Founded in 1912 as the Rice Institute, Rice University features in the list of the top 20 universities in the United States according to the U.S. News & World Report. Based in Houston, Texas, where it is spread over a 300-acre tree-lined campus, Rice University is renowned for the value and the quality of life it offers its students, in addition to its pathbreaking research and innovative collaborations that further understanding and contribute to the betterment of the world.
As one of the leading research institutions in the United States, Rice University boasts the amenities and expertise of a large institution, while its modest size enables collaboration and close working relationships between faculty and students. Academic programs at the graduate level are offered under three broad categories at the university: research-based programs leading to the M.A., M.S., and various doctoral degrees; professional master's programs, which lead to degrees in specific disciplines.
Doctoral applicants receive tuition support and support for their living costs, in most cases. Cost of living assistance annually for a Ph.D. student is USD 34,000, though in some cases it can be higher. Non-thesis master's degrees and graduate certificates impart high- quality training, intended to propel students to the next level in their academic and career trajectories.
A diverse academic community, Rice University’s location in Houston, the fourth-largest city in the United States, provides students with plenty of opportunities for interaction with industry. The university is also home to over 400 student organizations that students can be part of, including athletic, academic, cultural, media, political, and religious groups. A wide range of extracurricular options gives students the scope to pursue existing passions or expand their horizons by trying their hand at something new.
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Rice University creates career-ready graduates, with all study programs designed to propel students through the modern workforce and excel in their professional sphere. In 2022, exit surveys showed that 79 percent of students found employment within six months of graduating. Top industries included internet and software, and management consulting.
International graduates are usually able to continue living and working in the USA through Optional Practical Training (OPT) for up to twelve months after the completion of their study program. Many of Rice University’s degree programs, both at undergraduate and graduate level, are eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension.
The university provides its students with extensive careers support and guidance through its Center for Career Development. The center provides a number of resources, events and initiatives designed to improve students’ employability.
Students can choose from an expansive selection of career counseling options to find the type of appointment best suited to their needs and goals. These include career and personality assessments, graduate school applications, mock interviews, CV development, career or major exploration, and much more. Ten-minute drop-in sessions are also available.
The team at the Center for Career Development can also help students to find and apply for jobs or internships, beyond the resources available within their programs. 12twenty hosts a jobs and internship vacancy board for positions in the local community and on-campus. Many programs offer internships as part of their curricula, and for-credit opportunities are often available.
Rice’s Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies also provides career resources for Graduate students through the Beyond the Professoriate and ImaginePhD programs; both exploratory career outcomes tools for students pursuing doctoral degrees at Rice.
Also starting fall 2024 is the university’s Master of Energy Transition and Sustainability. This interdisciplinary program is designed for graduates with an interest in contributing to addressing global energy challenges and impacting the world’s energy future within the energy industry. The degree is a joint initiative of the School of Engineering and the School of Natural Sciences.
From fall 2024, students have the option to study a BA or BS in Operations Research, or minor in the subject. Operations research is a mathematical discipline which focuses on models for decision-making within complex systems. Programs are offered through the School of Engineering.
In December 2023, Rice University opened a brand-new engineering and science building, the Ralph S. O’Connor Building for Engineering and Science. This newest research facility is also Rice’s largest at 23,225 square meters and contains cutting-edge technologies and equipment alongside laboratories, classrooms, offices, and interactive gathering spaces.
The university has also started construction of a USD 54.5 million business school building. Adding to the already extensive offerings of the Jones Graduate Business School, the 10,400 square meter structure will include ultra-modern spaces for learning, events, and socializing. It is anticipated to be completed in spring 2026.
A new building for the arts, Sarofim Hall, broke ground in early 2024 and is slated to open in fall 2025. Designed by the acclaimed firm Diller Scofidio + Renfro (DS+R), Sarofim Hall will be a beacon of interdisciplinary collaboration and experimentation. Spanning 83,000 square feet, the dynamic facility is poised to redefine the landscape of arts education at Rice and beyond. The groundbreaking of Sarofim Hall symbolizes a new chapter at Rice — one marked by collaboration, inclusivity and boundless possibility.
38,65,525 Postgraduate Fees are for indicative purposes, check with institution for details
30,01,181 Vocational Fees are for indicative purposes, check with institution for details
As the USA’s fifth best value university (USNWR, 2024), range of financial aid options are available to international students at Rice University.
