AUTO, GAME, MFG Applicants

Admissions Prerequisites

The following programs have their own set of prerequisites for admissions:

Automotive Engineering (MEng) Prerequisites

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related science.
• Degree must have been completed in good standing (generally defined as a US GPA of B (3.0/4.0) or higher).
• At least two years of college engineering mathematics and science (including calculus, physics, differential equations, chemistry).
• Undergraduate coursework in at least three of the core areas of automotive engineering (power and propulsion, dynamics and controls, aerodynamics and structural mechanics, and electronics).
• SUGS, UM undergraduates and domestic Bachelor of Science in Engineering students with exceptionally strong Mechanical undergraduate records are encouraged to apply; these candidates will be considered for admission with a waived work requirement.

Global Automotive and Manufacturing Engineering (MEng) Prerequisites

• A bachelor’s degree in Engineering (a bachelor’s degree of technology or engineering technology is not accepted) or Physical Sciences (Physics, Biophysics, Applied Mechanics, Environmental Sciences) from an ABET-accredited institution in the US (or the international equivalent) with at least two years of college engineering mathematics.
• Degree must have been completed in good standing (generally defined as a US GPA of B (3.0/4.0) or higher).
• An accumulation of one year of industrial relevant work experience is required for applying to the Global Automotive and Manufacturing Engineering program.

Manufacturing (MEng) Prerequisites

• A bachelor’s degree in an Engineering discipline such as Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering (a bachelor’s degree of technology or engineering technology is not accepted) from an ABET-accredited institution in the US (or the international equivalent).
•  At least two years of college engineering mathematics, including probability and statistics. Degrees must have been completed in good standing (generally defined as a US GPA of B (3.0 or above) or higher.
• Applicants should have relevant industry-related working/internship experience by the beginning of the first semester of enrollment. 

Manufacturing (DEng) Prerequisites

• Have at least one degree (BS) in Engineering from an ABET-accredited institution in the US (or international equivalent). A bachelor’s degree of technology or engineering technology is not accepted.
• Applicants should have relevant industry-related working/internship experience by the beginning of the first semester of enrollment. 
• At least a 3.3 undergraduate GPA 
• An online application is required. In addition, a one-page statement of purpose, a one-page personal statement, a resume, 3 letters of recommendation, and official transcripts of undergraduate and graduate, if available, are required.
• An applicant for the DEng in Manufacturing must have an adviser assigned as part of the final admission decision. After the admission committee reviews the application files, and if the applicant meets the admission requirements, the applicant will be informed to identify a faculty in the College of Engineering (CoE), the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, who is willing to be the adviser for the applicant’s dissertation research. It is important that the DEng candidate work with a faculty adviser who is familiar with the student’s area of interests and can help him/her select courses and find the necessary resources for a world-class original research project. In some cases, dissertations may be co-chaired by two faculty members and at least one of them must be a faculty member in the College of Engineering. 
• A full program funding plan is required at the time of admission. Funding depends on various factors, but could include funding as a Graduate Student Research Assistant by an adviser, Graduate Student Instructor or Fellowship, student-initiated scholarship from an employer or the fellowship from their own country, etc.
• See English Proficiency requirements for applicants whose native language is not English.
• The GRE is encouraged but not required when applying to the DEng in Manufacturing.

Where to Apply

With application submissions open year-round, fall, winter, and spring/summer terms, you can submit your application today. Make sure to review the various admission deadlines listed with the Admission Deadlines information. We look forward to hearing from you!

Additional Instructions for Applying to Manufacturing (DEng)

1. Apply directly to the Doctor of Engineering in Manufacturing without a relevant master’s degree.

• Students admitted to the DEng in Manufacturing without a relevant master’s degree must complete the Master of Engineering in Manufacturing (MEng in Manufacturing) requirements through an “Embedded Master of Engineering in Manufacturing” along the way of completing the DEng in Manufacturing.  
• See the curriculum requirements for Option 1

2. Apply to the Doctor of Engineering in Manufacturing with a master’s degree in the same field or a relevant field from another institution – not a University of Michigan degree.  

• Fulfill the DEng in Manufacturing 18 letter-graded (A-E) credits and 6 additional U-M credits
• As part of the admission review process, the Manufacturing Review committee will validate the relevance of the existing master.
• See the curriculum requirements for Option 2
• See samples of the relevant engineering degrees listed below.

