The American University of Beirut seeks students of sound character, proven academic achievement, and strong potential. In accordance with the policies of its founders and its commitment to equal opportunity policy, the university admits students regardless of race, color, religion, gender, disability, or national origin. While AUB attracts students from more than ninety countries around the world, it primarily serves applicants from Lebanon, the Arab world, and the Middle East and strives to maintain geographic distribution within the region. The university also values its strong ties with its alumni and considers the enrollment of children of alumni important to maintaining these ties and to continuing its traditions.
Graduate Studies
Graduate study at AUB began in 1904. The first master’s degree was awarded the following year. Doctoral study was initiated in 1961, and the first PhD was granted in 1966.
Graduate study is directed by the Graduate Studies Committees (GSC) of the various faculties/schools and the Board of Graduate Studies (BGS), which reports to the University Senate. The Graduate Council serves as the executive body responsible for overseeing all graduate programs at AUB.
New programs may be added upon the recommendation of the faculty/school Graduate Studies Committee—endorsed by any other faculty/school concerned—and approved by the Board of Graduate Studies, the University Senate, and the Board of Trustees. All residential programs are approved and registered by the Minister of Education and Higher Education in Lebanon and all programs, residential and online, are approved and registered by the New York State Education Department (NYSED) and listed in the NYSED Inventory of Registered Programs.
Graduate Council
The Graduate Council (GC) reports to the provost of the university and plays a key role in ensuring the uniform implementation of the rules and regulations governing graduate studies across the university, in accordance with policies approved by the BGS and the Senate, and as recommended by the faculties and schools. The GC facilitates and coordinates graduate education and monitors the implementation of graduate policies and deadlines. The GC works closely with the BGS and faculty/school GSCs to maintain quality control across all aspects of graduate education. In collaboration with faculty, students, and staff, the Graduate Council coordinates graduate recruitment to ensure a selection process from a highly qualified pool of student applicants and manages the graduate admissions process at the university-level. It provides information on admissions to all graduate programs, administers graduate academic standards of scholarship and policy, and supports student development and success through workshops, training activities, counseling, and initiatives that promote timely degree completion. The GC also administers AUB’s Graduate Assistantship and Fellowship Policy (GFAP).
Areas in Which Graduate Study is Offered
The university offers master’s degrees, PhD degrees, and two types of graduate diplomas: academic and professional.
Master’s Degrees
Faculty of Arts and Sciences
Thesis-based
|
|
MS | - Biology
- Chemistry
- Computational Sciences
- Computer Science
- Geology
- Mathematics/Applied Mathematics
- Mathematics/Pure Mathematics
- Physics
|
|
MSES | - Environmental Policy Planning
|
MA
| - Anthropology
- Arabic Language and Literature (frozen admission)
- Archaeology
- Art History and Curating
- Clinical Psychology
- Economics
- Education/Administration and Policy Studies
- Education/Elementary Education
- Education/Mathematics Education
- Education/Psychology-School Guidance
- Education/Psychology-Tests and Measurements
- Education/Science Education
- Education/Teaching of English as a Foreign Language
- English Language
- English Literature
- Psychology (frozen admission)
- History
- Islamic Studies
- Media Studies
- Middle Eastern Studies
- Philosophy
- Political Studies
- Public Administration (frozen admission)
- Public Policy and International Affairs
- Sociology
|
Non-thesis project-based
|
MSES
| - Environmental Policy Planning
|
MA
| - Anthropology
- Clinical Psychology
- Computing in Education (online program)
- Education/Administration and Policy Studies
- Education/Elementary Education
- Education/Mathematics Education
- Education/Psychology-School Guidance
- Education/Psychology-Tests and Measurements
- Education/Science Education
- Education/Teaching of English as a Foreign Language
- Financial Economics
- Media Studies
- Middle Eastern Studies
- Public Policy and International Affairs
|
Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences
Non-thesis project-based
|
Suliman S. Olayan School of Business
EMBA
| - Executive Master of Business Administration
|
MBA
| - Accounting (residential or online)
- Business Information and Decision Systems (residential or online)
- Finance (residential or online)
