Please consult the table below for key information about this degree program’s admissions requirements. The program may have more detailed admissions requirements, which can be found below the table or on the program’s website.
Graduate admissions is a two-step process between academic programs and the Graduate School. Applicants must meet the minimum requirements of the Graduate School as well as the program(s). Once you have researched the graduate program(s) you are interested in, apply online.
Graduate Admissions Requirements | Requirements | Detail |
| Fall Deadline | December 15 |
| Spring Deadline | The program does not admit in the spring. |
| Summer Deadline | This program does not admit in the summer. |
| GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) | Not required but may be considered if available. |
| English Proficiency Test | Every applicant whose native language is not English or whose undergraduate instruction was not in English must provide an English proficiency test score and meet the Graduate School minimum requirements (https://grad.wisc.edu/apply/requirements/#english-proficiency). |
| Other Test(s) (e.g., GMAT, MCAT) | n/a |
| Letters of Recommendation Required | 3 |
A submitted application is required, consisting of:
- Resume/CV;
- Statement of purpose; see the suggested guidelines provided by the Graduate School: https://grad.wisc.edu/apply/prepare
- Must complete the supplemental application section that identifies their research interest area
- Most up to date unofficial transcript(s) from all previous higher education institutions, regardless of whether or not a degree was earned (official transcripts are requested of only recommended applicants); international academic records must be in the original language accompanied by an official English translation.
- Payment of the one-time application fee of $75.00, plus the $6.00 international processing fee; this fee is non-refundable. It can be paid by credit card (MasterCard or Visa) or debit/ATM card.
- Test scores and three letters of recommendation as detailed above.
Applications must be entirely complete by the deadline, including test scores and letters of recommendation. Please note that it is highly advised to take the GRE and TOEFL/IELTS tests well in advance of the application deadline in order to ensure time for receiving and processing of the scores. Please do not mail any paper copies of application materials, except IELTS scores. They will not be reviewed.
When an applicant submits an application, they are automatically also put in the pool to be considered for funding from the department. Funding decisions come directly from faculty members. However, funding is limited and never guaranteed. All admitted, incoming students should anticipate to fund themselves. Those selected for funding will be contacted separately and directly by ECE faculty.
Information for international students, including proof of funding and visa information, can be found on the International Student Services website (https://iss.wisc.edu/students/admissions/).
By Wisconsin state law, the application fee can only be waived or deferred under the conditions outlined by the Graduate School (https://grad.wisc.edu/apply/fee-grant).
The department welcomes applications from scientific, engineering, and mathematical disciplines other than ECE. Applicants with a bachelor’s degree may apply directly to the Ph.D. program.
English Competency for Non-Native English Speakers
Effective written and oral communication is vital for a successful academic career. International students whose native language is not English will be required to take the English as a Second Language Assessment Test (ESLAT), offered by the English as a Second Language (ESL) Program.
The ESLAT must be taken as soon as the student arrives at the university. The test is offered in the Fall and Spring during the week before the beginning of instruction. The ESL home page has more information.
Based on ESLAT performance, specific ESL courses may be recommended. These courses must be taken and passed within 12 months of the ESLAT. Otherwise, the student will not be permitted to register during the third semester after entering the graduate program. Any ESL courses numbered 300 or above can be counted towards graduate degree requirements but not toward E C E course requirements. Completion of ESLAT and recommended courses is also a requirement for graduation of an international student whose native language is not English.
Students are exempt from taking the ESLAT if:
- English is the exclusive language of instruction at the undergraduate institution; or
- they have earned a degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university not more than 5 years prior to the anticipated semester of enrollment; or
- they have completed at least two full-time semesters of graded course work, exclusive of ESL courses, in a U.S. college or university, or at an institution outside the U.S. where English is the exclusive language of instruction, not more than 5 years prior to the anticipated semester of enrollment.
Reentry Admissions
If you were previously enrolled as a graduate student at UW–Madison, but have had a break in enrollment for at least one fall or spring semester, you will need to apply to resume your studies.
For applicants previously enrolled in a graduate program other than ECE, you must complete a new online application, including all materials, for admission.
For applicants previously enrolled in ECE as a graduate student, you must complete a reentry application. Reentry applicants may apply for the fall term with a deadline of June 1.
In order to apply as a reentry applicant, you must:
- complete the online application (https://apply.grad.wisc.edu), including the personal information section, program and term selection, and supplementary application;
- Provide the following documents to the ECE Graduate Admissions Team (ecegradadmission@engr.wisc.edu)
- CV/Resume
- Statement of Purpose
- Any new unofficial transcripts from previous higher education institutions
- Three letters of recommendation if the break in enrollment equals or is greater than four semesters (fall, spring). Letters of recommendation should be emailed directly from recommender.
Current Graduate Student Admissions
Students currently enrolled as a graduate student at UW-Madison, whether in or other than ECE, wishing to apply to this degree program should contact the ECE Graduate Admissions Team (ecegradadmission@engr.wisc.edu) to inquire about the process and respective deadlines several months in advance of the anticipated enrollment term. Current students may apply to change or add programs for any term (fall, spring, or summer).
QUESTIONS?
Please review the frequently asked questions answered by the Graduate School here.
If you have any admissions questions, please do not hesitate to contact the ECE Graduate Admissions Team at ecegradadmission@engr.wisc.edu.