COVID-19 Updates for Graduate Students

For the most up-to-date information on the COVID-19 situation, please refer to the following resources:

International Student Updates (September 3, 2020)

If you have additional questions after reviewing the information below, please contact us at ecegrad@purdue.edu.  

Deferred Start Dates

The ECE Graduate Office will be in contact with you during the school year to update you on the status at Purdue University.

Option 1: Spring 2021 Start Date

If you have formally requested to change your start date to Spring 2021, we have forwarded that request to the Purdue Graduate School
  • You should receive a new admissions letter by about September 15.
  • If you do not receive the new admission letter, contact the ECE Graduate Office.
  • Once you have your new letter, you can begin your visa processes.  Work with the Office of International Students and Scholars.  https://www.purdue.edu/IPPU/ISS/
  • Some students may have interest in a second request to change their start date.  At this time that is not allowed.  The Purdue Graduate School will review requests for exceptions to that policy on a case by case basis if there are extenuating circumstances.
  • You can also transfer to our Online Master’s program.

Option 2: Fall 2021 Start Date

We will forward requests to change start date to Fall 2021. 
  • You should receive a new admissions letter when the Purdue Graduate School processes your request.
  • If you do not receive the new admission letter, contact the ECE Graduate Office.
  • Once you have your new letter, you can begin your visa processes.  Work with the Office of International Students and Scholars.  https://www.purdue.edu/IPPU/ISS/

Information for Funded Students

Fellowship Offers

If you have received a fellowship offer from Purdue ECE and changed your start date, your fellowship will be for the full duration of the original offer, one year, two years, etc. beginning with your new start semester.

Research Assistant Offers

If you have received a research assistant (RA) offer from Purdue ECE, please work with your professor regarding the date you will begin.

Teaching Assistant Offers

If you have received a teaching assistant offer from Purdue ECE and will be joining in Spring 2021, we will contact you before the spring semester regarding your teaching preferences. 

Important Dates

  • January 11: Spring Semester begins
  • August 23: Fall Semester begins

New Student FAQs

If I start in Spring 2021, can I participate in CPT in summer 2021?

No. You must be on campus for two semesters before you are eligible for CPT.

How do I register for the Spring 2021 semester?

The ECE Graduate Office will send you an Online Orientation.  Once you have completed the Orientation, you will receive instructions for registration.  Expect this in mid-to-late October.