Ph.D. Admission Process

Applying for ECE Ph.D. Graduate Study

Watch our Ph.D. Program Overview and Information Session from October 29, 2021, via Cornell Video on Demand.

Admission Requirements

Details you should be aware of prior to applying:

Applications for the ECE PhD Program are accepted for Fall Admission ONLY.
Deadline for submission of all completed application materials is DECEMBER 15. This is a hard deadline and no exceptions will be made.
Applicants are responsible for the submission of all completed application materials prior to the DECEMBER 15 deadline.
Applications that remain incomplete after the DECEMBER 15 deadline will be considered ineligible for admission.
We do not require GRE Scores. If you submit test scores, they will not be considered or reviewed.
If you are a Foreign National whose primary language is not English, a TOEFL or IELTS Score will be required. Be sure to review the Cornell Graduate School’s English Language Proficiency Requirements prior to submitting your application. TOEFL or IELTS Scores that do not meet the minimum score requirements will NOT be considered for admission.
The submission of Test Scores (TOEFL, IELTS) are valid ONLY for the admissions cycle you are specifically applying for. Submitted Test Scores are not carried over from previous years. If you submitted Test Scores prior to the year you are applying for, you will be required to submit them again and pay the full cost.
You must submit an online application through the Cornell Graduate School to be considered for admission to our PhD Program.
ECE only makes fully funded PhD admission offers that include tuition, stipend and health insurance.
For questions regarding the admissions process, contact ece-phd@cornell.edu.

Need to contact the Cornell Graduate School Admissions Team?

Required Items to Accompany Application Submission

All ECE Ph.D. Applicants are required to submit the following items to be considered for admission.

Online Application:All Applicants must apply through the Cornell Graduate School’s Online Application.
Academic Statement of Purpose (REQUIRED): Detail your academic background and research interests, along with specific faculty members you are interested in working with.
Personal Statement (ALSO REQUIRED): Describe how your personal background has influenced your decision to pursue a graduate degree. Provide insight on your potential to contribute to a community of inclusion and belonging.
English Language Proficiency Scores: ALL Foreign Nationals whose Native Language is not English are required to submit either a TOEFL or IELTS score. See below for additional details regarding Test Scores.
Unofficial Transcripts: An Unofficial Transcript from each University you have attended is required for submission. The Transcript(s) must be in English. You will upload your Transcript(s) yourself in your online application.
Letters of Recommendation: A Minimum of Three (3) Letters of Recommendation are required. At least Two (2) of the letters should be submitted by faculty members familiar with you and your background.
Resume / Curriculum Vitae

We do not require GRE Scores.

DO NOT submit any Hard Copy Materials of any kind. They will not be considered or added to your online application materials.

Test Scores: TOEFL and IELTS

TOEFL Scores

If you are a Foreign National whose Native Language is not English, you will be required to provide proof of your English Language Proficiency.
Minimum Required TOEFL Scores are: 20 – Reading, 20 – Writing, 15 – Listening, 22 – Speaking.
If you are not able to meet or exceed the required scores in each of the four areas, you will not be considered for admission.
Only Official TOEFL Scores submitted by ETS will be considered.
TOEFL Scores should be submitted to the Cornell Graduate School only; they should not be sent to ECE directly, or any other office on the Cornell Campus.
Use the required Institutional Code of 2098 for Cornell University when having ETS submit your official TOEFL Scores. A Departmental Code is not required.
Official TOEFL Scores are required to be submitted by the DECEMBER 15 Deadline.
Be aware that Official TOEFL Scores are only considered Valid for up to Two (2) Years from the Original Test Dates. Invalid scores will not be considered.
If you believe you may qualify for a TOEFL Waiver, you should consult the Cornell Graduate School’s English Language Proficiency Requirements page.

The English Language Proficiency Requirement is set by the Cornell Graduate School. There are no exceptions.

IELTS Scores

If you are a Foreign National whose Native Language is not English, you will be required to provide proof of your English Language Proficiency.
Minimum Required IELTS Score: 7.0 Overall Band Score.
Official IELTS Scores should be sent directly to the Cornell Graduate School; they should not be sent to ECE directly, or any other office on the Cornell Campus.
Scores must be sent electronically (e-delivery) to the Cornell University Graduate Admissions, Caldwell Hall e-download account. E-delivery may also be referred to as an e-TRF by your test center.
Hard Copy IELTS Scores are not acceptable.
Official IELTS Scores are required to be submitted by the DECEMBER 15 Deadline.
If you believe you may qualify for an IELTS Waiver, you should consult the Cornell Graduate School’s English Language Proficiency Requirements page.

The English Language Proficiency Requirement is set by the Cornell Graduate School. There are no exceptions.

FAQs

Is the Deadline for Submission of ALL Completed Materials the same as Application Deadline?

Yes. The Deadline is DECEMBER 15. This is a Hard Deadline for the submission of both the completed online application AND all completed admissions materials.

How will I be required to submit my ECE PhD Application?

You will be required to submit through the Cornell Graduate School’s Online Application.

Can I apply for consideration for Spring Admission?

No. We accept applications for consideration for Fall Admission ONLY.

What are the Minimum Requirements all ECE Ph.D. Applicants are expected to meet?

GPA of 3.5 / 4.0 or above
Foreign Nationals: English Language Proficiency Minimum Requirements
- TOEFL: 20 – Reading, 20 – Writing, 15 – Listening, 22 – Speaking
- IELTS: Overall Band Score of 7.0 or higher
- Applicants whose scores fall below the minimum requirements will NOT be considered for admission

What are the Required Materials will I need to include in my Online Application?

Statement of Purpose
Foreign Nationals: Official TOEFL or IELTS Scores
Three (3) Letters of Recommendation (at least two should be from faculty members)
Unofficial Transcript(s) from each University you have attended
CV / Resume (optional, but encouraged)

Should I be submit any Hard Copy Materials?

No. Any hard copy materials received will not be considered or added to your application. All items must be submitted in your online application.

Can I update my materials after I have submitted my application?

Yes, but only if it is absolutely necessary. Send your requests via email to the Assistant Director of MEng/PhD Programs.

Which Degree Program should I select on the Application Form?

Regardless of if you have earned a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, you will be applying directly to our Ph.D. Program.

If I’m a Foreign National, how would I qualify for a TOEFL or IELTS Waiver?

The English Language Proficiency Requirement may be waived only if you meet at least one of the following criteria:

You are a citizen or permanent resident of the United States, or a citizen of the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand or Canada (except Quebec). Applicants who are citizens of India, Pakistan, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Singapore, etc. are not exempt from the requirement.
At the time you enroll at Cornell, you will have studied in full-time status for at least Two (2) academic years within the last Five (5) years in the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, or New Zealand, or with English language instruction in Canada or South Africa. Even if English was the language of instruction at your school, if you did not study in one of these countries you are not exempt from the requirement. You must submit a transcript that shows you attended college in one of the Approved Locations, and that your academic program was at least Two (2) years in length.