Frequently Asked Questions- Graduate Programs

Online submission of the graduate school application is completed through ApplyTexas, the common application for Texas public universities. Create your account at ApplyTexas by visiting goapplytexas.org. Once the application is complete, you will receive access to your MyStatus page. There, you may upload your resume, statement of purpose and letters of recommendation. For information on submitting transcripts and GRE scores, visit The University of Texas Graduate School website.

To view specific LBJ School application instructions by program, please visit our How To Apply page.

There are application fee waivers based on need available for graduate level applicants. To view how to request waiver from the LBJ School, please see this page.  To learn how to request a waiver from The UT Graduate School site.

Yes, all international students whose first language is not English must take provide scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam. The LBJ School does not accept International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam scores. To learn more about the TOEFL, please visit this page.

For the 2024-2025 application cycle, the GRE is required. To learn more about submitting your GRE scores, please visit this page.

If you did not receive a deferral, you will need to submit a new, completed application in including all materials:  A new statement of purpose, resume and letters of recommendation must all be submitted to be reconsidered for admission.

No. The LBJ School accepts applicants from a variety of undergraduate majors and seeks to form a class of students who bring a diverse set of experiences and perspectives to the school. Our students come from a variety of disciplines such as government, education, energy, engineering, business, health care, journalism and more.

After submitting your ApplyTexas application, you will receive access to your MyStatus page, where you will receive updates. You will need to sign in with your UTEID and password.

At this time, deferrals are only granted on a case-by-case basis in cases of extenuating circumstance, and for master's-level admits only. To request a deferral, please email lbjadmit@austin.utexas.edu. 

No, LBJ does not require a deposit. The only item needed to secure your spot is your signed acceptance form and formal acceptance via MyStatus.

Financial aid applications are handled through the UT Financial Aid Office (gradschool.utexas.edu/finances/financial-aid). All graduate-level applicants are automatically considered for an admissions fellowship and will not need to submit a separate application.  To learn more, please visit the tuition and funding page. 

Yes. LBJ students hold these types of positions across campus, and most begin their employment search in the summer prior to fall enrollment.

The LBJ School does NOT recommend that you apply to multiple LBJ programs. Instead, we very strongly encourage applicants to do their research in advance and choose a program that best meets their needs at time of application. Admitted students can apply for a major change and apply for dual degree programs once admitted. 

Ways to determine best program fit (we expect applicants to do their due diligence to learn about all of our program options to enable them to choose the one program that most meets their needs):

• Review our website and focus on the sections for each program you are considering 
• Review the student handbooks in great detail, especially the curriculum overview and degree requirement sections
• Attend an Information Session 
• Attend a Student Chat Event 
• Meet with an LBJ Student Ambassador 
• Meet with or email a Graduate Advisor 
• Attend our fall Open House event
• Speak with an LBJ Alum
• Visit an LBJ Class (check out our course schedule and email the faculty member directly to arrange)