Application Instructions

Application Instructions

Choose Your Degree

International Applicants

Unlike many universities, Duke does not require financial support documents as part of the application. This information is submitted after admission and enrollment.  

Master of Engineering Programs

Campus and Online Programs

Through the Application You Will Submit:

Important Note

GRE scores are optional for all 2025 applicants.

Separately You Will Submit:

You May Also Asked to Submit:

English language test scores, if you are an international applicant

A video interview, if you are selected by our admissions team

Next Step

Master of Engineering Management Programs

Campus and Online Programs

Through the Application You Will Submit:

Important Note

GRE scores are optional for all 2025 applicants.

Separately You Will Submit:

You May Also Asked to Submit:

English language test scores, if you are an international applicant

A video interview, if you are selected by our admissions team

Next Step

Graduate Certificates

Online Programs

Through the Application You Will Submit:

Important Note

GRE scores are optional for all 2025 applicants.

Separately You Will Submit:

You May Also Asked to Submit:

English language test scores, if you are an international applicant

Next Step

Minimum and Preferred Application Requirements

For Master of Engineering, Master of Engineering Management and Graduate Certificates:

  • There is no minimum GPA, GRE score or English language test score
  • No work experience is required, except for our 12-month-accelerated Master of Engineering programs
ProgramUndergraduate DegreeScience, Engineering, Mathematics & ProgrammingPrior Coursework
Artificial Intelligence• Two (2) semesters of calculus
• Proficiency in at least one programming language (Python preferred)
Prior coursework in probability and statistics and linear algebra is highly encouraged but not required for admission
Design & Technology InnovationOne of these:
• An undergraduate degree in a STEM or STEM-adjacent field
• An undergraduate degree in a field with evidence of substantial STEM-related coursework
• Relevant technical or technical-adjacent work experience if your degree is not in a STEM field
A minimum of:
• 1 semester of programming (any language)
• 1 semester of calculus
• 1 semester of physical or natural science (physics, biology, chemistry, or related subject), with laboratory strongly preferred
Prior coursework in probability and statistics and linear algebra is highly encouraged but not required for admission
Game Design, Development & InnovationMinimum of one (1) semester of programming, any languagePrior coursework in probability and statistics and linear algebra is highly encouraged, but not required for admission
Engineering ManagementOne of these:
• Calculus I, Calculus II and Calculus III
Statistics
• Other math courses beyond Calculus II
Minimum of two (2) courses in engineering, computer science, mathematical science, or physical science. More are preferred

Transcript

Applicants must upload one (1) copy of a scanned unofficial transcript from each institution attended. Admitted applicants send official transcripts at the time of admission.

About Uploading Your Transcript

Once you have uploaded your file, click “View Document” to ensure that what you’ve uploaded is legible throughout.

If you cannot upload a legible unofficial transcript, you will be asked to have an official transcript mailed to Duke. Contact us for help. This is a variation of our standard process and will delay review of your application.

Applicants from China and India may find these Transcript Guidelines helpful.

Important Notes
  • Illegible scans will not be accepted. Take care that scanned documents are legible before uploading
  • Official English translations must accompany documents, not in English
  • Official English translations must bear an original ink signature and seal
  • Translations alone will not be accepted
  • For institutions not using a 4.0 system, an estimated GPA and grade scale are required
  • Check with your institution’s registrar to see if electronic transcripts are offered
  • Paper transcripts must be scanned and uploaded
  • Upload your institution’s web-based academic record, if available
  • Make sure your file text is oriented vertically
  • Make sure that all critical and identifying marks have been scanned and are legible. These include the institution’s name, your name, the name of your courses and the grades you have received.
  • Make sure that your file is in MS Word or PDF format
  • Make sure that your file does not exceed 1.5 MB
  • To minimize file size, you may scan your file at the lowest legible resolution and in black-and-white
unacceptable transcript

Grade Scale

If requested, you must upload an image of the official scale your institution uses for grading.

The Grade Scale tells us what your grades mean. (You may also know this tool as the grading system, score system or percentage system.)

The scale should show differentiation between passing grades and indicate what is a failing grade. It should also explain other marks on your transcript, such as Withdrawal, Audit or Incomplete. It need not convert to a 4.0 scale.