3. Apply with a master’s degree in the same field or a relevant field from the University of Michigan or a change of program.

• The student will fulfill the DEng in Manufacturing 18 letter-graded (A-E) credit requirement with a maximum of 6 credits (2 courses) from the student’s U-M master may be approved to count toward the DEng in Manufacturing. 
• See the curriculum requirements for Option 3
• See samples of the relevant engineering degrees listed below.

Samples of a relevant or same field master’s degrees to be considered:

• Chemical Engineering
• Civil and Environmental Engineering
• Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
• Industrial and Operations Engineering
• Materials Science Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering,
• Master of Business Administration
• Students who have completed the U-M Master of Engineering in Manufacturing within the last five years of applying to the DEng in Manufacturing.

For questions with your DEng application, please email the Graduate Coordinator ([email protected])

Non-Refundable Application Fee

The application fee for domestic students is $75 and $90 for international students.

No changes can be made to your application once you’ve paid the application fee and submitted it.  Any changes that must be made after that point will require you to start a new application and pay another application fee.Detailed information about U-M tuition and fees for College of Engineering Graduate academic programs is available at the Office of the Registrar.

Admission Deadlines

The MEng in Automotive Engineering, MEng in Global Automotive and Manufacturing Engineering, and MEng in Manufacturing conduct a holistic review of all applications on a rolling basis throughout the year and admit students for each term: Fall (August), Winter (January), and Spring/Summer (May). The DEng in Manufacturing is an on-campus program and admits students for the Fall semester only.  Submit your application by the deadlines below. Applicants will receive an admissions decision within 6-8 weeks of the posted deadline.

Students are encouraged to review and consider each deadline carefully to ensure they have adequate time to prepare a complete application.  If an application is incomplete by the final deadline, the applicant must re-apply for a future term and pay that application fee.

Domestic, U.S. Permanent Resident, and International students wishing to begin the MEng in Automotive Engineering, MEng in Global Automotive and Manufacturing Engineering, or MEng in Manufacturing program on-campus should apply for Fall or Winter.  DEng in Manufacturing students may only apply for Fall admission. There are only online course offerings in Spring/Summer. Applicants who wish to consider the online option should contact Alicia Markey, Recruitment and Engagement Coordinator, at [email protected] to learn more.

Review and consider each deadline carefully to ensure you have adequate time to prepare and submit a complete application.

All application submissions are final, unamendable, and application fees are non-refundable.

Spring/Summer 2025 and Fall 2025 Application Deadlines

Domestic and U.S. Permanent Resident On-Campus Domestic Distance Learning International Distance Learning Applicants Fall 2025  Deadlines: Fall 2025 semester begins in late August 2025. Early Deadline: December 15 Regular Deadline: January 15 First Extended Deadline: March 15 Second Extended Deadline: August 15 August 15 is the final date for applicants to apply to be admitted for the Fall 2025 semester.   Since the August 15 deadline is very close to the beginning of the Fall 2025, (August 25) start date, we recommend that you apply before August 15.  If you do apply close to the August 15 deadline, make sure all your application material is submitted by August 15 so we can do our best to get the application decision to you before the Fall 2025 semester begins. Spring/Summer 2025 Deadlines:  Spring/Summer 2025 semester begins in early May 2025. Early Deadline: February 15 Regular Deadline: March 15 Extended Deadline: April 15 April 15 is the final date for applicants to apply and be admitted for the Spring/Summer 2025 semester. Full-time students should apply to Fall or Winter semesters. Spring/Summer has limited course offerings.

International On-campus Applicants Fall 2025 Deadlines: Fall 2025 semester begins in late August 2025. Early Deadline: December 15 Regular Deadline: January 15 Extended Deadline: March 15 March 15 is the final date for international on-campus applicants to apply and be admitted for the Fall 2025 semester. There are no Spring/Summer (May) Application Deadlines for International students looking to be on campus in the Spring/Summer semester as there are only online classes. Please apply for either the Fall or Winter semesters.

