To be considered for admission to the ECE graduate programs, every applicant must submit the following:

1. A completed application form, which includes the application fee (this fee is never waived), official GRE test scores, a detailed personal statement and resume, etc. International applicants MUST also submit official TOEFL scores and a financial statement (and sponsor's statement, if applicable).

2. Official transcripts from all previous undergraduate and graduate studies.

3. Two letters of recommendation from persons able to attest to your academic capabilities.

4. The official GRE score report (General TEST -Verbal, Quantitative and Analytical) from the Graduate Record Examination headquarters.
   NOTE: Unofficial scores may be submitted to avoid a late application, however, the OFFICIAL score report must be submitted by ETS or your application WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED. Scores are valid for five (5) years prior to the date of anticipated enrollment.

5. The official TOEFL score report (Test of English as a Foreign Language examination) is required if you are not a native English speaker. (Foreign applicants who have earned acollege level degree from an accredited university in the USA need not submit TOEFL scores.

NOTE: Unofficial scores may be submitted to avoid a late application, however, the OFFICIAL score report must be submitted by ETS or your application WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED. Scores are valid for two (2) years prior to the date of anticipated enrollment.

1. The International Student Financial Statement must be submitted by all International applicants.

2. Application Fee
   $40.00 for all U.S. citizens and permanent US residents.
   $65.00 for all International Applicants.
   NOTE: The Graduate School does not waive or defer this fee and applications will NOT be processed unless this fee is paid (no exceptions).

Assistantships and Fellowships (financial support)

There is no special form to complete to request financial support. Be sure to complete the relevant portion of the application form if you would like to be considered for an assistantship or fellowship. Teaching and research assistantships are awarded on a competitive basis. The number of TA and RA positions available to incoming students varies from semester to semester and from year to year and depends upon the teaching and research needs of the faculty and the availability of funds. TA stipends are approximately $5,800 per semester for a 20 hour per week appointment, while RA stipends vary somewhat they range from approximately $12,000-16,000 per year for a 20 hour per week appointment. The Graduate School also awards a limited number of fellowships to the very best applicants that are recommended by the departmental faculty each year.
NOTE: The Graduate School grants a full tuition waiver to graduate students who receive any fellowship or assistantship with a stipend exceeding approximately $2,900 per semester and $2,100 in the summer. The department cannot provide preliminary assessment on any given student's chances for obtaining admission or financial support.

Visa Information

Very strict regulations for all F-1, and other student visas are being enforced. Our department is not able to assist admitted applicants in obtaining visas. All communications regarding visa matters should be addressed directly to the University Foreign Student Office.

November 2004

© 2004 University of Massachusetts Amherst. Site Policies. This site is maintained by the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. http://www.ecs.umass.edu/ece