Details

Prior to Attending

General

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent. All incoming M.A. students must complete introductory microeconomics and introductory macroeconomics courses (receiving a grade of B- or higher) prior to enrolling at SAIS. Completion of these courses is recommended but not required to apply to SAIS. 

Volunteer positions, internships and employment all are encouraged. While international experience is strongly recommended, students should be able to show their interest in the field of international relations.

Language

All SAIS students must have proven English proficiency. Students whose native language is not English must demonstrate their preparation in the English language via strong TOEFL or IELTS scores. The TOEFL/IELTS test requirement may be waived for individuals who have received their undergraduate degree from an accredited institution where English is the language of instruction in a country where English is an official language.

For Non-U.S. Students

Most non-U.S. students at SAIS enter the United States using either F-1 student or J-1 exchange visitor visas–student category. Since a student’s academic career can span several years, we encourage you to keep copies of all immigration-related documents related to your stay. This includes copies of your passport, I-20s, DS-2019s, as well as any applications and correspondence submitted to the government for immigration-related benefits, etc.

All non-European Union citizens at SAIS Bologna enter Italy using a student visa. The visa wil be valid for the duration of the academic year.

For Dual Degree Seekers

Students must be admitted separately to each school, satisfying the admissions requirements of both institutions. Students interested in pursuing dual degrees from SAIS and a two-year program must either apply to the schools simultaneously or be admitted to the second school by the end of their first year at the first school. Students interested in pursuing dual SAIS and law degrees must apply simultaneously to each school, apply to the law school before completion of the first year of the SAIS degree program or apply to SAIS before the second year of law study has been completed.

Cost of Attendance

Tuition $22,010
Room $1,100
Board $2,000
Health Insurance $1,900
Books and Supplies $80
Travel Allowance $3,326**
Personal Expenses $2,000**
Direct Loan Fees $410
Matriculation Fee $500
Total $33,326



*2012-2013 academic year

**Average amount based on survey responses from former students

Estimated Cost of Attendance
2013-14 Academic Year
Washington, D.C. Campus
Tuition $39,748*
Room $12,150
Board $4,500
Health Insurance $2,050
Books and Supplies $1,500
Travel Allowance $1,000
Personal Expenses $3,000
Direct Loan Fees $1,200**
Cafeteria Fee $200
Total $65,348

Please note: entering students pay a one time matriculation fee of $500.
*Subject to change. Tuition will be finalized by the Board of Trustees in May 2013.
**Estimated based on Average debt at SAIS from the 2012-2013 academic year. Loan fees will vary based on the amount that you borrow from year to year.

Estimated Cost of Attendance
2013-14 Academic Year
Bologna, Italy Campus
Tuition €31,533*
Room and Board €8,500
Health Insurance €1,520
Books and Supplies €540
Travel Allowance €2,150
Personal Expenses €1,850
Direct Loan Fees €891***
Total €46,984**

1. Bologna Center tuition and expenses are in EURO currency. In order to provide protection against a drop in value of the U.S. Dollar, the Bologna Center will put a ceiling on the tuition charged. 2. The above estimates are based on survey data from current students and actual rental costs provided by the student housing consultant. Figures are for single students sharing apartments.  ** Please note: entering students pay a one-time matriculation fee of €385 Euros. ***Estimated based on Average debt at SAIS from the 2012-2013 academic year. Loan fees will vary based on the amount that you borrow from year to year.

Prior to Graduating

Capstone

All M.A. students are required to complete a program capstone in order to graduate. This is an integrative project or experience within the non-International Economics concentration and requires an assessment. It is at the discretion of program directors to determine what constitutes a capstone. Generally, a capstone should be completed in a student’s second year. Some programs may choose to allow the M.A. Oral Exam, to compete for honors, as one of the capstone options.

Concentrations

All candidates must concentrate their studies in two programs, one of which must be International Economics. Students select their second concentration from one of the global themes or regions of the world programs. A student usually takes six courses to meet a concentration requirement. Students must consult with the director of their chosen second program or with their adviser in order to plan an appropriate course of study.

Core Exams

M.A. candidates must pass either an examination or a class in at least two of these four core subjects:

  • American Foreign Policy Since World War II
  • Comparative National Systems
  • Evolution of the International System
  • Theories of International Relations

M.A. students are expected to pass the two required core exams by the beginning of their final semester. Certain programs require specific core exams be completed prior to the start of the student's third semester.

Language

Before graduation, M.A. candidates must pass examinations (reading, listening, speaking and in some cases, writing) to show proficiency in one of the following 17 languages: Arabic, Burmese, Chinese, English (non-native English speakers), French, German, Hindi-Urdu, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Persian (Farsi), Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Thai or Vietnamese. Regional studies programs may require a proficiency examinations in a language specific to that region.

Student Body

Total Students
  • Washington: 640
  • Bologna: 200
  • Nanjing: 180
 
Nationality
  • U.S. students: 62%
  • Non-U.S. students: 38%
 
GPA
  • Middle 50% range: 3.39 – 3.79
 
GRE
  • GRE verbal, middle 50% range: 158-165
  • GRE quantitative, middle 50% range: 154-161
 
GMAT
  • GMAT verbal, middle 50% range: 34-42
  • GMAT quantitative, middle 50% range: 38-49
 
TOEFL
  • Middle 50% range: 106 - 114 for IBT
 
Concentration
  • Global Themes: 60%
  • Regions of the World: 40%
 
Gender
  • Male: 52%
  • Female: 48%
 
Work experience
  • 2.6 years
 

How to Apply