International Admissions

As one of the United States’ most global universities, the University at Buffalo is home to more than 5,000 students from 110 countries. We value international students as members of our community and will provide outstanding support services for you.

Apply Online

Apply online through the Graduate School Application Manager. 

Deadline

Due date for completed and received PhD program applications for fall admission is Jan. 15.

Please take into account that processing times can take up to four weeks when you submit your application. Applications are considered for fall semester admission only; there are no spring semester admissions. 

All application materials must be received by the department before the Jan. 15 deadline for admission consideration. 

Requirements

  • A bachelor’s degree; a master’s degree is preferred.
  • WES transcript from previous international institutions.            
  • English proficiency as demonstrated by one of the following: 
    • Minimum TOEFL scores of 550 for the rPDT paper-based test, 79 for the Internet-based test, or 8.5 for the TOEFL Essentials test; IELTS with a minimum score of 6.5.   
    • Duolingo English Test (DET) with a minimum of 120
    • Cambridge English Advanced (CAE) Minimum scoring on Old Scoring Scale 65 Overall, 185 overall on New Scoring Scale
    • Cambridge English Proficiency (CPE) Minimum scoring on Old Scoring Scale 60 Overall, 185 overall on New Scoring Scale
    • When requesting your scores, use these reporting codes: Institution 2925; Department 50.

Four-step Application Process

  1. Complete the online application via the Graduate School Application Manager.
    • Your application requires you to submit the following:
      • Your English language proficiency scores
      • WES Transcript
      • Three references 
  2. When completing the application, please be sure to address the following in your personal statement: 
  3. Pay the $50 University at Buffalo application fee.
  4. If admitted to the program, you will need to submit supplemental application materials, including

Questions about the application process?

Contact our Program Director by email.

The University at Buffalo is committed to ensuring equal access to its programs and activities. The entire notice of non-discrimination can be viewed at buffalo.edu/equity