Admission to mechanical engineering graduate programs is competitive. Admission decisions are based on the quality of the applicant's previous university-level academic work, letters of recommendation, GRE scores, and other evidence of past accomplishments. GRE General Test scores are required for all applicants applying for a research-based degree program (Ph.D. or M.S.), must be submitted by all applicants seeking assistantships and/or tuition support, and are recommended for all other applicants.

Minimum scores are generally a GRE-V of 150 and a GRE-Q of 155. Students whose native language is not English must submit a satisfactory score on an English proficiency test. The Accepted English proficiency tests include the TOEFL exam (minimum score of 80 on the internet-based test), IELTS International Academic Course Type 2 exam (minimum score of 6.5) and the PTE Academic (minimum score of 53).