Prospective Graduate Students
Thinking of applying for an advanced degree in Geological Sciences from the University of Florida?
Please look through the information below.
Application Deadline for Fall Semester 2026:
December 15, 2025
(see details below)
Wondering what Grad School is like at UF?
Ask A Grad Student
Before you apply:
First, explore our faculty web pages to identify professors working in a research area of interest to you.
We rarely admit applicants who have not been in contact with Department faculty prior to applying.
So the next step is to:
- Get in touch with potential faculty mentors (email is best).
- Don’t be shy – faculty are ready to hear from you!
- Don’t wait until the last minute to reach out to them.
- Introduce yourself, explain your research interests and professional goals, and ask whether faculty are taking on new students during the semester you wish to begin studies.
- Inquire about funding opportunities that could support your graduate studies.
- A faculty member who is excited about having you at UF as a graduate student is your best advocate!
To be considered for UF Fellowships or Teaching Assistantships, you must apply by the December 15th application deadline. We award Fellowship and TA funding only once per year, shortly after that deadline. If your potential faculty advisor is able to provide Research Assistantship funding, you can apply at any time to begin your studies as early as the start of the next semester.
IMPORTANT: If you are applying to matriculate for Spring or Summer term admission, please contact the Graduate Coordinator.
International Applicant?
Please check the requirements for international applicants here.
Funding for Students from Under-Represented Groups
Many funding opportunities for Ph.D. applicants from under-represented groups require separate applications that must be completed at the time you apply to our program. With the help of your potential faculty mentor, you can explore applying for these funding awards.
Tuition and Fees
Cost Of Attendance
Cost of Attendance (COA) is the estimated cost to attend UF as a graduate student. It includes tuition and fees, living expenses, books, supplies, and other expenses. Please note, that tuition is covered for everyone on a TA or RA.
The Graduate Record Exam (GRE):
Submission of GRE scores is no longer required.
You will be assigned a UFID number when you submit your application: Retain this number! You can use it to check on your application status.
Application Instructions
Access the online application here. Create an account. You will be able to return to this site to add or change information before you submit your application.
Submit only one 400-500 word personal essay describing your reasons for undertaking graduate study in Earth Sciences, your planned area of research, relevant previous experiences, and future career plans. Please include the names of any faculty contacts in our Department.
You must include a complete and up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV) or résumé as part of your application. Pursuant to Florida Statute, your application requires the inclusion of all post-high school education and employment, as well as information about ongoing international affiliations and research funding. Please ensure this information is included in your curriculum vitae or résumé.
You will need three letters of recommendation from people who can evaluate your potential to succeed in graduate studies. Letter writers may use the UF Letter of Recommendation Form (PDF); use of this form is optional. Letters may be submitted online through the application portal or emailed to Graduate Program Assistant: Diana Adams
Do not fill out or submit the ‘Application for Assistantships and Fellowships’ available on the Graduate School website. All applicants to our program are evaluated for Assistantships and Fellowships, and we rarely admit graduate student without some form of financial support. The Graduate School form merely repeats information we already require.
Pay the $30 application fee. If you don’t, your application will not be processed by the University and will not be forwarded to the department for evaluation. Neither the Office of Admissions nor the Department of Geological Sciences provides an application fee waiver. Additionally, if your application is not considered because the application deadline is passed, UF will not issue you a refund for the application fee. It is important to know the application deadline.
For the purpose of initial review, the Office of Admissions accepts unofficial transcripts. These can be uploaded through your Application Status page. Applicants who receive an offer of admissions should arrange to have official transcripts sent to the UF Office of Admissions from each post-secondary institution attended. If you attended UF as your post-secondary institution, you do not have to order a transcript from the Office of the University Registrar. Official transcripts can be sent to UF in two ways: paper transcript received by UF in a sealed envelope or electronic transcripts sent from your institution directly to UF, which can save up to two weeks response time. UF accepts electronic transcripts through FASTER, Parchment, National Student Clearing House, ScribbleSoft, e-Scrip Safe, Credential Solutions, SCOIR or Transcripts Plus.
If you are attending a foreign university, you must submit transcripts and degree/diploma statement(s) both in the native language and with an official English translation (if applicable).
IMPORTANT: DO NOT SEND YOUR OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS TO THE DEPARTMENT — THEY MUST BE SENT TO THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA GRADUATE ADMISSIONS OFFICE THROUGH THE GRADUATE ADMISSIONS PORTAL.
International students whose native language is not English must have language exam (TOEFL, IELTS, etc) scores sent directly to the University of Florida Office of Admissions. More information can be found here:
Graduate School English Language Requirements
Citizens of countries whose official language is English are not required to submit TOEFL (or equivalent) scores. A list of these countries can be found here: Exemptions
You can check the receipt of materials by the Office of Admissions on the Check Status page. This page will only reflect information concerning materials forwarded directly to the Office of Admissions and does not include materials that are required to be sent directly to your academic unit.
Approximately 24-48 hours after submitting your online application, your 8-digit UF Identification Number (UFID) will be available on the status of your application. Use the same username and password used to submit your CollegeNET application.
Your UFID is unique to you and should be used in all email communication and any subsequent applications submitted. If you do not use your UFID in communications and submissions, it is difficult for us to match your test scores, transcripts, and financial aid information to your academic record.
Ok, your application is submitted – now what?
What does the Graduate Admissions Committee consider when making admission and funding decisions? We carefully consider evidence of the following when assessing an application:
- Establishment of a rapport with a potential faculty advisor
- Prior research experience
- Strong letters of recommendation from scientists who know you well
- Excellent performance in undergraduate/graduate STEM education
- Well-developed writing skills
We are committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse graduate student body. Please contact the Graduate Coordinator or Graduate Program Assistant if you have any questions.