PhD Astronomy at University of Hawaii at Manoa

Programme overview

The PhD in Astronomy builds on the MS coursework with a research-focused doctoral phase culminating in a dissertation on a subject approved by the student's committee.

Faculty: College of Natural Sciences | Department: Institute for Astronomy | Study mode: full-time | Location: Honolulu, HI, United States

What you will study

PhD students undertake two directed research projects in their first two years (7 credits of ASTR 699), presented as a written report and an oral presentation by the end of the fourth semester. Students entering with a related master's degree may advance to candidacy after one year of coursework at a minimum of 6 credits per semester (3 credits of graduate astronomy and at least 3 credits of ASTR 700-level seminars) and one ASTR 699 project. All students pass a comprehensive exam (an in-depth review of the dissertation proposal) and reach candidacy by the end of the fifth semester, then write and defend a dissertation.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Graduate Division English proficiency (applicants whose native language is not English; programme minimums may be higher): TOEFL iBT 61 (pre-2026 scale) or 3.5 (2026 scale), IELTS Academic 5.5, Duolingo 90. Catalog lists no programme-specific admission criteria.

Domestic applicants: USD 10,400 a year (2026-27). Graduate tuition for 2026-27 based on a typical full-time load of 8 credits per semester (indicative budget figure from the cost of attendance page); excludes fees ($934), housing, food, books and other costs. Hawaii resident rate. Source

International applicants: USD 22,432 a year (2026-27). Graduate tuition for 2026-27 based on a typical full-time load of 8 credits per semester (indicative budget figure from the cost of attendance page); excludes fees ($934), housing, food, books and other costs. Non-resident rate. Source

Graduate applications are accepted for Summer, Fall and Spring terms; Graduate Division begins processing applications from August 1 for the following Fall and Summer semester and from April 1 for the following Spring semester.

All graduate application deadlines are set by the graduate programmes and vary by programme; some programmes set priority deadlines. Most Fall applicants hear a decision by late March/early April and Spring applicants by November/December. Application fees are non-refundable.

Apply through the official page: https://manoa.hawaii.edu/graduate/

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