FAQs

What are the prerequisites for admission?

The prerequisites for admission to our graduate program are:

• an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution in mathematics or a closely related field;
• a record of achievement that shows strong promise of success in graduate school, including a 3.0 cumulative grade-point average in undergraduate studies and a 3.0 grade-point average in mathematics; and
• coursework in abstract algebra, linear algebra, and advanced calculus or introduction to analysis (comparable to KU's MATH 500, 558, and 590.)

It is beneficial to have some preparation in probability/statistics (comparable to MATH 627/628) and/or numerical analysis (comparable to MATH 581). Although not required, we also recommend that applicants take introductory courses in complex analysis (comparable to MATH 646), differential equations (comparable to MATH 647), and/or topology. You can view a description of any of these classes by searching for them here: https://catalog.ku.edu/liberal-arts-sciences/math/#courseinventory. 

Please also note that the Mathematics Department currently does not require the general or subject Graduate Record Examination (GRE). 

Do I need to choose an advisor before applying?

No, you will not need to choose an advisor before you apply. Advisors are chosen after a student passes qualifying exams, typically in their second or third year in the program. 

Does the department provide financial assistance?

Yes! Read more below:

GTA (Graduate Teaching Assistantship)

Admitted PhD students receive an offer of a six-year financial support package which includes a full tuition waiver, a paid GTA position with an academic year salary of $20,084.01 (effective AY25-26) for 20 hours/week (~August 18 - May 15), a 75% health insurance subsidy, 100% coverage of the required wellness fee, 50% coverage of required student fees (excluding any international student fees), and some funding for conference travel. All complete applications received by the submission deadline will be considered for funding. 

For non-native or non-native-like speakers of English seeking a GTA position, priority funding consideration is given to applicants who provide a qualifying, official TOEFL (22 on Speaking section)/IELTS (7 on Speaking section) score with their initial application. Proof of proficiency for non-native speakers of English is required by the state of Kansas. 

GRA (Graduate Research Assistantship)

Semester and academic-year GRAs are sometimes available, typically depending on individual faculty members' grants. GRAs are generally given to students already working on their dissertations.

Self Graduate Fellowship

Domestic students may be eligible for the Self Graduate Fellows for 2025-2026 will receive annual support of $38,000 for four years. Payment is through an appointment as a graduate research assistant. The fellowship covers tuition, fees, and the employer's share of student health insurance costs. Over the four years, fellows have access to a $12,000 professional development award, a $5,000 start-up award (year 1), and a $1,000 textbook and technology award (year 2,3,4). All fellows actively participate in the Fellow Development Program. The total value of the four-year doctoral fellowship exceeds $225,000. The 47 current Self Graduate Fellows are among 224 students who have benefited from the fellowship since it was established in 1989. Please let us know if you are interested in being nominated. 

What are the English proficiency requirements?

It is important to note that proof of proficiency for non-native speakers of English is required.

English proficiency requirements for admission can be found here: https://gradapply.ku.edu/english-requirements

English proficiency requirements for holding a GTA position can be found here: https://ogs.ku.edu/ku-procedures-gta-spoken-english-competency

What materials are needed to apply?

The following materials must be submitted online:

• Applicant's résumé/curriculum vitae, (please do NOT include your GRE score if you have one)
  • Note: Please use the following GPA calculator to determine your GPA if your degree-granting institution uses a grade/point system different from the one used in the U.S. To assist the Admissions Committee, you can list your converted GPA on your CV and the online application. Graduate Admissions confirms GPA estimates using this same GPA calculator. An official WES evaluation is not needed.
• Statement of Purpose
  • In your personal statement you should indicate your mathematical background and interests and how these make you a good fit for the program. It is helpful for you to mention a professor or professors in our department whose research you find interesting.
• Copies of official transcripts from each university or college you have attended.
  • Please do not upload grade reports from a student-accessed online portal. Transcripts should be issued from your university's Registrar's office, these usually have a seal/signature on them to denotes they are official.
  • Official transcripts (sent directly to KU from the Registrar) are not required until after you have been admitted into the Ph.D. program.
• Three letters of recommendation
  • Contact information for your letter writers will be submitted in your application. Letter writers will then receive a request to submit a letter on your behalf electronically.
• Proof of GTA-level English proficiency if non-native or non-native-like speaker of English (If seeking a GTA position)
  • TOEFL scores should be sent by ETS to KU institution code 6871. Do not enter a department specific code, as this may cause a misrouting of your scores. IELTS should be sent to KU Graduate Admissions via the e-delivery service. PTE score sheets containing the Score Report Code and Registration ID should be emailed to graduateadm@ku.edu for verification.
• List of Textbooks
  • A list of textbooks used in the applicant's mathematics courses beyond calculus (please include author
• All transcripts, letters of recommendation, and English proficiency scores should be received by KU by the application due date for your application to be considered complete!

When are applications due?

For fall semesters, submit an application by January 6th - applications open each year in September. We do not typically admit students for spring semesters in our PhD program. 

When will I be notified of an admission decision?

Application review begins immediately following the deadline and the first-round of GTA offers are typically sent in late February. Additional offers are sent through mid-April. Please aim to have all materials submitted by the deadline.

Are application fee waivers available?

No, unfortunately we are unable to provide application fee waivers. If you are a domestic student, and you have received your bachelor's degree within the last eight years, you may be eligible for a fee waiver through the Self Graduate Fellowship. If this applies to you, please contact us for additional information regarding how to apply for the waiver.