How to Apply

We are glad that you are interested in applying one of our graduate degree programs! You will find below helpful information and links to other sites that will assist you in completing your application.

Applications are completed and submitted entirely online through the UGA graduate school application portal.  You will need to submit the following items for your application to receive full consideration:

UGA Graduate School application and application fee.

In the Graduate School application, you will be asked to provide:

• Transcripts (unofficial) from each institution of higher education attended. Please see the Graduate School's instructions for submitting transcripts.
• GRE scores (general test) The GRE is not required for 2025 admission. Applicants with GRE test scores are welcome to submit them and will have the score become part of their application packet.  Lack of a GRE score will not adversely affect consideration for admission or funding.
• Three letters of recommendation: List the names and e-mail addresses of three references within the Graduate School application. References will receive a link to access a secure page where they can submit recommendations electronically.
• Curriculum Vitae: A summary of educational background and relevant experience.  
• Statement of Purpose: Submit a 500–1000-word statement that addresses your academic interests and goals, your perceived fit with the program and faculty of interest, and describes the experiences that have prepared you for graduate study.
• Optional items: Examples include writing samples, paper presentations, publications, or other evidence of scholarly or professional work.
   

When To Apply

We admit most of our new graduate students to begin in fall semester and we strongly recommend that you follow this schedule, especially if you are applying for financial support.  Applicants for Spring or Summer Semester admission will receive secondary consideration for financial support, contingent upon financial resources, until the following cohort of Fall applicants is reviewed by the department’s Graduate Studies Committee.

Applications for Fall admission are due DECEMBER 1st. 
 

Notes

International applicants are usually required to take the TOEFL or IELTS and may have additional application requirements from the Graduate School. Please visit the Graduate School's Supplemental Information for International Applicants. To see scoring requirements for each test, please see the Graduate School English language proficiency requirements page.

Please note: As of July 1, 2023, the Duolingo English Test will no longer be accepted as a test of English proficiency in graduate admissions. This change will be effective starting with the Fall 2024 admissions cycle

Application fee waivers: The application fees are set by the Graduate School.  Fee waivers are available to applicants participating in certain programs. Those programs and more information can be found here.

Click here for more Graduate School admissions information.

Please contact the Graduate Coordinator's Office at geographygradprogram@uga.edu with questions regarding graduate programs or the admissions process.