Ph.D. in Computer Science
Please visit the UVA Graduate Record webpage for Ph.D. degree requirements.
Apply Now
Earn your graduate engineering degree from University of Virginia Engineering. Applications are open for Fall 2027 enrollment.
Application Requirements
The Department of Computer Science does not require that applicants hold a bachelor's degree in Computer Science. However, applicants are expected to have a strong background in Computer Science.
A suitable background would include courses in the following core areas:
- Data Structures
- Discrete Mathematics
- Assembly Language and Computer Organization
- Programming in a procedural language such as C, C#, C++, or Java.
Applicants are also expected to have taken several (but not necessarily all) courses in specialized areas:
- Operating Systems
- Programming Languages
- Algorithms
- Compilers
- Artificial Intelligence
- Computer Networks
- Automata and Formal Languages
- Software Engineering
A year of college-level Calculus is also required. In general, experience gained working is not considered equivalent to successful completion of the courses listed above.
There is no minimum GPA required for admission. However, most applicants who are offered admission to our program have a GPA of at least 3.3 (out of 4.0). The grades in Computer Science, mathematics and related courses are more important than the overall GPA.
If possible, letters of references should be written by faculty at a university previously attended. Letters of reference from Computer Science faculty are preferred, but references from employers are welcome. References should pay particular attention to academic achievements and evidence of independent, creative problem solving.
Please visit the Engineering Graduate Admissions FAQ page under the Standardized Tests section. In addition, you can find information on the Graduate Record website: https://records.ureg.virginia.edu/content.php?catoid=68&navoid=6125
Applications are evaluated based on the following factors:
- Background in Computer Science (including project work)
- Grade Point Average (GPA)
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
- Letters of reference
- Personal statement
- TOEFL/IELTS/DET scores
The minimum DET score requirement is 120.
Applications are evaluated in their entirety. A weakness in one factor might be mitigated by strength in another.
Financial Aid / Tuition
Occasionally, the school of Engineering offers Master Fellowships. More information can be found on the Engineering Cost Aid webpage: https://engineering.virginia.edu/future-grads/graduate-admissions/cost-aid, and you can learn more about UVA Fellowships here: https://citizenscholars.virginia.edu/fellowships
PhD students are usually admitted with a financial aid package in the form of a First-Year Research Assistantship that allows students to explore research with various faculty members and find their best match. It is expected that students will join a research group by the end of their first year and then be supported as a Research Assistant (RA). This financial aid package includes a competitive stipend, tuition, fees, and health insurance coverage. Details of this award are given at the time of your notification of acceptance into the Computer Science PhD program.
You are encouraged to apply to outside sources for fellowships or you can apply for federal assistance by filling out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
The UVA Tuition and Fees page includes the costs per academic year by school.
CS Admissions Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Please visit this Web page to apply.
Application Deadlines for Fall 2027:
- PhD: December 15, 2026
- MCS: January 30, 2027
Visit the Engineering Graduate Admissions page for details.
We no longer accept TOEFL/IELTS waivers. The only exception is the automatic waiver for the four-year institution where the language of instruction is English.
The minimum internet based (iBT) TOEFL score requirement is 90, including sectional minimums of 20 in speaking, 20 in writing, 20 in reading, and 20 in listening.
The minimum paper-based TOEFL score requirement is 600. The minimum IELTS score requirement is 6.5 in each section.
Language test scores will be considered valid two years from the test date to the date the application is submitted.
Official scores are only needed after acceptance and upon matriculation. During the admissions process unofficial, self-reported scores suffice.
GRE: The Institution code for School of Engineering and Applied Science of the University of Virginia for the GRE is 5820.
TOEFL/IELTS/DET scores: The code for TOEFL is B875. There is not a specific code for the Department of Computer Science.
Official Transcripts:
Submit your official transcript prior to the start of the semester or at the latest by mid Semester (early October).
Electronic official transcripts can be sent directly to [email protected].
Official transcripts can also be sent as a paper transcript in an envelope sealed and signed by the University Registrar. However, we advise to send official transcripts electronically.
For US Postal:
Graduate School of Engineering and Applied Science Admissions
P.O. Box 401103
Charlottesville, VA 22904
For UPS/FEDEX/DHL:
ATTN: Graduate School of Engineering and Applied Science Admissions
Room 232
1001 North Emmett Street
Charlottesville, VA 22903
Once the application is submitted, we are unable to delete or replace items in your package; however, you are able to upload additional items and include them in the area for ‘supplementary materials'. We recommend including a line at the top of the newly uploaded document referencing the update.
The section titled 'Upload Materials' in Application Portal says:
If you have an updated document or unofficial test score report to submit, please upload it here. If you uploaded a document in the application, it has been received. Only documents that are available for upload after submission are listed as received below. NOTE: The admission office cannot guarantee that documents uploaded after the application has been submitted will be reviewed.
Yes! For program/degree specific questions, please send an email to [email protected]. For application support and specific questions regarding the application process, please contact: Central Graduate Admissions [email protected] 434-243-0209
The information contained on this website is for informational purposes only. The Undergraduate Record and Graduate Record represent the official repository for academic program requirements. These publications may be found here.