No, GRE scores are not required.

Yes. All admitted students (both US and international citizens) are eligible for support. However, the department has limited funds for the support of graduate students, and is committed to distributing this support as equitably as possible to students in good standing who are in need of financial assistance. Consequently, applicants are strongly urged to make extensive efforts to find some outside source of support.

MIT requires international applicants whose native language is not English to submit the results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). However, the Department of Linguistics and Philosophy does grant waivers.

In general, we grant waivers to students who have received a degree from an American or English-speaking university, or who show an extensive background in English. We ask that students who request a TOEFL or IELTS waiver have their recommenders comment in depth on their English speaking, reading and writing skills as a part of the recommendation. We also strongly suggest that they submit a writing sample in English. Applicants may request a TOEFL/IELTS waiver in the application.

TOEFL Score Requirements and Reporting Codes:
Minimum score required: 577 (PBT) 90 (IBT)
Department code: 04 (Linguistics)
Institute code: 3514 (MIT)

IELTS: Minimum score required: 6.5. MIT accepts electronic IELTS score reports. Choose “MIT Graduate Admissions” as reporting option; no code is required.

A Master’s degree is not required. Prospective students may apply to the PhD program direct from their undergraduate studies.

No, only admitted applicants are required to mail official transcripts.

No, the program does not offer classes through distance learning.

Formal interviews are not required. If you wish to meet with a faculty member, you can e-mail him/her to inquire about setting up an appointment. Faculty interests and contact information can be found in the Faculty section of this website.

We do not offer pre-application screening.