FAQS - Graduate + PhD Admissions
Q: What is the fall 2025 application deadline?
A: January 10, 2025 at 11:59pm Eastern Standard Time. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure all application materials are submitted by the application deadline for your application to move forward in the review process. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Return to your application checklist to confirm all required items are submitted.
Q: Is an interview required for admission?
A: Shortlisted PhD candidates will be invited to participate in a brief video interview with members of the PhD admission committee in February. You will be notified by mid-February if you are invited to interview.
While we are unable to interview all other candidates for admission, know that we spend a great deal of time evaluating your application. All components of your application are considered in the decision-making process. As such, we recommend you give time and thought to submitting an application that highlights your strengths.
Q: Is a Master's degree required to apply to the PhD in the Constructed Environment program?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you require a portfolio?
A: A portfolio is required for applicants to the Master of Architecture and Master of Landscape Architecture programs as well as for any applicant interested in pursuing the Urban Design Certificate. Portfolio submissions are optional for applicants to the PhD in the Constructed Environment program.
Q: Should I send a physical copy of my portfolio?
A: No. Upload your portfolio digitally with your application. Do NOT submit a physical copy. (Remember to double-check the formatting of your PDF!)
GRADUATE PROGRAMS PORTFOLIO GUIDELINES
Q: Do you require calculus or physics before entering the MArch program?
A: Calculus and physics are highly recommended prior to entering the MArch program but are not prerequisites for admission.
Q: Can I receive an application fee waiver?
A: UVA School of Architecture students and recent graduates who meet the criteria to apply as a Direct Admit applicant, current UVA School of Architecture graduate students applying for a second degree, Bonner Scholars/Leaders, and applicants who meet UVA’s eligibility requirements may receive an application fee waiver. The School of Architecture is unable to provide other application fee waivers.
Q: When are admission decisions made, and how will I be notified?
A: Admissions decisions will be posted by early March. You will be notified of our admission decision through the online application platform and via email.
Q: Do you have any part-time programs?
A: No, all of our programs are considered full-time.
Q: May I enroll in the spring semester?
A: We offer admission to the graduate programs for the fall semester only (though some students may be required to begin classes during UVA’s Summer Sessions). Students who would like to take non-degree classes in the spring may be able to take a course through the Community Scholar program, administered by the School of Continuing and Professional Studies.
Q: I qualify for Direct Admit. How do I apply?
A: Direct Admit students complete the same application as our regular applicants and should select "Yes" to the question "Are you applying as a Direct Admit?" applicant. The application will make recommendation letters optional, which are waived for Direct Admit students.
The Student Affairs Office encourages Direct Admit students to submit recommendation letters despite being optional. Recommendations, along with all other application materials, are helpful for awarding merit aid.
Direct Admit eligibility can be confirmed by the Student Affairs Office, email a-school-admissions@virginia.edu for details.
Current and former UVA School of Architecture students who believe they are eligible to apply as Direct Admit applicants must upload to the graduate application proof of Direct Admit eligibility obtained from Tashana Starks, Director of Advising + Academic Support (tdp2m@virginia.edu). We encourage you to contact Tashana Starks at least one week in advance of the application deadline to secure your eligibility proof.
Q: What is involved in applying for two degrees?
A: Applicants interested in pursuing dual degrees must apply for each program separately. Create and submit one application per program, submit one copy of all required materials per program, and submit one application fee per program. Applications will be reviewed independently of each other.
Currently enrolled graduate students seeking a second degree must submit a complete application by the application deadline.
Contact the Office of Admission + Financial Aid at a-school-admissions@virginia.edu with questions about how to apply for dual degrees.
Q: I previously applied to the School of Architecture. Do I need to resubmit an application?
A: Yes, a new application with all applicable information updated is required.
Contact the Office of Admission + Financial Aid at a-school-admissions@virginia.edu with questions about how to reapply.
Q: If I am currently enrolled in another graduate program, may I transfer to your program, and will my credits transfer?
A: If you believe your current school or program is no longer the correct fit for you, we welcome the opportunity to discuss your options at the UVA School of Architecture. Students may apply though the regular admission process and must adhere to all application requirements and deadlines to be considered. If admitted, the Graduate Program Director will determine if you are eligible for advanced standing.
The School of Architecture’s transfer policy is found in the UVA Graduate Record. We strongly encourage you first to seek guidance from the Graduate Program Director of the department in which you are interested in transferring before beginning the application process.
Q: Does my 3-year bachelor’s degree from an international institution qualify me for graduate admission?
A: Graduate admission for international students is contingent on the submission of official transcripts through a NACES-approved credential evaluator. Degree equivalency will be determined by the NACES credential evaluator. The School of Architecture does not determine which international degrees are equivalent to U.S. undergraduate degrees. If you are unsure if your 3-year undergraduate degree is the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree, we recommend having your academic records evaluated by a NACES member organization.
Q: Which program Path am I eligible for in the Master of Architecture program?
