Graduate Admissions
What are the basic requirements to apply to the department? An applicant for admission must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and must have the necessary academic preparation to participate successfully in graduate level courses.
For students who are interested in a fee waiver please consult the Division of Graduate Education’s Admissions website for more information.
The Department only considers graduate applications for the fall quarter. Applications are evaluated only when all of the materials listed below are received.
What we require
- Online graduate admissions application.
- A statement of purpose.
- A personal statement.
- Three letters of recommendation: enter names & information of recommenders in the online application; they will receive an email with a link to upload their letter.
- Transcripts: All applicants may upload unofficial copies of transcripts with the application for review purposes. If you are recommended for admission and decide to accept the offer, you must submit final, official copies of your transcript for final approval of your admission by The Division of Graduate Education’s Graduate Admissions Office.
Test scores
GRE Physics and GRE general scores for the Physics PhD:
- GRE (updated for 2024 admissions):
- The selection of the Ph.D. students admitted to the Physics program is based on an individualized review of each application. Students who wish to apply for admission to our graduate program for the 2024-2025 academic year are not required to take the GRE or submit a GRE score report as part of their application package. However, students may voluntarily submit GRE test scores and they will be reviewed as part of the holistic application consideration. The applications with GRE scores will not be given greater weight than those that do not include scores.
- Students who are admitted and intend to enroll may send official reports to UCLA institution code 4837, major code 0808.
- We will accept GRE scores from tests taken within the last 5 years. If the test was taken multiple times, enter the most recent scores on the online application.
GRE Physics and GRE general scores for the Astronomy & Astrophysics PhD:
- GRE (updated for 2024 admissions):
The selection of the Ph.D. students admitted to the Astronomy and Astrophysics program is based on an individualized review of each application. Students who wish to apply for admission to our graduate program for the 2024-2025 academic year are not required to take the GRE or submit a GRE score report as part of their application package. However, students may voluntarily submit GRE test scores and they will be reviewed as part of the holistic application consideration. The applications with GRE scores will not be given greater weight than those that do not include scores.
- Students who are admitted and intend to enroll may send official reports to UCLA institution code 4837, major code 0801.
- We will accept GRE scores from tests taken within the last 5 years. If the test was taken multiple times, enter the most recent scores on the online application.
TOEFL/IELTS scores (international)
- Request official report from ETS – the Physics department major code: 76 / the Astronomy department code: 61. We will accept TOEFL scores from tests taken within the last 2 years. Acceptable scores include: TOEFL: 570 (paper), 230 (computer), TOEFL IBT: 88, IELTS: 7.0.
Send TOEFL e-scores to the department and IELTS scores to both the Department & Grad Division:
- UCLA Department of Physics & Astronomy, Graduate Office, 430 Portola Plaza, Box 951547, Los Angeles CA 90095-1547
- UCLA Graduate Admissions Student & Academic Affairs, 1255 Murphy Hall Box 951428, Los Angeles CA 90095-1428.
Fellowship application
We encourage all U.S. citizens and permanent residents to submit the fellowship application.
For the Astronomy & Astrophysics PhD only
Graduate students from overseas in the Astronomy and Astrophysics PhD program are primarily funded by research grants and teaching assistant positions. Applicants from overseas interested in applying to the Astronomy and Astrophysics PhD program are urged to contact specific faculty members whose research is of interest to see whether research assistant positions are available. The average Astronomy and Astrophysics PhD program class size is 6 domestic and 1 international.
Deadlines
Deadline to submit an application is December 15. Scores and letters should reach us by the first week in January. Note: only the required application items will be evaluated. Do not mail or upload any other supplemental documents or any duplicates of uploaded application items.
Graduate Admissons FAQ (frequently asked questions)
What are the basic requirements to apply to the department?
An applicant for admission must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and must have the necessary academic preparation to participate successfully in graduate level courses.
Are there any required courses for admission to the program?
There are no specific course requirements for admission. However, prospective students interested in applying to the Physics program should demonstrate a solid background in undergraduate physics. Similarly, prospective students interested in applying to the Astronomy program should demonstrate a solid background in undergraduate astronomy.
Can I defer my application fee?
The application fee must be paid before an application can be considered. UCLA accepts Visa, Mastercard and Discover.
What is the admission timeline for Physics and Astronomy?
The Astronomy division and Physics division have separate admission committees. Both committees begin evaluating applications mid-January. Offers of admission are typically made in February and March.
What does the department look for when making admission decisions?
Both divisions look at undergraduate grades (official transcripts), GRE general and subject (physics) scores, letters of recommendation, and the statement of purpose.
Do I need to choose between the physics and astronomy divisions when I apply?
Yes. Although we are one department, each division has its own admission committee and its own curriculum.
What is the procedure to transfer to UCLA from another graduate program?
All applicants use the same application form. The department will recognize graduate level courses completed in other institutions if verified by an official transcript.
What is the department's application deadline?
We strongly suggest you submit your application form online by December 15 and scores & letters by the first week of January.
What application materials are required by the department?
We require these materials:
- General and subject physics GRE exam scores are not required for the Physics PhD program for the 2024-2025 academic year. General and subject Physics GRE exam scores are recommended but not required for the Astronomy and Astrophysics PhD program. General and subject Physics GRE exam scores should be taken by October.
- TOEFL or IELTS exam scores for applicants whose first language is not English. Please see The Division of Graduate Education’s admissions website for further details: English Requirements: https://grad.ucla.edu/admissions/english-requirements/.
- One set of transcripts (an unofficial copy may be uploaded in the application for review purposes).
- Statement of purpose
- Personal statement
- Three letters of recommendation
Do I need to submit all application materials before my application will be reviewed and evaluated?
Applications are not submitted to the committee until the application fee is paid and the department has received all application material.
Should I mail copies of forms I have already uploaded on the online application?
If you have already uploaded a form (for example, the statement of purpose) in the online application, please do not mail in a copy.
Can I upload or mail in my CV or resume and publications?
CVs, resumes, copies of awards and publications are not required documents and should not be uploaded or mailed to the department.
Who should author my letters of recommendation?
At least two of your letters of recommendation should be from academic references. If you have a Master of Science, we would like letters from both your Bachelor and Master of Science institutions.
What is necessary to qualify as a resident of California?
U.S. citizens or permanent residents can usually become California residents after living in the state for one year. If you are admitted to the graduate program, you should contact the Registrar's Office, Residence Classifications (1113 Murphy Hall) upon arrival at UCLA for complete details on establishing California Residency.
How will I know if I have been recommended for admission?
If you are recommended for admission, the department will inform you of its decision and financial package via email. Typically, all recommendations for admission are made by April 1. You may also check admission decision status online using your same email address and password as when you applied.
What type of financial support may I expect if I am recommended for admission?
Typically graduate students are awarded at least a Teaching Assistantship for up to 12 quarters. International students are eligible for a Teaching Assistantship after they pass the Test of Oral Proficiency (TOP) administered by UCLA's Office of Instructional Development.
What are your code numbers for test scores?
- Institution: 4837
- GRE Physics: 0808
- GRE Astronomy: 0802
- TOEFL: 76
What test dates are acceptable?
- TOEFL: 570 (paper), 230 (computer)
- TOEFL IBT: 88
- IELTS: 7.0
Are copies of scores acceptable?
Unofficial copies of scores are acceptable for review purposes but official copies from ETS are required for official admission to the university.
Who is exempt from the TOEFL and/or ESLPE requirement?
Applicants who hold a Bachelor or higher degree from a university located in the United States or in another country in which English is the spoken language and the medium of instruction, or who have completed at least two years of full-time study at such an institution, are exempted from both the TOEFL requirement and the ESLPE. Please be sure to include such information and transcripts in your application.
Questions? Contact us by email or phone 310-206-6994.
Overview
Graduate studies in the UCLA Physics & Astronomy Department offer unparalleled opportunities and support for professional and career development. We encourage all graduate students and postdoctoral scholars to actively engage in professional development opportunities to complement your research training throughout your career at UCLA.
This collection of resources is aimed at currently enrolled students in the PhD programs of study. You will find in the menu at right:
- General UCLA program requirements and an official outline of program requirements for the M.S. and PhD degree programs. Students are subject to the degree requirements as published for their program for the year in which they matriculate.
- Guidelines for earning a Master's on the way to a PhD in either Physics or Astronomy and Astrophysics.
- Guidelines for completing the PhD in either Physics or Astronomy and Astrophysics, with details of oral exam requirements and dissertation requirements.
- Current student fees and tuition.
- UCLA Campus Services Gateway including information on financial services, campus parking, UCLA events, and a host of other options and activities.
- A list of professional societies to help augment your academic involvement.
- Links to job opportunities through AIP job opportunities and the AAS job register.
For more information contact Brenda Buenrostro, Graduate Student Affairs, 1-707B PAB, 310-825-2307.
