Graduate Admissions

Penn’s graduate and professional programs are housed in 12 schools on one campus.

Each graduate program has a separate admissions process. Applicants apply directly to the program of interest. All questions about the admissions process should be directed to the program of interest.

Penn’s graduate tuition and other fees vary by school. Consult the individual schools and programs for details. Penn awards some loans based on financial need. These awarded loans are only made by Penn as part of a student’s financial aid package. The loans are repayable by the student after completion of his/her education or withdrawal from school and are not subsidized.

Many Students in Ph.D. programs receive multi-year financial packages to cover tuition, fees, health insurance and a living allowance or stipend. The terms of the award may vary according to field of study. Contact individual programs for details. Most programs require that PhD students teach or conduct research for two or more years during their course of study, as part of their academic preparation.

Professional Students should contact your school for information on its policies and application procedures for grants and scholarship funding.

Penn’s Student Financial Services provides up-to-date information on the cost of attendance, as well as loans and other resources for support. U.S. citizens and permanent residents may be eligible for federal loans (i.e., Direct Loan). In addition, private alternative loan programs are available for credit-worthy borrowers. International students should review the Student Financial Services page for more information.

A stimulating intellectual and social community of students and scholars from across Penn’s 12 schools form a vibrant graduate network. The campus offers extensive resources for academic support and personal enrichment.

Penn is a leader among its peers in welcoming students from every part of the world. The division of International Student and Scholar Services offers help, advice, and information on all matters connected to immigration, employment, adjustment to a new culture, and living in Philadelphia.

Graduate Student Center
Penn’s Graduate Student Center provides a home base for graduate and professional students. Located in the heart of campus on Locust Walk, the Center hosts a variety of activities including recreational outings, dissertation support workshops, game nights, and more.

Graduate Student Organizations
As the University-wide graduate student government, GAPSA — the Graduate and Professional Student Assembly – advocates for students, funds initiatives, and plans events. A wide variety of other graduate and professional student organizations flourish at Penn, including school governments, as well as professional, social, athletic, and cultural groups.

Campus Resources
The Grad Student’s Guide to Thriving at Penn, published by the Grad Center, comprehensively outlines all of the many resources serving graduate and professional students at Penn. Of special importance to many students are these resources:

• Family Resource Center for students with children
• Campus Cultural Resource Centers
• LGBT Center
• Student Disabilities Services
• Health & Wellness Resources
• Recreation & Gyms
• Career Services

• New Grad Student Orientation
• Graduate Student Center
• Off Campus Services to help you find housing
• About Philadelphia
• Campus Safety- Clery Act and Crime Reporting

Famous as the birthplace of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, Philadelphia is a vibrant city offering countless things to do: fascinating museums, vibrant parks, national historic sites and famous (and delicious) food.

Learn more about the great City of Philadelphia.

Philadelphia neighborhoods each have a distinctive personality. The University of Pennsylvania is located in the University City section of Philadelphia. While most students live in University City and the adjacent Center City neighborhoods, there are many other areas to explore. 

Penn’s Office of Off Campus Services assists students with finding housing in Philadelphia, as well as assistance with leases, landlords, utilities and more. New graduate and professional students are encouraged to start looking for housing 3-4 months before arriving at Penn. Each spring, the University offers online sessions about housing so that incoming graduate students can get this critical information before arriving on campus. 

The Graduate Student Center’s Resources for New Grad Students includes a section on Moving to Philadelphia, which includes more information on transportation, parking, dining, and more.