ECE Program Requirements

Students will apply directly with Carnegie Mellon College of Engineering Application Management System.

A complete application consists of:

• Application form
• Statement of purpose
• Resume
• Three recommendation letters (online submissions)
• Transcripts
• GRE score reports [CMKL ETS Code: 4641] *In an effort to accommodate students during this challenging time, the GRE test is optional for the Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 admission.
• TOEFL (preferred) or IELTS [Carnegie Mellon ETS Code: 2074, CMKL ETS Code: C532] or Duolingo English Test
• Application fee ($75)

Statement Of Purpose

Students have the option to either upload their statement of purpose and resume or enter them directly into the online application as text.

Three Recommendation Letters (online submissions)

Once students access the online application, students will be required to enter the names, titles, and email addresses of their three recommenders. Their recommenders will then receive a link to the online recommendation form. All recommendations must be completed online. Any hard copy letters mailed to the ECE Admissions Office will be discarded.

Transcripts

Unofficial transcripts and score reports must be uploaded to the online application. This is what the Admissions Committee will use for reviewing purposes. The ECE Admissions Office will only require an official hard copy of your transcript if you are admitted and decide to accept your offer of admission. In order for transcripts to be considered official, they must be received directly from the university in a signed and sealed envelope.​

GRE General Test

In an effort to accommodate students during this challenging time, the GRE test is optional for the Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 admission.

TOEFL (Preferred) or IELTS

All international applicants whose native language is not English must take the TOEFL (preferred) or IELTS Exam.

• Scores must be received by the application deadline for the semester in which students are applying. The TOEFL is not required if the applicant will have graduated from a U.S. university by the time of enrollment or if the applicant is a Carnegie Mellon University student or alum.
• For TOEFL, a minimum overall score of 86, with minimum sub-scores of IBT-R 22, IBT-L 22, IBT-S 20, and IBT-W 22 are required.
• Students must submit official electronic TOEFL/IELTS score reports to the ECE Admissions Office. Please request ETS to send your scores to Carnegie Mellon University institution code 2074. We will accept any Carnegie Mellon University department code, as long as the institution code is correct.
• While students are strongly encouraged to take the TOEFL, students may submit IELTS if they are unable to take the TOEFL. The admissions committee looks for a minimum overall score of 7 on the IELTS, with minimum sub-scores of Reading-6.5, Listening-6.5, Speaking-6, and Writing-6. In order for IELTS to verify that the scores are going to the correct college/department, IELTS requires a physical address. Students should use: Carnegie Mellon University College of Engineering, 431 Hamerschlag Drive, Ansys Hall Suite 250, Pittsburgh, PA 15213.

Duolingo English Test

We will accept the online Duolingo English Test (DET). A minimum overall score of 115 is required, with minimum sub-scores of Literacy 105, Comprehension 115, Production 90, and Conversation 95.

Financial Aid

Financial aid is awarded upon admission in the form of research assistantships based on university resources and available openings. If available, financial aid is awarded for both the fall and spring semesters.

Virtually all graduate students in our research-intensive Ph.D. program receive financial aid in the form of fellowships that cover tuition, fees, and reasonable living expenses for the entire year. Thus, students can concentrate on coursework and research without financial concerns or interruptions. All applicants are considered for financial aid, no special form is required. All full-time students in the Ph.D. program engage in research under faculty guidance.

Students in our M.S. program are also eligible to receive scholarships that cover only tuition. Students in the M.S. program are primarily self-supported, but may be eligible to receive partial financial support in the form of hourly wages to support the teaching and research missions of the university. Only students in the Ph.D. program can be considered for financial support in the form of tuition and stipend.

Application Fee

Please note that a non-refundable application fee of $75 is required of all applicants. Applications will not be processed until payment is received and the application fee cannot be waived.