Ph.D. Admission

Applying to the PhD program

The deadline for applications is December 12.

Full details about applying as a PhD student are available through the Graduate School of Arts and Science (GSAS) Application Resource Center .

NYU Global Tracks

The computer science department 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 PhD 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 for any student whose native language or medium of undergraduate instruction is not English.

Admission decisions are made by a faculty committee. The most important factor in an PhD 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 PhD 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 PhD students

All full-time Computer Science PhD 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 the GSAS MacCracken Fellowship program. Information about the MacCracken program can be found on the GSAS page for Fellowships and Assistantships by clicking the link for "MacCracken Program Guidelines."

More than half of Computer Science PhD students receive support from research assistantships associated with external grants received by their research advisors. There are also opportunities for MacCracken fellows to receive additional compensation separate from their MacCracken award 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:

Where to Get Further Information

For general admissions inquiries for the PhD program, including troubleshooting the online application:

For admissions inquiries specific to the PhD program in Computer Science:

For information regarding open houses for prospective PhD students