University of Florida Homepage
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Astronomy

Graduate Admissions

 

Application Deadline: DECEMBER 15, 2024

The Department of Astronomy at UF only considers graduate applications for the Fall semester; this deadline is for matriculation in Fall 2024. In order to receive full consideration for admissions to the graduate program, the prospective student must ensure that all application materials reach the University of Florida by the application deadline. Late applications may be considered on an individual basis.

Before starting the application process, please review our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document. Any additional questions can be sent to gradapps@astro.ufl.edu. We also encourage to visit the Graduate School website where you will find additional information, an application link, and additional forms. We encourage you also to explore our full department website.

We will not consider GRE scores, either general or physics, as part of application packages for the 2023-2024 application cycle.

We require the following steps and materials to be submitted for consideration to admissions.

    1. Apply to the University of Florida online (click here; scroll down to Apply)
      • Create an account and follow instructions to the application process.
    2. The application should include the following:
      • Personal Statement (including research interests)
      • Resume or Curriculum Vitae
      • Unofficial copies of all undergraduate transcripts as well as any graduate coursework if taken
      • Three letters of recommendation: please provide names & information of recommenders in the online application; they will receive an email on how to upload their letter.
      • Payment of non-refundable application fee: $30 (payable online)

      3. Applicants should demonstrate strong quantitative skill sets with or without direct research experience.

    3. For the purpose of initial review, the Office of Admissions accepts unofficial transcripts. These can be uploaded through your Application Status page.
      • Applicants who receive an offer of admissions should arrange to have official transcripts sent to the UF Office of Admissions from each postsecondary institution attended.

Pursuant to Florida Statute, your application requires inclusion of all post-high school education and employment, as well as information about ongoing international affiliations and research funding. Please ensure this information is included on your curriculum vitae (CV) or résumé.

In the event that any of the above materials cannot be uploaded through the online application process, please send them to Graduate Admissions Committee, Department of Astronomy, University of Florida, 211 Bryant Space Science Center, P.O. Box 112055, Gainesville FL 32611-2055.

International Students

In addition to all items listed in part II, please report your TOEFL, IELTS or MELAB scores online under the application section of Degree Programs. In addition to all items listed in part III, please send your official TOEFL, IELTS or MELAB scores to the Office of Admissions, P.O. Box 114000, 201 Criser Hall, Gainesville, FL 32611. See International Admissions for more information and exemptions.

 

Fellowships

We strongly encourage prospective graduate students to apply for fellowships they are eligible for.  We note a few specifically:

  • The University of Florida provides McKnight fellowships to African American or Hispanic students.  If you are eligible, please apply!  The deadline is January 15.
  • The National Science Foundation provides Graduate Student Fellowships.  These are generally due at the end of October, well before the graduate program deadline.
  • OGSSE partners with the Florida Education Foundation (FEF) to provide McKnight Doctoral Fellowship.  Applications due by March 1 to be considered.
  • The FAMU Feeder Fellowship enables Florida A&M University (FAMU) students to pursue graduate degrees unavailable at their alma mater.
  • The McNair Doctoral Program supports students who completed the McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program as undergraduates.
  • The BRIDGE (Building Retention in Doctoral Graduate Education) is the newest kid on the OGSSE block. This summer program aims to acclimate new UF Ph.D. students to doctoral studies here through a combo of virtual and in-person programming, academic enrichment, and peer networking.

 

UF Astronomy is a partner of the CalBridge Program. For more information, please visit please visit their website