Applications to Math PhD Program / Math Masters Program- Traditional / Non-degree Study
Math PhD Program
Please be sure to check both our Math website and the Rutgers Graduate Admissions website which shows application information.
You can find Admissions information on our Math website here:
Prospective Students (rutgers.edu)
Ph.D. - Applying (rutgers.edu)
Graduate Program (rutgers.edu)
Also, you can find additional Admissions information on the Rutgers Graduate Admissions website here:
https://gradstudy.rutgers.edu/apply/before-you-apply
https://gradstudy.rutgers.edu/apply/overview
Search Programs | Graduate and Professional Admissions (rutgers.edu) → Program Detail | Graduate and Professional Admissions (rutgers.edu)
Once an application is submitted, it cannot be changed.
This includes the email addresses for the recommenders. Your recommender will have to send it to us by mail or by fax - 732-932-8231.
Once an application is submitted, it cannot be changed.
For any updates or process to your application, please allow 24 hours to roll into the status site.
Late Letters of Recommendation (after 12/15, no later than 1/1) should be emailed to as a PDF attachment and provide your full name and RUID on the subject line OR any additional documents.
Transcripts should be sent to:
Late Supporting Materials – can be uploaded by visiting https://gradstudy.rutgers.edu/ and selecting “Upload Supporting Documents” located in the Application Fast Links Box.
Q = Question
A = Answer
Q: Can a CV/Resume be updated in my application?
A: Please upload your corrected resume to "OTHERS" in your application and title it "UPDATE RESUME"
The reviewing committee will view all uploads in your application when making decision.
New Brunswick Campus
Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
56 Bevier Road
ASB Annex I
Piscataway, NJ 08854 U.S.A.
Q: How can I check to be sure everything has been received on my application?
A: Below are items required for a Math PhD application. The first 5 items are required, the 6th is required for most international applicants, and the last 2 are optional and do not impact file completeness.
Students can go to the following site and check their status to see what we have received:
https://admissionservices.rutgers.edu/graduate/programStatusLogon.app
- Three or more letters of recommendation (students can check which specific letters are missing)
If an applicant wants to add an additional letter writer, they can scroll to the bottom and click on Add Another Recommender. - Undergraduate transcripts – unofficial copies acceptable (1 official transcript from each post-secondary institution attended (see note below)
- Graduate transcripts (if any) – unofficial copies acceptable
- Personal statement
- Application fee - payment options are: credit card, debit card, OR check, $70 payable to: "Rutgers University" send to address:
University Enrollment Services
Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions
65 Davidson Road,
Piscataway, NJ 08854 - TOEFL or IELTS score (for most international applicants unless waived)
An international applicant with a minimum of three years undergraduate studies or a master’s degree with the mode of instruction being English is EXEMPT from providing TOEFL, IELTS (preferred) English language test scores. If you believe that you qualify for such a waiver and have not submitted a TOEFL, IELTS, please upload a brief explanation (e.g., Word or similar) to request such a waiver. - GRE subject test scores (highly recommended)
- GRE general test scores (optional)
- Writing sample (optional)
- Curriculum vitae or resume (optional)
To upload documents, please go to:
http://gradstudy.rutgers.edu/apply/supporting-materials
https://grad.admissions.rutgers.edu/CredentialUpload/Applicant/Login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fCredentialUpload
Unofficial transcripts provided by the applicant are acceptable for admissions screening, but applicants who accept our offer of admission must arrange for official transcripts that show final grades and award of degree to be sent directly by their previous universities to Graduate Admissions.
Q: What are the basic application requirements?
A: Application, application fee, 1 official transcript from each post-secondary institution attended (see note below), 3 letters of recommendation, a personal statement and current test results as required by the program - GRE scores. Noted on the Graduate Admissions site for Math: The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Mathematics Subject Test is highly recommended and will carry substantial weight in the admissions decision; scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test are optional.
Q: Can I receive an application fee waiver ?
A: We do not waive the application fee. You may submit your application without paying the fee. Per the Graduate Director, if you wish to guarantee that your application will be reviewed, you should pay the application fee.
Please see information here https://newbrunswickgrad.rutgers.edu/ under How to Apply → Step 2.
