THE APPLICATION FOR FALL 2023 IS NOW CLOSED.
We will begin accepting applications for Fall 2024 on October 1, 2023.
General information on the graduate application process, including deadlines, can be obtained from the Graduate Division website.
NELC offers both a Master's Program and a PhD Program. You may apply directly to either program. (It is not necessary to apply for the Master's Program before going on to the PhD)
There are no minimum requirements to apply. It is expected, however, that the applicant will have at least majored as an undergraduate in the field for which he/she is applying and so would have had a minimum of six semesters of their primary language, as well as some literature, history, or religion courses. Applicants not having this background may, in some circumstances, be admitted provisionally. Provisional courses do not count toward the graduate program and are taken at the student's expense regardless of fellowships awarded.
The fee to apply to the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences is $90.00, payable by major credit card.
A complete application consists of:
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Application
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Personal Statement
Your statement should include your career/research goals, how NELC's program can help you achieve those goals, and with which faculty members, if any, you would like to work. -
Three (3) Letters of Recommendation
Unfortunately, letters submitted through Interfolio cannot be uploaded into the application at this time. If you wish to use Interfolio for your recommendation letters, Interfolio MUST email the letters to nelc-grad@sas.upenn.edu.
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All academic transcripts of undergraduate courses and graduate courses, if any.
These may be unofficial until admitted. -
TOEFL score or IELTS score for non-native speakers of English
There is no minimum score to apply. However, most admitted students achieve an average score of 100 or above on the TOEFL exam and 6.0 on the IELTS. Applicants who have received a BA or MA degree in the United States are not required to submit a TOEFL or IELTS score. Scores should not be older than two years and tests should be taken by December 15. Report scores to Institution Code 2926; Department Code 57. -
Writing Sample
A writing sample is not required for any concentration but is strongly encouraged for all applicants. It may be of any length on any topic and should be indicative of your ability to research and write on a graduate level. Please submit only papers written in English.