Complete and submit an online application.

Applicants can monitor the status of their application in the online application system to see when all components have been received.  Transcripts uploaded to your application have to be reviewed and verified before they will be marked as "received," and this review is typically done one to three business days after application submission.

You will provide a brief statement of purpose summarizing your academic interests, career goals, and relevant background experience.

Example content:

• Research experience
• Rearch interests
• Reason for getting a PhD
• UAB researchers
• Gaps or inconsistencies in your timeline

Upload directly to your application.  All documents should be uploaded as PDFs to maintain formatting.

Include relevant research experience, publications, presentations, awards, etc.

In your application you will enter the email addresses of those providing your letters of recommendation.  Letters should be from professionals who are in a position to provide appropriate input on the applicant’s suitability to be successful in a Ph.D. program. Letter writers will receive an email with a link to upload their recommendation directly to the application system.  Letters must be received by the application deadline.  After you submit your application, you will see a checklist in TargetX showing when letters have been received.

Submit transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended, including community colleges and high school dual-enrollment.  Unofficial transcripts are accepted for the application review process, and they can be uploaded directly to your application. UAB's institution code is 1856.

If offered admission, official transcripts from each institution will be required.  For sending official transcripts, use the following addresses:

For United States Postal Service

UAB Graduate School
LHL G03
1720 2nd Ave. S.
Birmingham AL 35294-0013

For UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc.

UAB Graduate School
LHL G03
1700 University Boulevard
Birmingham AL 35294-0013

For Email

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

International Applicant Transcript Requirements

International applicants must provide documentation showing they have earned the equivalent of a 4-year bachelor's degree from the United States to be eligible for admission consideration. Documentation requirements are outlined below. If you have any questions, please direct them to International Admissions (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

Official Transcripts and Degree Statements

• Original transcripts/marksheets bearing an official stamp must be submitted to the Graduate School. Copied, faxed, or scanned transcripts are considered unofficial.
• A separate statement confirming degree conferral (degree statement) bearing an official stamp is also required.
• Transcripts and degree statements must be in the original language of the international institution as well as in English. Applicants submitting an approved transcript evaluation (see below) are not required to submit English translations.
• If you only have one set of original documents, please submit unofficial copies for review purposes. If admitted, original documents can be submitted to the Graduate School when you arrive in Birmingham. We will verify their authenticity in person and make copies for our records which will allow you to keep the original documents.
• If you will be enrolling in an online only program and will not be on campus, please send the original documents along with a self-addressed and stamped envelope so we can return them.
• Applicants who have not yet finished their degree should present a transcript showing they have earned a minimum of 91 complete semester hours or six (6) completed semesters.

Transcript Evaluations

We will accept a transcript evaluation from any NACES-accredited evaluation company. We do not recognize transcript evaluations from other companies.

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) will have access to your decision and a representative will contact you directly if any other documentation is necessary to begin processing your immigration documents.

International applicants are required to submit English proficiency scores (e.g. TOEFL) that meet the Graduate School's minimum score requirements.  Scores must be no more than two years old at the time of application submission.  Unofficial scores are accepted for the application review process.  If offered admission, official scores will be required.

See list of accepted exams, minimum score requirements, and waiver requirements on the International Admissions page for UAB's Graduate School. 

Domestic Applicants: FREE before priority application deadline, $50 after.

International Applicants: $60