PH.D. ADMISSION
APPLYING TO THE PH.D. PROGRAM
The deadline for applications is December 12.
Full details about applying as a Ph.D. student are available through the Graduate School of Arts and Science (GSAS) Application Resource Center.
NYU GLOBAL TRACKS
The Ph.D. program offers students the possibility to perform research abroad with the computer science faculty in either the NYU Abu Dhabi campus or the NYU Shanghai campus. In order to be considered for those special tracks, applicants must indicate their interest on the application form. Under both tracks, students are expected to complete one year of coursework in the NYU New York campus, and then conduct research with their academic advisor in one of the two global campuses.
To read more about the NYU Shanghai track, click here.
To read more about the NYU Abu Dhabi track, click here.
EVALUATION OF APPLICATIONS TO THE PH.D. PROGRAM
All of the items listed below must be included in your online application.
- A completed application form, including a statement of purpose.
- Three letters of recommendation.
- Curriculum vitae.
- Academic transcripts.
- TOEFL or IELTS scores, unless the student's native language is English or they completed (or will complete) a baccalaureate or master's degree at an institution where the language of instruction is English.
Admission decisions are made by a faculty committee. The most important factor in an Ph.D. admission decision involves the applicant's likely ability to succeed in original research. Hence the committee pays significant attention to the applicant's statement of purpose and to letters of recommendation that highlight the applicant's contributions to research. Links to research publications written or co-authored by the applicant are helpful. (Copies of publications should NOT be submitted.) There are no explicit requirements for grades. All applicants to the Ph.D. program are expected to have outstanding grades and demonstrated command of written English. The letters of recommendation should provide confirmation of the applicant's originality and creativity in research.
Applicants are not expected or required to submit GRE scores. Applicants who wish to submit GRE scores, can do so, but need not provide official scores at the time of application.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT OF PH.D. STUDENTS
All full-time Computer Science Ph.D. students in good standing receive financial support, including a nine-month stipend during the academic year, payment of tuition and fees, and health insurance. For some students, this support is provided through a Ph.D. fellowship program.
More than half of Computer Science Ph.D. students receive support from research assistantships associated with external grants received by their research advisors. There are also opportunities for Ph.D. fellows to receive additional compensation separate from their Ph.D. stipend by serving as instructional assistants.
Prospective PhD students are strongly encouraged to apply for external fellowships. In addition to the prestige associated with external support, the department's policy is to pay the student, whenever possible, a "supplement" that produces a 9-month stipend (during September-May) that is 25% higher than the standard departmental 9-month stipend. For more information see the links below:
- External Fellowships for Doctoral Students (CS Department)
- External Fellowships (GSAS)
WHERE TO GET FURTHER INFORMATION
For general admissions inquiries for the Ph.D. program, including troubleshooting the online application:
For admissions inquiries specific to the Ph.D. program in Computer Science:
For information regarding open houses for prospective Ph.D. students: