Indiana University Bloomington Indiana University Bloomington IU Bloomington

International Students


We will process your application after the online application has been submitted and all required materials are received. Domestic student applications, including all supporting documents, should be received by December 1 to guarantee full consideration. Applications received after that date will be considered in the order received, if positions remain available.


Online Application


Application Checklist

  1. Online application form. Follow link above.
  2. Personal statement (upload in online application). The statement should be about 300-500 words (approximately one page). Please describe your motivation for obtaining a PhD in Chemistry and how that fits into your long-term career plans. We would also like to hear about your research experience, including how long and what type of work you have done, as well as your areas of future research interest and faculty with whom you might be interested in working.
  3. Resume or curriculum vita (upload in online application). Please include: academic degrees and programs; research experience; work experience; a list of scientific publications and presentations; college or professional honors and awards; and other skills or accomplishments that you would like us to consider. In addition to your CV, you will have the option to upload any publications from your research.
  4. TOEFL score (transmitted directly from TOEFL). For IU Chemistry PhD program: use Institution Code: 1324 and Departmental Code: 62. Please be aware that we are only able to accept official TOEFL scores submitted directly from TOEFL. Note: In addition to the TOEFL exam, the Department of Chemistry requires an oral evaluation of spoken English (via Zoom) with all applicants to our graduate program before admission.
  5. IELTS score (transmitted directly from IELTS).  Please be aware that we are only able to accept official IELTS scores submitted directly from IELTS.  Note: In addition to the IELTS exam, the Department of Chemistry requires an oral evaluation of spoken English (via Zoom) with all applicants to our graduate program before admission.
  6. Letters of recommendation (uploaded online by the recommenders). Three letters from individuals familiar with your ability to do scholarly work. At least one letter should be from a research advisor who can write about your research experience and aptitude. We suggest that you follow up with your letter writers approximately two weeks after you ask them to write; it is the responsibility of the applicant to follow-up with letter writers make sure all letters are submitted. Note:  Students transferring from another graduate program should provide a letter of recommendation from their current faculty advisor.
  7. Transcript (send original transcript by mail – see address below). One copy of the official transcript(s) of all previous college and university work, documenting each course taken and all degrees awarded. Applicants must submit an official transcript from each college and university attended. You must send one set of your documents in the original language and one set of the documents translated into English. An official transcript bears the original signature of the registrar and/or the original seal of the issuing institution. Transcripts should be mailed directly by a registrar to the address below or given to the applicant by the registrar in a sealed and signed envelope and then submitted by the applicant.
  8. Application fee. You will pay a $70 fee at the time you submit your online application.
  9. Optional: GRE scores (transmitted directly from ETS). GRE scores (general or subject) are not required, but applicants may submit them for consideration, if they would like their GRE score to be considered as part of their application. For IU Chemistry PhD program: use Institution Code: 1324 and Departmental Code: 0301. We do not enforce a strict minimum on GRE scores. GRE scores must be submitted via ETS in order to be official..

Contact information for questions and for submitting transcripts:

Graduate Office
Department of Chemistry
Chemistry Building Room C021
Indiana University
800 E Kirkwood Avenue
Bloomington, IN 47405-7102

Phone: (812) 855-2069
(800) 227-2158 (US only)


Office of International Admissions

The Office of International Admissions also provides information on the application process for international graduate students.This advice will assist you greatly in the application process.