Winter 2026, Spring/Summer 2026 and Fall 2026 Application Deadlines

(Students will have access to start applying for the Winter 2026 semester in about late-July 2025)

Domestic And U.S. Permanent Resident On-Campus Domestic Distance Learning International Distance Learning Applicants Fall Deadlines:  Fall semesters begin in late August. Regular Deadline: January 15 Extended Deadline: June 15 June 15 is the final date for applicants to apply to be admitted for the Fall semester. Winter Deadlines:  Winter semesters begin in early January. Regular Deadline: August 15 Extended Deadline: October 1 October 1 is the final date for applicants to apply to be admitted for the Winter semester. Spring/Summer Deadline: Spring/Summer semesters begin in early May. Deadline: March 4 March 4 is the final date for applicants to apply to be admitted for the Spring/Summer semester. If you are planning to be a full-time student please apply to Fall or Winter semester. Spring/Summer has limited course offerings.

International On-campus Applicants Fall Deadline:  Fall semesters begin in late August. Deadline: January 15 January 15 is the final date for international on-campus applicants to apply to be admitted for the Fall semester. Winter Deadlines:  Winter semesters begin in early January.  Deadline: August 15 August 15 is the final date for international on-campus applicants to apply to be admitted for the Winter semester. There are no Spring/Summer (May) Application Deadlines for International students looking to be on campus in the Spring/Summer semester as there are only online classes. Please apply for either the Fall or Winter semesters.

Doctoral Applicants – On-Campus only

The Fall deadline to apply for the DEng in Manufacturing program is December 15.

General Motors Technical Education Program (GM TEP) Applicants

The General Motors Technical Education program is only for approved and sponsored General Motors employees. Students in the GM TEP program have a different application process and deadlines can be found here: TEP Getting Started – Process and Instructions

Financial Considerations

Students admitted to the Master’s program are expected to secure their own financial support. Detailed information about U-M tuition and fees for academic programs is available at the Office of the Registrar. The U-M Board of Regents sets tuition for the upcoming academic year at its annual June meeting. Please note financial aid opportunities for graduate students are limited. More information on these opportunities and the cost of attendance is available on the Financial Aid and Scholarships webpage, the U-M College of Engineering’s website on financial aid, and the University of Michigan’s general Financial Aid website, we encourage you to perform detailed research on these costs before you begin the application process.

Letters of Recommendation

Three letters of recommendation are required for the MEng in Automotive Engineering, MEng in Global Automotive and Manufacturing Engineering, and MEng and DEng in Manufacturing applicants. 

Your recommenders should submit their letters of recommendation for you through the application process. You will find instructions for recommenders when you are completing your online application. Letters must come from a professor, supervisor, or manager. Applicants cannot be their own recommender.

In the application itself, when you arrive at the Recommenders section, you will enter their email addresses into the area noted and the recommenders will receive an email from CollegeNet’s application portal asking them to upload their letters of recommendation. We recommended that you select Letters of Recommendation to be submitted confidentially on the application form.  If your recommenders are having technical difficulties, contact the CollegeNet helpdesk using this link.

GRE Score

The GRE is encouraged but not required for Automotive Engineering, Global Automotive and Manufacturing Engineering, and Manufacturing applicants.

Information about the GRE including test dates and locations can be found at https://www.ets.org

If submitting GRE scores, it is required  ETS to have an official score report sent to the University of Michigan (institution code 1839, department code Engineering Other, 69).

While each application is evaluated individually, typical GRE scores can average around 153 verbal and 163 quantitative.

Please note, GRE scores must be less than five years old as of the application deadline to be used for consideration

Resume / Curriculum Vitae

Your resume or curriculum vitae must be submitted online when completing your online application.

Academic Statement of Purpose

An academic statement of purpose is required when completing your online application.

This statement should be a concise, well-written essay about your background, your career goals, and how the program to which you are applying will help you attain your career and educational objectives. The recommended word count is 500 words.

Personal Statement

A personal statement essay is required when completing your online application.

The personal statement should explore your journey, highlighting personal experiences and motivations that led you to pursue this specific graduate degree with a focus on reflecting on your educational path and ambitions rather than focusing on specific academic details.

Please do not repeat your academic statement of purpose. The recommended word count is 500 words.

