Note:
- The deadline for applications for Autumn 2025, is December 5, 2024.
- The (general and advanced) GRE tests are no longer accepted. Please do not submit these scores.
To apply, you will need to complete the online application form.
In addition to answering all questions on the form, you must also use the form to submit the following documents. The admissions committee will not formally consider your application until all of the materials listed below have been received.
- Original transcripts and official translations from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended
- Mathematics Subject GRE score - is not required and should not be submitted.
- The general GRE score is not required and should not be submitted.
- At least three letters of recommendation
- TOEFL or IELTS scores if necessary (see below)
- $90 nonrefundable application fee
The deadline for completed and submitted applications is December 5th for admission to the PhD program beginning in the following Fall quarter. Note that we do not allow students to begin in the middle of the academic year.
The admissions committee generally finishes making decisions by March 31. As soon as a decision on your application has been made, you will be notified either by email or first class mail or airmail (for foreign applicants).
Below are some more specific comments about each of the required documents.
Transcripts
Applicants who have attended international institutions whose transcripts are in a language other than English must upload those transcripts or certified attestations of study with certified English translations. Both the original transcript and the certified translations must be uploaded to your online application.
If you are admitted and accept our offer, we will require you to have an official transcript sent to our office from the Registrar's offices at any schools you have attended. Applicants to the University of Chicago's graduate programs are expected to be enrolled in or have completed a Bachelor's Degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university. Official transcripts showing proof that you have received your baccalaureate degree and date conferred will be required before your Autumn classes begin. We reserve the right to revoke the offer of admission if there are any unexplained discrepancies.
Statement of Purpose
This is an opportunity for you to explain the reasons behind your desire to pursue graduate study in mathematics. You may wish to discuss any relevant facts about your education or experience with mathematics which are not apparent in the other material you submit, the kind of mathematics you find interesting or wish to pursue in graduate school, and what you plan to do after obtaining a Ph.D.
Letters of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation are received through our online application system. These should be written by people who know your work well, and can judge your potential for success in graduate study. Recommenders who can offer a detailed and candid assessment of your qualifications and motivation for graduate study are preferred.
GRE/Mathematics Subject Test is not required and should not be submitted.
TOEFL or IELTS
Applicants who do not meet the waiver criteria here must submit proof of English language proficiency. Only the TOEFL iBT or IELTS Academic tests are accepted as proof of proficiency. The Department of Mathematics requires a minimum TOEFL score of 90 overall, and a minimum IELTS scores of 7.0 overall.
For the TOEFL, our institution code is 1832 and the department code is 72.
Please visit the UChicagoGRAD website for more about proof of English language proficiency.
Application Fee
The application fee is $90. The University of Chicago does not refund or defer application fees. If you feel that you may be eligible for an application fee waiver, please look for the application waiver link online and follow the instructions. If you are applying for an application fee waiver, do not submit the application fee online. If your waiver is denied, you will be required to pay the fee online. Waivers cannot be granted to foreign applicants. Applications will not be considered without the appropriate fee.
Financial Aid
All students who are offered admission will also be offered a full financial aid award which includes a full tuition scholarship and a living stipend. Enrolling in a program of study includes additional costs beyond the tuition listed here. For a full list of direct and indirect expenses associated with the cost of attendance, please visit the Cost of Attendance page of the Graduate Financial Aid Office website. There are no teaching duties during the first year. Financial aid is guaranteed to admitted students for up to five years, subject to satisfactory academic performance and satisfactory performance as a teacher. Aside from the Financial Data Form included with the online application, no special financial aid form or GAPFAS application is necessary.
Questions? Email admissions@math.uchicago.edu.
In addition, the department offers a separate Master of Science in Financial Mathematics. Please contact Meredith Hajinazarian, memuir@uchicago.edu for further information, 773-702-1902.