Documents Required

Official sources are the final authority

Academic statement of purpose

Rackham academic statement of purpose.

CV or resume

Personal statement

Rackham limit is 500 words unless the program states otherwise.

Recommendation letters x 3

Submitted via the Rackham application.

Official transcript(s)

Upload unofficial/scanned official transcripts for review; official copies typically required after recommended admission.

Published Score Requirements

Official sources are the final authority

Academic: Bachelor's degree with GPA 3.0/4.0; Or equivalent in the field by matriculation. Typical Rackham minimum scholastic average for graduate admission consideration; admission is extremely competitive.
Prerequisites: Relevant academic background; Very strong background in math, physics, chemistry, or engineering. Applicants without a bachelor's in Civil or Environmental Engineering may be eligible with equivalent academic experience. A master's is not required for PhD admission.
IELTS: 6.5 overall; Academic IELTS. Scores below 6.5 cannot be admitted as a graduate student at the University of Michigan.
TOEFL: New scale: 4.5 overall | Old scale: 84 overall; Maps to the prior iBT 84 floor. New scale applies to tests from 21 Jan 2026; old scale applies before that date.; Department/Rackham minimum on the Internet-Based TOEFL is 84; scores below 84 cannot be admitted. New scale applies to tests from 21 Jan 2026; old scale applies before that date.
GRE: Optional; PhD applications for Fall 2026 admissions did not require the GRE; scores may be submitted. Confirm whether the same policy applies to Fall 2027.