Graduate Admissions

PhD Applicants: Previous graduate scholarship record from MA program of 3.3 or better (based on a 4.0 system).

Master's Applicants: A grade-point average above 3.0 (based on a 4.0 system).

December 15: Due to lack of funding, the department of Comparative Literature will not be accepting applications for the Ph.D. for the fall of 2025

June 1: All MA applications submitted after January 1 are reviewed on a rolling basis through June 1 preceding fall matriculation.

Please note: The UB Department of Comparative Literature will admit for spring enrollment.

Students who wish to pursue a PhD or MA in Comparative Literature must submit an online application: 

The following supporting materials must be included as part of the online application. Please read the instructions on the online application for further details. Your application will not be considered complete and will not be reviewed until you have submitted:  

• Academic Transcripts. Upload scanned copies of all undergraduate and graduate transcripts, including the English translation, if applicable. An official transcript and Proof of Degree, in English, certified will be required if you are admitted and choose to matriculate to a graduate program at the University at Buffalo.
• Writing Sample. Please submit a writing sample, such as a term paper, research paper or report. Writing samples are generally 15-30 double-spaced pages 12 font, and should reflect your best work. Your application will NOT be considered without a writing sample. 
• Personal Statement. Please submit a 400-750 word personal statement that outlines the questions, topics and/or methodologies that are of interest to you, your short- and long-term goals, and reasons why you are applying to the program. This is also an opportunity for you to discuss any particular strengths or weaknesses in your record.
• Letters of Recommendation. Request letters from three current or former faculty. These letters must be submitted electronically. Further instructions are included in the online application. 

UB requires international applicants to take the TOEFL or IELTS exam. In addition to the above application materials, international applicants must also submit the following before the application can be reviewed: 

• TOEFL Scores. No international application is processed without a TOEFL or other accepted English Proficiency Exam. Attach a photocopy of your results and request an official copy from ETS. Use  Institution Code: 2925 and  Department Code: 28. Official electronic scores will be automatically linked to your online application.
• The TOEFL Essentials test is temporarily approved for the purposes of meeting English language proficiency requirements for admission to all UB degree programs up to and including spring semester 2024. The UB minimum score requirement for the TOEFL Essentials is 8.5.

Additional information required for international applicants:

• Passport Bio-Page.
• International Applicant Financial Form 

Financial assistance in the form of teaching assistantships is available. Our funds are limited and are awarded on a competitive basis. Awards for September enrollment are usually made in the preceding month of February. 

In order to be eligible for the Schomburg Fellowship, you need to be either a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident and have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above. 

If you would like to be considered for a Schomburg Fellowship, please upload a written statement to your online application (maximum of 500 words) describing how you will contribute to the diversity of the student body in your graduate or professional degree program, including by having overcome a disadvantage or other impediment to success in higher education.

Please note that such categorical circumstances may include academic, vocational, social, physical or economic impediments or disadvantaged status that students, as evidenced by their performance as undergraduates, have been able to overcome, or other characteristics that constitute categorical underrepresentation in their particular graduate program such as gender or racial/ethnic status.

The graduate application fee is $75 U.S. (payable online or by check or money order made payable to the University at Buffalo). After you formally submit your application, you will receive an email with additional instructions for submitting your payment. Currently, UB accepts Visa, MasterCard and Discover.