Admissions Overview, Process, and Requirements

Graduate Admissions Overview
Admission to graduate study at Georgia Tech is a collaborative process between graduate programs and the Office of Graduate Education (OGE). Applicants are evaluated holistically, and all admission decisions are subject to Institute-level verification.

Graduate Application Process

Step 1: Submit Application
Applicants submit an application and all required materials through the Georgia Tech graduate application system. Requirements and deadlines are determined by each graduate program.

Step 2: Program Review and Admission Decision
Graduate programs evaluate applications and make admission decisions based on an applicant’s academic preparation, experience, and alignment with program goals (see Program-Level Requirements and Review below).

Step 3: Institute Verification and Evaluation
Following a program admission recommendation, the Office of Graduate Education (OGE) reviews each applicant to ensure compliance with Institute and University System of Georgia (USG) policies. This includes evaluation and verification of academic credentials and required documentation (see Institute-Level Requirements and Review below).

Step 4: Final Eligibility and Enrollment
Applicants who successfully complete Institute verification are eligible to enroll. Additional steps may be required prior to registration.

Program-Level Requirements and Review
Graduate programs conduct a comprehensive review of each application. Evaluations may include:

  • Academic record and preparation
  • Statement of purpose
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Relevant research, professional, or academic experience
  • Alignment with program focus and faculty interests

Programs may establish additional requirements, such as standardized test scores (e.g. GRE/GMAT), portfolios, or interviews. Meeting minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission, as all applications are reviewed competitively by graduate programs.

Institute-Level Requirements and Review 
Following a graduate program admission recommendation, the Office of Graduate Education (OGE) verifies that admitted applicants meet Institute and University System of Georgia requirements.

  1. Bachelor’s Degree: Evidence of completion of a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent is required prior to matriculation.
    1. Bachelor’s degrees earned in the United States must be awarded by an institution accredited by a U.S. Department of Education (USDOE)–recognized accrediting agency. Eligible accreditors include:
      • Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
      • New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
      • Higher Learning Commission (HLC; formerly North Central Association of Colleges and Schools)
      • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
      • Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
      • Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
    2. Bachelor’s degrees earned outside the United States must be academically equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree and awarded by an institution authorized to grant degrees by the appropriate governmental authority in the country of study.
  2. English Language Proficiency: All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency, regardless of citizenship or country of origin. Additional information can be found here.  
  3. Legal Name and Lawful Presence Verification prior to registration, in accordance with USG policy:
    1. All admitted applicants must submit documentation to verify their legal name
    2. Applicants residing in the United States must submit valid lawful presence documentation
    3. Applicants residing outside the United States and enrolling in online programs are not required to complete lawful presence verification
  4. Final Verification and Enrollment Clearance: Admission to a graduate program is not final until the Office of Graduate Education completes Institute verification. During this stage, admitted applicants may be required to submit additional documentation. Failure to meet documentation requirements by established deadlines may result in delays or cancellation of admission. Once all requirements are satisfied, applicants will be cleared for enrollment.

Important Notes

  • Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission
  • Admission decisions are made by graduate programs and are subject to Institute-level review and approval
  • Requirements, deadlines, and application materials may vary by program
  • Applicants are responsible for monitoring their application status and responding to requests for additional information

Non-Discrimination Policy
Anyone who is qualified is welcome to seek admission to Georgia Tech, and anyone who applies for and accepts their offer of admission can be confident that the policy and regular practice of the Institute will not discriminate against anyone based on race, religion, sex, or national origin.