- Management (residential or online)
- Marketing (residential or online)
|
Non-thesis project-based
|
MBA
| - Accounting (residential or online)
- Business Information and Decision Systems (residential or online)
- Finance (residential or online)
- Management (residential or online)
- Marketing (residential or online)
|
MA
| - Human Resource Management
|
Maroun Semaan Faculty of Engineering and Architecture
MSES
| - Environmental Technology
|
MUPP
| - Urban Planning and Policy
|
ME
| - Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Environmental and Water Resources
- Mechanical Engineering
|
Non-thesis project-based
|
MSES
| - Environmental Technology
|
MS
| - Biomedical Engineering
- Energy Studies
|
MEM
| - Engineering Management (residential or online)
|
Faculty of Health Sciences
Non-thesis project-based
|
Non-thesis course-based
|
MPH
| - Epidemiology and Biostatistics
- Health Management and Policy
- Health Promotion and Community Health
|
MS
| - Executive HealthCare Leadership, online
|
Faculty of Medicine
MSBS
| - Biochemistry
- Human Morphology
- Microbiology and Immunology
- Neurosciences
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics
- Physiology
|
Non-thesis project-based
|
Rafic Hariri School of Nursing
Thesis-based and non-thesis project-based
|
Interfaculty Program
PhD Degrees
AUB offers the doctor of philosophy (PhD) degree in fourteen disciplines. The programs are designed for students whose academic backgrounds and research interests indicate a strong potential for scholarly success and significant contribution to their field of knowledge. Students will work on a specific research plan with a contributing scholar and mentor in their department.
All PhD students at AUB will normally receive full tuition waiver and a monthly stipend. They are required to participate in teaching activities, which may include teaching a full course, assisting in group learning activities, or supporting laboratory work as assigned by the department.
Further information on programs, research opportunities, requirements for admission, and specific PhD degree requirements can be found on the relevant faculty/school’s section of this catalogue and on its webpage.
PhD programs offered include the following:
Faculty of Arts and Sciences
- Arabic Language and Literature (frozen admission)
- Arab and Middle Eastern History
- Cell and Molecular Biology
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Theoretical Physics
Faculty of Health Sciences
Rafic Hariri School of Nursing
Maroun Semaan Faculty of Engineering and Architecture
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Environmental and Water Resources Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
Faculty of Medicine
Faculty of Medicine and Maroun Semaan Faculty of Engineering and Architecture
Graduate Diploma Programs
- Graduate Academic Diplomas
- Graduate Professional Diplomas
Application Procedures
Applications are reviewed based on the deadlines stated below (and indicated on the online application). Admission decisions — made by the department/program and the Graduate Studies Committee — are announced by the Graduate Council. Accepted applicants are given one month to accept, defer, or decline the offer of admission.
| FOR ADMISSION TO: | APPLICATION DEADLINE | DECISIONS |
| Spring 2026-27 | Thursday, November 5, 2026 | Monday, December 14, 2026 |
| Fall 2027-28 | Monday, March 15, 2027 | Friday, May 14, 2027
|
Readiness for University Study in English (RUSE)
Applicants to graduate programs at AUB must demonstrate proficiency in the English language. RUSE is a requirement for all diploma, master’s, and doctoral programs. This can be done by submitting official test scores for at least one of the following tests:
- English Entrance Examination (AUB-EN)
- Test of English as a Foreign Language – Internet Based Test (TOEFL iBT),
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS),
- Graduate Record Examination GRE (Verbal Part), and
- Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) – GMAT (Verbal Part).
Applicants who submit English language proficiency test scores below the required levels may still be admitted. In such cases, they will be required to take an English language course upon enrollment in their graduate degree programs.
Applicants to graduate diploma programs are also expected to demonstrate English language proficiency in accordance with the university’s requirements for graduate diploma admission.
English Language Remedial Course
Applicants who obtain scores lower than those required must enroll in the remedial graduate English course, ENGL 300. After the change of schedule period (drop and add), no new test scores will be accepted and no new placement will be made.
RUSE Waivers
RUSE requirement is waived for applicants who meet any of the following conditions at the time of application:
- Have completed an undergraduate or graduate degree at AUB or AUB-Mediterraneo.
