Rice University Admissions 2025: Application Deadline, Requirements & Costs

Below are the admission requirements for Rice University Undergraduate and Postgraduate programs:

Undergraduate requirements:

• ACT and SAT scores: SAT and ACT for your overall score. However, if you have taken the test more than once, you are suggested to submit the highest scores on the SAT or ACT. Individuals require a decent score, however, this is optional and compulsory. 

• Transcripts of your high school: Transcripts include your information and performance in high school and other scores such as entrance exams.

• SOP: An SOP is essential for the application process for Rice University. It helps the applicant to convey their talents, Academic excellence accomplishments and personal background of applicants.

• Portfolio (Audition depending on your chosen course):  This depends on the course the applicant is choosing (Architecture), as this is not present in every program. However, having a creative and unique portfolio will help you get into the Rice University. (click here to: Make your portfolio look better)

• LOR: Applicants must submit 3 LOR from school faculty and counsellors. 

• English requirements: The following table explains the minimum score for each English exam the university is accepting: 

Postgraduate requirements:

• LOR:  programs ask for a 3 LOR, and with particular exceptions, who should write those letters. 

• Statement of purpose (an SOP): An SOP is essential for the application process for Rice University. It helps the applicant to convey their talents, academic excellence accomplishments and personal background of applicants. 

• Transcripts and degrees: the applicant must provide the university with transcripts of their academics with degree certificates. Similarly, applying for PhD or doctoral program may require a master’s degree and transcripts from all graduate institutions of the applicant. 

• English Language Proficiency exams: The following table explains the minimum score of each English exam the university is accepting: 

• Entrance exam: Graduate school entrance exams are most common, but however, the programs might require different exams from the applicants. The applicants might need a GRE (Graduate Record examination ). GMAT, exam for certain courses. 

• Resume/CV:  The University might also ask you for a CV or a resume, depending on the course you choose for professional experience. 

Rice University and UT Austin are renowned institutions offering unique campus cultures and various academic programs. While they share a great reputation, there are subtle differences between the two universities. The table below compares the rankings, fees and acceptance rate of Rice University with UT Austin. Overall, this information could be useful for students who are considering them.

Here is the comparison highlighting the differences between the Universities:

(The comparison of fees was between the BTech course for UG and the MS course for PG)

The admission deadline for the Regular decision is now closed. However, for Postgraduate students, the application deadline might vary depending on the course chosen by the applicant. 

The application fee for the MBA program at Rice University is USD 150. However, if the applicant submits his application form for the Early priority deadline, he or she will have their application fee waived. For applicants who submit their application form by the priority deadline, the application fee is waived to USD 50.

Yes. As per the official enrollment statistics, Rice University acceptance rate is just 8%, which makes it very difficult for students to get selected into the university. A low acceptance rate signifies that only a 8 students out of 100 students are accepted into the university. The students are however, suggested to apply as soon as possible to avoid the last-minute hassle. Hence, applicants are suggested to approach the admission process with utter dedication, showcasing their strengths and talents to get into Rice University.

Yes, IELTS is one of the important ELPs for Rice University, but however, the university accepts various ELP and IELTS is one of them. Below are the ELP’s with minimum required scores.

Below is the application process for Rice University: 

For Undergraduate courses: 

Step 1:  You can apply through common applicants or Coalition application portal. 

Step 2: Go to the website and select the course you are interested in.

(Applicant must pay an application fee of (USD75))

Step 3: Make sure you meet the entry requirements (Such as academic qualifications and English proficiency, etc.)

 Step 4: Once you decide on the course, submit the required documents Transcripts and personal statements.  

 Step 5: You can track the application's progress through the official portal. 

Step 6: After you apply, you will get an automated email from the university that they have received your application.

For graduate courses: 

Step 1:  You can apply through the rice university application portal. 

Step 2: Go to the website and select the course you are interested in.

Step 3: Make sure you meet the entry requirements (Such as academic qualifications and English proficiency etc.) 

(Applicant must pay an application fee of (USD85))

Step 4: Once you decide on the course, submit the required documents Transcripts and personal statements.  

 Step 5: You can track the application's progress through the official portal. 

Step 6: After you apply, you will get an automated email from the university that they have received your application.

