PhD in Physics (PhD)

For PhD Physics, the tuition fee is 29,500 USD per year.

This is a doctoral program in Physics. Students are admitted to the Ph.D. program and are expected to demonstrate potential to master graduate-level physics concepts and succeed in research. The program allows students with less preparation to fill knowledge gaps by taking undergraduate courses in their first year.

Focus areas include experimental physics, physics education research, astrophysics theory, theoretical elementary particle physics, theoretical condensed matter physics.

Applicants require a Bachelor's degree and advanced undergraduate physics coursework, with significant research experience being typical. Minimum TOEFL scores are Writing: 20, Listening: 15, Reading: 20, Speaking: 23, or IELTS overall 7.0 with speaking 7.0. The Physics GRE is required for specific theoretical tracks, and a video response is also requested.

Typical duration is 6 years. For international students, tuition is above the median for US programmes. The institution admits about 8% of applicants.

Cornell University, founded in 1865 in Ithaca, New York, is an Ivy League research university that blends rigorous scholarship with broad public engagement. As both a privately endowed institution and New York State's statutory land-grant university, Cornell brings together liberal arts, engineering, agriculture, and professional schools to offer wide academic choice across more than twenty colleges and programs. Its historic mission emphasizes teaching, research, and service, making Cornell a global destination for students seeking depth and interdisciplinary opportunity.

Academically, Cornell is known for high-impact research across the sciences, humanities, and applied fields. With about 25,582 students and over 6,200 international learners, the campus provides extensive resources including research centers, interdisciplinary institutes, and industry partnerships that support undergraduate and graduate training. Students benefit from hands-on learning, internship networks, and faculty mentorship that often include international collaborations and community-engaged projects.

Life in Ithaca balances scenic natural spaces with a lively arts and dining scene and strong student services, from career counseling to study abroad advising. Residential options, student clubs, and entrepreneurial hubs help newcomers settle in and build professional pathways both in the United States and abroad. For international applicants seeking world-class research, wide program choice, and a community that values public service and innovation, Cornell offers a supportive and stimulating environment.