Non-degree and Visiting Graduate Students

Applicants who wish to receive advanced training in mathematics but have no intention of pursuing a Cornell Ph.D. degree may apply for admission to the graduate program as non-degree students for a maximum of two semesters. Ph.D. students at other institutions who wish to visit the Cornell graduate program in mathematics for an extended time (more than a few weeks) must apply for admission as non-degree students.

A non-degree student works under the supervision of a faculty advisor. A non-degree application will only be considered if the applicant has found a prospective advisor who is a member of the graduate field of mathematics at Cornell and is willing to direct the intended work.

Non-degree applicants must follow the application guidelines for regular Ph.D. applicants with the following differences:

  • There is no deadline for non-degree applications. At certain times of the year the online application form may not be available. At such times applicants may ask the Graduate Field Coordinator Melissa Totman for a copy of the application form in pdf format.
  • Non-degree applicants who are Ph.D. students at other institutions need not submit recommendation letters or GRE scores.
  • The TOEFL test may be waived for foreign non-degree applicants who will not be teaching Cornell undergraduates nor taking any Cornell courses for credit. Applicants may contact the director of graduate studies to obtain this waiver.

Financial Support

The Graduate School requires proof of health insurance and sufficient financial resources for living expenses before enrolling any non-degree applicant. The amounts required will be prorated for the length of the student’s stay. Non-degree students must also pay tuition fees and other costs. However, each year the Graduate School offers a limited number of full or partial tuition fellowships for non-degree students. Upon the recommendation of the student’s advisor, and subject to availability, the director of graduate studies will apply for such a fellowship on behalf of the student.

Last modified:September 14, 2012