At a glance
60 mo
Duration
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IELTS
€26k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
- Fully funded for up to five yearsFunding Duration
- Comprehensive tuition, health, and dental benefitsBenefits
- Collaborative and interdisciplinary researchResearch Environment
- Supportive faculty, student, and staff communityCommunity
- High program completion rateCompletion Rate
The University of Michigan Physics PhD program offers rigorous academic training and is highly regarded for its graduates who excel as researchers, teachers, and industry professionals. The program emphasizes a collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment. Students benefit from a high program completion rate, full funding for up to five years, and a supportive atmosphere fostered by faculty, students, and staff.
Careers
Graduates of the Physics PhD program are highly sought after and pursue successful careers as researchers in academia and industry, as educators, and as professionals in various private sector roles.
- Researcher
- Teacher
- Industry Professional
Frequently asked questions
- What are the tuition fees for international students in the Physics PhD program?
- For the 2025-26 academic year, the non-resident tuition is $30,685 per year for full-time study covering Fall and Winter terms. Additional mandatory fees may apply.
- Does the Physics PhD program offer funding to students?
- Yes, the program is fully funded for up to five years, covering tuition, health, and dental benefits, along with a living stipend.
- What are the application deadlines for the Physics PhD program?
- Applications for Fall 2026 admission open on September 15, 2025, and the deadline to submit your application is December 15, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. EST.
- What academic qualifications are required for admission to the Physics PhD program?
- You need a qualification equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, typically with a strong foundation in physics, including intermediate courses in classical mechanics, electromagnetism, thermal physics, and quantum physics.
- How can international students apply for admission and what is the process?
- Applications are submitted through the Rackham Graduate School website. You will need to complete the online application, pay a non-refundable application fee of $90 for non-US citizens, and submit all required materials by the deadline. Fee waivers may be available.
- What career paths can graduates of the Physics PhD program pursue?
- Graduates are prepared for careers as researchers in academia and industry, as educators, and in various private sector professional roles.
Entry requirements
Bachelor's DegreeEquivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. A strong foundation equivalent to an undergraduate physics major is typically expected, including intermediate courses in classical mechanics, electromagnetism, thermal and statistical physics, and quantum physics. Research experience is beneficial but not required.
Applicants who have already completed a doctoral degree in Physics or a related field are generally not eligible. The admissions committee conducts a holistic review, considering academic performance, research potential, and commitment to educational success.
Fees
Tuition (international)Full-Time (9+ Credit Hours) Non-Resident: $30,685 per year (Fall & Winter terms). Additional fees may apply.
Tuition (home)Full-Time (9+ Credit Hours) Michigan Resident: $15,204 per year (Fall & Winter terms). Additional fees may apply.
Living—
Tuition rates are for the 2025-26 academic year and are subject to change. Mandatory fees are additional. Visit the Office of the Registrar for the most up-to-date figures and additional fee information.
How to apply
1. Complete the Online ApplicationApply through the Rackham Graduate School website. The system allows you to save your progress.
2. Pay Application FeeA fee of $75 for US citizens/permanent residents and $90 for non-US citizens is required. Fee waivers may be available based on specific criteria.
3. Submit Application MaterialsEnsure all required application materials are submitted by the deadline. The online system closes at 11:59 PM EST on the due date.
Scholarships
Application Fee Waivers—
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for international students in the Physics PhD program?
+
For the 2025-26 academic year, the non-resident tuition is $30,685 per year for full-time study covering Fall and Winter terms. Additional mandatory fees may apply.
Does the Physics PhD program offer funding to students?
+
Yes, the program is fully funded for up to five years, covering tuition, health, and dental benefits, along with a living stipend.
What are the application deadlines for the Physics PhD program?
+
Applications for Fall 2026 admission open on September 15, 2025, and the deadline to submit your application is December 15, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. EST.
What academic qualifications are required for admission to the Physics PhD program?
+
You need a qualification equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, typically with a strong foundation in physics, including intermediate courses in classical mechanics, electromagnetism, thermal physics, and quantum physics.
How can international students apply for admission and what is the process?
+
Applications are submitted through the Rackham Graduate School website. You will need to complete the online application, pay a non-refundable application fee of $90 for non-US citizens, and submit all required materials by the deadline. Fee waivers may be available.
What career paths can graduates of the Physics PhD program pursue?
+
Graduates are prepared for careers as researchers in academia and industry, as educators, and in various private sector professional roles.