Q: If I wanted to apply for the Math Masters and Math PhD Program, do I have to apply separately and pay for both?
A: Rather than apply twice and pay twice, apply for the PhD Program only. Then when April comes, if you are not made an offer, then you can be considered for the M.S. program instead.
Q: My transcript does not include a converted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Given this, should I calculate and convert my GPA to a 4.0 scale myself? If so, is there a specific conversion table I should follow? Or would it be acceptable to input my original GPA (on the 4.3 scale) in the application?
A: The GPA is not a required field, it may be left blank, the graduate program committee has GPA conversion so they will be able to get accuracy when reviewing the transcript.
TOEFL GRADUATE ADMISSIONS INFORMATION FOR INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS -
International Students | Rutgers School of Graduate Studies
Home | Graduate and Professional Admissions (rutgers.edu)
Scores for TOEFL or IELTS
A TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) test score is required if your undergraduate education was completed in a non-English speaking country.
As noted on Rutgers Graduate Admissions ( International Students | Rutgers School of Graduate Studies ), please see the information below.
- Your scores must be current within 2 years of the semester you are applying to.
- You are exempt from submitting TOEFL or IELTS scores if you are a Permanent Resident, US citizen, or an international applicant with a minimum of three years undergraduate studies or a masters degree with the mode of instruction being English.*
- If you are missing required test scores, your application will not be reviewed by the graduate admissions committee.
- The minimum paper-based TOEFL score is 550. The minimum computer-based TOEFL score is 213
- The minimum IBT-internet based TOEFL taken through January 21, 2026: Writing 22, Speaking 23, Reading 21, Listening 17.
- The minimum IBT-internet based TOEFL taken January 22, 2026 onward: Writing 4.5, Speaking 4.5, Reading 4, and Listening 4.
- An acceptable IELTS score is bandwidth 7.
- You must be proficient in the reading, writing, and speaking of English to communicate effectively with graduate faculty and university administrators. Language intensive graduate programs such as History, English, Psychology, and others might have stricter requirements. Please check with your program for the details.
*Mason Gross School of the Arts applicants should refer to the policy outlined here.
Q: Are the TOEFL/IELT score reports (both unofficial and official) an admissions requirement by the Graduate Admissions Department?
A: TOEFL/ IELTS (English proficiency) is a requirement for international students. (GRE is up to the department)
Unofficial and official TOEFL/IELTS will appear on the Int'l application's checklist.
It is up to the department to accept "unofficial" scores for the reviewing process.
If a student has proof of English proficiency that is eligible for TOEFL/IELTS to be waived, the student can upload the English proficiency document instead of their scores and let us know. We will review it, and if approved, their TOEFL/IELTS will be check off "WAIVED".
Q: What must I do to send my official IELTS test scores?
A: When request for electronic, they prompt a list of institution Drop down box,
Rutgers University-New Brunswick-Graduate is the one student should choose
When asked Dept or Person ; just leave blank.
OR mail a hard copy to :
University Enrollment Services
Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions
65 Davidson Road,
Piscataway, NJ 08854
Q: As an international applicant who attended a US institution, do I need to submit TOEFL test scores?
A: You are exempt from submitting TOEFL or IELTS scores if you are a Permanent Resident, US citizen, or an international applicant with a minimum of three years undergraduate studies or a masters degree with the mode of instruction being English. The Admissions Committee can accept "applicant recently obtained US Degree" as the reason for waiving the TOEFL.
Q: Do you accept the Duolingo test in place of the TOEFL test?
A: For the Fall 2023 admissions cycle, Our School of Graduate Studies Department has indicated that Duolingo will not be acceptable. It is only TOEFL or IELTS. The TOEFL listed score are recommended average score from the School of Graduate Studies Department. We ask students to apply regardless of the scores are met because the reviewing committee considers all requirements (not just the score) when making decision.
Q: Will unofficial GRE/TOEFL/IELT scores uploaded online in .pdf format be sufficient for application procedure or do I also need to send the official GRE/TOEFL scores by ETS?
A: Unofficial TOEFL/IELTS scores are acceptable for application review. You should request that official GRE/TOEFL scores be received by Rutgers as soon as possible by ETS.
