Admissions

REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION

The Philosophy PhD program admits new students for a fall start; we do not have spring admission. We do not admit for a terminal MA.

GRE scores are REQUIRED for this coming cycle 2026-2027. Official GRE scores must be reported by ETS (the Education Testing Agency) to the Graduate and International Admissions Center, ETS. The code for The University of Texas at Austin is 6882. 

In assessing candidates for the graduate program, we consider a variety of factors, including GRE scores, grades in undergraduate and any previous graduate coursework, letters of recommendation, writing samples, and personal statements. Admission to our program is highly competitive. On average, only about one applicant in thirty is admitted. The median GRE score (verbal + quantitative) for recent applicants has been around 329; the median GPA around 3.89.

You don't need to have majored in philosophy in order to be admitted, nor do we require that you have a MA, but successful applicants typically have at least an undergraduate degree in philosophy, or a comparable level of preparation. You should have had some coursework in philosophy, preferably in the history of philosophy and logic.

Visit the My Status website to check on the status of your application to our program. Information will be updated regularly.

• Application - The University of Texas requires that you apply electronically, through SLATE website. The online application includes the statement of purpose and electronic letters of reference.
• Three letters of reference (from teachers who know your work in philosophy or a related academic field) - Letters of recommendation MUST be requested and submitted ONLINE. This is a part of the online application.
• Transcripts - You must upload one copy of the official academic transcript from every senior college you have attended. Information sheet on uploading transcripts.
• GRE scores are REQUIRED for the coming cycle 2026-2027 - According to university guidelines, official GRE scores MUST be reported by ETS (The Educational Testing Agency) to the Graduate and International Admissions Center. (ETS code for the University of Texas at Austin is 6882). 
• Writing Sample - A sample of written work in philosophy, such as a brief term paper, roughly 4,000 to 6,000 words in length. A slightly longer or shorter piece is acceptable. After you have completed the online application, you can upload your writing sample via the My Status website.
• Personal Statement – One to two pages describing your background and interests and why you desire to go to graduate school in philosophy.
• English Language Proficiency - International applicants will be required to submit official TOEFL or IELTS scores. The report is submitted by the testing agency to the Office of Graduate Admissions. See their website for further instructions.
       Office of Graduate Admissions
       The University of Texas at Austin
       P.O. Box 302048
       Austin, TX 78703

FUNDING

Admitted students always receive financial aid, usually in the form of a TA-ship, that includes a monthly stipend, tuition assistance, and health insurance. 

Teaching Assistants, Readers, and Assistant Instructors in Philosophy earn a monthly stipend for nine months, receive tuition assistance, and are provided with health insurance; in addition, dependents are eligible for health insurance benefits. The department commits to providing support for 5 years, provided students remain in good standing and meet minimum requirements.

In-state tuition for a graduate student taking a normal course-load of nine hours will total approximately $4,464 per semester. AIs, TAs, and Readers receive the in-state tuition rate. Our tuition assistance covers nearly 100% of the cost of tuition. 

We also award a modest number of competitive fellowships, at various stages in the program, that provide a monthly stipend, medical benefits, and tuition assistance. These allow students to concentrate on philosophy without the standard teaching obligations. 

Summer support is normally available to facilitate research and academic travel.

Professional Development Awards are regularly granted to students traveling to professional conferences to present their research.

Students who meet certain criteria of personal and family financial need are eligible for various other awards administered directly by the University-wide Student Financial Aid Office-scholarships. These include long-term loans and work-study awards.

Questions?

Contact Meagan Lobban, Graduate Program Coordinator