All non-matriculated applications must be approved at the department level. Non-matriculated applications must be received no later than two weeks prior to the start of the semester. Late applications will not be accepted.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute welcomes applications from non-degree seeking students. Admission as a non-matriculated student is based on the applicant’s related academic and professional qualifications.

Applicants must submit the following:

• Graduate Application for Non-Matriculated Study [PDF 90K]
• Official copy of your bachelor’s (or highest degree) transcript.
• $75 nonrefundable application fee.
• International applicants:
  • must submit photocopies of official immigration/visa documents, in addition to indicating the type of visa on the application.
  • are required to provide proof of English proficiency, preferably through the submission of TOEFL score of 230 CBT/88 iBT/570 PBT (IELTS 6.5).

Additional Notes:

Non-matriculated students are required to attend orientation administered by the Office of Graduate Education.

Non-matriculated students are admitted on a course-by-course basis as space allows.

Non-matriculated students wishing to apply for degree status must submit a complete graduate application. The nonrefundable application fee is waived for non-matriculated students.

All applicants to programs in the Communication and Media department are also required to submit a Statement of Background and Goals.

The number of credit hours an individual may take toward a degree as a non-matriculated student varies from department to department; the university-wide maximum is 12 credit hours. Each department will determine which courses taken as a non-matriculated student, if any, will count toward an eventual Rensselaer degree.