFL or score at least 250 on the computer-based TOEFL. For students who choose to take the IELTS in lieu of TOEFL, the minimum score is 7. Applicants may also submit Duolingo test results with a minimum score of 115.

    The TOEFL and the IELTS may be waived for an international student who received a degree from a university in which English is the official language of communication. It is the responsibility of the applicant to submit proof for this waiver.

    The Institution code for the TOEFL is 6609, and the Department code is 60 for Applied Physics (Other Physical Sciences).

    As long as you have the correct institution code of 6609, your official scores will be received electronically from ETS.  Paper copies of the scores are not required. NOTE: you cannot search by code, only by Department title.

    5. GRE

    GRE scores are not currently required for application. If you would still like to include them, the scores must not be older than five years, and an official copy must be sent to Rice University directly from the Educational Testing Service. Personal copies are not acceptable.

    Average scores for admitted Applied Physics students are in the range of Q164 and V156 and above.

    Although the subject GRE in Physics is not required, a strong performance on that exam is a substantial positive.  If you have taken it, please include your score on your application.

    6. Letters of recommendation

    Three (3) letters of recommendation are requested, and the online reference forms are required. These letters should normally be written by faculty who are familiar with your work and can address your potential for success in graduate school.  We begin evaluation of the full application once two letters have been received. All letters of recommendation are due by January 6.


    Submit all inquiries & application materials to:

    Rice University
    Applied Physics Graduate Program, MS-100
    P.O. Box 1892
    Houston, TX 77251-1892
    USA

    Courier deliveries should be sent to:
    Rice University
    Applied Physics Graduate Program, MS-100
    301 Space Science
    6100 Main Street, Houston, TX 77005

    Phone: 713-348-6008
    Email: sciapp@rice.edu