Admissions FAQ

Before you initiate your application for Plant Pathology please review some frequently asked questions answered below.

• How do I apply to the program?

  Application information and a link to apply can be found at our admissions page.

• When is the application deadline?

  The application deadline for Fall and Summer semesters is December 1 and for Spring it is September 1.

• Can I apply to be admitted for the Spring semester instead of in August?

  Our admissions—and funding—operate on an annual cycle, with applications due December 1 for students to begin in August. The availability of funding at other times of the year is a major constraint, and difficulties may arise because of prerequisite courses that are offered in the Fall. However, in rare cases and at the request of a faculty member on behalf of an applicant, off-cycle (e.g., spring) admission may be considered.

• When Applying, Do I Need to Indicate I am Interested in Financial Support or a Graduate Assistantship?

  No, your application to the graduate program automatically qualifies you for funding consideration, provided you have a complete application packet. Assistantships are available on a competitive basis for outstanding new graduate students (see Funding Opportunities for more information).

• What does the Plant Pathology Graduate Assistantship Cover?

  Our assistantships offer an annual stipend, tuition waiver (for 24 credits annually) and health insurance coverage. UF students with a Graduate Assistantship are covered by GatorGradCare. There is no additional cost to the student. Students are mandated by law to have health coverage during the entire year, including annual breaks. Please note that students are responsible for payment of student fees (approximately $2,000 annually) which is separate from tuition at the University of Florida.

• How does the Plant Pathology Admission Process Work?

  The Plant Pathology admissions committee will examine all applications from our pool of applications. They will select top applicants and we select prospective students currently living in the US to come for a 2-3 days visit to UF, all expenses paid. Once here, applicants will have the chance of meeting with faculty on a one-on-one basis, tour our facilities and campus. Students will also have the opportunity to meet with our current Plant Pathology students. The visit is very important to all involved because it ensures that Plant Pathology, UF, Gainesville and the applicants are a good fit. For international applicants, in lieu of visits we conduct more Skype interviews and check references. Subsequently, offers of admission are made, but not all students accept our offers. The admission committee goes down our list of qualified students. This process may go well beyond April of the year students are applying.

• I am an international applicant. Can I be exempt from the English proficiency requirement?

  International applicants are exempt from the English proficiency requirement only if they 1.) have enrolled in one academic year in a degree-seeking program at a recognized/regionally accredited university or college in a country where English is the official language prior to the anticipated term of enrollment at UF, or 2.) are from one of these exempt countries: click here.

• Do I really need to send official transcripts to UF?

  Yes. Arrange to have official transcripts sent to the UF Office of Admissions from each postsecondary institution attended. International applicants need to submit an official copy in the native language of each transcript, mark sheet and diploma/degree certificate from each university or college attended, along with certified, literal (exact) English translations for documents not originally issued in English. In case your official transcript is not available when you apply, you may temporarily send Plant Pathology unofficial copies. However, you will only be admitted to UF when all your official documentation has been submitted to the Office of Admissions.

  Office of Admissions
  201 Criser Hall - PO Box 114000
  Gainesville, FL 32611-4000

• What is the process for international students once admitted to the Plant Pathology Department?

  The International Students Services at the UF International Center assists all international students with the required immigration documents (I-20 if obtaining an F-1 visa or DS-2019 if applying for a J-1 student visa) to study in the United States. The UFIC is also committed to ensuring the integration of international students and families into the life of the University of Florida and ensuring a smooth transition to American culture and UF student life.

• How does the cost of living in Gainesville compare to other universities?

  The cost of living in Gainesville, Florida is relatively low. A detailed Annual Cost of Attendance for UF graduate students is available from the Student Financial Affairs. This annual cost estimate includes tuition and fees, housing, food, computer costs, health insurance, books and supplies, transportation, and clothing maintenance. Students with a Plant Pathology Graduate Assistantship are able to live comfortably.

• What are my housing options in Gainesville?

  The Plant Pathology Student and Faculty Handbook provides all the official rules, policies and regulations that need to be followed by both graduate students and faculty in the program. The Handbook also assists students in successfully fulfilling requirements of the University of Florida Graduate School.

   

  • On Campus Student Family Housing is available to single or married students (with or without children); however, there is usually a waiting list since it is in high demand. Contact the UF Housing Office for more information. If interested, sign up for on-campus housing as soon as possible.
  • Off-Campus Housing is available online. Some of the websites where you can search for housing include Swamp Rentals, Apartment Finders, & College Rentals.
• Who can I contact if I have any questions?

  If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Ms. Jessica Ulloa at 352-273-4629 or julloa@ufl.edu.