- Were admitted to a degree program at AUB no more than five years ago and completed at least two regular terms with good academic standing.
- Have completed an undergraduate or graduate degree at an accredited college or university in North America, Great Britain, Australia, and New Zealand.
- Have completed, within the past five years, an undergraduate or graduate degree at an accredited college or university elsewhere in the world where English is listed as the only language of instruction in the International Association of Universities (IAU) World Higher Education Database and where admission requires English language proficiency test scores that meet RUSE requirements.
Further Requirements
Applicants’ scores on the tests listed below must be submitted to the appropriate departments and faculty/school Graduate Studies Committees in time for graduate study admission selection. It is the applicant’s responsibility to register for and take the required tests on the appropriate dates to ensure that the Graduate Council receives the scores in time for admission selection.
Applicants to certain master’s degree programs at the Faculty of Arts and Sciences are required to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test and submit their scores along with the application. GRE scores are valid for five years from the testing year in which the applicant completed the exam.
Applications missing the GRE scores will not be considered by departments. Some departments in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences may also recommend that applicants submit GRE subject test scores. Applicants are advised to check with the department or program to which they are applying regarding this requirement.
Applicants to the MBA program are required to take the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). Official and valid GMAT scores must be submitted no later than one month after the application deadline. A valid GMAT score should be recent (no older than five years at the time of the application) and no less than 570. Upon registering for GMAT, applicants must specify that the results be sent to the AUB Graduate Council (ETS school code: 0902).
Some faculties/schools and departments have additional admission requirements to their programs. Prospective applicants should confirm with the relevant faculty, school, department, or program concerned that they meet all admission criteria. For detailed information regarding admission to a particular faculty/school or department, refer to the corresponding sections on graduate study in this catalogue.
Admission
Admission to Master’s Programs
Graduate study is offered on a selective basis to students who have demonstrated distinctive academic ability. To be considered for admission to the graduate programs at AUB, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from AUB or its equivalent from a recognized institution of higher learning. Applicants with an excellent record of academic achievement and demonstrated potential for creative and independent work may be admitted under one of the following categories:
- Admission as a regular graduate student, with the possibility of financial support through the Graduate Fellowship and Assistant Program (GFAP)
- Admission on probation (with no possibility of financial support via the Graduate Fellowship and Assistant Program (GFAP))
- Admission as a prospective graduate student (FAFS, FAS, and MSFEA) (undergraduate courses are not covered by GFAP)
The minimum admission requirements for all categories above are described below. Additional requirements for admission may be established by the individual departments/programs, as approved by faculty/school Graduate Studies Committees. Applicants are advised to consult the relevant department or program to which they are applying or the Graduate Council for further details on specific requirements.
Admission to the master’s program at AUB is competitive and based on the applicant’s academic record and overall achievements. Departments may also recommend admission for applicants whose research interests or academic background align with the expertise of faculty members or the strategic priorities of the faculty or school offering the program.
Applicants holding degrees from institutions other than AUB must submit, along with their official transcript, a letter from the degree-awarding institution specifying the details of its grading system, expressed either in terms of its equivalence to a 4.0 GPA scale or letter grades (A, B, C with +/- scales). Alternatively, applicants may provide an official letter from the Office of the Registrar of their institution indicating the graduating class average of previous years, along with standard deviation and class size.
Admission as a Regular Student
Applicants are considered for admission as regular students to a graduate program if they meet the following minimum admission requirements:
- An undergraduate GPA of at least 3.3 (B+, or the standardized equivalent from another recognized institution of higher learning) in the major field of study and a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 (B, or standardized equivalent) for all undergraduate coursework leading to a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from AUB or another recognized institution of higher learning.
- In the Maroun Semaan Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, the interfaculty graduate environmental sciences program (IGESP), and the master in finance, a GPA of at least 3.3 (B+) is required for the last two years of undergraduate study or its equivalent at AUB or another university as determined by the faculty/school.
- Students who hold a minor in a field of specialization with a GPA of at least 3.3 (B+) may be considered for admission as regular students in that field.
- At least two letters of recommendation.
