Apply to graduate school

Admission requirements

While each of ASU's graduate programs has unique admission standards, ASU has set minimum requirements for admission to master's, certificate and doctoral programs.

Bachelor's degree requirement

You must have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution in the U.S. or the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree from an international institution that is officially recognized by that country.

GPA requirement

Competitive applicants typically have a “B” (3.00 on a 4.00 scale) grade point average in the last 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours of undergraduate coursework. If you do not meet the minimum GPA requirements, your application may still be considered by the department.

Additional requirements by program

Factors that may also be considered include test scores (such as the GRE or GMAT), the type of coursework completed during undergraduate studies, letters of recommendation, and any other supporting documents you may be asked to submit for your application. Find your program of interest in Graduate Degree Search to learn more about factors considered for admission.

International applicants

The application standards for international students are the same as for domestic students, with the addition of submitting proof of English proficiency (for students whose native language is not English). After admission, international students are also required to obtain a U.S. visa, which includes submitting a graduate financial guarantee.

All international transcripts must be submitted in the original language and accompanied by an official English translation. Translations must be literal, complete versions of the originals and must be translated by a university, government official or official translation service. You may not complete your own translation.

Photocopies and notarized transcripts are not acceptable.

When to apply to graduate school at ASU

*Application deadlines are set and enforced by academic program offices. Specific deadline information can be found in the program descriptions on Degree Search. Please contact the academic office offering the program for exceptions.

Fall 2024:

Sept. 1, 2023
Application opens

Dec. 2023
2024-2025 FAFSA opens

Late Feb. 2024
Class registration begins  

May 1, 2024
FAFSA priority filling date 

Aug. 22, 2024
Classes begin

 

Spring 2025:

Feb. 1, 2024
Application opens

Oct. 1, 2024
FAFSA priority filling date 

Late Oct. 2024
Class registration begins  

Jan. 13, 2025
Classes begin

 

In the graduate admission video series below, learn how to apply to Arizona State University using the graduate admission application. An ASU admission representative guides you through each section of the application, answering frequently asked questions about the steps to apply.

 

Personal information

The first step in completing the ASU graduate application is the personal information section. We walk you through each of these fields and address questions you might have about this section of the application.

Part 1

Part 2

 

 

Academic history

The second section of the application focuses on your prior academic history, including any colleges or universities you previously attended. Watch as we guide you through these scenarios and explain how to fill out each part based on your situation.

Part 3

Part 4

 

 

Residency

The information in the residency portion of the graduate application helps the admission office determine if you are an in-state, out-of-state or international student. In this video, we cover these terms in detail and explain how to accurately fill out this part of your application.

Part 5

 

 

 

Degree selection

One of the final sections of the graduate application is the degree section. If you’re unsure of which major is best for you, we offer resources that might help you decide.

Part 6

 

 

 

Supplemental information

The information that is requested in the supplemental information session will differ by degree. In this guide, the admission representative will walk you through how to submit common supplemental material.

Part 7

Part 8

Part 9

 

Part 10

Part 11

 

 

Additional information

Finally, in the additional info section, you are able to submit unofficial transcripts for the admission process. In this video, you will learn some tips to help you upload the documents successfully.

Part 12

 

 

The ASU graduate student admission process

Follow these steps to apply to Arizona State University as a graduate student.

Step 01

Ensure you meet admission requirements

If you are an international student, see the international graduate admission steps and requirements.

The university maintains minimum standards for consideration for admission to graduate degree programs listed above. Additionally, you should review the degree standards, application materials and timelines for submitting your application for the degree program of your interest.

View degree requirements

Step 02

Complete a graduate admission application and pay nonrefundable application fee

Apply online with ASU’s Application for Admission. If you are interested in a program in the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law, visit the college's admission site for the application and instructions.
Need help filling out the application? Watch these step-by-step videos.

Apply now 

Pay the application fee

Fees:

$70: U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, in application for permanent residency, DACA, international online student studying outside the U.S.

$115: International students on any nonimmigrant visa type studying in the U.S. (e.g., F-1, H1-B, H-4, etc).

When you complete your application for admission, you will be asked to submit your payment for the application. ASU accepts Visa or Mastercard. The graduate application fee covers the administrative cost of processing your application. It is not refundable under any circumstance, regardless of the outcome, the date of filing or time of review, or if for whatever the reason the application is withdrawn, or you are unable to enroll for a class.

Step 03

Submit any additional materials

Please make sure all additional materials required by your department have been submitted. Even though you have submitted the application online, your application may be considered incomplete and therefore not reviewed until all additional materials are received. Please note, any document ASU receives becomes property of the university and will not be returned to you.

Step 04

While you wait for an admission decision

Once you have submitted all of the required documents, you will have a completed application on file. The admission decision timeline can vary depending on the academic college of interest. While you wait, we encourage you to consider reviewing the following resources.

