FAQs
Would I be able to have my application fee waived?
Some Ph.D. applicants may be eligible for a fee waiver. See the eligibility and process for Fee Waivers. The deadline to request a fee waiver is January 2.
Is there funding for students interested in graduate study at Yale University?
We encourage you to review Funding for Ph.D. Students. We do not offer scholarships, but do offer university fellowships, teaching fellowships, and research assistantships. Graduate students receive a full stipend, and tuition is also covered. University Fellowships are funds provided through the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences during the initial year/s in the doctoral program to cover your stipend and tuition amounts. Teaching Fellowships are funds received while students teach at Yale during their academic careers.
For more information about teaching, please review Teaching Fellows & Requirements as well as our Chemistry Ph.D. catalog requirements, which includes teaching for a minimum of two terms.
Where should I include my diversity statement in my application?
The diversity statement should be included in the “Personal Narrative” section of the application.
Is it appropriate to include my undergraduate thesis, figures, and citations in my application to help explain my undergraduate research projects?
Yes, you can include any or all of these supplemental documents in the “Statement of Academic Purpose” or in “Additional or Supplemental Documents” under the “Additional Questions” section of the application.
Is the GRE test required? How heavily are they weighed? What is the minimum score?
The GRE general test is not required for this 2024-25 admissions cycle, but scores can certainly be added to application.
Can you provide more information on the GRE general tests and the minimum score required in all modules of IELTS?
Find answers to Standardized Test Questions.
Do I need to submit results from a TOELF test if I speak English fluently?
The requirement for the TOEFL can be waived only for applicants who will have received a baccalaureate degree, or its foreign equivalent, from a university or college where English is the primary language of instruction before matriculation at Yale. Applicants must have studied in residence at the baccalaureate institution for at least three years to receive the waiver. See this flow chart to determine if you need to take an English language test as part of your application.
The Graduate School does require incoming doctoral students who received a score of 25 or below on the TOEFL speaking section or a 7.5 or below on IELTS speaking section to participate in a Summer English Language program at Yale in August prior to matriculation if admitted. These students are required to demonstrate English proficiency before they are permitted to teach.
What is the minimum required TOELF scores for the Chemistry Department?
The Chemistry Department typically looks for 25 or above TOEFL Speaking section.
Yale’s most competitive applicants have TOEFL scores of at least 100 on the internet-based TOEFL or 25 on each of the three sections for the TOEFL paper-delivered test. The Graduate School requires individuals with scores below this threshold to take a Summer English Language program at Yale in August prior to matriculation. These students are required to demonstrate English proficiency before they are permitted to teach.
Can I send my TOELF scores after submitting the application?
Scores for the TOEFL may be submitted after the December deadline and will be considered as part of your application. It is best to submit your official scores as close as you can to the December deadline since admissions committee members start to review applications in the weeks shortly after.
All the internet-based TOEFL tests held on site are fully registered in my region. The only choice for me is to take TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition. Is it okay to send Yale those scores?
Yes, we accept the TOEFL home edition if no other option is available for review in the application cycle. Applicants must have ETS release their scores to institution code 3987.
Is the IELTS an acceptable substitution for the TOEFL?
Yes. The IELTS Academic test may be substituted for the TOEFL for an applicant required to submit English language testing.
Do you give teaching assistant positions to admitted Ph.D. students?
All students admitted to the program are required to serve as Teaching Fellows (TFs) at the TF20 level for two (2) semesters during their studies. Typically teaching requirements are fulfilled in the first two semesters of study, but graduate students on training grants often delay fulfilling their teaching requirements to their fourth year in consultation with their thesis advisor. Teaching assignments are arranged by the department prior to semester start.
What are the steps for international students, and are there visa implications because of COVID-19?
Visit the International Student Guidance website.
I am an international student. Do I need to provide a credential evaluation, like WES (World Education Services), for a Ph.D. degree in Chemistry?
WES credential evaluation is only needed if you do not have transcripts from your previous University.
Can I start my application by submitting an unofficial transcript and GRE scores?
You may begin your application, save your progress, and return to complete the application. Once you submit, you will be able to upload additional materials but may not have an option to edit all fields.
What to do if I’m having trouble completing my application due to extenuating circumstances?
We offer some accommodations to prospective Ph.D. students affected by extreme conditions, such as natural disasters, political unrest or armed conflict, power outages, or COVID-19-related issues.
I have more questions about the application. Who should I email?
Additional questions about the application itself can be directed to graduate.admissions@yale.edu.