- A detailed statement of purpose (around 400-500 words) for each selected major or concentration, outlining the applicant’s motivation for pursuing graduate study in that particular field at AUB and specifying research interests and/or practical experience in the field.
- Some graduate programs may have additional admission requirements listed in their respective department or program sections.
In selecting students for master’s programs, the faculty/school Graduate Studies Committee may also consider other indicators of achievement, such as research potential, professional or work experience, publications, or other creative work or scholarly activities. In considering such criteria, the Graduate Studies Committee of the faculty/school may, in some cases, give serious consideration to departmental recommendations for applicants who do not meet the minimum undergraduate GPA requirements but who demonstrate instead clear evidence of creative activity and academic potential. Departments submitting such recommendations must provide a written justification to the faculty or school Graduate Studies Committee, which will review each case and make its final recommendation to the dean on a case-by-case basis.
Admission on Probation
Applicants are considered for admission on probation if they meet the following minimum requirements:
- An undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 (B, or the standardized equivalent from another recognized institution of higher learning) in the major field of study and a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 (B, or standardized equivalent) for all undergraduate coursework leading to a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from AUB or another recognized institution of higher learning.
- In the Maroun Semaan Faculty of Engineering and Architecture and the interfaculty graduate environmental sciences program (IGESP), a GPA of 3.0 (B) is required for the last two years of undergraduate study or its equivalent at AUB or another university as determined by the respective faculty/school.
- The application requirements and admission regulations governing recommendations, as outlined under Admission as a Regular Student, also apply in this category.
In addition, applicants who do not meet the above minimum requirements but demonstrate reasonable potential for success as graduate students—through relevant practical experience or high scores on a standardized test such as the GRE or GMAT—may also be considered for admission on probation.
The academic performance of students admitted on probation should be evaluated after their completion of at least 20 percent of the total credits of the graduate program in which they are enrolled. For master’s programs of 30 credits, that would be 6 credits. For master’s programs of 40- 42 credits, that would be 8 credits. These must be credits from at least two courses that are not remedial English language courses, are a minimum of 6 credits and are required by their graduate program. Students admitted on probation must pass and attain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.3 in these courses to achieve regular status. If students fail to meet any of these conditions, they will be dropped from the program.
Admission as a Prospective Graduate Student (FAFS, FAS, and MSFEA)
Applicants who hold a bachelor’s degree in a major field of study different from the one to which they are applying, and who lack sufficient academic preparation in that field, may be admitted as prospective graduate students.
Such students are required to complete specific undergraduate course requirements before being granted regular admission to a graduate program. The guidelines governing these course requirements are outlined below.
- To be considered for admission as a prospective graduate student, applicants must have attained an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 (B, or standardized equivalent) in all coursework leading to a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from AUB or another recognized institution of higher learning. In the Maroun Semaan Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, applicants may be considered for admission as prospective graduate students if they have attained a GPA of 3.0 (B) at AUB for the last two years of undergraduate study or its equivalent at another recognized university, as determined by the faculty, and have demonstrated strong performance in courses related to the intended field of study.
- The application requirements and the governing regulations for admission are the same as those outlined under Admission as a Regular Student.
- The following policies relate to undergraduate course requirements for students admitted into the prospective student category:
- Prospective students are normally required to take a maximum of fifteen (15) credits of undergraduate courses in the major field of study to which they are applying and must achieve a GPA of at least 3.3 (B+) in these courses to be admitted to the graduate program and begin work toward their master’s degree.
- Departments may recommend reducing this requirement below fifteen (15) credits, subject to justification and the approval of the faculty/school Graduate Studies Committee. Such reductions may be considered when students have already completed relevant coursework or possess significant academic or professional experience related to the intended field of study. When determining prerequisite courses for admission to MA, MS, or ME programs, departments may also recommend the inclusion of courses outside the strictly defined field of study if deemed relevant. In exceptional cases, outstanding work or research experience in the intended field may be considered in partial fulfillment of the course requirements. All recommendations for reductions below fifteen (15) credits must be supported by departmental justification and approved by the faculty/school Graduate Studies Committee.
- Departments may also recommend, after the student’s first term, waiving certain course requirements in recognition of outstanding performance, pending justification and approval by the faculty/school Graduate Studies Committee.