Your image might be the reverse side of your transcript, a screenshot of your registrar’s guidelines or an excerpt from your transcript.

Grade Scale Examples

Reverse of Transcript Example from a US Institution

Reverse of Transcript Example from an Indian Institution

Excerpt from an Indian Institution

Screenshot Example from a Chinese Institution

Excerpt from Chinese Institution, in Both Chinese and English

Short-Answer Essays

Questions vary by degree program. Find your program and its short-answer essay questions below:

    • In what way do you think artificial intelligence is (or will be) changing your field or industry?
    • Please tell us about your motivation for applying to the Artificial Intelligence graduate program or certificate – what do you hope to get out of the experience?
    • If you could apply AI to build anything to solve a significant problem in the world, what problem would you choose to solve and what might you build?
    • Why are you applying for the MEng program in biomedical engineering at Duke University?
    • How will the MEng program help you to achieve the next goal?
    • Why are you selecting the Duke MEng program over the Duke MS program?
    • What is your definition of personal success?
    • How do you think the Master’s program at Duke University will help you on the path to success as you define it?
    • What is your definition of personal success?
    • How do you think the Master’s program at Duke University will help you on the path to success as you define it?
    • What is your definition of personal success?
    • How do you think the master’s program at Duke will help you on the path to success as you define it?
    • What activity or experience, not in your resume/CV, sets you apart from other cyber applicants? (Note that “good grades” typically do not set candidates apart.)
    • What was the most complicated thing you’ve ever designed/built, either physical or virtual?  Please describe it here
    • In your opinion, what do you feel is the most pressing Cyber need or opportunity?  How do you see yourself addressing this?
    • Tell us about a project you worked on (professional or personal) and walk us through how you leveraged design and innovation methods during it, for success or failure. Highlight and explain some key decisions you made throughout.
    • Describe what you hope to be working on in ten years. How and why do you think the program will help you achieve that?
    • Our program’s guiding principles state that design and innovation practice must include:
    1. Equitable consideration of the impact the design may have on people, communities, and systems
    2. Creative and critical engagement with technology
    3. A rigorous and future-facing vision of desirability, feasibility, viability and sustainability

    Please select one of these principles and explain how you hope to contribute and grow regarding that principle at Duke.

    • What have you done in the past that makes you well suited to the Duke ECE Master of Engineering (MEng) program?
    • What is it about Duke’s Electrical & Computer Engineering Master of Engineering program that attracted your attention and got you to apply?  What do you think you will be able to do with what you learn in the Duke ECE MEng program?
    • Also, if applicable, indicate your interest in attending as a part-time student
    • We  can learn about your past experiences from your resume, but we’re interested in your plans. Why are you most interested in pursuing the Master of Engineering Management at Duke?
    • Professionalism & The Five Principles are the pillars of the Duke MEM program. Choose one (1) principle and explain how you plan to contribute in that way at Duke MEM and beyond.
    • Does any elective track within the Duke MEM program fit your needs? If so, which one and why? If not, and understanding you are free to change your mind later, list 3-4 electives within or outside Duke MEM and how they will help you meet your career goals.
    • What is your definition of personal success?
    • How do you think the master’s program at Duke will help you on the path to success as you define it?
    • FinTech is all about creating new and innovative solutions, in your opinion what is the most creative fintech solution of the past 20 years and why do you consider it the most creative?
    • Often successful FinTech solutions are new, but sometimes they are new applications of existing solutions. What was the most creative solution to a problem that you’ve ever designed/built, either physical or virtual?  Please include details.
    • The emergence of decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms in recent years could cause significant changes to traditional banking systems and financial markets. These platforms operate on a blockchain, allowing for peer-to-peer transactions without intermediaries. As a prospective Fintech graduate student, you are presented with the following hypothetical scenario
      • In a country with a strong and stable banking system, a new DeFi platform emerges and quickly gains popularity among the younger population. The platform offers high-interest savings accounts, instant peer-to-peer loans, and has its native token that starts to be used as a form of payment in various local businesses. The country’s central bank has not yet formulated a definitive stance on DeFi platforms.
        • Discuss the potential risks and benefits this DeFi platform brings to the country’s financial ecosystem, considering both macroeconomic and microeconomic perspectives. What should be the approach of the central bank to this newcomer platform?
        • What would it look like if you were to design a bridge between this new DeFi platform and traditional financial institutions? The bridge should prioritize seamless integration and mutual growth for both sectors.
    • Your unique perspectives, experiences and passions will impact the Masters of Engineering in Game Design, Development & Innovation program. How will you contribute to the diversity of the cohort, enhance the overall learning experience, and help the program grow?
    • What was the most complicated project, either physical or virtual, game or other project, that you’ve ever designed/built?  Describe any challenges you faced and how you overcame them. Please describe it here and, if applicable, include a link to an online portfolio, or feel free to provide a link to other media as part of your response.
    • What new technology or games do you hope to develop? How will this program help you reach your career aspirations?
    • What was the most complicated thing you’ve ever designed/built, either physical or virtual?  Please describe it here and include a link to an online portfolio of your work or a well-labeled graphic as part of the response.
    • What do you think the most important problems engineers should solve are and why? How do you find yourself contributing to big ideas?
    • How do you feel Duke will assist you on your path to personal success and how will you contribute to the success of our community? Please give specific examples from what you have learned about our school.
    • What was the most complicated thing you’ve ever designed/built, either physical or virtual?  Please describe it here and include a link to an online portfolio of your work or a well-labeled graphic as part of the response.
    • What do you think the most important problems engineers should solve are and why? How do you find yourself contributing to big ideas?
    • How do you feel Duke will assist you on your path to personal success and how will you contribute to the success of our community? Please give specific examples from what you have learned about our school.
    • Why are you applying for the Master of Engineering in MedTech Design?
    • How will the Master of Engineering program in MedTech Design help you to achieve your goals?
    • Please explain any experience you’ve had in design, either through coursework and internships.
    • Why do you want to study photonics at Duke?
    • Why is the program right for you, and why are you right for the program?
    • How will Duke help you meet your future goals?
    • What is your definition of personal success?
    • How do you think the master’s program at Duke will help you on the path to success as you define it?

Resume

We require a resume highlighting experience, activities and leadership, whether in the classroom, in a volunteer setting, club or organization, or on the job. Work experience is not required for the campus program, but current undergraduates can focus on any internship experience.

If you have a preferred format, please use it. If you don’t, you might find it helpful to view sample resumes below from Duke students. Notice the kinds of information highlighted.

Generally, students with little experience should be able to get their resume down to a maximum of two pages.

DisciplineResume Example
Biomedical EngineeringExample 1
Electrical & Computer EngineeringExample 2
Environmental EngineeringExample 3

Letters of Recommendation

Degree applicants are required to provide three (3) letters of recommendation.

Applicants for Graduate Certificate programs and non-degree applicants must provide two (2).

Recommendations are submitted electronically via the online application.

When you enter email addresses for your recommenders, they will receive a link to submit their letter of recommendation.

Letters can be academic or professional. If you’re still a student, at least one should be academic. If you’re a working professional, it’s fine for all to be professional.

When choosing academic recommendation providers, do not simply choose instructors who gave you the highest grades. Instead, consider selecting those who can give insight into your preparedness for a Duke Engineering master’s program.

Consider providing an overview of the program, a copy of your resume and an understanding of your goals to your recommenders before you complete your application.

GRE Test Scores

GRE Scores are Optional for 2025 Applicants

You may submit GRE scores if you feel the scores enhance your application.

Please know that if you send us scores:

  • An official copy must be sent to Duke directly from the Educational Testing Service (ETS)
  • Your scores must arrive before the application deadline
  • Scores must not be more than five years old
  • If you enter self-reported test scores, official test scores will become a required component of your application
  • We will accept results from ETS’s “GRE at Home”

When sending scores to Duke, please indicate:

  • Institution code 5156
  • Department code 5199 (“Any department not listed”)

Personal copies are not acceptable, nor are “attested” or notarized copies.

It may take several weeks for ETS to send us your scores. Plan to take the test or order prior scores at least one month prior to the deadline you seek.

For further information on the GRE, please visit gre.org

Name Discrepancies

We receive GRE scores electronically from the ETS. Because we match scores by applicant name, it is important your name on the application and your name on your test scores be the same.

If not, you must contact us.

Dual Degree Candidates

Please contact us if you are a candidate for a dual-degree program at Duke.

English Language Testing

International applicants must submit official test scores unless eligible for a waiver.

All international students may be required to take English placement exams before the start of classes, pending their language score submission provided in their application for admission to the Pratt School of Engineering. 

Submitting Duolingo English Test scores will allow students to waive additional placement exams. Depending on placement results, students are either exempt from or placed into an English course. Students with English course requirements must make satisfactory progress toward completing these requirements while in the program.

It can take several weeks for scores to arrive, so plan to take the test or order prior scores at least one month before the deadline you seek.

Duolingo is Preferred

The Duolingo English Test is the preferred language testing option.

For more information on the Duolingo English Test, visit englishtest.duolingo.com/applicants.

Why Duolingo?

  • Costs a fraction of the other leading language assessments
  • Offers reduced test time
  • It is a convenient, secure at-home exam
  • It is accepted by universities around the world
  • Provides results within 48 hours of exam completion
  • Your results can be shared with unlimited institutions at no extra cost

Plus, Duolingo seamlessly integrates with your application to the Pratt School of Engineering. It provides a further dimension to your candidacy by allowing for video interviews and writing samples to be captured and viewed by the admissions committee. As such, if you do attend Pratt School of Engineering, you will not have to be additionally assessed for language classes when you submit a Duolingo English Test as part of your application.

Important Notice

If you opt to submit scores from other standardized assessments, you may be required to complete additional language testing upon acceptance into our programs.

Reporting Your Score

Duolingo

Report official scores and subscores:

  • “Graduate” program type, and
  • “Duke University Graduate Programs: Graduate School; Divinity; Engineering; Environment; Public Policy; Duke Kunshan”
    • Important notes: There is no institution code. Also, score reports without subscores will not be accepted. If you are not sure how to include subscores in your score report, please contact Duolingo English Test support on the Duolingo English Test website.

Other Tests

TOEFL

Report official scores to Institution Code 5156 (Duke University). There is no department code.

IELTS

Report official scores to “Duke University Pratt School of Engineering.”

Name Discrepancies

We receive TOEFL scores electronically from the Educational Testing Service and IELTS results via mail from Cambridge ESOL, British Council, and IDP: IELTS Australia. Because we match scores by an applicant’s name, the name on the application and your test scores must be the same. If it is not, you must contact us.

Waivers

We offer waivers of the English language testing requirement to:

  • Citizens of these countries –
American SamoaIndiaSaint Kitts and Nevis
Antigua and BarbudaIrelandSaint Lucia
AustraliaJamaicaSaint Vincent and the Grenadines
BahamasKenyaSamoa
BelizeKingdom of EswatiniSeychelles
BermudaKiribatiSierra Leone
BotswanaLesothoSingapore
CameroonMalawiTonga
CanadaNamibiaTrinidad and Tobago
DominicaNauruTuvalu
FijiNew ZealandUganda
Gambia, TheNigeriaUnited Kingdom
GhanaNorthern Mariana IslandsUnited Republic of Tanzania
GuamPapua New GuineaVirgin Islands (British & U.S.)
GuyanaRwandaZambia
  • Applicants who have studied full-time for two years or more at a college or university where the sole language of instruction is English and in a country where English is the primary spoken language. The two years of study must be completed before the start of the program, or
  • Have earned an undergraduate degree at Duke Kunshan University (DKU), or
  • Have worked full-time for a minimum of two years in Australia, Canada, the United States, or the United Kingdom after receipt of an undergraduate degree.

Waivers based on citizenship are automatic.

If you believe you qualify for a waiver based on the education or work criteria, indicate this and then answer the questions in the waiver section of your online application that require you to state where you completed the study or work requirement

Due to the volume of applications we receive, we will not examine, confirm the status of, or grant any waiver requests prior to extending an offer of admission.  If your request is not granted, we will notify you as soon as possible to give you time to take the test.  Therefore, it is in your best interest to apply in the earliest round for each admission cycle. 

English Placement Exams

All international students may be required to take oral and written English placement exams administered at Duke prior to the start of classes.

These exams are independent of the score submission requirement.

Depending on placement results, students are either exempt from, or placed into, English course(s). Students with English course requirements must make satisfactory progress toward completing these requirements while in the program.

Application Fee

An application fee of US $75 is required. You’ll pay it by credit card through the online application.

Application fee waivers are available, and many are automatic. If a request is required, it must be submitted before an application is submitted. Fees paid before a waiver is requested and confirmed cannot be refunded.

Fee Waiver Opportunities

EligibilityRequired Action
A current Duke or DKU studentNothing, automatic
EdAssist by Bright Horizons benefitsApply to a participating Duke engineering master’s program
Submitted a Duke Graduate School Application and paid a Duke application fee for the same term of admissionSend proof of payment to pratt_masters@duke.edu
Attended a live event hosted by Duke’s Pratt School of Engineering, in person or onlineAn active but unsubmitted Pratt School of Engineering application
Participate in Project 1000 or the Gates Millennium Scholars programSend a letter signed by the program director verifying your participation to pratt_masters@duke.edu
Participated in the Peace Corps or Teach for America, within one year of your date of applicationSend a letter signed by the program director verifying your participation within one year of application to pratt_masters@duke.edu
An active member, reservist, or veteran of the U.S. Armed ForcesNothing, automatic
A Fulbright candidateNothing, automatic

Video Introduction

Your application includes a required video introduction. We use it to get to know you better.

You’ll answer one question. A prompt will be shown, and you will have at least 60 seconds of preparation time. Use the question labeled “Pratt.”

You do not have to use all of the allotted time.

You may start over once, but the question will change. If you have multiple applications in our system, you may see multiple questions.

Video Interview

  • Interviews are offered to selected applicants only
  • You may not request an interview
  • If you are selected, you will receive instructions on the interview process
  • An interview does not guarantee admission

International Applicants

Unlike many schools, Duke does not require financial support documents as part of the application; instead, students submit this information after they have been admitted and are enrolled in the program.  

Duke does not automatically issue I-20s to students upon admission.  Instead, students work with the department to submit information and supporting documents to Duke’s Visa Services Office. The process is described below.

  • Upon accepting the offer of admission, a student will receive an email from our office with a User Name and password in order to complete the online Request for Temporary Visa Form – Part II.
  • The student completes the online form, prints it off, signs it, and returns it to our office, along with the appropriate supporting documents.
  • Students must show liquid funds in the total amount listed in the PDF document available on our Tuition page.
  • Financial documents must be less than four months old.
  • Only after we receive everything from the student will our office complete Part I of the Request for Temporary Visa Form. At that time, the student’s entire packet will be sent to Duke Visa Services for processing.
  • Visa documents (I-20 or DS-2019) are usually issued within 2 calendar weeks from the date that Duke Visa Services received the completed packet.
  • Register for your visa appointment only after you receive your visa documents.

Those on non-Duke visas complete a modified process during the enrollment period.

Duke University Policy on Documentation of Non-Citizen Students

  1. All non-citizen students ((undergraduate, graduate and professional) must present evidence of immigration status to the Duke Visa Services Office before the first day of classes and whenever, thereafter, their status changes. Failure to comply will result in the inability to enroll for classes. Students who are outside the U.S. and who are therefore unable to comply (e.g. visa stamp delays) will be handled on a case by case basis.
  2. Undergraduate students who are not in lawful status, but who accurately report their status, will be allowed to enroll. Such students will be advised of the risks to them of being out of status and the importance of dealing with that situation through their own means and with private immigration counsel. Students who are not in lawful status are not eligible for Federal financial aid, but they may apply for Duke-based assistance.
  3. Individual cases deemed worthy of a temporary exception to this Policy due to unusual circumstances may be presented to a hearing committee, by Duke Visa Services or the appropriate departmental representative, for consideration and recommendation to the Provost. The committee shall be composed of the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, the Director of Visa Services and the appropriate representative from the student’s school or program.

Contact Admissions