Frequently Asked Questions

We have answered many of the most common questions in the sections below. Because of the decentralized nature of graduate admissions, most of these questions are answered in general terms and may not apply to all departments. For specific department requirements, please visit the Programs pages.

Application Procedures

What is GradApply?

GradApply is the name of the online application portal created by MIT and utilized by most of our departments, except the MIT Sloan School of Management.

Can I apply if I am an undocumented student?

Yes. Applicants to MIT graduate programs who have undocumented status are eligible to apply as international students, based on the same policy explained under the Undocumented Student section of the main Admissions Office website.

Can I transfer to an MIT graduate program?

No. Applicants must apply through the regular admissions process.

Can I apply for a second PhD?

In most cases, no. Instead, applicants are encouraged to seek other postdoctoral opportunities.

Can applicants apply with three-year bachelor degrees received from India, Australia, or other countries?

In most cases, yes. Departments may have additional requirements beyond a bachelor degree, however.

Can I apply to more than one department?

Yes, applicants may apply to more than one department, so long as they meet all of the application requirements, pay the required application fees, and submit separate applications by the required deadline.

Can I use the same login that I used in a previous year?

No. If the application says “GradApply” in the top left corner then you must create a new user name and login each year. Materials from your previous application will not be transferred.

Can I apply for research internships?

No. Please visit our section on Visiting Students to learn about potential opportunities.

Application Materials

Can I submit my letters of recommendation via Interfolio?

No. Our online application, GradApply, does not support direct integration with Interfolio; please follow the instructions provided within the application. Application features for the MIT Sloan School of Management may vary.

Will my recommenders be notified to submit my letter of recommendation?

No. Applicants are responsible for notifying recommenders by utilizing the notification emails and links provided in the GradApply application. Application features for the MIT Sloan School of Management may vary.

Will my recommender be able to submit my recommendation after the application deadline has passed?

Yes. Recommender links will remain active even after the GradApply application deadline. Application features for the MIT Sloan School of Management may vary.

Is there a preference for IELTS or TOEFL scores?

Yes. Most departments prefer IELTS exam scores.

Is there a deadline for me to submit official test scores?

It varies. Some departments may begin the review process using unofficial self-reported scores, while other departments may wait until all materials have been received.

If I apply to multiple programs, do I need to submit GRE/TOEFL/IELTS scores to each department separately?

No, test scores are matched to your application electronically based on your name, department codes do not impact this matching process. If you submit multiple applications, each program to which you applied will have access to your official test scores, with the exception of applications to the MIT Sloan School of Management. Test scores must be submitted to MIT Sloan separately.

Can I receive a waiver for the GRE?

No. If the GRE exam is required by a department, then a waiver is not possible.

Can I receive a waiver for the TOEFL or IELTS?

It varies. Some departments may offer a language proficiency waiver if you meet certain requirements. Please visit the Programs page for further details.

Application Review

Do you offer conditional admissions?

No. Only applicants who have met all the necessary requirements are admitted. However, all offers of admissions do come with certain conditions, such as immigration requirements, satisfactory undergraduate degree completion, or the provision of official documents, such as transcripts, for verification.

Where can I view the status of my application?

Applicants should log into their online application to view the most up to date information available. Some programs may provide status update via email during the review process. Applicants should not email to request an application status update.

When will I receive my admissions decision?

It varies. Many programs notify applicants between January and March. Notification timeframes from the MIT Sloan School of Management may vary.

Financial Questions

How much is the application fee?

The standard application fee is $75 per program. The MIT Sloan School of Management may have fees that range between $75 and $250 per program.

Do you offer an application fee waiver?

Yes. We offer application fee waivers to applicants who meet our requirements. For further information please visit the Application Fee Waiver section.

Do you offer an application refund if I am not eligible for admission, withdraw my application, or receive a late fee waiver?

No. We do not offer refunds for any reason, except if a technical error occurs during the transaction process. A fee waiver will not be retroactively applied to an application that has been paid for and submitted. If you believe you were charged more than once, please contact our office.

Do you charge a deposit to hold my offer of admission?

It varies. The MIT Sloan School of Management charges a deposit to secure your spot, but the amount may vary. Most other departments do not charge a deposit.

Do you offer financial aid, scholarships, or other sources of funding?

Yes. Please visit our Costs & Funding section for further details.

General Questions

Can I enroll in a part-time degree?

In most cases, no. Students must enroll full time to complete the required course of study. Programs geared toward working professionals, such as the Executive MBA program, may have greater flexibility.

Can I visit MIT?

Yes. If you are interested in visiting MIT, the Institute Events office has created useful information to help you plan your visit.

Do you offer a graduate tour?

No. MIT Graduate Admissions does not offer a dedicated tour or information sessions. Graduate applicants interested in visiting should contact the department or program of interest directly to see if arrangements can be made.

Can I earn a degree online?

No. While MIT does offer online learning opportunities, degree components must be completed on campus.