Frequently Asked Questions

Thesis vs. non-thesis is not made during the application process.

Please fill out the CS Supplemental Form to the best of your ability/knowledge. The CS Supplemental Form is for the Grad Admissions Committee to gain a better understanding of your overall program courses. 

Within the application portal, select either Computer Science or Statistics as your Proposed Graduate Major. Then select the area of interest CS/Stat (MS only) in the drop-down menu.

Please send your questions to gradinfo@purdue.edu. The Purdue Graduate Office staff will be able to assist with any technical difficulties.

The CS department cannot edit your application. Please contact the Purdue Graduate School at gradinfo@purdue.edu for further assistance.

The Graduate School and the CS Grad Admissions Committee will understand you are finishing your degree, and will require submission of your diploma once you have it. A confirmation letter is not needed.

There is no specific word limit for the Statement of Purpose for the CS department but it is best to keep it concise and follow the Statement of Purpose outline here. We recommend staying within 300-500 words.

We do not require or request a specific format/writing style. Minor grammatical errors will not determine admission or rejection. However, it is in your best interest to be as concise as possible and follow the recommendations provided here.

In terms of the WES evaluation, please review the transcripts link provided by the Purdue Graduate School. 

Submitting Transcripts - Office of the Vice Provost for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars - Purdue University

For further questions regarding the WES, please email gradinfo@purdue.edu. 

For clarification on transcripts, go to Purdue Graduate School Transcripts.

For further assistance, please contact the Purdue Graduate School at gradinfo@purdue.edu.

Please submit your application first. Then, the application system will contact your recommenders. Your recommenders must upload their letter directly to the portal.

Yes, a personal email address is acceptable for submitting LofR. It would be best if your recommender uses their professional signature in the letter. 

Any documentation submitted after the deadline may or may not be reviewed. The initial decision will be based on the information uploaded by the applicant and submitted by recommenders at the time the application is reviewed.

You may upload additional materials to the miscellaneous section of the online application. To submit additional documents:

1. Click on your application in your Application Management page --> Click Open Application.
2. You will see four large images, click on the train for Upload Materials.
3. Click on the drop-down menu and select Miscellaneous Supporting Documents.

You may find application fee waiver programs through the following link: Application Fee Waivers - Purdue. Many waivers will be honored except Discover Purdue: Virtual Experience. If you do not meet any of the criteria listed on this page, then we are unable to grant your application fee waiver request.

Graduate School applicants who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents experiencing economic hardship may request a waiver of the application fee. To request a waiver of the application fee, please send an email explaining your situation to gradinfo@purdue.edu.

PhD and MS

Spring cohort: application deadline is October 1

Fall cohort: application deadline is December 20

BS/MS (4+1 program)

Spring cohort: application window is November 15 – Dec. 15

Fall cohort: application window is April 15 – May 15

PhD and MS

Spring cohort: Nov./Dec.

Fall cohort: Feb./Mar.

BS/MS (4+1 program)

Decisions are shared following the release of grades.

The CS Admissions Committee does not provide reasons for their decisions. Unfortunately, we cannot provide feedback on your application.

Estimated cost for CS graduate students without financial support: Cost Computer Science Graduate Program.

For further resources, see the CS Financial Support page.

While we consider a TOEFL score of 100 with sub scores no less than 22 to be competitive, as long as you meet university minimums you are eligible to apply and your application will be included in the review.

University TOEFL minimums are:

• Writing 18
• Speaking 18
• Listening 14
• Reading 19
• Total 80

The same is true for IELTS. We consider a score of 7.5 to be competitive, but as long as your scores meet University minimums, you are eligible to apply. University minimum IELTS scores are:

• Reading 6.5
• Listening 6.0
• Speaking 6.0
• Writing 5.5
• Overall 6.5

Duolingo scores are now being accepted for admission to the graduate school only, not for GTA eligibility. CS expects to see an overall score of no less than 135 with no sub-score less than 135.The Graduate School admission requirement is a minimum total score of 115, and a minimum of 115 on each sub-score.

For further information, please review English Proficiency Requirements - The Graduate School - Purdue University.

If the minimum scores are not met, the Purdue Graduate School will not make exceptions. Feel free to discuss further at gradinfo@purdue.edu.

If you are a U.S. Citizen, you do not need to submit scores. For further questions regarding citizenship on your application, please contact gradinfo@purdue.edu.

To be considered for GTA support, oral English must be certified for all students whose first language is not English.

Your application will still be reviewed. Please allow 5-10 business days for your official scores to link to your application after you have submitted it. Please view the below excerpt for further details.

Score reports are sent to Purdue University electronically, approximately 10 to 15 days after your test date. Once ETS has sent your score report, it may take an additional 2 to 3 weeks or longer for your application checklist to update and show received.

Waivers are credited during the decision-admission process when the review committee looks at an applicant’s transcript(s). The English score section of the application will not automatically populate when you enter your university information. An application is included in the review, even though marked: Awaiting Material/English Scores.

Please keep in mind:

English scores are valid for two years and must be valid at the time you are admitted. English waivers for admission are credited to those who received (within 36 months before admission) a baccalaureate degree or graduate or professional degree from a school where English is the primary language of instruction in a country where English is the native/official language. Waiver-Citizen of OR Degree from English Speaking Country. For further clarification, contact gradinfo@purdue.edu. Please note that English waivers for admission do NOT certify English for Teaching Assistantships.

Yes, you will still receive the English waiver for admittance into the Graduate School. The Graduate School will review your transcripts and education background. They will understand you are finishing your degree and will request proof of your degree upon their request.