ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø

ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø students walk through the ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø courtyard in the fall

Interested in applying to ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø for the 2026-2027 academic year? The application will be available in September 2025, but you can begin to prepare now.

We’ve put together a suggested application timeline to keep you on track throughout the application process. Note that this is intended to be a suggested timeline to reference as you prepare all required materials. All applications and supporting materials must be received by the deadline in early December.

  • December 2025
    Submit Application & Pay Application Fee

    The master's degree application will be due in early December.

    After submitting your application, you will be prompted to pay the $100 USD application fee, which may be paid by credit card, check, or money order. You can also request an application fee waiver if you are a participant or alumni of certain programs or if you require a waiver in order to apply. 

  • November 2025
    Review Your Application

    Make sure your recommenders have submitted their letters and remind them of the December deadline if they have not. Confirm you have uploaded all required transcripts or have requested for them to be sent to ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø. Edit and proofread your essays. Most importantly, ensure all your materials are in the application portal before the deadline.

  • October 21, 2025

    There are a variety of ways for you to engage with members of the Kennedy School community and learn more about the application process, including Fall Open House on Tuesday, October 21. More details will be available soon. 

  • September 2025

    Non-native English speakers who did not earn an undergraduate degree conducted in English must submit proof of English language proficiency.

    If you earned an undergraduate degree conducted entirely in English, you do not need to submit proof of English language proficiency, regardless of your native language.

  • September 2025

    We require submission of transcripts for all colleges and universities you have attended and earned academic credit. This includes institutions where you may have taken courses but did not receive a degree. Applicants have two options for submitting academic transcripts: 

    1) You may upload unofficial copies of your transcripts directly to your application for admission (recommended)

    2) You may request that your college or university send official transcripts directly to our office

  • September 2025

    A résumé is required of all applicants. This document should highlight your employment history, including titles, dates, and job responsibilities for each position; academic degrees, achievements, and honors; volunteer, public service, and political work; recent leadership experiences; and extracurricular activities and interests.

  • September 2025

    All of our master’s degree programs require that you submit at least four essays, which vary by program. Start early so you have time to reflect on your experiences, goals, and motivations and craft a cohesive narrative.

  • September 2025

    If you’re applying to the MPP, MPA, or MPA/ID Program and haven’t already taken a required test, register now. See the How to Apply page for full details about our GRE/GMAT requirements by program.

    We strongly recommend that you take all required exams no later than one month prior to the application deadline to account for any processing delays.

  • September 2025
    2026-2027 Master's Degree Program Application Opens

    The application for admission will be available in early September. to be notified when the application is live.

  • August 29, 2025
    Deadline to Apply for a GRE/GMAT Waiver (if eligible)

    MPP and two-year MPA applicants who have completed certain quantitative coursework can waive the GRE/GMAT requirement. Learn more about this process and complete the GRE/GMAT Waiver Request Form by Friday, August 29, 2025.

  • August 2025

    As part of the application process, you are required to submit three letters of recommendation from individuals who know you and are familiar with your work. Once you identify who you would like to write your letters of recommendation, make a point to reach out to them early, let them know you will be applying to ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø, and ask if they would be willing to write a letter of recommendation on your behalf. 

Interested in learning more about the required master's program application materials?
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