DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS

Application Procedure

Application Deadline: January 5, 2024

Late applications may be considered until April 15th, 2024. However, candidates who miss the initial deadline place themselves in a less competitive position.

How to apply to the mathematics graduate study program:

Students applying for admission to our graduate program are asked to submit the following.

1. Application Form:

A completed online application for admission.

2. Official Transcripts:

Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended should be sent to the Mathematics Department at the address given below. During the admissions process the use of unofficial transcripts is allowed (including photocopies or non-certified electronic copies). However, an acceptance letter, if offered, is provisional until we receive your official transcripts.

The University requires a minimum GPA of 3.0.

3. Recommendations:

Three letters of recommendation from faculty who are familiar with the applicant's scholastic and personal qualities.

4. GRE:

Neither the GRE mathematics subject exam nor the GRE general exam are required. Rice’s central graduate school application may provide an entry field for including such a score, but applicants may leave this blank as the mathematics department will not use them in their admission decisions.

  • Rice goes GRE-optional for grad programs.
    • Rice will grant fee waivers to graduates of Texas schools, and will waive application fees for doctoral applicants who are graduates of institutions in Texas and bordering states.
    • For more details, read the full announcement from Rice’s Public Affairs Office: here.

5. Statement of Purpose:

Applicants must submit a statement of purpose of between 2-4 pages in length. This statement should explain why the applicant is a good fit for the program as well as possible research interests and professional goals.

6. TOEFL and IELTS Requirements (for foreign applicants)

Applicants who are foreign nationals and those whose native language is not English must provide evidence of
English proficiency. This can be shown by any of the following:

  • Proof of degree from an accredited U.S. high school, college, or university.
  • At least a 90 on the iBT TOEFL.
  • At least 7 on the IELTS.
  • At least 115 on the Duolingo test of English proficiency.
  • Proof of completion (or expected completion) of a post-secondary degree from an institution where the official language of instruction is in English*.

Detailed information about Rice English Proficiency requirements can be found here

7. FEE:

A $85 nonrefundable application fee paid online by credit card or electronic check.

  • Rice University’s Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies will offer doctoral application fee waivers for the Fall 2024 admission term to all eligible domestic and international students. This waiver will be available for students worldwide to request at the link here from Oct. 18 – Nov. 1, 2023, or until all available waivers have been issued.
  • Additionally, for 2024 admissions, the application fee for doctoral programs is waived for those residing in Texas or bordering states of Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and New Mexico
  • Departmental fee waivers requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis, and when an applicant can demonstrate and document need. Please write to mathgradchair@rice.edu for consideration of a fee-waiver.
Please have this material sent to the following address:
Mathematics Graduate Admissions
Mathematics Department
Rice University
6100 Main Street, MS136
Houston, TX 77005-1982

Further Information

For more information call: (713) 348-2544 or E-mail: mathgradchair@rice.edu
Learn more about graduate programs at Rice University on the Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies website.

Rice University is committed to affirmative action and equal opportunity in education and employment. Rice does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or veteran status.

Tel (713) 348-4829

Mailing Address:
Rice University
Math Department -- MS 136
P.O. Box 1892
Houston, TX 77005-1892

Physical Address:
Rice University
Herman Brown Hall for Mathematical Sciences
6100 Main Street
Houston, TX 77005