Official Transcripts

All Automotive Engineering, Global Automotive and Manufacturing Engineering and Manufacturing applicants are required to provide:

Step 1: During Application Process

• At the time of application, you will need to upload a copy of an official transcript from all universities and community colleges attended. Make sure to include the front and back of the document. This copy is used for initial review of your application.  Please do not submit an unofficial academic records sheet that you access and print from your academic institution(s). 
• All students who attend Non-US academic institutions are required to complete a Scholaro GPA Calculation Reports for each non-US institution(s) attended.  Scholaro GPA report(s) must be uploaded and match the corresponding transcript(s), course information, and GPA which is also uploaded with the application.  For more information see: https://academicservices.engin.umich.edu/ordering-a-gpa-report-for-michigan-engineering-meng-deng-graduate-programs/

Step 2: After Admission Offer

Once you are offered an admission, you will be required to submit an official final transcript directly from your university to the College of Engineering. Please see your formal offer letter from the College of Engineering for the instructions on submitting your official final transcript documents. 

For additional information please see:

• U-M College of Engineering Official Transcript Information
• U-M College of Engineering MEng/DEng Graduate Application Information
• U-M College of Engineering Required Academic Credentials for Non-US Academic Institutions
• Contact [email protected] with any additional questions related to transcripts

All documents submitted will not be returned. If the application is unsuccessful, all documents will be destroyed. Applicants are required to provide true, accurate and complete information in support of their applications. Any misrepresentation in the documents and information provided will result in disqualification of their applications and subsequent enrollments in the University.

English Proficiency Test for International Applicants

Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency and are required to provide one of the official score reports in the table below. If you received a bachelor’s degree from a college or university where the language of instruction is exclusively English, the English proficiency requirement MAY be waived. In some cases, we may require students to take courses at the English Language Institute. See below for a full list of exceptions.

TOEFL scores are sent electronically from ETS directly to the University of Michigan (Institution Code 1839). U-M does accept TOEFL IBT Home edition. Official IELTS scores are sent electronically to the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (select “University of Michigan-Ann Arbor from drop-down menu).

Official ECPE and MELAB scores must be mailed directly to the College of Engineering Graduate Professional Programs Office from the testing agency. Design Science scores should be mailed to the Rackham Graduate School.

Test scores are valid two years from the test date and must be received by the application deadline.

Please use your legal name as stated on your passport when registering for the TOEFL and in submitting the online application. If your name does not match exactly, there will be a delay in matching your test scores to the application data. In addition, your birthdate should be in month/day/year format (e.g., 09/19/1983).

Photocopies and/or faxes of English proficiency scores will not be accepted.

Minimum score requirements for admission consideration are indicated in the table below.

Accepted Proficiency Tests

Only the tests listed below are accepted by U-M; no other language proficiency tests are accepted.

• IBT TOEFL Including TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition
  • Assessment Provider: Educational Testing Service
  • Speaking Test: Yes
  • Minimum Overall Score: 84
  • Submission of Test Scores: TOEFL scores are sent by ETS electronically to institution code: 1839; department code: Engineering Other, 69
• Revised Paper Delivered Test (For tests taken July 2017 or later)
  • Assessment Provider: Educational Testing Service
  • Speaking Test: No
  • Minimum Overall Score: An overall score is not provided for this test. Minimum section scores: Reading = 23; Listening = 23; Writing = 21
  • Submission of Test Scores: TOEFL scores are sent by ETS electronically to institution code: 1839; department code: Engineering Other, 69
• MET
  • Assessment Provider: Michigan Language Assessments
  • Speaking Test: Yes
  • Minimum Overall Score: 4-Skill test; minimum Overall score = 59
  • Submission of Test Scores: Scores are mailed directly to CoE from the testing agency. Mailing address: Graduate Professional Programs, College of Engineering Office of Student Affairs, 145A Chrysler Center, 2121 Bonisteel Boulevard, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2122
• IELTS Including IELTS “At Home”
  • Assessment Provider: Cambridge, United Kingdom
  • Speaking Test: Academic version
  • Minimum Overall Score: 6.5
  • Submission of Test Scores: Official IELTS scores are sent electronically to the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.
• ECPE
  • Assessment Provider: Cambridge Michigan Language Assessments
  • Speaking Test: Yes
  • Minimum Overall Score: Certificate of Proficiency
  • Submission of Test Scores: Scores must be sent directly to CoE from the testing agency. Mailing address: Graduate Professional Programs, College of Engineering Office of Student Affairs, 145A Chrysler Center, 2121 Bonisteel Boulevard, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2122

English Proficiency Test Exceptions

You qualify for an exemption from taking an English proficiency examination if one of the following criteria is met:

• You are a native speaker of English.
• You completed all of your undergraduate education and earned an undergraduate degree at an institution where the language of instruction is English only. Undergraduate degree requirements must be completed before the start of classes at U-M.
• You completed all of your graduate education and earned a graduate degree at an institution where the language of instruction is English only. Graduate degree requirements must be completed before the start of classes at U-M.
• A one-year graduate degree does not meet an English exemption.
• If you completed a Master’s degree that was strictly research and no academic classes, that degree does not meet the exemption. This type of Master’s degree is generally awarded at a non-U.S. institution.
• You are a current U-M student.