Q: If valid TOEFL scores were submitted in a prior year application, can these be transferred to new application?
A: Yes, but you need to ask to have this completed by the Admissions Department.
Q: What countries are international students exempt from submitting TOEFL or IELT Scores (also see note*)?
A: List of Countries that we do not need TOEFL: Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Cameroon, Canada (except for Quebec), Dominica, Ghana, Grenada, Grand Cayman, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Liberia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Trinidad-Tobago, UK, Zimbabwe.
*Note: Provided your institution does indeed have instruction in English. Please send proof that your institution you have attended was taught in English. If you have any doubts, please email our Admissions office:
Q: If I attend an institution that is not on the List of Countries that a TOEFL is not needed, how does Rutgers Admissions Department know?
A: Email with proof of English proficiency document. The Admissions Office staff will upload that document/letter and mark "waived" to both unofficial and official TOEFL, so the status will get reflected to your 'checklist'.
Q: How would a TOEFL/IELTS (English proficiency) be waived?
A: The TOEFL/IELTS (English proficiency) would be waived IF:
- a student received a graduate level degree from a US institution or
- a student received an undergraduate degree with three years studying at an institution that has English instruction.
Email with proof of English proficiency document. The Admissions staff will upload that document and mark "waived" to both unofficial and official TOEFL, so the status will get reflected to your 'checklist'.
Proof of English proficiency is usually mentioned on the transcript, or students may request a letter from their institution indicating that their instruction is in English.
Q: Do I need to send the paid official score reports of exams including TOEFL, GRE Subject and GRE General from ETS to the university before the application deadline or do I only need to send them if I get the offer letter from the university?
A: We only need unofficial copies for your application. If you are admitted and you accept, we will need paid official copies.
Q: Can you confirm that not sending the official score reports until admission will not badly affect my chance of getting selected for the program ?
A: It will have no impact.
Q: I won't be able to unofficially report my GRE Subject scores before December 15 as my exam was conducted on Nov. 20th due to the exam being postponed from its original date of Oct. 29. Would I be able to add the unofficial scores to my application after submission ? If yes, what would be the latest date till which I can do that ?
A: Please upload your GRE scores before January 1, 2027, if taken.
Please note that for applications for admission in Fall 2027,
Program Detail | Graduate and Professional Admissions (rutgers.edu)
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Mathematics Subject Test is highly recommended and will carry substantial weight in the admissions decision; scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test are optional. At the discretion of the admissions committee, online screening and/or video interviews may be offered to prospective candidates, especially in cases when there is evidence that aspects of the candidate’s application portfolio may not reflect their true abilities.
Q: If I don’t send GRE scores, will it affect my application?
A: Our Admissions Committee and Graduate Director look at your application as a whole. It will not affect your application. They will consider all other aspects of your application instead (transcripts and letters of recommendation).
Q: Where do I upload unofficial test scores?
A: Since the GRE is not a requirement for our program, it does not populate to the application required 'checklist'.
If you want to include their GRE, please email it to the Graduate Admissions Office: . They will include it to the application once the document is received.
Q: Is it okay to apply without a Masters degree?
A: You can apply without a master’s degree; most of our applicants have only bachelor’s degrees.
Q: What is the current funding situation for students pursuing their PhD? Will eligibility for funding be considered as part of the application to the program or do I have to apply for that separately?
A: All students who are made an offer and admitted to our PhD program are fully funded, generally assured for five years.
Q: If I don’t graduate with a Math Undergraduate degree, can I still apply to the PhD Program?
A: Please read our guide for applicants below. It is not required that you have an undergrad math degree. What matters to us is that you have at least the math background stated in our guide:
https://www.math.rutgers.edu/academics/graduate-program/admissions-grad/848-ph-d-applying
https://grad.admissions.rutgers.edu/GraduateProgram/Detail.aspx?id=a501U0000004gFfQAI
Q: After I submit my application, can I still add documents to it?
A: When something is not a requirement, the Admissions Department needs to add it.
To upload new documents please click on the institution name on the "Items Required for Application Review" checklist on the right-hand side of the Applicant Portal. There will be a button for "upload" to add new documents.
