How to Apply Instructions

Fall Admissions*

• February 1: Priority and International Student Application Deadline
• March 1: Final Deadline

Please review the Supplemental PHD EDUC Application Resource Guideline for additional application details and information by selected program concentration.

*This program does not admit students every year; intake depends on when there are enough students to run a cohort. Please refer to the Supplemental Application Resource Guideline above to confirm whether this concentration is accepting new applicants for this enrollment period or contact the PhD Education, Exceptionalities coordinator (Dr. Kavita Rao, kavitar@hawaii.edu) to express interest in program prior to applying.

If you would like to receive updates, notifications, and application tips, please be sure to complete the “Request More Info” form for this program to be added to the contact list. 

Note: Beginning with Fall 2027 admissions, applicants will only need to submit the UHM Graduate Division application. The College of Education Makalei application is no longer required.

How to Apply

To apply, follow these steps during the application period: 

You must first submit an application to the UH Manoa Graduate Division. When completing your application, make sure to select “Education – PhD (Fall Year)”

Complete all four sections:

• Personal Information
• Academic History
• Supporting Information
  • Note: International Students needing to submit English proficiency scores or transcript evaluations can upload them here
• Program Materials
  • Program Questions Tab
    • Which concentration are you applying for?
      • Select: Exceptionalities
  • Documents Tab (Refer to the Supplemental PHD EDUC Application Resource Guideline for more information)
    • Upload Statement of Objectives
    • Upload Curriculum Vitae/Resume
    • Upload Sample of Scholarly Writing
  • Recommendations Tab
    • List references for obtaining three (3) letters of recommendation. Letters of recommendation are due by the deadline

To complete your application, you must pay a $100 application fee and submit your transcripts for any colleges/universities you have attended. Uploaded transcripts may be unofficial for the application, but please keep in mind that official transcripts will be required if you are accepted into the program. More information on the application may be found on the Graduate Division Site.

Official Transcripts

Send electronically: gradss@hawaii.edu

Mailing Address:

Graduate Division, Student Services
2540 Maile Way
Spalding Hall 354
Honolulu, HI 96822

If you have any questions or need assistance with the application process, please contact spedinfo@hawaii.edu.