Non-Candidate for Degree (NCFD) Applicants for
Automotive Engineering
Global Automotive Engineering
Manufacturing

Students who have a unique learning need might find the right fit with Non-Candidate for Degree (NCFD) status. Credit earned from these courses may be used toward other degrees at U-M as well as other institutions (pre-approval required).

Non-Candidate for Degree (NCFD) is a temporary status whereby new students can be introduced to online learning courses and earn transferable academic credit from the University of Michigan. NCFD students pay the same tuition rate as degree-seeking students, and may take up to 2 courses within one academic year; either 2 courses in one semester, or 1 course per semester. NCFD status is discontinued after the completion of 2 courses and cannot be repeated. 

NCFD Status May Appeal to the Following Groups:

1. Students enrolled in other universities who are interested in earning transferable academic credit from U-M
2. Professionals interested in taking 1-2 courses as part of professional development
3. Anyone who wants to take 1-2 courses as a precursor to seeking formal admission into a degree-seeking program later
4. Graduates of the MEng in Automotive Engineering, MEng in Global Automotive and Manufacturing Engineering, or Manufacturing programs who wish to take additional courses 
5. Students from other U-M programs who wish to take an online course while not enrolled in any other U-M course during a semester

NCFD Admissions Deadline

Applicants must submit the required application materials no later than three weeks before the first day of classes for the semester

NCFD Admissions Process

1. Online application*
2. Non-refundable application fee
3. All applicants are required to provide one official transcript or certified credentials from all universities and community colleges attended.
4. Statement of purpose: Applicants must review the Automotive Engineering Curriculum, Global Automotive and Manufacturing Curriculum and Manufacturing Curriculum and indicate which degree program most closely aligns with their interest, including intended courses.

NCFD applicants do not need to submit a personal statement, resume, letters of recommendation, or GRE scores. In some cases, an English proficiency test may be required.

Required Documents for applying as an NCFD student:

• Copy of your Official undergraduate and or Graduate Transcript()s).
• International students who completed education at a non-U.S. institution must complete a Scholaro GPA Report to convert their international average grade point to a U.S. Four Point GPA.
• Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency and are required to provide one of the official score reports in the table below. If you received a bachelor’s degree from a college or university where the language of instruction is exclusively English, the English proficiency requirement MAY be waived. In some cases, we may require students to take courses at the English Language Institute. See below for a full list of exceptions.

Find further detail for Official Transcripts, Scholaro GPA Report, and English Proficiency requirements at the Master’s Admission Process page.

Degree Admissions Process After Completing 2 Courses as NCFD

If NCFD students are interested in becoming degree-seeking students in the MEng in Automotive Engineering, MEng in Global Automotive and Manufacturing Engineering, or MEng in Manufacturing program, they must submit an application and all required materials by the application deadlines. (Please note that successfully completing 2 NCFD courses does not guarantee acceptance into a program). Admissions decisions are sent appropriately 6-8 weeks after the application deadline.

Submit a new online academic program application and all required materials by the stated deadlines. Select the specific ISD academic program you are applying for. Refer to the table below for specific program prerequisites; and see our Master’s Degree Admissions Process.

Prerequisites to move to a Master’s Degree Program from NCFD

NCFD Students interested in admission to the MEng in Automotive Engineering, MEng in Global Automotive and Manufacturing Engineering, or MEng in Manufacturing must meet a minimum grade in all NCFD courses.

A “B” (3.0-4.0) letter grade is required for:

• Automotive Engineering
• Global Automotive and Manufacturing Engineering
• Manufacturing

Additional Program Prerequisites

• Automotive Engineering
• Global Automotive and Manufacturing Engineering
• Manufacturing