FAQs
Questions about the Hildebrand Department of Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering (UT PGE)? We have answers!
1. What are the minimum admissions requirements?
There currently aren’t precise minimum admissions requirements to be admitted into UT PGE. We know, we know, that sounds like a non-answer. But requirements change each year, depending on the pool of applicants. The UT Austin admissions office reviews all applications first and makes decisions using a holistic review process. If you're admitted to UT Austin, you’re not guaranteed a spot in the Cockrell School of Engineering because admission into engineering programs is based on additional factors. Our best tip is to spend considerable time working on your essays, resume, letter of recommendation, etc., to present the best application possible to the admissions committee.
2. What are the application deadlines?
For incoming freshmen (i.e., high school students applying to attend UT Austin once they receive their high school diplomas), the deadline for fall semester admission is Dec. 1. The application and all required documents must be received by this deadline. If you are retaking the SAT/ACT, the admissions office will consider the later test as long as there is one on file by the deadline.
We recommend you stay up to date with the admissions process by frequently visiting the Office of Admissions website.
3. Can I apply for spring admission?
No. Currently we only accept applications for the summer and fall semesters.
4. How do I get into petroleum or geosystems engineering if I was admitted into UT Austin, but not into the UT PGE department?
If you are not admitted into the petroleum or geosystems engineering programs, there are several options for transferring into the department. Please visit the PGE transfer admissions page for more information about the application process.
5. How can I visit UT Austin?
You can sign up for an info session and campus tour on the Office of Admissions website. It’s a great way to learn more about being a Longhorn and see if UT Austin could be a good fit for you. The admissions info session can be especially helpful if you have more questions about the application process.
The Cockrell School of Engineering also offers information sessions to learn more about the engineering departments, majors and programs at UT Austin. Visit the Prospective Undergraduate Info Sessions section on their website.
6. How can I visit the Hildebrand Department of Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering?
UT PGE regularly hosts current high school students and their families to learn about our top-ranked, globally recognized engineering programs. During these sessions, we’ll talk about topics like what classes you might take, our Sustainable Energy minor and other available certificates, internships and student organizations, studying abroad in Croatia, summer research opportunities, careers for our graduates, and more. You’ll also take a short tour of our student study lounge and lab spaces. Sign up for your visit here.
2025 Prospective and Admitted Student Sessions
All sessions are held from 3:15 to 4:15 p.m. in the Chemical and Petroleum Engineering Building (CPE), Suite 2.502.
- Friday, Sept. 20
- Friday, Oct. 11
- Friday, Nov. 1
- Friday, Nov. 22
- Friday, Dec. 6
7. How can I be considered for scholarships?
To be considered for scholarships from UT Austin, the Cockrell School of Engineering and UT PGE, complete the Scholarship Interest Form by Dec. 11. (This form is available in MyStatus after you submit your application to UT Austin via the Common App or Apply Texas application forms.) A completed FAFSA is not required but is strongly recommended to be considered for available university scholarships. For Cockrell School merit-based scholarships, complete the Engineering Honors Program Application by Dec. 1.
If you don’t receive a scholarship before your first semester, you are eligible to receive one after first-semester grades are posted. Any current student with an in-residence GPA of 3.0 or higher who has completed the Engineering Scholarship Application is eligible to be considered for departmental scholarships, like those funded by our Workforce Initiative.
8. I already have a bachelor’s degree, but I want to apply for admission to the UT PGE undergraduate program. What steps must I take?
If you have earned a bachelor's from a different university, you should apply for admission to UT PGE as an external transfer student. Please visit the PGE transfer admissions page for more information about the application process.
9. How much is tuition for UT PGE?
Use UT Austin's tuition calculator to discover your specific cost.
