Graduate Admissions
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The deadline for admission in Fall 2026 has passed
Applications for admission in Fall 2027 will open in September 2026.
In the meantime, if you'd like to stay updated on upcoming information sessions or to receive more information about our graduate programs, fill out this survey to be contacted by a member of our team.
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Dual Master’s Admissions Process
Prospective students submit a single Apply Texas application, and pay one fee, for the designated dual-degree major code. Since applicants must apply separately to both programs, they must fulfill the distinct application requirements and deadlines of each department. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the appropriate materials are sent to the respective departments.
Each graduate program will independently review the application materials and it is possible to be admitted into one program but not the other. Some students accept admission in one program and then re-apply to the other in the following year.
After you submit your application, you'll receive an email from the Office of Admissions that includes your UT EID, allowing you to access MyStatus and the Document Upload System. During peak periods, this can take two to three days.
Please DO NOT call our office with admissions questions. You may email mesadmissions@austin.utexas.edu for assistance.
Deadlines
December 1 @ midnight for MA Media Studies (RTF)/MA Middle Eastern Studies only.
December 15 @ midnight for all other programs.
Applicant Tasks
- One year prior to the anticipated first semester
- Read MES website: including program specializations; degree requirements; admissions and application requirements; faculty research interests; current students and alumni interests; and placement data.
- Read University and Graduate School websites, including the application process, University GPA and test score minimums.
- Identify and contact faculty members with similar research interests.
- Begin studying for GRE and, if applicable, the TOEFL
- One year to six months prior to the anticipated first semester
- Register for IELTS/TOEFL exams (if needed)
- Identify a substantial body of work that will be your Writing Sample
- Six months to two months prior to the application deadline
- Begin preparation on Statement of Purpose and CV
- Identify and approach individuals to serve as recommenders for your application
- Ensure test date allows for scores to arrive prior to the December 15 deadline
- One to two months prior to the application deadline
- Begin application
- Coordinate submission of application materials, including official transcripts and letters of recommendation
- Monitor status of application materials by regularly monitoring MyStatus
- January
Complete the FAFSA
Admissions Process and Notifications
February
- Admissions decisions will be conveyed to applicants via MyStatus
- Funding decisions will be conveyed to applicants via email
April 15; Midnight
- Deadline to accept or decline admissions and funding offers*
- In the event of no indication from the application, admissions and funding offers will be rescinded on April 16.
*Please note that the funding committee considers applications for any funding opportunities that become available after their initial meeting. They will notify selected students at that time.
Important Dates and Processing Times
December 1; midnight
Application deadline for MA Media Studies (RTF)/MA Middle Eastern Studies only.
December 15; midnight
Application and materials firm deadline for PhD MELC, MA MES, and all MA dual degree programs except Media Studies
mid to late January
Admissions and Funding Committee collectively review applications
February
Applicants are notified of Admissions and Funding Decisions
April 15; midnight
Deadline for applicants granted admission to notify CDMES of their decision
April - August
Funding opportunities become available after the April 15th deadline; the Department and Center will communicate these opportunities