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Application Info

The deadline to apply for admission to the PhD program in Astronomy and Astrophysics is December 15.

How do I Apply?

Applications must be submitted online via the Rackham Graduate School website. Applicants are strongly encouraged to review Rackham's Checklist for Completing the Application Process for an overview of the application process. Click here to apply online.

What is required for admission to the Michigan Astronomy Graduate Program?

  • A bachelor's degree with a major in physics, astronomy, or a related field.
  • The General and Physics GRE exams are not required for admission, nor will scores be accepted as part of the admissions process. Please do not submit any GRE scores for consideration.
  • Three letters of recommendation.
  • A Statement of Purpose, and a Personal Statement.
  • Transcripts (see below for more information). 
  • Applicants who are not native speakers of English are required to demonstrate proficiency in English (e.g. TOEFL exam). Please see Rackham’s English Proficiency Requirements for more information.

Application Checklist:

  • Submit online:
  • Request online to be sent to the University of Michigan:
  • Arrange for official transcripts to be sent to the Rackham Graduate School Admissions Office, if necessary. See the Transcripts section above for more information.

For additional details, please see Rackham's Checklist for Completing the Application Process. Do not send anything to the Department of Astronomy. Materials sent directly to the Department by regular mail or email will not be reviewed with your application.

What support is provided to Astronomy PhD students?

Graduate students in Astronomy receive a monthly stipend, tuition waiver, plus health and dental coverage. 

We also support student applications for prestigious national fellowships such as NSF and NASA.

More detailed information on health insurance coverage is available at:

Where can I find additional resources?

For questions not addressed here, please email astrophdprogram@umich.edu or
phone 734-764-3440.