Graduate Admissions
Graduate and professional programs at Penn emphasize the integration of knowledge across boundaries and disciplines. More than 17,000 graduate and professional students study at Penn, pursuing more than 300 degree and certificate offerings. Explore our graduate programs and click on the programs that interest you to learn more about admissions and academic requirements.
Spotlight on Research
Penn is a nationally-ranked research university, one of the top recipients of competitive research grants in the U.S. More than 170 research centers and institutes play a major role in advancing the university’s intellectual agenda. Learn more about research activity in Penn’s graduate and professional schools through Research at Penn.
Contact Graduate Admissions
There is no one central Office of Graduate Admissions. All questions about the admissions process should be directed to the academic program of interest. Carefully research the admissions information available online through the Penn Catalog for your prospective program. If you are unable to find the information you require, contact the appropriate School Admissions Office:
How to Apply
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.
Information About
Required Tests
For PhD applicants: Some PhD programs at Penn require the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Each graduate program has a different GRE requirement and a different institution code; please refer to your program of interest for more information. For information about the administration of the GRE, see the Educational Testing Service website.
For professional program applicants: Some, but not all, professional programs at Penn require standardized test scores, such as the GRE, LSAT, MCAT, GMAT, etc. Each program has a different requirement and a different institution code. Please refer to your program of interest for more information.
International Applicants
Applicants who are non-native English speakers may also be required to report scores from one of the accepted language tests. Please refer to your program of interest for detailed requirements.
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.
Application Materials
Please note that all application materials become property of the University of Pennsylvania and will not be returned. Remember to retain a personal copy of your application.
Visiting Penn
You are welcome to visit the campus. Interviews are generally by invitation only. Applicants may contact their prospective program to inquire about the availability of tours, open houses, and information sessions. If you plan to visit campus, make sure to visit other attractions in Philadelphia too.
Privacy Policy
Prospective students and applicants should review Penn’s Privacy Policy.
Cost & Financial Aid
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.
Grad Student Life
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:
Additional Resources
Living in Philadelphia
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.