Graduate Programs in Engineering

Thank you for considering Vanderbilt University for your graduate studies. Choosing the right graduate program is an important step in shaping your future, and we are excited that you are exploring all that Vanderbilt has to offer. Our world-class M.Eng., M.S., and Ph.D. programs provide a dynamic and collaborative environment where you can thrive academically and professionally. On this page, you’ll find everything you need to navigate the application process, including key deadlines and contact information for any questions. We look forward to reviewing your application.

Engineering

Application Fees Waived for Ph.D. Applicants

Application fees will be waived for ALL students currently enrolled in, or who have graduated from, U.S. schools who are applying to the Fall 2026 Vanderbilt School of Engineering Ph.D. programs. Fee waivers may also be available to applicants from non-U.S. institutions. Please check the application portal for eligible institutions. Applications must be received by December 1, 2025 to be eligible for fee waiver. 

Important Dates

Applications Open: August 1

This is the date by which most programs begin accepting Fall 2026 applications. If you have further questions, please directly contact the office of your program of interest.

Your application should be submitted through the Vanderbilt University Graduate School. 

Fall 2026 Ph.D. and M.S. Deadlines

December 1, 2025Fee waiver deadline for Ph.D. applicants to start Fall 2026.
December 15, 2025Early Ph.D. application deadline for Fall 2026 to ensure priority review. (Fee waiver NOT available after Dec. 1.)
January 8, 2026Final Ph.D. application deadline for Fall 2026.
March 15, 2026Final M.S. application deadline for Fall 2026. (No application fee for M.S. program.)

Spring 2026 Ph.D. and M.S. Deadlines

October 15, 2025Ph.D. application deadline for Spring 2026.
October 15, 2025M.S. application deadline for Spring 2026.
Ph.D. programs offering Spring 2026 admission

Electrical and Computer Engineering


Mechanical Engineering
M.S. programs offering Spring 2026 admission

Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering


Electrical and Computer Engineering


Mechanical Engineering

Spring/Fall 2026 M.Eng. Deadlines

Applications for the School of Engineering's Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) programs are evaluated on a rolling basis for Spring* and Fall 2026 matriculation. 

*The following M.Eng. programs offer Spring admission: Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS), Engineering and Surgical Intervention (ESI), Mechanical Engineering (ME), and Risk, Reliability and Resilience (RRR)

Admission Decisions: March 31

Target date by which admission offers for fall semester will be mailed to all applicants whose files are complete by the deadline of the program you chose.

Admissions Responses: April 15

Deadline for applicants to respond to offers of admission. If your reply is not received by April 15th, the department may reallocate any offer of financial award.

Graduate Funding and Fellowships

For Master's degree students, partial tuition scholarships may be available to qualified applicants. Doctoral candidates are awarded full financial assistance in the form of teaching or research positions. This support typically includes a full-tuition scholarship, monthly stipend, and paid health insurance. Student activity fees, which allow access to the student recreation center, are also covered. In addition, individual fellowship awards above and beyond the standard financial aid package are regularly awarded to outstanding applicants. 

Learn more about graduate funding 

In addition to Vanderbilt's graduate funding, numerous fellowships are available through private donors, philanthropic organizations and government agencies. 

Learn more about graduate fellowships 

Application Guidance 

The Vanderbilt School of Engineering seeks well-rounded individual with proven academic accomplishment as well as demonstrated personal character and ambition. Our decision is based on careful evaluation of each applicant's complete record, including an online application, statement of purpose, TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores if applicable, transcripts and letters of recommendation.

​Important for the 2026-2027 admissions cycle: the School of Engineering is not requiring Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores for consideration for admission.

Vanderbilt is a comprehensive research university and holds the highest designation of research universities in the Carnegie classification system. All applicants for both the master and doctoral degrees are considered on the basis of merit.

International Student Applicants 

For international students who did not graduate from an institution in a country where English is the official language, proficiency in English must be shown by a minimum score of 89 on the TOEFL, 7.0 on the IELTS test, and for the Duolingo English test the minimum acceptable score is 130. For more information please visit the Graduate School website.

Transcript Submissions

Transcripts can be sent either via the postal service or via secure electronic delivery. In order to be considered official, transcripts and other documents must come directly from the institution attended. Some institutions provide secure electronic delivery of transcripts. These submissions may be made to cdm@vanderbilt.edu.

Transcripts sent via the postal service should be addressed as follows:

CDM
PMB 407833
2301 Vanderbilt Place
Nashville, TN 37240-7833​

Contact Us 

Gabriel Luis 
Assistant Dean for Graduate Recruiting and Global Engagement
(615) 343-3128 

PMB 351826 
2301 Vanderbilt Place 
Nashville, TN 37235-1826 
gradengineering@vanderbilt.edu