MIT EECS PhD 2027: Fully Funded PhD in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Cambridge (USA)

Deadline: 1 December 2026 | Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA | Field: Electrical Engineering and Computer Science | Start: Fall 2027 | GRE: Not used

MIT's Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) is accepting applications for its PhD programme starting in fall 2027. Admitted PhD students are fully funded, the GRE is not used for any applicant regardless of citizenship, and the online application closes on 1 December. If MIT is on your list, a month is not much time, so start now.

About the programme

EECS runs a single graduate admissions process, and admission is into the PhD programme. Students who do not already hold a master's degree complete one on the way to the PhD. Students with a master's from another institution can proceed directly to the PhD qualifying stage.

There is no separate master's-only route through this process. The only exception is the Leaders for Global Operations (LGO) programme, which pairs an SM in EECS with an MBA or SM from MIT Sloan and has its own requirements, including the GRE and at least two years of work experience.

Funding

According to the EECS admissions FAQ, admitted PhD students are fully funded throughout the programme, provided they make satisfactory progress on research and PhD milestones. Funding covers:

• Tuition

• A monthly stipend

• Annual medical insurance

All newly admitted students are automatically considered for departmental fellowships and assistantships, so there is no separate funding application.

Key dates

• Application opened: 15 September 2026

• Application deadline: 1 December 2026 (the online system closes)

• Letters and transcripts: should be uploaded by early January

• Admission decisions: mid-February, posted in the online application system

• Financial aid decisions: mailed between late February and 1 April

• Reply deadline for admitted students: 15 April

Who can apply?

International applicants apply through the same process as US applicants. A few points from the official FAQ:

• GRE: not used in admissions for any applicant, regardless of citizenship (except LGO)

• English proficiency: TOEFL internet-based 100, IELTS 7 or Duolingo English Test 130. The requirement is waived automatically for applicants who meet MIT's central criteria and provide supporting documents.

• Application fee: USD 90, paid by credit card. Fee waiver requests go through MIT's Office of Graduate Education (OGE) Fee Waiver Request Form for EECS. Emails to the department asking for a waiver are not reviewed.

What you need to apply

1. The online application, including the EECS essay questions

2. Three letters of recommendation, uploaded electronically by your recommenders. If you have work experience, include at least one letter from a faculty member who knows you well. The other two can come from employers. Character references carry no weight.

3. Transcripts

4. English test scores, if required

How to apply

Apply through the MIT application system at apply.mit.edu/apply. Details are on the EECS Admission Process page and in the EECS Graduate Admissions FAQ. Questions go to grad-ap@eecs.mit.edu.

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