How to Apply

All applications for statistics graduate programs are completed online using SLATE. The graduate program in statistics ordinarily grants admission for entry in the fall semester, entry in spring and summer is rare and only considered under special circumstances.

Any student applying for a PhD or MS in Statistics is also eligible to apply for the Data Science in Multi-Messenger Astrophysics training program. If you are interested, send an email to nrtmma_info@umn.edu and tell us in your personal statement why you are interested in the program. View more information.

The priority deadline for applications is December 15, 2022, although applications received after December 15 will be reviewed on a space available basis. The final application deadline is March 15, 2023.

The School of Statistics is pleased to provide graduate application fee waivers for entry in Fall 2023 to the first 90 applicants who are US citizens or permanent residents. Detailed instructions can be found at the link under “Application Fee” below. You must apply for this fee waiver ahead of time as we are not able to reimburse the fee once you have paid it.

No individual faculty has the authority to admit a student directly into the PhD program.  All applicants should go through the formal application process to be reviewed by the admission committee. After joining the PhD program, students find their thesis advisors under mutual agreement, which typically occurs during the first or the second year of the study.

To apply to our graduate programs, you must complete the SLATE online application. Materials to upload include:

• Application fee 
  • Request a fee waiver
• Transcript
  • An unofficial transcript is required.
• Three letters of recommendation
  • Acceptable recommendations will come from current or former professors who can assess your potential for graduate work. Other recommenders, such as employers, are also acceptable.
  • Paper copies are not accepted. 
  • Applications without three letters of recommendation may be rejected without review.
• GRE scores
  • GRE scores are not required and there is no advantage to submitting them.
• TOEFL (for non-native English speakers):
  • Our institution code is 6874. 
  • A TOEFL score of at least 79, with a reading subscore of at least 19 and a writing subscore of at least 21, is required.
  • IELTS may be substituted for the TOEFL. 
    • An IELTS of at least 7 with a writing subscore of 6.5 is required.
  • The internet-based TOEFL is required for all applicants for whom English is not their native language, which includes all non-US citizens with the exception of those graduating from an English speaking university. 
  • Please review the complete information regarding the TOEFL requirement.
• Statements
  • Personal and description of research statements are required.
• CV/Resume
  • A CV or resume is required.

Contact Information

Questions about your application should be directed to the office of graduate admissions, which can be reached by email at gsquest@umn.edu or by phone at 612-625-3014.

Further inquiries for the School of Statistics may be directed to apply@stat.umn.edu.

Frequently Asked Questions