At the undergraduate level, a selection of needs-based and merit-based financial aid options are available.
Students must apply for any needs-based aid. All accepted first-time international students will have 100% of their demonstrated financial needs met through institutional grant aid.
All applications are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships, which are awarded to individuals who are able to distinguish themselves academically or personally.
Financial support offered at the doctoral level includes an expansive range of fellowships, as well as assistantship aid. This aid includes partial and full-tuition scholarships as well as living support. Applicants must be in full-time study at the university to be eligible.
Additionally, merit-based scholarships are available for some master’s programs. Applicants are assessed automatically for these scholarships and do not need to apply for aid separately. Some students may also apply to undertake paid student work or summer research.
Prospective international graduate students are encouraged to apply for the Fulbright Foreign Scholar Program.
Once a student matriculates, graduate students may receive assistance in writing and submitting their fellowship application from one of the university’s student writing coaches. Options include year-round one-on-one coaching, and periodic write-a-thon events. These programs develop students’ application skills, and guide them to create competitive applications for specific fellowships.
Rice University graduate students and alumni who wish to pursue a research project abroad are eligible for Rice funding for their projects through a competitive award program.
Entry requirements at Rice University vary depending on the subject chosen and level of study.
As part of their application, undergraduate students must supply high school academic transcripts. It is also recommended that first-year students submit an SAT or ACT score, but this is not essential.
Some courses may have additional entry requirements, such as the submission of a portfolio, or a previous qualification in a related subject, such as science or math. Students are strongly advised to check the eligibility criteria for their desired course prior to submitting an application.
Undergraduate degree programs incur a USD 75 application fee.
In most cases, graduate students must hold an undergraduate degree in a related field, with a minimum GPA of 3.0, B grade average, or equivalent qualification.
Some graduate programs may suggest that students sit an aptitude test, such as the GMAT or GRE. Additional requirements may be applicable. Students are advised to visit the website or contact their desired graduate program directly to understand the full requirements for their chosen course.
Some graduate programs require an application fee of USD 85.
Those interested in doctoral programs at Rice can contact specific programs to discuss graduate study program requirements and life in Houston. Applicants are welcome to attend an informational webinar from their program of interest. Prospective graduate students are also welcome to browse graduate student blogs for more information to help them apply for graduate study at any US institution.
International graduate applicants must be able to demonstrate their English language proficiency in order to study at Rice University. As such, a minimum overall IELTS score of 7.0 or TOEFL IBT of 90 is required, or an equivalent qualification.
Rice University has received a significant number of accolades and high rankings for its teaching both nationally and internationally, ranking sixth in the USA for undergraduate teaching (USNWR, 2024). Its 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio ensures all students receive a personalized education and that every voice is heard in the classroom.
The university’s eight academic schools are home to experienced and award-winning faculty, who pride themselves on getting to know each individual and ensuring their personal and professional goals are met. Professors have significant expertise in their field, both in the classroom and in a professional context.
The university ranks top in the state for both its professors and academics, with 20 subjects ranking in the top 50 nationally (Niche, 2024). Students learn in innovative and inspiring settings surrounded by cutting-edge technologies and resources to augment their knowledge and skills. All courses are designed with employability in mind, and many study programs offer practical work experience, including internships and experiential learning opportunities.
Rice University is a world leader in research, with 45 research centers and institutes and a very high number of active research groups. Pioneering researchers collaborate with scholars on an international sphere, ensuring both a local and global impact. It ranks 27th in the country for its undergraduate research and creative projects (USNWR, 2024).
Rice University offers over 50 majors across seven fields of study at undergraduate level, including two interdisciplinary programs. Students also have the opportunity to enroll in minors to explore their other interests, and are encouraged to get involved in collaborative research.
At the graduate level, research-based master’s and doctoral degree programs are available across more than 50 specialized subject areas. Enrollment is also offered in professional master’s programs, and current students are able to pursue Rice’s graduate certificate programs. Postdoctoral research opportunities are available.
At both the master’s and doctoral levels, a number of programs qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension.
Rice University comprises of eight academic schools, which ensure the effective streamlining of faculty, funding, and resources:
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