Physics at Virginia
How to Apply: Visit the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences admissions website.
The online application process is administered by the graduate school, and their website explains the process and the general requirements. Information specific to the Physics Department is listed here.
Applications Begin: October 1
Application Deadline: December 15
Undergraduate Preparation:
Applicants are expected to have a degree in physics or a related discipline from an accredited institution.
Standardized Tests:
Scores from the GRE General or Physics subject exam are not required and will not be accepted on the graduate application.
TOEFL Exam:
The TOEFL exam is required for all international students, but a waiver may be requested if English is the primary language of instruction at your undergraduate institution. The minimum iBT TOEFL score is 90, with sectional minimums of 22 in speaking, 22 in writing, 23 in reading and 23 in listening. Applicants may submit scores from the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) as an alternative to the TOEFL exam. The minimum IELTS score requirement is 7.0 in each section. Exceptionally qualified applicants may be considered even if they do not meet these expectations.
Degree Programs:
Our programs are described in our Graduate Student Handbook. Most students should apply to the PhD program. If you are specifically interested in the MA or MS degree, please note that although the admissions requirements are the same as those for PhD applicants, the expectations for students in the MS/MA program are different. Be sure to familiarize yourself with these expectations in the Handbook before applying.
Financial Aid:
All admitted PhD students will be offered financial aid. No separate application process is required.
Application Fee:
A non-refundable fee of $85 is due at the time the application is submitted, after all applications materials are uploaded.
Information concerning fee waivers that are available to applicants can be found at: https://graddiversity.virginia.edu/application-fee-waiver
Applicants to our PhD program who do not meet the criteria to request a standard fee waiver, may submit an Extenuating Circumstances Fee-Waiver Request via email to [email protected] after completion of the online application through the Supplemental Information section. Your request should include your name as listed in your application and a statement addressing why you are requesting a fee waiver and your motivation for applying to UVa Physics. *International Students Only* Please provide your TOEFL or IELTS reading, writing, listening, and speaking scores.
Specialization:
You must enter an intended specialization in your application. The following options are available:
| Astrophysics and Cosmology | Theoretical astrophysics and cosmology | |
| Atomic Physics | Experimental atomic, molecular, or optical physics | |
| Condensed Matter | Experimental solid state and biophysics | |
| High Energy | Particle physics using high energy or high intensity particle beams | |
| Nuclear Physics | Accelerator-based studies of nuclear matter | |
| Theoretical Physics | All branches of theoretical physics |
Your selection of a specialization is not a commitment to a particular area of study. Choose a category that most closely matches your interests. Your choice will not detract from your application.