The application for Fall 2025 opens September 15, 2024 and deadline to apply is December 15th, 2024 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. A complete application includes a completed online application and supplemental application materials. We recommend that you begin the application process early as it may take longer than you would expect. Allow enough time to complete your online application, gather and submit your materials, and take the necessary standardized tests.
All Admitted Students Receive a Full Fellowship
All students admitted to the Wharton Doctoral Programs receive a full fellowship that includes a stipend and covers the cost of tuition and health insurance.
Important Facts and Dates |
| Application Deadline: December 15 |
| Note: Your completed application must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. A complete application includes the full online application and all supplemental application materials: letters of recommendation, personal statement and applicant history, test scores, and transcripts. See Application Requirements. |
| Admissions Decisions Candidates are notified of admission decisions via email as soon as they are reached on or before April 15. |
| Program Start Date Admission is for the Fall semester only. More Facts & Dates |
Assessing Applications
Admission to the Wharton Doctoral Programs is highly selective and analysis of candidates is individualized. We seek students interested in conducting leading-edge academic research to advance business knowledge.
In assessing your application, the admissions committee considers your previous academic work, your standardized graduate examination performance (GRE/GMAT), and the evaluations of instructors and professional supervisors. PhD students begin their studies in September only.
Recognizing the challenges of teaching, learning, and assessing academic performance during the global COVID-19 pandemic, Penn’s admissions committees for graduate and professional programs will take the significant disruptions of the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020 into account when reviewing students’ transcripts and other admissions materials as part of their regular practice of performing individualized, holistic reviews of each applicant. In particular, as we review applications now and in the future, we will respect decisions regarding the adoption of Pass/Fail and other grading options during the period of COVID-19 disruptions. An applicant will not be adversely affected in the admissions process if their academic institution implemented a mandatory pass/fail (or similar) system for the term or if the applicant chose to participate in an optional pass/fail (or similar) system for the term. Penn’s longstanding commitment remains to admit graduate and professional student cohorts composed of outstanding individuals who demonstrate the resilience and aptitude to succeed in their academic pursuits.