Graduate FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

TOEFL SCORES:

All international students must submit TOEFL scores. The minimum internet-based (iBT) TOEFL score requirement is 90 (including sectional minimums of 22 in speaking, 22 in writing, 23 in reading and 23 in listening). The minimum paper-based TOEFL score requirement is 600. Applicants may submit scores from the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) instead of TOEFL scores. The minimum IELTS score requirement is 7.0. In any case, the date of the reported test must fall within two years of the application deadline. Admissions committees will consider applications with scores that do not meet the minimum requirements.

The TOEFL is not required of applicants who have or will have obtained a degree from an institution where English is the primary language of instruction. The TOEFL requirement will automatically be waived for an applicant who submits an application indicating these circumstances.

Are there minimum GRE scores, GPA requirements or TOEFL scores required to apply for the program?

No, GRE scores are not required and there are no minimum GPA requirements.  Admission to the program is based upon a holistic assessment of an applicant’s personal statement, prior research experience, letters of recommendation, TOEFL scores (if required), and GPA.

The minimum internet-based (iBT) TOEFL score requirement is 90 (including sectional minimums of 22 in speaking, 22 in writing, 23 in reading and 23 in listening). The minimum paper-based TOEFL score requirement is 600. The minimum IELTS score requirement is 7.0.
 

What kind of funding is available for graduate students?

Ph.D Students:
All Ph.D. graduate students are assured support for five years of study, contingent on satisfactory progress in the program.  Such support includes the annual stipend (set each year by the faculty – currently $32,000.00) and full payment of tuition and academic year fees.  Support may be provided in the form of a fellowship, traineeship, Teaching Assistantship, Graduate Assistantship, or a combination of these, depending on student qualifications and the availability of funds.

MA/MS Students:
Financial support for Master’s students is not guaranteed by the department.
 

Can my application fee be waived?

A non-refundable fee of $85 is due at the time the application is submitted.

The Graduate School grants fee waivers to members of the organizations listed below. Contact your program advisor directly for more information.

  •     AmeriCorps
  •     Institute for the Recruitment of Teachers
  •     Leadership Alliance
  •     Lewis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LS-AMP) programs/ VA-NC Alliance
  •     Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program
  •     Mellon Mays Graduate Initiative
  •     National College Advising Corps
  •     National GEM Consortium
  •     Peace Corps
  •     Project 1000
  •     Summer Institute for Literary and Cultural Studies
  •     Teach for America
  •     Vietnam Education Foundation

If you believe that you are eligible for a needs-based fee waiver, please contact the Office of Admissions once you are prepared to submit the application online and provide one or more of the following documents:

▪   An unemployment benefits statement dated within the previous six months

▪   A letter or FAFSA sent from your undergraduate institution indicating that the expected family contribution (EFC) toward the current academic year's tuition is zero.

 

I’m having trouble with my online application, whom should I contact?

Any questions or technical issues regarding the online application or the submission of additional required materials (GRE scores/Transcripts/etc..) must be directed to the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences:

Graduate School of Arts & Sciences
Office of Admissions
PO Box 400775
583 New Cabell Hall
Charlottesville, VA  22904-4775

Phone: (434) 924-6740
Fax: (434) 924-6737
Email: [email protected]