We consider all applicants for the full-time PhD program who meet the following requirements:
- A bachelor's degree (usually with a major in a STEM field)
- Fulfill the English-language requirements of the University of Chicago (required for non-native English speakers only)
- If you are applying to the PhD in Quantum Science and Engineering, or to the PhD in Molecular Engineering and have selected Quantum as your primary research area, you may submit a GRE Subject Test score in Physics, Mathematics, or Chemistry if you feel that its submission will help us evaluate your application. This is an optional requirement. Do not take the GRE general test; none of our programs accept or will review the GRE general test.
Application process
To apply, submit an application online. You must include:
- An academic readiness, research, and interest statement
- A personal statement
- Three letters of recommendation
- Transcript(s) from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended
- TOEFL test results that meet the requirements of the University of Chicago (required for non-native English speakers only)
- A $90 nonrefundable application fee
Use the University of Chicago's institution code (1832) to send TOEFL scores. A separate department code is not required.
Explore UChicagoGRAD for more information about the application process, including answers to frequently asked questions and details about campus life.
Application deadline
Applications are now open. The application window will close Monday, December 15, 2025.
When you start your online application, choose the regular application for the year you plan to enroll. For example, select “2023 Regular” to apply for the PhD program beginning in autumn 2023.
Application decision release
Pritzker Molecular Engineering releases PhD admissions decisions by thematic research area. PhD applications to Molecular Engineering considered by Materials Systems for Sustainability and Health can generally expect to receive notification of their status before mid-January. Applications considered by Immunoengineering can generally expect to receive a notification of the status by mid-January. Applications considered by the Quantum Science and Engineering PhD program can generally expect to receive a notification of their status by mid- to late-January.
Application fee waivers
Application fee waiver can be requested after an applicant has fully submitted their application. The request form is accessed on your application status portal at https://apply-pme.uchicago.edu/apply/status. All applicants who meet the following criteria and provide appropriate supporting documentation will be considered for a fee waiver:
- Current UChicago student or degree program alumnus.
- Current or recent participants in qualifying programs: Past/current participants with the Peace Corps, Teach for America, U.S. military veterans and personnel, Fulbright/IIE Fellowship Recipient, and alumni of a variety of academic preparatory and service programs, as detailed in the application instructions.
- Current undergraduates receiving need-based aid from a U.S. institution: To qualify for this waiver, if offered by the program, you must be currently enrolled as an undergraduate in a U.S. college or university and must provide documentation that you are receiving need-based financial aid.
- Financial hardship: Applicants seeking a fee waiver based on financial hardship will be required to upload documentation. Accepted documents include income verification, bank statements, municipal/social support receipt, test score fee waiver/reduction certificate.
- Applicants for whom a recent natural disaster or other major, widespread disruption has affected their ability to complete an application may submit a Hardship Request as described on this page.
- Applicants with a fee waiver if they attended a UChicago PME recruitment event and received an email with a fee waiver code. Applicants are required to upload a copy of this email. Note, fraudulent submissions will be subject to discipline from the UChicago Area Admission Review if admitted. Do not contact faculty or staff to request codes.
Application fee waivers typically take anywhere between two business days to business week to process. The status of an application fee waiver does not impact the progress of an applicant, meaning your application will still be reviewed as a completed application even if you have an application fee waiver that is still under review after the application deadline.
Application hardship request
Applicants for whom a recent natural disaster or other major, widespread disruption has affected their ability to complete an application may submit a Hardship Request as described below.
If the impact of the incident or disruption makes it impossible for you to submit your application, or one or more required components – such as GRE scores or transcripts – by the deadline, or for a recommender to submit their recommendation on time, please complete your application to the best of your ability and then submit a formal hardship request here. Please review the full Hardship request policy here.