Previously Enrolled Graduate Students

If you were previously enrolled as a graduate student at UW–Madison but have had a break in enrollment for at least one fall or spring semester, you will need to apply to resume your studies.

How to Apply

You must complete an online application to be considered for reentry and select the same program you were previously enrolled in. You will need to reach out to the program before being allowed to submit the application. If you are applying for a new degree program or were last enrolled longer than 10 years ago, you will need to fill out a new application.
All reentry applicants must pay the $75 application fee, plus the $6 processing fee if you are an international applicant. This is regardless of the last time you were enrolled, and is non-refundable.
Submit the online application at least six weeks prior to the start of your intended semester.
After you submit your application, the program will review your records including your application.
To review the status of your submitted application, log in to your Application Portal. If you have attended any other colleges or universities since your last enrollment, you must list those institutions and submit official transcripts to your program.
Contact your intended program regarding deadlines and additional admission requirements.
The program will approve or deny your request for reentry by making a recommendation to the Graduate School. The Graduate School makes the official offer of admission.

Reapply here

Time Limits

If you have not maintained continuous enrollment, you must submit an online application and pay the application fee.

Master’s students

If you have not been enrolled for 10 years or more, credits earned while previously enrolled will not count toward the Graduate School’s minimum credit requirement.

PhD students

If you have not been enrolled for 10 years or more, credits earned while previously enrolled will not count towards the Graduate School’s minimum credit requirement.

If you did not take the final oral examination within five years after passing the preliminary examination, you must take another preliminary examination to be admitted to doctoral candidacy.

All Incompletes must be completed during the first semester of enrollment upon your return to graduate studies.