Admissions Requirements for International Applicants

The requirements of the Purdue University Graduate School are identified in the current Graduate School Bulletin. It contains essential information about admission requirements, curricula, course descriptions, University requirements for various degrees, financial aid, and information on other aspects of graduate education. Minimum requirements for admission to the Department of Animal Sciences are:

• Previous Academic Record: The applicant must be a graduate of an approved institution and show promise of ability to pursue advanced study and research. An undergraduate scholastic index of 3.0 (B) or its equivalent is considered minimal for regular admission.
• Graduate Record Examination: All applicants are required to take the aptitude test section of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). The GRE can be taken by computer or paper-based at: Graduate Record Examination
• International Students: Applicants whose native language is not English are required to submit official test results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). A minimum TOEFL score of 550 paper, 213 computer or 80 internet is required for admission consideration. The TOEFL Examination can be taken by computer or paper-based at: Test of English as a Foreign Language. The Graduate School requires that the scores must be documented by an official report from the Educational Testing Service (ETS) and must be no more than 24 months old at the time the application credentials are reviewed by the Graduate School.

Applications for the Department of Animal Sciences are taken by the Electronic Web Application. It's FAST and EASY! Entry dates are: August, January, and June. International students should apply at least six months before the beginning of the session for which admission is sought. Decisions on awarding of assistantships are made early October (for Spring entry), early March (for Summer entry), and early August (for Fall entry). In general, the application requires:

• Official transcripts from each college or university attended. For students who attend institutions where the official transcripts are not printed in English, the official original language transcript must be accompanied by certified English translation.
• Letters of recommendation from three persons who have had an opportunity to evaluate the applicant's academic and research potential. At least one of the letters should be from a professor in the specific subject or field in which the applicant wishes to major.
• GRE scores and TOEFL scores.
• Your statement of purpose 300-500 words stating your purpose for undertaking or continuing graduate study, your reasons for wanting to study at Purdue, and your professional plans, career goals, and research interests. You also may explain any irregularities or special circumstances applicable to your background.

Upon receipt of all material, applicants will be evaluated by the Graduate Committee. Acceptance by the department will not be granted unless the applicant can be assured of a major adviser and adequate research support and facilities. Please be certain to list on the application, in rank order, your research interests and the professors with whom you would like to study. Only the Graduate School is authorized to offer formal admission.