Timeline
In order to begin studies in this Department, you must apply for admission to the Graduate College and to the Department of Spanish and Portuguese by February 15 for the fall semester, August 1 for the spring semester.

Official Transcripts
Please note that the completed applications require one set of official transcripts/records from all institutions attended. These official transcripts must be sent directly from the institution to the Department of Spanish and Portuguese or enclosed in an envelope sealed by the issuing institution. A separate degree certification is required if the degree is not posted on the transcripts/records. All foreign documents for admission to the University of Arizona must be sent with a certified English translation. To be official, transcripts/documents must have the original deal of the institution and signature of a responsible official/Registrar.

(3) Letters of Recommendation
You will also need to provide three letters of recommendation. The recommendation forms/letters should be attached to the completed "Recommendation Form". Letters of recommendation must be mailed directly to the Department of Spanish and Portuguese by the recommenders. Specifically, your three recommendations should be by professors with whom you have studied and who can inform us of your academic potential in your chosen area. It would be helpful to us in evaluating your candidacy if you would ask your professors to comment on how long and in what capacity each has known you, your Spanish, your pronunciation, your knowledge of grammar, your knowledge of literature, and your probable or demonstrated teaching ability. Very important will be her/his opinion of your personal qualities, your initiative, your dependability, and your ability to work with others.

Statement of Purpose
A Statement of Purpose (written in Spanish, 1-2 pages) where you address your reasons for wanting to join the graduate program, your academic strengths and preparation, and your academic and professional goals, needs to be included. It would also be helpful if you address your evolution as a student of Spanish language and literature. Please use the form provided or a separate typed page. Please note, if you are also applying for a GATship, the aforementioned Statement of Purpose is to be submitted in addition to the statement of purpose required on the GATship application.

Writing Sample
Additionally, you will need to submit a writing sample in Spanish. A term paper from your most recent degree related to your field of study is acceptable.

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Graduate Assistantship in Teaching (GATships)
If you are interested in a GATship please complete the enclosed form and submit a cassette with a taped presentation from the sheet entitled "Guidelines for Preparing Cassette Tapes". In addition, the award of GATship provides waiver of out-of-state tuition. Also, it may be of interest to you to know that a limited number of Graduate Fellowships and Graduate Minority Fellowships are awarded on a competitive basis by the Graduate College. Additionally, a limited number of Graduate Tuition Scholarships and Graduate Academic Scholarships are available on a competitive basis through the Graduate College to students participating in our graduate program.

English Language Proficiency
If English is not your native language, you must give evidence of having passed the TSE (Test of Spoken English) and score a minimum of 50 or take the SPEAK Test (administered at the University of Arizona - needs to be taken well before application deadline) and score 50 or higher; and the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) at the 550 level (230 for computer based score). Written proof of the TOEFL and TSE/SPEAK scores is required and needs to be submitted before application deadline.

International Student Visa
Foreign students, who must obtain a student visa through this University, are required by the U.S. Government to provide a financial guarantee in the amount of $25,352. The financial guarantee, which you should arrange through your local bank or sponsor, should be certified on the attached form, "Financial Guarantee", and then submitted to the Graduate College with the Application for Admission.

If you have any questions, please call the office of Graduate Studies or write to:

Director of Graduate Studies
c/o: Katia da Costa Bezerra Ph.D.
Department of Spanish and Portuguese
Modern Languages
University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ 85721
(520) 621-3125 or
(520) 621-3123
Fax: (520) 621-6104

Please send all application material including Graduate College Admissions application to the Department of Spanish and Portuguese.