A: All applicants, regardless of undergraduate degree, will be reviewed by faculty for advanced placement. Applicants with undergraduate degrees in Architecture have historically been more likely to be admitted to Path 2, but advanced placement is not guaranteed.
Students will not select a path on the application, as all applications will be reviewed to be placed in the appropriate Path. The program Path will be included in the acceptance letter for students admitted to the program, released in early March.
If you would like feedback on your undergraduate degree in relation to our program Paths, then contact the Student Affairs Office at a-school-admissions@virginia.edu.
Q: Which program Path am I eligible for the Master of Landscape Architecture program?
A: All applicants, regardless of undergraduate degree, will be reviewed by faculty for advanced placement. Applicants with undergraduate degrees in Landscape Architecture have historically been more likely to be admitted to shorter paths, but advanced placement is not guaranteed.
The program Path will be included in the acceptance letter for students admitted to the program, released in early March. While advanced placement is not guaranteed by any of the criteria below, apply to the Path that fits your educational background the most:
MLA Path 2 Advanced –
Bachelor of Landscape Architecture or Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture from a LAAB or LAAC accredited program
MLA Path 2 –
Bachelor of Architecture degree from a NAAB accredited program
MLA Path 2.5 –
Landscape Architecture degree (or equivalent) that is not LAAB or LAAC accredited
Architecture degree (or equivalent) that is not NAAB accredited
MLA Path 3 –
Non-Landscape Architecture or non-Architecture degree
If you still have questions about which Path your educational background typically enrolls in, contact the Student Affairs Office at a-school-admissions@virginia.edu.
Q: What is the minimum GRE required to apply?
A: The School of Architecture has suspended the GRE requirement through the 2025 admission cycle. Applicants will not report GRE scores on the application, nor will admitted students be required to submit official GRE scores.
Q: I need to send official test scores to your school. What is your institution code?
A: Official test scores are only required of applicants who are offered admission to the School of Architecture. Applicants may self-report unofficial test scores on their applications. The institution code for the TOEFL is B875.
Q: Do you require TOEFL or IELTS from international students?
A: All international applicants whose first or native language is not English are required to submit proof of language proficiency by submitting qualified TOEFL or IELTS scores, taken within two years of the application deadline. Students who have earned a 4-year bachelor’s degree (or master's degree for PhD applicants) entirely from an institution where English is the primary language of instruction are not required to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores. You will note this exemption on your online application.
TOEFL MINIMUMS: 250 (computer-based) or 90 (internet-based)
[The School of Architecture prefers a minimum of 100 for the internet-based exam for a student's success in the program.]
IELTS MINIMUM: 7.0 overall band score
Applications will not be considered without qualifying TOEFL or IELTS scores received by the application deadline.
The School of Architecture does not accept MyBest TOEFL scores.
Q: Can I take a required test after the application deadline?
A: No. Applications must include all required qualified test scores by the application deadline.
Q. How many letters of recommendation are required?
A: Three (3) recommendations are required. Recommender information will be entered on the application and the recommender will receive an email with instructions for submitting their reference. Applicants may not submit references on their recommender's behalf.
Q: What is the deadline for letters of recommendation? Can I submit my application before one or more of my recommenders has submitted their letter of reference?
A: Recommenders are strongly encouraged to submit letters of recommendation by the January 10 (11:59 PM EST) deadline, but the School of Architecture will continue to accept letters of recommendation through January 17 (11:59 PM EST). Recommendations submitted after January 17th will not be considered.
Recommendation requests will be automatically emailed to recommenders as soon as their information is entered and saved in the online application. Applicants do not need to submit a complete application to generate the recommendations requests.
The online application system is able to receive references before or after an application is submitted.
Q: If a recommender is having technical issues with the application system, is there another way to submit their recommendation?
A: If the submission link sent to a recommender is not working properly, recommenders should contact the UVA Central Graduate Admission Office at garchadmission@virginia.edu for assistance.
Q: What is the full cost of attending UVA?
A: The School of Architecture’s tuition, fees and cost of living are among the lowest of our peer institutions. Refer to our Tuition + Funding webpage for more information.
Q: Am I eligible for scholarships and fellowships?
A: All graduate applicants, including international students, are automatically considered for departmental merit-based aid as part of the application review process. No separate funding applications are required.
Master's applicants may also apply through the graduate application for one of our DEI scholarships and/or Historic Preservation Certificate scholarships. Details for how to apply for these scholarships are found on our graduate application instructions web page.
U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents are also eligible for Federal Financial Aid. Visit the Student Financial Services website for federal aid application instructions.
Q: How do I become a Virginia resident?
A: If your primary reason for moving to Virginia is for education, you will likely not be granted in-state residency.
Contact the UVA Office of Virginia Status with questions about Virginia domicile.
Q: Which programs are STEM-designated?
A: The Master of Architecture and Master of Landscape Architecture programs are STEM-designated and qualify graduates for extended Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information please follow the links below.
STEM DESIGNATION FOR M ARCH PROGRAM
STEM DESIGNATION FOR MLA PROGRAM