Duke University Medical School Admissions

Thank you for your interest in the Duke University School of Nursing. We believe that preparing nurses to meet the current and emerging needs of society involves the active transformation of knowledge into practice. Our mission calls for us to be a center of excellence for the advancement of nursing science and clinical scholarship to enhance the quality of life for people of all cultures and economic backgrounds. At Duke University School of Nursing you'll find a learning climate where creativity, a genuine respect for others, and a robust yet respectful debate can flourish.

We’ve laid out the steps to guide you through the application process for admission to Duke University School of Nursing. If you have questions, you’re always welcome to ask the Office of Admissions staff for assistance.

Step 1: Complete Online Application

PhD applicants should apply through the Duke Graduate School, which coordinates the admission application process for our PhD program. For assistance or information, please contact PhD Program Coordinator Revonda Huppert.

View the Application Material Requirements section for program-specific information, including deadlines and additional materials that must be submitted with your application. It is important that your complete application be submitted by the program deadline.

Step 2: Identify and Contact References for Letters of Recommendation

While completing other parts of your application, identify and contact at least three references who will provide a strong letter of recommendation for you. Applicants should check with program requirements for the exact number of letters required.

Recommenders should be able to attest to the applicant’s ability, professional competency, and personal character.

The online application will ask applicants to provide their references' names and email addresses. The references will then be contacted via email with instructions on how to electronically submit a letter of recommendation. This process can begin prior to submission of the application.

Step 3: Submit Test Scores

The Graduate School will only accept official test scores sent directly by the testing agencies.

You must register for the appropriate tests and request that the testing agencies report your test scores to Duke University using the following institutional code: R5156. Visit the Application Material Requirements section to learn more about the required tests and scores for the program that you are applying to.

You will be required to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores if you do not currently hold a United States permanent resident card (green card) or you have never studied at a U.S. institution. You must submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) administered through the Educational Testing Service. The TOEFL institution code number for Duke is 5156 (departmental code not needed). For more information about TOEFL Scores and other additional requirements for International Applicants, please visit our International Students Requirements section.

Step 4: Submit Transcripts

Official transcripts from all previous colleges, universities, and graduate schools are required as part of the application. Transcripts must be submitted regardless of when you attended, how many hours you earned, or whether you earned a degree.

• Transcripts must be received in a sealed envelope from the issuing institution in order to be considered official. You may also collect sealed transcripts and send them all together in one large envelope.

*All students who enroll at Duke University School of Nursing must submit final transcripts from all institutions attended before registration.

This process can begin prior to submission of the application.

Step 5: Pay Application Fee

You will be assessed a non-refundable $50 application processing fee. You are responsible for paying this fee whether or not you are offered admission or choose to enroll. You must pay your application fee online. Your application will not be processed until you pay your application fee and the payment is authorized.