- Change of Status:
To change from prospective to regular graduate student status after completion of requirements, students must attain a minimum GPA of 3.3 (B+) in all fifteen (15) credits of undergraduate courses in the field required for admission (including the ones taken prior to acceptance). Students who attain a GPA of 3.0-3.3 (B to B+) may be considered for graduate on probation status, pending a department recommendation and the approval of the faculty/school Graduate Studies Committee.
Prospective graduate students who have completed all but one undergraduate prerequisite course may begin taking one graduate course along with the last undergraduate course requirement upon the approval of their department and the faculty/school Graduate Studies Committee. All supplementary courses must be completed within four consecutive regular terms. Undergraduate courses are not covered by GFAP.
Reapplication and Readmission
Students who seek to return to AUB after a period of non-enrollment exceeding one academic year, without having secured approval for a leave of absence must reapply and will be considered for readmission in accordance with the regular AUB application/admission procedures. If readmitted into the same graduate program, their previous residence as a graduate student will count toward maximum residency.
Requirements for Dual Master Degrees
Qualified graduate students may enroll and earn two master’s degrees in distinct fields from two programs within the same or different faculties/schools. Dual master’s degrees are programs jointly proposed by two departments/programs from the same or different faculties/schools, recommended by them to the Board of Graduate Studies and approved by the University Senate. In such cases, students will be concurrently granted two degrees at the time of graduation, contingent upon successful completion of the requirements of both programs.
If tuition differs between the two programs, students will pay the higher tuition rate. Students may register as dual degree candidates only in programs that are approved by the university and listed in the AUB Graduate Catalogue. The list of approved dual degree programs is limited to compatible pairs of master’s degrees that students can pursue in parallel while maintaining focused research. Students should refer to the relevant section of this catalogue to determine whether dual master’s degrees are available in their areas of interest.
To fulfill the basic requirement for the two degrees, students must complete a minimum of eighteen (18) credit hours of graduate coursework in each degree program. The remaining credits include additional coursework and either a thesis (for thesis-option program) or a project (for non-thesis option) that counts toward both master’s degrees. In cases where one program offers a thesis option and the other a project option, the thesis option must be adopted. Students will submit one thesis/project for the two degrees. The thesis/project must be approved by both departments/programs and by the relevant faculty/school Graduate Studies Committees. The Thesis/Project Committee for dual degrees must include at least one faculty member from each degree program. The single thesis presented for dual degree programs cannot be used to satisfy the thesis requirements of any third or additional graduate degree program different from those in the dual degrees.
The minimum total credit hours for a dual master’s degree program is determined as follows:
- If both programs require thirty (30) credit hours for degree completion, the dual degree program must include forty-eight (48) graduate credit hours, applicable for both thesis and non-thesis option programs.
- If one of the programs for dual degrees requires forty-two (42) credit hours for completion and the other program requires thirty (30) credit hours, the minimum total required for the dual degrees is sixty (60) credit hours, including the thesis/ project as mentioned in the previous paragraph.
In addition to the credit requirements, students must fulfill any other specific requirements set by each master’s program. The minimum residency requirement for dual master’s degrees is six regular terms.
Application Processes for Dual Master Degrees
Students who wish to apply for dual degrees may submit a single dual degree application, which will be forwarded to both degree programs simultaneously at the time of initial application for graduate admissions. Students already registered in one master’s degree may apply for the second degree no later than the end of their second term at AUB to be considered for the dual degree.
- Each program/department will review the application independently. Applicants must meet the admission requirements of both programs and must be accepted into both in order to be admitted to the dual degree program.
- Students admitted to a dual master’s degree program may benefit from the Graduate Fellowship and Assistantship Program (GFAP) in either or both participating units; however, the total support awarded cannot exceed what each unit provides for a graduate assistant for one academic year.
- Students admitted to dual master’s degree programs will receive a single transcript identifying both degrees and the titles of the two programs.
- Students may withdraw from the dual degree program before completing both degrees. If the requirements for one degree have been fulfilled, that degree may be awarded. Obtaining the other degree is then subject to re-evaluation and would require additional credit and residency requirements.
