Admissions FAQs

Our graduate program is unable to provide individual fee waivers. Please refer to the Graduate Admissions website regarding fee waivers: https://gradschool.utexas.edu/how-to-apply#FeeWaivers.

This is not possible for the PhD program. For the MA program, please speak with the Graduate Advisor: llilas-graduate-program@utlists.utexas.edu.

No, the program is in-residence only.

Yes. However, you must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited, four-year institution in hand by the time you plan to matriculate to the MA program. For doctoral applicants, a master’s degree is required by the time you matriculate to the PhD program. A minimum of 18 hours of Latin American content coursework (or relevant experience living and/or working in Latin America) is needed. Exceptions to the 18 hours of Latin American Studies content and experience in Latin America may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

No. The GRE is waived for fall 2025 applicants.

No. All candidates who are offered admission are automatically considered for funding possibilities. However, to meet students’ financial need as best as possible, we strongly recommend that all U.S. applicants submit a FAFSA application as soon as possible, regardless of whether or not they intend to take out student loans or grants. 

No. However, before submitting application materials, you are highly encouraged to reach out to LLILAS faculty to discuss your research interests. In your personal statement, please identify 2–3 professors that could serve as your potential supervisor. We will contact the faculty you indicated to discuss your application materials. Once admitted, students can study with any LLILAS graduate studies faculty member with whom a mutual working relationship is agreed upon. 

Yes. Previous applicant files are reviewed without prejudice.

Between 35 and 45 applicants are considered for 5–10 seats. The most updated admissions data may be found here: gradschool.utexas.edu/admissions/where-to-begin/admissions-and-enrollment-statistics. 

No. Our programs only offer a fall start date.

No, though the admissions committee may request interviews as needed.

Admissions decisions are generally sent by the end of February, and at the latest, early March.

Generally, students must attend beginning the semester for which they apply. Only under extenuating circumstances and with the program’s agreement can an applicant defer.

Due to the volume of applicants, we cannot offer critiques of files.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to visit campus during the annual open house for prospective grads. Please note that if you are offered admission to the program, you will be given an opportunity to visit in the spring. If questions cannot be answered via email, prospective students may request a phone/Zoom appointment with the Graduate Advisor or the Graduate Program Administrator. If you would like to speak with other members of the LLILAS faculty, contact them directly. Note: Appointments are solely for the purpose of answering questions not otherwise addressed on this or the Graduate School’s website.

Prospective students may request to sit in on a class, but permission is up to the faculty teaching the course. Admitted students may have the opportunity to attend a class.