ASU Tuition Estimator

What you need to apply to graduate school

Please be sure to review each item below to help you matriculate seamlessly through the admission process.

You must have one set of transcripts from every college and university from which you earned a bachelor’s degree or higher sent to ASU. Official transcripts must be sent directly to ASU Admission Services from the issuing institution's records office either by mail or through a secured electronic transcript service. For transcripts sent through a secured transcript service, please select Arizona State University from the vendor's dropdown list to ensure the transcript is routed to the correct place. If an email address is requested, you can route to gradtranscripts@asu.edu. ASU accepts unofficial transcripts as part of the application. This is the only way we will accept unofficial transcripts. Emailed transcripts are not acceptable. If you submit unofficial transcripts and are admitted to the university, you will be required to send official transcripts to the university. Official transcripts are original academic credentials issued by the registrar of the institution attended, bearing the original raised or colored seal of the institution, and the signature of your institution's registrar, academic official or recognized international organization. If you attended ASU, you do not need to request ASU transcripts to be sent.

More about transcripts

Your program may require you to have official test scores (such as GRE, GMAT, etc.) sent directly to ASU. Test scores must be received directly from the agency administering the test. Photocopies and faxes are not acceptable.

Please note that ASU does not accept the GRE® General Test at home. Please refer to https://admission.asu.edu/international/graduate/english-proficiency for acceptable exams for English proficiency requirements.

See your program of interest in Degree Search or check with the department offering the degree regarding required support materials. These may include a statement of purpose or writing sample, portfolio, curriculum vitae or biographical sketch or resume, etc. Many support materials may be uploaded as part of the online application for admission. Depending on your graduate program, letters of recommendation may also be requested.

English proficiency
International students must submit proof of English proficiency.

Visa and immigration
If you are residing in the U.S. on a valid visa, you will need to provide proof of your current visa. Please enlarge the image if you fax the copy to 480-965-5158.

To expedite the processing of your application, please write your application reference number on all documents and envelopes submitted to ASU. Materials submitted without your application reference number will delay the processing of your application.

If sending by stamped mail:
Arizona State University
Graduate Admission Services
PO Box 871004
Tempe, AZ 85287-1004

If sending by FedEx, DHL or UPS:
Arizona State University
Graduate Admission Services
1150 East University Drive Building C, Room 226
Tempe, AZ 85281

Top 10 graduate application tips

Read our graduate school application tips to get advice for your personal statement and letters of recommendation, and take advantage of resources that will help you prepare your application.

01

Find a program you're interested in

You can find the program you are interested in through Degree Search. While looking at your program of interest, be sure to review the Admission Requirements section, which outlines materials required and any test scores needed. You will also be able to see which terms you can apply for. Then, click on the Apply Now button to start your application.

02

You can start the application, save your work and return to it

Once you start the application, you will be emailed login information that you can use to finish the application (within 90 days).

03

Gather contact information from your recommenders

Most departments typically ask for three letters of recommendation. Enter the contact information for your recommenders on the application. ASU then sends a request to your recommenders when you submit your application. You will be able to submit prompts to your recommenders (if needed) afterward. Let your recommender know in advance that they may be contacted by ASU. Explain to them the degree you are seeking and why you are pursuing that degree.

04

We'll need a list of all the colleges and schools you've attended and when

We will also need unofficial transcripts from these schools, other than ASU, which you can upload online as part of your application.

05

You may be asked to submit a personal statement

Your personal statement is your chance to share your goals, the reasons why you are interested in the program and how your background aligns with the program.

06

Former students should have their ASU ID number handy

If you have attended ASU, you will be asked for your 10-digit ID number. This helps us match your application to your previous student record.

07

Update your resume

You may need to submit a resume as part of your application. See Admission Requirements for your program of interest in Degree Search for details.

08

Have your unofficial transcripts available

You will be asked for your undergraduate GPA, including your junior-senior year GPA. Use our calculators (4.00 scale | non 4.00 scale), if you need them.

09

To GRE or not to GRE

If your program requires submission of a GRE (or other graduate school entrance exam), you do not have to take it before you complete the application, but you must take it before you receive an admission decision.

Note: ASU does not accept the GRE® General Test at-home exam.

10

Plan ahead

We recommend you start the application process as early as possible. Make sure you have thoroughly researched your program, understand the expectations and know what is required for a successful application. 

Learn more about ASU's Explore Graduate School Seminars and test preparation programs.

Frequently asked questions about the graduate application

When do I apply for grad school?

The application for admission opens almost a year prior to the academic term you would begin your studies. Use the chart above for graduate application open dates for both fall and spring semesters.

What is the grad school application deadline?

Application deadlines are set and enforced by academic program offices. Please refer to the program descriptions found on Degree Search for deadline information. To discuss deadlines and exceptions, you should contact the academic program office offering the program.

When do grad programs start?

Graduate programs start in the fall or spring semester, and follow the regular ASU academic calendar.

View more FAQs