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Application Requirements

The Graduate School at Northwestern University sets minimum application requirements for applicants to our PhD and master's programs. Each program may also set additional application requirements beyond what is listed on this webpage. As a result, when preparing your application materials, we highly recommend reviewing the website of the program to which you are applying to find information regarding their requirements and application deadline. 

Individuals admitted to programs at The Graduate School must hold a U.S. bachelor’s degree — or an equivalent non-U.S. degree — from a regionally accredited institution. You may be considered for admission before you finish your undergraduate degree, but you must complete that degree before you enroll at Northwestern. 

In general, to apply to The Graduate School (TGS), you will be required to:

Online Applications

TGS only accepts online applications during each application cycle, beginning in September. You do not, however, need to complete the online application in one sitting. You can access your application and change your answers as many times as you like. Keep in mind, once you have submitted your online application, you cannot make changes to it. 

Once you have created an account with the online application tool, please be sure to read the application instructions thoroughly and check with your program department for additional information before submitting. 

Please note: