University of California, Irvine campus

Engineering

PhD Physics at University of California, Irvine

University of California, Irvine, United States

Programme overview

The PhD covers particle physics, nanophysics, biophysics, medical physics, condensed matter, plasma, gravitational physics, astrophysics and cosmology, with Chemical, Applied and Materials Physics and Astronomy and Astrophysics concentrations. Study is full-time unless approved otherwise.

Faculty: School of Physical Sciences  |  Department: Department of Physics and Astronomy  |  Duration: Normative time 6 years; maximum 7  |  Study mode: full-time  |  Location: Irvine, CA, United States

What you will study

Core sequences cover classical mechanics, electromagnetic theory, quantum mechanics, mathematical physics and statistical physics, followed by a written comprehensive exam, oral advancement to candidacy, a teaching requirement and a dissertation with public defence.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

UC Irvine Graduate Division (all graduate programmes): bachelor's degree or equivalent from an accredited institution with minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. International applicants whose prior degree was not taught solely in English need TOEFL iBT 80 overall or IELTS 7 overall with no module below 6 (departments may set higher). GRE requirements are set by each programme; there is no minimum GRE score. ChAMP encourages a BS in Physics, Chemistry or Materials Science and Engineering; Astronomy and Astrophysics encourages a BS in Physics, Mathematics, Engineering or another physical science.

Requirements published at program group level.

Domestic applicants: USD 13,722 a year (2026-27). Graduate tuition (resident rate) from the standard Graduate/Credential Student Fees schedule for state-supported graduate degree programmes; the page does not list programmes by name, so this is the standard graduate band. Tuition line only; excludes Stud Source

Graduate applications are submitted online through the UCI graduate application portal; the non-refundable application fee is $135 for U.S. citizens and lawful U.S. permanent residents and $155 for all other applicants. Deadlines are set by each programme. GRE is required by some programmes only; TOEFL or IELTS English proficiency is required of graduate applicants unless waived.

Apply through the official page: https://grad.uci.edu/admissions/

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