Q: Is it helpful to email the professor that I desire to work under before applying to the program?
A: It can be helpful to contact professors with whom you would like to work, so long as this is a genuine expression of interest. (Our faculty members sometimes receive emails from students who have written blanket letters to a large number of them, including those who have only a very tenuous connection with an applicant’s stated interests and background and that creates a negative impression.)
Q: The website mentions that I need to send my transcripts and other material, but I am not sure whether I just need to upload a scan, or I need to send copies of them physically to the address mentioned on the webpage.
A: For the purposes of your application, unofficial (scanned or PDF) transcripts are acceptable. You can upload your transcript by going to the following link:
https://grad.admissions.rutgers.edu/CredentialUpload/Applicant/Login.aspx
Students who are admitted are required to submit official transcripts, sent directly to Rutgers Graduate Admissions by their institutions, showing your final grades and degree awarded. Please have your institution send your official transcript to the following address.
Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
56 Bevier Road
ASB Annex I
Piscataway, NJ 08854 U.S.A.
Q: Can the letters of recommendation that I used for the Master's Program be used for the PhD Program?
A: You can, but you should request letters specifically for the PhD program, as we are looking for a much deeper assessment of a candidates’ research potential, etc., and they are quite different from letters for a master’s program.
Q: If I have additional documents I would like to add to my application, where can I do that?
A: If you have any issue uploading required or additional documents, please email them to .
Q: Where can I upload supporting documents?
A: You can upload supporting documents ( transcripts) to your application by visiting Supporting Materials | Graduate and Professional Admissions (rutgers.edu) and selecting 'upload supporting documents' located under “Submit ALL Supporting Materials”.
Q: How can I check my application status?
A: You can check your application status by visiting https://gradstudy.rutgers.edu/apply/check-your-status.
Q: If I studied abroad and transferred those credits to my home institution, do I need to input the other institution on my application?
A: You do not have to list the other institution. If the department accepts the home institution transcripts with the transfer classes and grades, this is fine. If the grades are not listed on the home institution transcript, Graduate Admissions will need those abroad transcripts.
Q: Can I update my Statement of Purpose after submitting my application?
A: You can upload a new personal statement that will override the one previously uploaded.
Q: Can I submit an updated CV/Resume?
A: You can upload your corrected resume to "OTHERS" in your app. title it "UPDATED RESUME"
Reviewing committee will view all uploads in your application when making decision.
Q: ETS is currently offering GRE/TOEFL at home due to COVID-19 pandemic, are these scores accepted for the application procedure?
A: We accept GRE/TOEFL at home test scores.
GRE and TOEFL At-Home Online Testing - ETS has announced that the GRE general test and the TOEFL test are now available for students to take online at home. The at-home solution is only available in certain countries. For a full explanation of the registration process, visit www.ets.org/s/cv/toefl/at-home/ for the TOEFL iBT test and www.ets.org/s/cv/gre/at-home/ for the GRE General Test.
Q: Do you accept "TOEFL ITP® Plus for China Solution" ?
A: Yes, the School of Graduate Studies will accept "TOEFL ITP® Plus for China Solution".
Q: Can an applicant still upload documents once they have applied?
A: Once the application is submitted, applicants can upload their supporting materials by going to the following site: https://grad.admissions.rutgers.edu/CredentialUpload/Applicant/Login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fCredentialUpload
Q: Is it possible to submit my TOEFL degree a little later than the deadline?
A: You should aim to submit scores (unofficial OK) as soon as possible after December 15 and before January 31.
Q: For international students who have finished a 3 years bachelors degree, are they eligible to apply for the Math PhD Program?
A: Yes, as long as our Math requirements are met.
Q: Do I need to take the GRE and TOEFL Exam since I am from Nigeria?
A: GRE subject and general test scores are optional, not required. TOEFL is waived for Nigerians.
