DukComputer ScienceDuke University

Program Info

Dates and tuition are specific to the 2027 intake.

Historical admission data is not published.

Official sources are the final authority

Statement of purpose

Required; see Graduate School Computer Science program page and department guidance.

CV or resume

Required.

Life Experiences Statement

Maximum one page, single-spaced. Required Graduate School upload on the Additional Experiences page.

Recommendation letters x 3

Three required.

Unofficial transcript(s)

Unofficial transcripts with application submission; official transcripts required upon admission.

Academic: Bachelor's degree; Undergraduate GPA on a 4.0 scale required in the application. Duke does not publish a hard UGPA cutoff; the committee reviews preparation holistically.
Prerequisites: Relevant academic background; Strong undergraduate grounding in calculus and discrete mathematics; basic knowledge of data structures, algorithms, and higher-level programming languages. Some undergraduate research experience preferred for PhD applicants.
IELTS: 7.0 overall; Graduate School general English guidance; Academic IELTS accepted.
TOEFL: New scale: 5.0 overall | Old scale: 90 overall; Graduate School guidance for exams on or after 21 Jan 2026.; Graduate School Standardized Tests requirements apply for applicants whose first language is not English. For exams before 21 Jan 2026. Waivers may apply per Graduate School policy.
GRE: Optional; GRE General optional for PhD applicants per Graduate School Computer Science program page.