The Reading, Listening, and Writing sections of all IELTS exams are said to be easy and tricky. The IELTS Writing test is one of the most difficult sections of the IELTS exam. If you’re applying for Rice University, you must remember minor details like spelling and punctuation while preparing for the IELTS Writing. IELTS Speaking is one the highest scoring modules of the IELTS test. Following a certain strategy can score a desired band in speaking for Rice University.

The Reading, Listening, and Writing sections of all IELTS exams are said to be easy and tricky. The IELTS Writing test is one of the most difficult sections of the IELTS exam. If you’re applying for Rice University, you must remember minor details like spelling and punctuation while preparing for the IELTS Writing. IELTS Speaking is one the highest scoring modules of the IELTS test. Following a certain strategy can score a desired band in speaking for Rice University.

The cost of attending Rice University can vary depending on the main factors such as course, level of study (UG and PG) and accommodation status. However, international students considering this university could be a little higher than compared to US citizens. The UG program academic tuition fee for international students is around  (INR 41.8 L) per annum, depending on the course. It’s  (INR 50.6 L-52.8 L) for PG programs. 

International students must pay an application fee of USD 75 each for undergraduate and USD 85 for graduate programs. The application amount is non-refundable if the students don’t get selected. A few professional programs may have different application fees depending on the course type. For instance, the Rice full-time MBA program charges USD 150 as an application fee.

Yes, Rice University provides merit-based scholarships to arriving first-year learners who stand out in academics and personality among the intense competitive group of accepted students. These scholarships are awarded solely based on qualifications, with no regard for monetary need. There is no need for a separate application or interview. The admission committee automatically acknowledges all admitted students based on their application submitted by the students.

Undergraduate applicants must have a good GPA score, high aptitude test scores (ACT or SAT) for securing admission at Rice University. For graduate courses, international applicants with a 3.0+ GPA does not require to submit a GRE score, however, candidates having a GPA of less than 2.9 must submit a GRE test score along with relevant work experience and letters of recommendation. Rice University accepts the following ELP tests and their corresponding scores for admissions:

Below are the requirements for MBA course at Rice University.  

• LOR:  MBA programs ask for a 3 LOR, and with particular exceptions, who should write those letters. The University asks for 2 LORs from former supervisor and 1 from the current direct supervisor. 

• Statement of purpose (an SOP): 2 SOP is essential for the application process for Rice University. It helps the applicant to convey their talents, Academic excellence accomplishments and personal background of applicants. The University totally believes that every person has a story to tell and below are the two questions which are supposed to be answered by its applicants in the form of SOP:

• Essay 1: Rice is a community of curious thinkers, passionate dreamers and energetic doers who believe that improving the world demands more than bold thought and brave action. It takes unconventional wisdom. What does unconventional wisdom mean to you?

• Essay 2: In the Rice MBA classroom, you will encounter a diverse and inclusive environment. What will you bring to the classroom that is uniquely you?  

• Essay 3 (Optional Essay): If you have any additional information for the admissions committee or if you wish to clarify any aspect of your application (including breaks in employment, your choice of recommendation providers, your past academic performance, etc.), you may submit an additional, optional essay. (Page limit: One page, bullet points allowed.)

• Transcripts and degrees: MBA applicants must provide the university with transcripts of their academics with degree certificates. Similarly, applying for PhD or doctoral programme may require a master’s degree and transcripts from all graduate institutions of the applicant. 

• English Language Proficiency exams: The following table explains the minimum score  of each English exam the university is accepting: 

• Entrance exam: MBA applicants might need a GRE (Graduate Record examination). GMAT, exam. However, if the applicant has the below requirements, the GMAT or GRE can be waived off for the MBA aspirants at Rice University:

1. Masters in STEM field

2. 3+ years of work experience

3. Applicants can submit an executive assessment score at the time of application 

4. Proffesional certification of CFA or CPA. 

• Resume/CV:  The University might also ask you for a CV or a resume, depending on the course you choose for professional experience. 

International students must pay an application fee of USD 85 for MS in Computer Science programs. The application amount is non-refundable if the students don’t get selected.

Below are English requirements for MS in Computer Science at Rice University:

1. Applicant must have a GPA of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0

2. Most applicants have backgrounds in computer Science or math, the graduate admissions committee motivates the applicants to have degrees related to the Computer Science. 

3.  The following table explains the minimum score  of each English exam the university is accepting: 

4. MS programs ask for a 3 LOR, and with particular exceptions, who should write those letters. The University asks for 2 LOR’s from former supervisor and 1 from the current direct supervisor.