The acceptance rates for a Nuclear Engineering PhD and a Physics PhD can vary depending on the specific program and university. Generally, nuclear engineering PhD programs tend to have a slightly higher acceptance rate compared to physics PhD programs.
One possible reason for this difference is the number of available funding opportunities. Nuclear engineering PhD programs often have more funding available due to the high demand for nuclear engineers in industries such as energy and defense. This can make these programs more attractive to prospective students and result in a higher acceptance rate.
While specific qualifications and experiences may vary between programs, generally a strong background in mathematics and physics is preferred for acceptance into a nuclear engineering PhD program. Research experience and relevant coursework in areas such as nuclear physics and reactor design can also be beneficial.
Some factors that can affect the acceptance rate for both nuclear engineering and physics PhD programs include the overall competitiveness of the program, the availability of funding, and the qualifications and experiences of the applicants. Additionally, the acceptance rate may also be impacted by the current research interests and needs of the faculty at the particular university.
As a scientist, I cannot definitively answer this question as it can vary greatly between programs. However, in general, both nuclear engineering and physics PhD programs are highly competitive and require strong academic backgrounds and research experiences. It is important for prospective students to carefully research and choose the program that best aligns with their interests and qualifications.