Transfer of Credits
Up to nine (9) graduate credits may be transferred and applied to one of the two degree programs or distributed between them. Credit transfer follows university policy with regards to the minimum grade required for transferrable courses from other institutions.
Admission to PhD Programs
Admission to the PhD program for students holding a master’s degree at AUB is competitive, based on the applicant’s academic record, achievements, and alignment with the research priorities of the department/program. Applicants are expected to have demonstrated distinctive academic ability and are considered for admission to the PhD program if they meet the following minimum requirements:
- Hold a master’s degree in a discipline approved by the department/program to which the applicants are applying from AUB or another recognized institution of higher learning, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.7 (A-) or its equivalent.
- Submit a complete application that includes:
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended after high school.
- General GRE test scores. Most programs accept scores that are up to five years old. Departments may set minimum score requirements; applicants should refer to the specific program for more information.
- A written statement of purpose (approximately 400-500 words) indicating the purpose for pursuing doctoral study in the particular field at AUB, including their research interests and/or relevant practical experience.
- A portfolio that includes a resume and samples of work, if required by the specific program.
- Three letters of recommendation.
- Complete an interview which may be conducted in person, by phone, or online.
- Demonstrate English language proficiency. For details on English proficiency requirements, refer to RUSE in the section above.
Additional requirements may be set by the individual programs as approved by the faculty/school Graduate Studies Committee and the Board of Graduate Studies. Applicants are encouraged to consult the relevant department or program, or the Graduate Council for details regarding any additional requirements.
Applicants who hold a master’s degree from institutions other than AUB must submit official transcripts along with a letter from each degree-awarding institution indicating the denotation of their grading system in terms of its equivalence on a 4.0 GPA scale or in terms of letter grades A, B, C with +/- scales. Alternatively, applicants may provide an official letter from the Office of the Registrar of their institutions indicating the graduating class average of previous years, along with standard deviation and class size.
Admission to a Graduate Diploma Program
Applicants for graduate academic diplomas must hold a bachelor’s degree (or its equivalent from AUB or another recognized institution of higher learning) with a GPA of at least 3.0 (B, or an equivalent standardized score from another institution of higher learning). Applicants who do not meet the minimum GPA requirement may still be considered for admission if they demonstrate strong potential for academic success evidenced by relevant practical experience or high scores on relevant standardized tests, and if supported by justified recommendation.
Admission requirements for graduate professional diploma programs are the same as those for graduate academic diplomas, except that there is no minimum undergraduate GPA requirement.
For both graduate professional and graduate academic diplomas, faculties/schools may set additional admission requirements. Some programs require letters of recommendation, while others do not. Applicants to certain diploma programs in certain faculties/schools may be required to submit scores from standardized tests such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) along with the application. GRE and GMAT test scores are valid for five years after the testing year in which they were taken.
Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in the English language. For additional information, refer to RUSE in the section above.
Admission as a Visiting Graduate Student
This category applies to students participating in a study abroad from another university or those enrolled through an exchange program.
Applicants must either hold a bachelor’s degree or be currently enrolled in a recognized institution of higher education, pursuing graduate level studies at the master’s or PhD level.
Applications must be submitted to the Graduate Council along with the degree and transcript of record by the following deadlines:
- End of January for admission for the following fall term
- End of October for the following spring term
- End of March for the following summer term
GRE test scores are not required for admission as a visiting student.
Applicants must indicate their intended course of study during their visit. Applications are reviewed by the departments offering the selected courses. Recommendations for admission as visiting students require the approval of the faculty/school Graduate Studies Committee.
Admission is typically offered for one term, but may be extended an additional term based on the specific agreement and with the approval of the hosting department/s and the faculty/school Graduate Studies Committee.
Deferred Registration of Admitted Students
Applicants to master’s programs who are offered admission for a term and wish to defer enrollment to the next admitting term when that program is offered, may apply do so only if they pay their enrollment confirmation fee and submit a deferral petition through the AUB Application Status Portal. If the acceptance is successfully deferred, the applicant will be informed. The applicant must confirm their enrollment by the deadline for confirmation of enrollment for that next admitting term to which they have requested deferral.