Instructions to Reapply
The Graduate School requires applicants to submit separate transcripts and letters of recommendation for every application, including reapplication. To access your record, you will need to enter your email address and application account password. If you have forgotten your password, you will have the option to reset it.
The Graduate School has transitioned to a new online application system, as of August 1, 2013. If you applied to the Graduate School prior to August 2013 and wish to reapply now, you will not be able to use your old application account to start a new application. The Graduate School can only accept applications through the new system.
Deferred Admissions
Defer Policy:
Admitted students may request to defer their enrollment for up to one calendar year. Deferral allowances vary by student type, please see the table below for this information and important deadlines.
Defer Type | Deadline | Eligible Population |
Fall to Fall - 1 year | July 1 | All MS and PHD admits |
Spring to Spring - 1 year | December 1 | All MS and PHD Admits |
Fall to Spring - 1/2 year | July 1 | Domestic Applicants, International Applicants (in US)* |
Spring to Fall - 1/2 year | December 1 | All MS and PHD Admits |
* International applicants outside of the US or requiring a visa may not defer from a Fall term to the next spring term
Prior to requesting a deferral, an admitted applicant must accept their offer by submitting their Intent to Matriculate, and pay any necessary deposits as required by their program. To be considered, deferral requests must be submitted on or before their respective deadlines to the accepting department.
Only one deferral is permitted per student, after that, a new application must be submitted. Approval of your deferral is handled at the department level. Please note, supporting documentation may be required for approval.
Deferrals are granted only for a limited list of issues:
- Serious medical reasons
- Visa delays or denials
- Military leave
- Financial Concerns (MS only)
Upon deferral approval, a new offer letter will be issued, reflecting updated funding amounts, which requires departmental review of financial aid.
Late deferral requests will require reapplication, and the original offer will be withdrawn.
Requesting a Deferral
To request a deferral, admitted students should initiate the process by emailing their department. This communication must include one of the listed reasons for deferral above.
You can find a list of departmental contacts here. Upon receiving the request, the department will review the request and if approved they will contact both the student and the Graduate Admissions and Enrollment Office to process officially.
Students are encouraged to communicate promptly and clearly with their department to facilitate a smooth deferral process if any of the listed conditions apply. Deferral requests of any kind submitted after their respective deadline will not be considered or approved and reapplication will be required.
Non-Degree
If you are a non-degree student and have approval of the Graduate School, you may register for selected courses for which you are qualified. You will need to file an online application with the Graduate School, including copies of unofficial transcripts along with written approval of the course instructor. No more than 6 semester hours earned as a non-degree student may be applied to graduate degrees at Vanderbilt.