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.

The priority deadline and the deadline for applicants who wish to be considered for financial aid is December 5, 2019. Applications received after December 5th are considered based on the availability of both space and funding. The final application deadline is March 15, 2020.

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.
• 3 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
  • The School of Statistics will not require GRE scores for applications submitted in 2020 for admission in Fall 2021.
• TOEFL (for non-native English speakers):
  • Our institution code is 6874. 
  • A TOEFL score of at least 100 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