Applying

Thank you for your interest in applying to the University of Rochester’s Department of Mechanical Engineering graduate programs.

Program-Specific Information

MS and PhD in Mechanical Engineering

For fall 2025 admission, the online application must be submitted by January 15, 2025 and all materials must be submitted no later than February 1, 2025 to be considered for fall 2025 admission. We are not currently offering spring admission.

Application Materials and Requirements

Submission deadline: February 1, 2025

Application fee: $70

The application consists of the following parts:

  • Full online application
  • Personal statement
  • Transcripts from each university that you have attended, uploaded to the online application (Copies are acceptable for application review. Official transcripts are only needed if applicant is accepted.)
  • Copies of GRE scores uploaded to the online application
    • GRE University code: 2928
    • GRE department code: 1502
  • Copies of TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo scores for applicants whose native language is not English
    • TOEFL University code: 2928
    • TOEFL department code:68
  • Three letters of recommendation submitted electronically

Please note: All documents should be submitted through the online application system.

GRE scores will be optional for applicants applying for admission. Applicants can still choose to submit scores if they wish.

When will a decision be made on my application? The application review process begins in January. All decisions will be finalized by mid-March. Applicants will receive an email notification when a decision is made.

Can my application fee be waived? We understand that application fees can be a financial burden for students and do not want this to prevent good students from applying to our programs. We can only make a small number of waivers for outstanding students, who need to find a faculty in the Department of Mechanical Engineering to endorse their waiver petition.

PhD Applicants

We hope that your application reflects your academic preparedness and research experience and enthusiasm. Matching the research interests of our faculty members is a crucial factor in the selection process. Finally, we will also consider an applicant’s impact on the diversity of our department.

MS in Aerospace Engineering

Application for admission to the program for the fall 2025 term is currently open. Applications may be submitted up until June 1, 2025.

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Application Materials and Requirements

Submission deadline: June 1, 2025

Application fee: $0

The application consists of the following parts:

  • Full online application
  • Unofficial copies of transcript from all postsecondary institutions
  • Curriculum Vitae/resumé
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Statement of purpose
  •   Copies of GRE scores uploaded to the online application
    • Institution code: 2928
    • Department code: 1603
  • Official English Language Proficiency Test scores (International students)

General Information

Graduate Record Examinations (GRE)

Reporting the results of the GRE is optional. We do not consider GRE scores unless you decide to submit them. Deciding not to submit GRE scores will not harm your application in any way.

Applicants who are not US Citizens or Permanent Residents

Any documents or letters submitted in support of your application should be in English or should be accompanied by an English translation. Please do not send secondary school records.

The University requires applicants whose native language is not English to complete TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo as proof of English proficiency. More information is in the section below.

To obtain a visa for study in the United States, international students must present the Certificate of Eligibility (I-20 or IAP-66) at a US consulate or embassy and demonstrate full proof of ability to pay all tuition and living expenses for the first year of study.

Note: University fellowships may not cover all of these expenses; students will ordinarily need some additional funds. The International Student Office will issue the I-20 or IAP-66 after a student has been admitted and demonstrated proof of his/her ability to pay all expenses for at least the first year of study.

For detailed information about visas please refer to the International Services Office.

English Language Proficiency Tests

All international students whose native language is not English are required to provide proof of English language proficiency through the submission of official test scores from one of the following exams. All scores must be sent to the University of Rochester directly from the testing agency. Scores more than two years old from the application deadline are not valid.

  • IELTS
  • TOEFL or TOEFL iBT Home Edition
  • Duolingo
Sending Scores
IELTS

You can have the testing center send your IELTS scores either electronically or have them mailed directly to our institution. Please check with your local testing center for how your scores can be sent.

To electronically send your results select University of Rochester Graduate Studies – AS&E as the university.

To physically send in IELTS scores please use the following address:

University of Rochester
Graduate Studies – AS&E
500 Joseph C. Wilson Blvd
P.O. Box 270401
Rochester NY 14627

TOEFL

TOEFL scores can be submitted through ETS to our Graduate Education Office using the code 2928 (A department code is not necessary).

Duolingo

Duolingo score can be sent directly to the University of Rochester at no cost.

English Language Test Waiver Policy

The English proficiency test requirement is waived for citizens of the following countries whose native language is English:

  • Australia
  • Canada
  • Commonwealth Caribbean Nations
  • Ghana
  • Ireland
  • Kenya
  • Liberia
  • New Zealand
  • Nigeria
  • Singapore
  • South Africa
  • Uganda
  • United Kingdom
  • Virgin Islands

The requirement may also be waived if a student has completed at least three years of full time and in-person postsecondary study in one of the countries listed above or the United States. We reserve the right to require further demonstration of English proficiency, even if you have received your degree from one of the above-mentioned countries.

If you would like to be granted a waiver for these exams, please email megrinfo@me.rochester.edu.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the minimum TOEFL, IELTS and Duolingo scores?

The following are recommended: TOEFL 96, IELTS 7, and Duolingo 125. International applicants that have, or will receive, a bachelor’s or master's degree from an English-speaking University do not need to submit these scores. The requirement will automatically be waived at the time applications are reviewed.

Do I need a MS to apply for PhD? Can I apply with a BS?

Applicants can apply directly to the PhD program with an undergraduate degree. Both BS and BA are accepted.

Is funding available for PhD students?

PhD students receive a full tuition waiver and stipend. If accepted into our program, details will be provided in the offer letter to the applicant.

Is funding available for MS students?

Admitted MS applicants receive a partial tuition waiver. Teaching Assistant positions are not available for MS students. Some faculty have Research Assistant positions available in their group.

Do I need to secure an advisor to be admitted?

The first year of PhD studies, students are required to meet with faculty and determine a faculty research advisor by the end of their second semester.

Who has open positions in their group?

Each research group is different. Please see individual faculty pages regarding open positions.

Questions?

Questions about the Department of Mechanical Engineering graduate programs? Email megrinfo@me.rochester.edu.

Additional information for prospective applicants can be found on the Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs site.

Nondiscrimination Policy

The University of Rochester provides equal opportunity in admissions and student aid regardless of sex, age, race, color, creed, disability, sexual orientation, and national or ethnic origin. Furthermore, the University complies with all applicable nondiscrimination laws.