Q: Should I apply if my TOEFL scores are below the indicated scores on the Graduate Admissions website:
The minimum paper-based TOEFL score is 550. The minimum computer-based TOEFL score is 213
The minimum IBT-internet based TOEFL taken through January 21, 2026: Writing 22, Speaking 23, Reading 21, Listening 17
The minimum IBT-internet based TOEFL taken January 22, 2026 onward: Writing 4.5, Speaking 4.5, Reading 4, and Listening 4
A: The listed scores on the Graduate Admissions site are recommended average scores from the School of Graduate Studies. We ask students to apply regardless if the scores are met because the reviewing committee considers all requirements (not just this score) when making decision.
Q: Is it a disadvantage for me with only Bachelor degrees to apply for this PHD program? Which means applicants with an MS degree in related area have a better chance to be admitted?
A: No disadvantage.
Q: If I wasn’t chosen in your Math PHD program, may I request to be considered for Math MS programs like the Mathematical Finance MS program? Shall I apply twice, separately? Or am I automatically being considered in MS programs, like some school?
A: You have to apply for each separately – Math MS, Math PhD
Q: Do I need to contact any professors in the department right now or contact them after the admission decisions are made?
A: After admissions decisions are made.
Q: Can an applicant add additional documents that aren’t required?
A: The student will not be able to upload the documents because they are not REQUIRED. The new system only allows you to upload the required documents. Merits and achievements can be included in your resume.
Q: After submitting my application, can I go back in and add items?
A: Yes - https://rutgers.force.com/ApplicantPortal/
You can also send additional documents to be added to your application to this email address: and provide your full name and RUID on the subject line. Any letters of recommendation should be sent as a PDF attachment.
Q: Do we accept a three-year bachelor degree from India?
A: The SGS (School of Graduate Studies) has indicated:
The policy for three year undergraduate degrees from India.
According to WES (World Evaluation Services), its policy does NOT apply to all Universities in India, but only the 3 year bachelor's degrees earned in Division or Class I or II at universities accredited by the NAAC with a grade of A or better will be considered equivalent to US bachelor's degree.
All other three year degrees will continue to be evaluated as equivalent to three years of undergraduate study and will require the fourth year of study.
Q: What the minimum required coursework is for admission to this program?
A: We expect a math background at least comparable to that of an undergraduate math major (honors track) and those requirements are explained on the page below:
https://www.math.rutgers.edu/academics/undergraduate/majors
Math Masters Program – Traditional
Home | Graduate and Professional Admissions (rutgers.edu)
Q: What are the basic application requirements?
A: Application, application fee, 1 official transcript from each post-secondary institution attended (see note below), 3 letters of recommendation, a personal statement and current test results as required by the program - GRE scores (see below).
Unofficial transcripts provided by the applicant are acceptable for admissions screening, but applicants who accept our offer of admission must arrange for official transcripts that show final grades and award of degree to be sent directly by their previous universities to Rutgers Graduate Admissions.
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Mathematics Subject Test is recommended but not required; scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test are optional. At the discretion of the admissions committee, online screening and/or video interviews may be offered to prospective candidates, especially in cases when there is evidence that aspects of the candidates application portfolio may not reflect their true abilities.
Non-Degree Study
https://www.math.rutgers.edu/academics/graduate-program/admissions-grad/828-non-degree-study
Professional Science Masters Program - Masters of Business and Science Degree – Non-Degree Study:
https://mbs.rutgers.edu/non-degree-student
Personal Statement – Per the department a brief statement is required (a few lines) explaining why you want to take our graduate courses.
Q: If an applicant with an undergraduate degree wants to apply as a non-degree student specific to the Math department for us to admit them, would it be the same link and they just specify “Math Department” on their application? Sorry, I’m not exactly sure how it works.
A: When someone wants to apply as non-degree, they should go to the following link: https://gradstudy.rutgers.edu/apply/apply-now
Once they create a login ID and pin, one of the first questions they will be asked, is if they want degree or non-degree. Once non-degree is selected, the application will be shorter to fill out.
When students apply for non-degree on a graduate level, it is program specific. They have to select the program they want to do non-degree in. They can't select Biomedical Engineering and then take all Mathematics classes. If that was to happen, they would require a special permission number and then the department would want to know why they aren't in their program. Graduate Admission receives a handful of students that will apply to a specific program and need a class in something else, and that's fine as long as they get a permission number.