Application Procedure

If you are interested in applying for the program, please visit the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) Admissions website.

All questions specific to the admissions process should be directed to GSAS Admissions at graduate.admissions@yale.edu.

Below is only a brief outline that may be out-of-date. In case of discrepancy, the GSAS Admissions website has the correct information.

Summary of Admission Process

Applicant starts application for the IDE program via Yale's GSAS Admissions (read more on our Joint Program page if you interested in applying to a joint program). Applications open August 15.
Applicant gathers all required materials, requests letters of reference, completes standardized tests and writes the personal statement then submits the application by the deadline as published on the GSAS Admissions website.
Application will be under review by the program. This process may start immediately after the application deadline and can take roughly 10 weeks.
The decision of the program will be confirmed by GSAS Admissions which informs the candidate of that decision after March 15.

Applications should be initiated as early as possible (late summer/fall) in the academic year preceding the one in which the individual proposes to register. Applications are made via the GSAS Admissions’ online application available on or after August 15 through their website. The deadline for submitting your application for consideration for admission to the fall term is also published on the GSAS Admissions' website. All supplemental materials such as but not limited to transcripts, personal statement and financial statement should be uploaded to the application. Paper copies will not be accepted. Late applications will be considered only at the discretion of the Program Director. You are urged to read the application policies and procedures, which can be found at the same website.

Although GSAS Admissions does accept test scores, supporting documents, and letters of reference after the deadline and forwards them immediately to the IDE program, please remember that your application will not be reviewed until all the supporting materials are included.

Those interested in the Joint Program with the School of Public Health must apply to the School of Public Health and the IDE program (via Yale's GSAS Admissions).

Standardized Tests

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required of all applicants to the IDE program. The Educational Testing Service, administers the GRE in the United States as well as abroad. Applicants should arrange to take the GRE well before the application deadline.

You must request (either at the time of the test administration or via an additional Score Report) that your official scores be released to Yale University Institution Code 3987. If you are required to enter a Department or Program code, you should use Department Code 0000 (Undecided) for the GRE. No paper copies of GRE score reports will be accepted. For the most recent details on the codes visit the GSAS Admissions website.

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English Language

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), also administered by the Educational Testing Service is required of all applicants whose native language is not English. Alternatively you may take the IETLS test. For more information you should visit the IELTS web site. Please identify Yale University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) as a recipient of your scores (there is no institution code).

This requirement is waived only for applicants who will have received a baccalaureate degree, or its foreign equivalent, prior to matriculation at Yale, from a college or university where English is the primary language of instruction.

If you have taken TOEFL within the last two years or are about to take it you will need to have your TOEFL scores released to us (code 3987). If you are required to enter a Department or Program code you should use 99 (Undecided) for the TOEFL either at the time of the test administration or via an additional Score Report.

There is no specific passing or failing score nor is there a minimum score requirement. Such evidence should be received by January 2 but will be accepted after the deadline.

Application Outcome

Applicants will be notified of action concerning admission by mid-March. Those who are undergraduates at the time of admission must present evidence of the satisfactory completion of the bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in order to register. Those who are engaged in graduate work must, before registration, present a transcript giving evidence of satisfactory completion of the year’s work in which they were engaged. For the current policy on required documentation, visit the GSAS Admissions website.